Knowing if you have extroverted or introverted personality traits will not only improve your mental health, it can help your professional and personal relationships!
Most of us are introverts or extroverts by nature, but we all display either introverted or extroverted personality characteristics at different times.
For instance, you may be an introvert in a group of strangers and an extrovert at home with your family. However, most people exhibit stronger tendencies one way or another, towards either the introvert or extrovert side of the spectrum.
If you're not sure whether you have introverted personality traits, try this test for introversion.
The Introvert's Personality Traits
Introverts have an inward focus and aren't usually the life of the party. They have a strong sense of self that can make them feel highly self-conscious around other people – making walking into a crowded room a little nerve-wracking. Introverts have a hard time being goofy in front of the camera and telling jokes to more than a couple of people at a time, but they can be extremely witty. They're less "Larry, Curly, and Moe" and more Woody Allen - but that doesn't mean introverts' personality traits are neurotic.
Introverts process their emotions, thoughts, and observations internally. They can be social people, but reveal less about themselves than extroverts do. Introverts are more private, and less public. Introverts need time to think before responding to a situation, and develop their ideas by reflecting privately. Introverts' personality traits can be passionate, but not usually aggressive.
Introverts can focus their attention more readily and for longer periods of time, and they aren't easily swayed by other people's opinions.
Are Introverts Shy and Quiet?
Some introverts aren't stereotypically shy and can strike up conversations with anyone. These introverts enjoy talking and listening to people, and going to parties and events. But most introverts would rather be at home. Introverts can find small talk easy but tiring – and sometimes boring. They'd rather have meaningful conversations about the depths of human souls and minds, but find few opportunities (those aren't your usual conversations at water coolers or dinner parties!).
An introvert's personality traits aren't necessarily tentative or hesitant, but introverts do prefer to think before they act. When introverts are ready they take action!
Where Introverts Get Their Energy
Introverts tend to get their energy from within, so being with people is draining. After a day filled with people or activities, introverts tend to feel exhausted and empty. To recharge their batteries introverts need to be alone reading, daydreaming, painting, or gardening – any solo activity fills them up again. This doesn't mean introverts have to live alone in a cave in the hills or on Walden Pond; they just need quiet time to come back to themselves. The energy source for introverts is from within.
Physiological Differences Between Introverts and Extroverts
Introverts' personality traits include increased blood flow in the frontal lobes, anterior thalamus, and other regions associated with remembering events, making plans, and problem-solving. An introvert's brain is literally wired differently than an extrovert's!
Introverts in Love Relationships
Introverts don't necessarily have a fear of intimacy – but they can be more difficult to get to know than an outgoing, friendly extrovert. Dating and relationships for introverts can be challenging; knowing a few dating tips for introverts will help.
The copyright of the article The Introvert's Personality Traits in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish The Introvert's Personality Traits in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
My daughter, 22 years old, is very quiet around her family and spends
little or no time with us. However; she is very outgoing and even loud
around her friends. It seems as though she doesn't have any interest in us
at all. It's very discouraging and I don't know what to do. I have talked
with her and told her how it makes me/us feel. She insists nothing is
wrong and that she is fine. Help!
Feb 4, 2009 7:23 AM
Megge Hill Fitz-Randolph :
This is such a useful and informative article. Meyers-Briggs has done such
great work in outline these qualities, haven't they? I'm just wondering
what your other sources are. Great piece.
Feb 15, 2009 1:09 PM
Donna West :
This is a great article. Perhaps an article on how to get hired as an
introvert? I wonder if recruiters and management tend to mainstream
candidates, outgoing and quick vs slow, thinkers? Not sure, I do
appreciate information explaining the difference for us now.
Feb 15, 2009 7:03 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Thanks for your comment, Donna -- and I will write an article about
introverts' personality traits and getting hired. Great idea! I'll post the
link here in the next couple of days.
Feb 16, 2009 6:16 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
I've also written "Tips for Networking Successfully for
Introverts" -- the link is in the article -- and that has some good
career-related strategies for introverts....
Feb 18, 2009 3:40 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
I just wrote an article called "Job Interview Strategies for
Introverts". To read it, cut and paste this url into your browswer:
I love reading about introverts, I love being an introvert. I used to feel
for years that I ought to try and socialise more or be more outgoing! But
frankly small talk bores me rigid and I have decided its my life and I'll
live it my way. I'm not sad, bored, lonely or depressed, I'm finally
finding what works for me and have the confidence to tell these bullying
extroverts where to get off!
Mar 14, 2009 6:57 AM
Guest :
The stated info. really helped me a lot, most especially in knowing deeply
myself. I have an introvert personality, and the above statements were all
true!!!.(0:Jhoy
Mar 16, 2009 11:55 AM
Guest :
I just came back from a job interview that I was very qualified to work in.
They had me take a personality test and because I was a introvert they
decided that it would be too draining from me to work for them. So to go
back to the question of if employeers like slow thinkers or outgoing and
quick well in my case they wanted outgoing and quick.However,I do believe
it is the field of work that you are appling for that makes all the
diffence.
Mar 28, 2009 10:27 AM
Guest :
Im a 37 year old women from Denmark, I came across this site when searching
on google for "introvert". It was just yesterday that I had this
"aha moment". Im an introvert! Forever I have just accepted that
i was "strange", "a loner", not liking small talk, or
beeing around to many people at the same time etc. It was such a
relief to find out that I AM normal and not just a wierd person. I must
admit that I have always felt alone with being the way I am. Trying a
number of times to get people close to me to understand the way I workd
best as a person, but never really got my message acroos. But now I have
the tools to explain what Im all about for the first time. Not that I
will all at once, but when needed I will. I feel for the first time at
peace wtih beeing ME. Thank you for making me understand what Im all
about.
Apr 7, 2009 6:45 AM
Guest :
hi its ashwini from india it was nice to find this article ,i myself an
extremely introvert person had always thought that i am not normal ,but i
can say introverts r never abnormals its only that they r the only kinda
personality which when led in right direction can become a genious or a
exceptionally brilliant mind , i always thought i wud not be succesful in
life but at the age of 28 it feels nice to be an executive engineer in a
power company. and what i felt in life sometimes something happens in life
which affects personality to the core .and my best wishes for introvers -
DONT FEEL WRONG ABOUT BEING INTOVERT ITS ONLY U WHO CUD BECOME THE NEXT
EINSTEIN.
Apr 14, 2009 5:37 PM
Guest :
Both articles on introvert and extrovert was very helpful! I didn't know
that there was much of a differance. These articles are helping myself and
my 11 year old son deal with "issues", he is a introvert and I
was always mistaking that for him being unhappy! He's happy, he just shows
it different that I do. I'm 100% extrovert by the personality test on
www.humanmetrics.com (TOTALLY OPPOSITE) Thanks for the article. This
should do great things for our relationship!
Apr 22, 2009 5:07 AM
Guest :
to the 37 yr old woman from Denmark, i hope you read this site again -
sorry to read that you feel alone. It is sometimes hard to be different
from the crowd and also not easy to find friends that you can confide in,
or people who really understand what it is like to be introverted. The
majority of people seem to be extroverted and really dont get it that we
dont enjoy the same things as they do. I too sometimes feel very alone and
like I dont fit in anywhere. My comfort is that I am very resourceful and
can amuse myself well with my hobbies: books, cooking, walking etc. I have
to say if you make a special friendship hang on to it because they are few
and far between! Live your own life and take care of yourself! "To
thine own self be true" 51 yr old lady from England.
May 20, 2009 12:43 PM
Guest :
WOW! This was very informative. I never realized I was an INTROVERT! I
am 32 years old and just figured it out. I had some difficulties lately
and was wondering what was wrong with me, so much that I went to
counseling. She informed me I was fine and my personality is just
that...MY PERSONALITY and nothing is wrong with me. I have also
wondered why it was so difficult to stay in relationships and now I see
why. This article is ME! Thank you!
May 22, 2009 12:57 PM
Guest :
I'm sorry, but this is an extroverts world, and I have discoverd that
introvert = loser, I too am what they call an introvert,it has caused me
enormous grief and problems, and unless you live alone on an island
somewhere, forget it, we have to get over our small personalities, just
hearing it makes us sound pathetic and weak people.
May 26, 2009 11:42 PM
Guest :
I have been called antisocial in the past but that always confused me
because I love to socialize I just do it selectivly. So after reading this
I have decided I like the term introvert better then antisocial. People
always think Im being shy but Im really not its more like I only choose to
communicate with people I can relate or connect with. I usually find normal
things like job interviews and presentation more challenging then most
people so I try to stay at the same job forever even if its bad and I know
I could do better, for some reason Im okay with it.
May 28, 2009 12:21 PM
Guest :
I'm a happy little introvert and some of you guys make it seem like it's
such a bad way of being. Why?
I peer into my inner world,
thinking and trying to understand things and concepts(about myself; life;
about others). I'm a person who: -- thinks BEFORE doing/sayoing
anyting -- prefers a small circle of reliable, 'ride or die' great
friends to a gaggle of acquaintances and flaky companions. Don't see the
sense in allowing any and everyone into your inner circle so I steer clear
of superficial relationships (and people). -- considers, contemplates
and reflects on my behavior and it's impact on others. -- spends a
considerable amt of time in thought and researching random things. I like
to understand. My fav question is 'Why?'. I'm like a 4 yr old that
way. lol
I don't see anything wrong with the way that I am. Now, I like ppl. I am a person, after all. I'm an xray/ct tech but I am
in school attempting to get my BA in Actuarial Science. That's more
tailored to my personality, I think. ...and I actually have great ppl
skills -- but you'd never find me working anywhere in customer service. ...and let's pause briefly to think about how wonderful it'd be if
EVERYONE who couldn't do certain occupations just left them to those whose
inherent talents allowed them to perform the job best?
I'm just
quiet around ppl that I don't really know. Now, I can get silly. I'm
talkative around my friends and I don't mind small-talk but I'm not one for
lengthy dialogue w/strangers (unless I have something worthwhile or funny
to say).
Most are shocked when they actually get to know me.
"You are so funny -- I didn't know you were like that. You were
so quiet when I first met you..." Well yeah...cause I didn't know
them. LOL I don't have much to say to random strangers beyond a polite,
'hello.'...unless they bring something else up. Other than that--what
the heck else is there to talk about? LOL
Some ppl just love to
talk. They talk just to be talking. Talking to fill the silence. Some ppl
are afraid of quiet and solitude. Some are afraid to be alone with
themselves, believe it or not. Which is why they surround themselves with
stimuli, i.e., an endless parade of ppl and activities. Stimuli on
'tap'.
...and ppl act like introverts are the ones with the
issues, huh?
Introverts and Extroverts have their strengths and
weaknesses. Bottom line: I am SELF-aware. Wonder if the ppl
who'd criticize my way of being can say the same?
Jun 1, 2009 8:05 PM
Guest :
I really really like this. I just came across this article when I googled
'introvert'. It is very informative, and gave me enough understanding about
myself.
Jun 7, 2009 11:17 AM
Guest :
I am introvert myself. And for all of us introverts, we are largely
misunderstood out there.
Jun 14, 2009 1:25 PM
Guest :
Thanks for the info.. it's a big help. It's weird for me.. not sure if I'm
introvert or extrovert. I like hanging out with people, especially if
they're easy to get along with.. or in my "inner circle"..I like
when there's something to talk about/music playing.. something for
background noise. I like my solitude, just usually not with most people.
People are weird sometimes.. when it gets quiet, when everyone stops
talking for a while they have to mention that it's too quiet.. then that's
when it gets awkward. I think to myself a lot.. think of what to say before
saying it. Usually I can't think of anything and I'm just standing there
like ookayy. I'm shy, but I try not to let it show.. and I try not to let
it show me trying too hard not to let it show, lol. I'm trying to do a
little research on conversing with others because lately I felt like I have
no skills in that. Thanks again for the reading!
Jul 1, 2009 6:54 AM
Guest :
Thanks for the insight, I am highly introverted. My mom says she knew from
the moment I refused to interact with my twin. I always wanted to be alone.
And if I interacted with him, I would go right to sleep afterwards.
Jul 16, 2009 10:35 PM
Guest :
This is very helpful for us introverts! I never really realized it, but
learning that there are two types of personalities, then that doesn't make
me weird! I'm perfectly normal! My mind actually just assume that most
people are extroverts, I guess it has something to do with culture, but
still, this just made me feel alright :)
Not only that, but I
also realized that I do prefer being alone, using computer and reading lots
of information in it. Anyway, thanks for this article.
Jul 17, 2009 9:31 AM
Guest :
All my life wondered why I did not enjoy "socialising" or feeling
drained after being in company. The relief to have a label "I'm a
happy introvert." Why it has taken so long to fully understand this I
just don't know....perhaps because part of me has taken to heart the people
calling me a recluse and telling me to get out more...the family trying to
get me to socialise. Thinking that somehow I was abnormal. Reading about
introverts on this and other sites has been joyful! Anna
Jul 22, 2009 6:46 PM
Guest :
As a kid I was an extrovert, but doing before thinking always got me into
trouble so I trained myself to think a lot more, and I believe this turned
me introvert, and in doing so I realized that I was no longer a winner, but
a loser. But I never thought that the loser is a bad thing because I grew
up very religious and I knew that the meek would inherit the earth. Not to
throw religion into a pcychology conversation, but there are many truths in
the bible with very important messages for all mankind
Jul 23, 2009 12:58 AM
Guest :
Reading this feels like coming home. Like many others on here, I too had an
epiphany of sorts - doh, I'm an introvert! The 'problem' with being an
introvert is that we're outnumbered around 3 or 4 to 1 by extroverts. So...
we're not 'normal' (as in, 'the norm') but we have so many amazing
qualities to be grateful for. I truly believe our cup is half full, rather
than half empty (though admittedly it's taken some 38 years to realise
this!). But come on people, would you *really* want to be an extrovert,
having experienced the richness of life as an innie? We introverts do
ourselves a *huge* disservice if we believe the extrovert hype that there's
something 'wrong' with us, that somehow introversion is less desirable than
extroversion (a very subjective thing - decided by extroverts -
obviously!). Take pride in being different, deeper, more thoughtful, more
empathetic, more compassionate. In all honesty, until recently, had you
asked me whether I'd swap my introversion for extroversion, I'd probably
have snapped your hand off at the chance (as growing up as an introvert in
an extroverted family taught me there was something 'wrong' with me). But
then I had my daughter - my beautiful, observant, insightful, caring
introvert. She's 2 now and I'm ashamed to admit at times I thought there
was something wrong with her (the extroverted way of thinking can be
contagious!). I've since read "The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted
Child" by Marti Olsen Laney. A fabulous book that has taught me I
can't possibly model self-acceptance to my child, if I don't love the
introverted aspects of my own personality. I read that in her book, Gifts
Differing, Isabel Myers (of Myers-Briggs Personality Type fame) observes
that extroversion has come to be seen as achieving healthy socialisation
rather than simply as a style of temperament. The result, she says, is that
in Western cultures a penalty is placed on introverts. Are we going to keep
allowing this to happen? It's time we find our voice and stand proud -
introverts unite! :)
Jul 28, 2009 2:45 AM
Guest :
Reading this feels like coming home. Like many others on here, I too had an
epiphany of sorts - doh, I'm an introvert! The 'problem' with being an
introvert is that we're outnumbered around 3 or 4 to 1 by extroverts. So...
we're not 'normal' (as in, 'the norm') but we have so many amazing
qualities to be grateful for. I truly believe our cup is half full, rather
than half empty (though admittedly it's taken some 38 years to realise
this!). But come on people, would you *really* want to be an extrovert,
having experienced the richness of life as an innie? We introverts do
ourselves a *huge* disservice if we believe the extrovert hype that there's
something 'wrong' with us, that somehow introversion is less desirable than
extroversion (a very subjective thing - decided by extroverts -
obviously!). Take pride in being different, deeper, more thoughtful, more
empathetic, more compassionate. In all honesty, until recently, had you
asked me whether I'd swap my introversion for extroversion, I'd probably
have snapped your hand off at the chance (as growing up as an introvert in
an extroverted family taught me there was something 'wrong' with me). But
then I had my daughter - my beautiful, observant, insightful, caring
introvert. She's 2 now and I'm ashamed to admit at times I thought there
was something wrong with her (the extroverted way of thinking can be
contagious!). I've since read "The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted
Child" by Marti Olsen Laney. A fabulous book that has taught me I
can't possibly model self-acceptance to my child, if I don't love the
introverted aspects of my own personality. I read that in her book, Gifts
Differing, Isabel Myers (of Myers-Briggs Personality Type fame) observes
that extroversion has come to be seen as achieving healthy socialisation
rather than simply as a style of temperament. The result, she says, is that
in Western cultures a penalty is placed on introverts. Are we going to keep
allowing this to happen? It's time we find our voice and stand proud -
introverts unite! :)
Aug 5, 2009 12:50 AM
Guest :
Since I knew that I'm an introvert person, what i do now is when i'm alone
i behave like an introvert; i read, i listen to music or watch tv , or even
sleep! But when i have a company i turn to be an
extrovert;shouting,laughing and competing others. I think by these
meassures i can enjoy both personalities. Suhail ,Jordan
Aug 10, 2009 9:36 AM
Guest :
I loved this article. I grew up as the "shy kid" in school.
Never said much, though somehow managed to always make a few close friends
(we moved around a lot). In my late teens/early 20s I decided I had enough
of being so afraid to be funny/be myself. I took improv comedy classes and
that was probably the healthiest thing I ever did. I found my
"voice" I was content with. My dad is also an introvert, but
you'd never know it if you met him. He is a salesman and can turn on the
charm like no other. Everyone loves him. But at the end of the day he is
happiest alone, with some good music in the BG, watching a good movie, etc.
I get this trait from him as I work in customer service and too can turn on
the charm when I have to. But when the day is done, the last thing I want
to do is socialize.. I'm happiest going shopping by myself, or coming home
and chilling out doing whatever comes to mind (writing, learning about new
stuff online, etc. I'm constantly learning new things). My fiancee is a
total extrovert and he has a good way of getting me out the door sometimes
when I don't want to, and I bring him back down to earth on days when he is
too wired..
I think if you are happy with who you are, then all
is good. I love that I have finally found peace with myself. I can turn on
my funny charming side when it's needed, but know that I'm truly the
happiest when I'm just doing my own thing.
A lot of my
extroverted friends/family can't handle being alone at all and need people
around them at all times (not because they want to see them, but because
they can't handle being alone). I find THAT pathetic.
Aug 16, 2009 7:50 PM
Guest :
I am an introvert and I like it. I know a number of people that dont
understand my quietness and they try to change me. I have an inner
confidence that people just dont get. I enjoy being alone because in this
world we are all truly alone. I wish people would just understand we do not
all have to be alike. When I put my mind to something I try my best to be
great at it. I dont like being around a whole group of people because I
dont trust them. It takes me some time to get to know people. I like long
lasting relationships and I try to find people that likes the same. I
am glad I found this web site because it is always good to know that there
are other people who have the same personality and love it. I know there is
nothing wrong with me and I am not going to change to fit-in with others.
Either people are going to accept me or continue to try to change me.
Sometimes I dont value my own strength like I should but from here on out I
will. To all the introverts, keep living life and loving it.
Aug 24, 2009 7:49 PM
Guest :
wow that's great!! I just realized that I am introvert and now I know I am
normal!! I know a lot of people talk continuously, but I had nothing to
talk about. I was wondering why they have so many things to say and I have
none! People just talks about anything, I don't know where they come up
with so many ideas/topics. Most of time, I felt like I don't want to talk,
I reject all my friend's party invitations with their friends that I don't
know, I don't talk much to strangers or maybe just "Hi". This
website helps me to know more about myself. Thanks a lot! However I think
it's very hard to get a girlfriend since I am introvert, I don't really
know how to communicate with girls. They talk a lot more than I do...
Please help me or give me some tips!!
Aug 24, 2009 8:17 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi,
I'm glad that you're learning that you're totally normal.
Introverts are often quiet and introspective, and don't often feel
comfortable talking alot -- especially when there are more than just a few
people around!
I've written several articles about introverted
personality traits and talking to people. The best way to find them is to
go to my Psychology blog, and start with my most recent article about
introverts.
To get to those articles, just click on my name in
blue at the top of this page, then click on "Read Laurie
Pawlik-Kienlen's blog" on the right side. Scroll down to "A
Letter From an Introvert." You can also find it in the August, 2009
list on the side panel.
Also, click on the links in the above
articles -- especially the "Resources for Extroverts and
Introverts." I've written tons of tips for introverts; you just need
to do a little digging.
I hope to see you there -- and I wish
you all the best as you explore the world of introverts!
Laurie
Aug 30, 2009 8:51 AM
Guest :
Well, what an interesting read.
Some years ago, I was asked by
my then employer to undergo a psychometric test... along with my line
manager. The SMT had noted a number of perceived weaknesses in my line
manager's managerial aptitude, understood that there were issues that
needed both explaining and resolving ASAP.
The outcome was
difficult for the SMT to grasp. Apparently I possess both introvert and
extrovert tendencies in near-equal measure. My line manager was heavily
extrovert and whilst I had few problems understanding where he was coming
from, he struggled to deal with my seemingly altering personality.
The job and my line manager simply didn't 'fit' with my personality (or
the other way around). So...
I now write computer software for a
living; a largely introspective task that demands a considerable amount of
time spent 'in my own head'. Time spent working in our team though,
requires the opposite; gathering user requirements, liaising with clients,
giving presentations, etc. are the norm for me too.
My advice:
first understand your personality, then find a job that matches. Then
you'll be happy at work.
Sep 14, 2009 4:32 PM
Guest :
I've always been a very introverted person, Although i can socialize with
close friends easily. I dont know about other introverts, but i
love to go for walks in busy areas and just observe people. When doing this
i like to keep totally to myself and watch how people interact. I find it
fascenating to contemplate every thing i see and wonder why it is what it
is. Id never really realised it before, but although i feel a lot
of emotions - i never really show them or talk about them. I had a
girlfriend that always thought i didnt care about stuff in life. In fact, i
did care very much - i just didnt know how to express it. She said it was
something i needed to learn. Does anyone else feel like this?
I
have a belief that if "all the world is a stage" then i'm very
happy to watch the play, and learn how the world works on my own accord.
Sep 25, 2009 4:03 AM
Guest :
Very informative piece. Everything said in the article is true. I am an
introvert myself
Oct 9, 2009 4:48 AM
Guest :
Hi I nearly 30 years old and wondering if any 1 could help me im wondering
what career bests suits interverts . i discoverd i was an intervert in
my early 20 but have had personal problems to deal with at the time
Oct 9, 2009 7:34 PM
Guest :
I'm not anti-social; just introverted. I feel very misunderstood because I
don't like parties and social events. I'm crazy around my family, but much
more reserved around my friends. It's nice to know that I'm still normal;
there's nothing wrong with me. And I really like the stuff about small
talk; it's so hard to find people who want to get into meaningful
conversations. I hate small talk. Good info.
Oct 27, 2009 8:26 AM
Guest :
This article had me smiling from beginning to end, I can relate to
everything said. Since I was 4 or 5 I have realized I was
"different". At a young age I started spending hours alone
thinking about life and the sky. I was fascinated by the stars the sun and
always enjoyed observing how people interact, how the world moves. I hate
being in crowds, dislike parties or any gathering of groups. I can be very
shy so I have been labeled as a "loner" and often felt like the
weird one so I tried real hard to fit in and be more outgoing; but the
harder i tried the weirder i felt. This made me realize it's okay to be me,
It's okay to have sweaty palms and be nervous when I'm in the middle of a
crowd, it's okay to not want a lot of friends just a few REAL friends, it's
okay to think for hours and analyze everything... (I'm still smiling big
haha) Although I don't talk much to people i don't know or trust, I deeply
care for humanity and I'm very affectionate to everyone close to me. This
article made me realize it's okay to be me and I wouldn't want to be any
other way. I have just turned 20 and I am at peace with myself now. Thank
you so much!
Nov 1, 2009 5:13 AM
Guest :
Wow! This makes sense. I'm 14 and I never could figure out why I never
wanted to hang out with my friends. My parents were always trying to
pressure me into going out but I just didn't want to.I wanted to stay in my
room. But it wasn't because I didn't have friends. I have no problem at all
talking to people or making friends. I'm not like a loner or anything. But
I've had a few people now tell me that avoiding my friends to spend time
alone wasn't normal behavior for someone my age. But now I understand it
better and I'm not alone or crazy. =) Thx for the article. It was a great
help.
Nov 4, 2009 4:19 PM
Guest :
i'm pretty shure i'm an introvert because i get nervous talking to people i
don't know and can't think of anything to say. but i love hanging out with
my friends(which i seem to have alot of) and going to parties and stuff.
also i'm not smart at all i can't spell very well i can't read and
understand longer words, yet i'm very athletic. maybe it's cuz i'm an only
child? i feel like that has something to do with it.. i'v just so used to
not having to talk to anyone for long periods of time. whatever..i'm gunna
say i'm an introvert.
Nov 5, 2009 1:40 PM
Guest :
I grew up internalizing the assessments of my parents (my father in
particular) and their military friends that I was weird, different and,
here's my "favorite" (a "backwards child") because I
was a quiet kid who preferred reading, board games, and other solitary
activities. I've learned how to project extraversion, and indeed, people in
my academic and professional circles, as well as my small social circle,
are always surprised when I tell them that I am in fact an introvert. It is
true that certain careers are most suited for a natural extravert, eg:
sales and marketing, broadcasting, bartending. However, I've noted that the
power professions are not. I've also noted that many leaders have been, and
are, in fact, introverts. So, to all of you out there who are still in
school, there is life after high school, trust me. Find what you do well,
and do it well, and one day, you'll find that people who were bouncing off
walls when you were a kid will be taking orders from you. :-)
