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These are very generalized, basic characteristics, but for the purposes of this thread, they'll do.
Extroverts:
-have motives and actions that are directed outward.
-are more prone to action than contemplation.
-are typically very friendly to unknown people.
-feel empowered in social situations.
If you're an extrovert, you probably: really enjoy social settings; you have a large group of acquaintances and friends; you often make weekend plans that involve others; you're known to host events; you head up committees, chair meetings or belong to social groups; the word "party" interests you or makes you feel happy; you easily and willingly share your opinions with people in person; you talk with strangers and friends with a roughly equal level of comfort; the thought of having to make a personal or professional phonecall is either fun for you or is not a problem.
Introverts:
-have motives and actions that are directed inward.
-tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings.
-minimize their contact with other people.
-often feel awkward in/ tired after social situations.
If you're an introvert, you probably: either dislike social settings or prefer smaller get-togethers with only one or two friends; you have a smaller more close-knit group of friends rather than a larger network; you often make weekend plans that involve either just your family, one close friend, or some "alone time" just for you; you aren't likely to host events, head up committees, chair meetings or belong to many if any social groups; the word "party" either disinterests you or makes you feel overwhelmed or anxious; you cannot easily share opinions with people in person, although you may do so with a very select few individuals; you are far more comfortable talking to friends than to strangers; the thought of having to make a personal or professional phonecall is not something you enjoy, or perhaps something you dread.
So....
Which are you? Introvert? Extrovert? Some of both? Neither? Explain. :)
Total introvert. I hate being out with other people and a perfect night for me would be alone with either my horse or a book.
Introvert, I rather read in the forums than post. :) ...and I'm happy with that.
Introvert AND male! Bad combination.
And I don't know how it got to be like that, maybe through education, maybe the genes. But I awkwardly try very hard to be like the extros.
Hmm, so far three introverts. :D Actually, make that four, so far. I'm also an introvert. Despite my post-whoring here on HAF, in person I'm very much an introvert. I'm the guy on the bottom of the picture in the OP, saying "Yay!" to staying in. ;D I occasionally like to see close friends, but big group settings overwhelm me and drain me. I prefer to work alone. My idea of fun is a cup of coffee and a good book.
Introvert for me too. I'm not as much of a blabber-mouth IRL as I am in these forums.
Introvert. Although solitary confinement would probably make me go insane after an extended period of time. I need some social interaction on occasion, just not as much as most people.
I use to be purely introverted but now I'm more of an extrovert...except that I still don't really enjoy making phone calls to people I don't know well (but do it almost every day anyway) and am slow to feel comfortable around new people (especially if I think they are important...like potential clients). It took years for me to make the switch this far and I'm changing on purpose since extrovert qualities make business so much easier; or at least for my field it does. I do still get mentally tired if I have to be social for too long with too many people...but it's not so bad anymore and I enjoy hosting large parties despite it.
I'm probably half and half? Can you choose that? I enjoy my alone time - I'll go anywhere by myself and I can definitely feel "over-peopled" sometimes (big family gatherings, work meetings, that kind of thing), but I get really antsy just sitting at home doing the same thing over and over again. Sooo, I like going out and I don't mind being in a crowd. I find it kind of therapeutic to go to a crowded place by myself, actually . And I like going to big parties, but I'm not the kind of person who needs to do everything with my friends or calls my pals on the phone every night. I also HATE board games / sports / organized stuff like that. I loathe group work, but I have no problem with following (reasonable) authority.
So I guess I'm kind of weird. Half and half. Final answer.
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on May 09, 2012, 03:25:27 AM
I'm probably half and half? Can you choose that? I enjoy my alone time - I'll go anywhere by myself and I can definitely feel "over-peopled" sometimes (big family gatherings, work meetings, that kind of thing), but I get really antsy just sitting at home doing the same thing over and over again. Sooo, I like going out and I don't mind being in a crowd. I find it kind of therapeutic to go to a crowded place by myself, actually . And I like going to big parties, but I'm not the kind of person who needs to do everything with my friends or calls my pals on the phone every night. I also HATE board games / sports / organized stuff like that. I loathe group work, but I have no problem with following (reasonable) authority.
So I guess I'm kind of weird. Half and half. Final answer.
:) I understand where you're coming from, for sure! Some days, I do feel more extroverted -- I want to go out, look around, etc. I like wandering around on my own... although one of my favourite things to do is to head downtown and check out my favourite used book stores, which I know is a rather solitary activity. :D But I also feel fine being in a large crowd. If anything, being in the middle of one makes me feel almost anonymous, and I'm fine with that. It IS therapeutic, in a way, although I couldn't quite say why.
I suppose some small part of me must be extroverted, because I'm definitely looking forward to hanging out with you!! ;D
I think I'm in the middle. I actually quite like being by myself sometimes. One of my very favorite things to do in the whole world is go out to eat in a restaurant by myself with a book. I know a lot of people feel awkward about eating by themselves in restaurants, but I think it's sweet bliss to be waited on AND not have to share my appetizer AND read a book without people trying to talk to me. *Sigh*
But, I also really like people.
Quote from: Amicale on May 09, 2012, 03:40:07 AM
Quote from: DeterminedJuliet on May 09, 2012, 03:25:27 AM
I'm probably half and half? Can you choose that? I enjoy my alone time - I'll go anywhere by myself and I can definitely feel "over-peopled" sometimes (big family gatherings, work meetings, that kind of thing), but I get really antsy just sitting at home doing the same thing over and over again. Sooo, I like going out and I don't mind being in a crowd. I find it kind of therapeutic to go to a crowded place by myself, actually . And I like going to big parties, but I'm not the kind of person who needs to do everything with my friends or calls my pals on the phone every night. I also HATE board games / sports / organized stuff like that. I loathe group work, but I have no problem with following (reasonable) authority.
So I guess I'm kind of weird. Half and half. Final answer.
:) I understand where you're coming from, for sure! Some days, I do feel more extroverted -- I want to go out, look around, etc. I like wandering around on my own... although one of my favourite things to do is to head downtown and check out my favourite used book stores, which I know is a rather solitary activity. :D But I also feel fine being in a large crowd. If anything, being in the middle of one makes me feel almost anonymous, and I'm fine with that. It IS therapeutic, in a way, although I couldn't quite say why.
I suppose some small part of me must be extroverted, because I'm definitely looking forward to hanging out with you!! ;D
That's true. I guess it doesn't really count as "extrovert" if I don't have to talk to anyone :P Haha.
Well be intro-extroverts together!
I would have to say that I am an introvert. Once I get to know people I love to hang out with them, but I'm not very good with new people.
I feel like a few of the categories on this list of traits aren't necessarily opposing. I am the opposite of both opposites, in one case. What I'm trying to say is that it was difficult to place myself in one or the other category. So I just went down the list.
Quote from: Amicale on May 09, 2012, 12:33:35 AM
-have motives and actions that are directed outward.
-have motives and actions that are directed inward.
Obviously those oppose. I think I'm more outwardly focused, as I always have a yearning to help others, provided a few caveats. I'm a pretty big guy and have been asked to move a dresser or two in my day (it's why I've never owned a truck) and one time the girl I was helping didn't take everything out of the drawers. It was this 7 foot tall solid hard wood cabinet, an armoire I guess, full of shoes. Not full of shoes like this is how it always was, but more like the shoes had been packed in it as if it was a box, so don't open the drawers. It was heavy. So know, one of my caveats if you ask me to move furniture is don't pack any box you wouldn't lift yourself, and I'll be a big help with the furniture stuffs.
Quote from: Amicale on May 09, 2012, 12:33:35 AM
-are more prone to action than contemplation
-tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings.
I am much more prone to contemplation than action. I've been more than once accused of being defensive. However, I'm much more preoccupied with the feelings of others, most specifically the one they have for me. I don't like it when I feel like someone doesn't like me.
Quote from: Amicale on May 09, 2012, 12:33:35 AM
-are typically very friendly to unknown people.
-minimize their contact with other people.
I try to always be friendly. I've found life to be much easier if I'm just nice to everybody. It's strange, because my physical presence being what it is, if I had a more aggressive and antagonistic personality it could be trouble. And I am too much of a pacifist for any of that to be something I crave. On the same (or other) hand, I do minimize contact with other people, especially in large unknown areas, like the airport or other large gatherings. I hate going to movies and restaurants alone. I will shop alone (groceries) but feel weird about having my headphones in while I do, but don't say a word to anyone or ask for any help or be more cordial than necessary at the cashier. I'm not rude and won't ignore anyone, but I don't feel overly comfortable being friendly with strangers at a grocery store. I would prefer a night alone to a night at most parties. I'd prefer a small gathering to either of those.
Humblebrag/ whatever my weirdnesses are as a person, as listed above, seem to work somehow because I always manage to meet and associate with nice people. I have decent close family members, and have always had solid groups of friends. I safely can say I have four best friends, five if little brother isn't in a separate category because of the siblingry.
Quote from: Amicale on May 09, 2012, 12:33:35 AM
-feel empowered in social situations.
-often feel awkward in/ tired after social situations.
This is the first one where I was like "yep, that one's me and that one isn't." I feel empowered in social situations. When I'm around groups of people, like standing in a long line, a large table, family gatherings, I tend to be the silly one; the class clown. I don't feel exhausted after situations unless they were something I didn't really want to do and it ended up sucking like I thought it would which is why I didn't want to go in the first place.
I guess I'm a little of both, some of neither but mostly introvert. So I'll go with introvert if I had to choose.
Quote from: Amicale on May 09, 2012, 01:44:05 AM
I occasionally like to see close friends, but big group settings overwhelm me and drain me. I prefer to work alone. My idea of fun is a cup of coffee and a good book.
Change that to a cup of tea and that's me all over. I can get withdrawn around family and friends if I haven't seen them in awhile, which is a nuisance but otherwise I don't mind at all being introverted. I find it restful.
EXTROVERT!!!
As if you couldn't guess ;D
Who'd have thunk? :D
Me, I a definitely an introvert. Although with the right people, in the right circumstances, I can be very social for short periods of time.
Introverted.
I'm thoroughly introverted. On those Meyers-Briggs tests I get 100% introversion. It takes a long time for me to feel comfortable with new people, and that's when I'm able to talk to them. I avoid talking on the phone as much as humanly possible, even to people I know.
I'm also a language teacher. People say I express myself well in the class, am accessible, easy to talk to, etc. I think it's because I've learned to play the part of the teacher. In social situations I don't know what part to play, so I find it hard to do anything.
My ex makes fun of me whenever I tell him I was out in public with other people. "And you sat in the corner and didn't talk to anybody!" he says. That's what happened whenever we were with his friends, because they were all one group and I was the weird outsider who nobody had anything to say to. At first I thought it might be something cultural (I'm American, they're Spanish), but looking back I think they were probably just dicks.
Quote from: Space Pope Approved on May 09, 2012, 11:42:26 PM
I'm thoroughly introverted. On those Meyers-Briggs tests I get 100% introversion. It takes a long time for me to feel comfortable with new people, and that's when I'm able to talk to them. I avoid talking on the phone as much as humanly possible, even to people I know.
I'm also a language teacher. People say I express myself well in the class, am accessible, easy to talk to, etc. I think it's because I've learned to play the part of the teacher. In social situations I don't know what part to play, so I find it hard to do anything.
My ex makes fun of me whenever I tell him I was out in public with other people. "And you sat in the corner and didn't talk to anybody!" he says. That's what happened whenever we were with his friends, because they were all one group and I was the weird outsider who nobody had anything to say to. At first I thought it might be something cultural (I'm American, they're Spanish), but looking back I think they were probably just dicks.
Ha!
I'm definitely primarily an introvert. I do okay with social situations where I'm dealing with someone one-on-one, but dealing with a group of people is totally exhausting. I don't at all mind going places on my own and usually prefer it, especially shopping. The only introvert things on the list that didn't click were the talking to strangers and parties—most of the time I really like talking to strangers, and I love to go to parties as long as I can just kind of hang back on the edge of a group or talk to one person at a time and/or as long as there's dancing (I'm almost never shy about dancing ;D --life's too short).
I'm slightly extroverted. I do find the need to be around other people a lot, but I generally don't go out to parties, unless it's with family or close friends. I do like continuously learning and reading, and art; all rather introverted activities, but after doing these things, I need to talk about and share it all with people and I think I overwhelm them sometimes.. Lol. Anyways, I love saying hi to anybody and everybody and usually do small talk with people I don't know well, but I have a tendency to turn small talk into deep discussions with people I know a little better, which some people just aren't up to half the time. I'm really big into making eye contact with people and get a little perturbed when people don't. I'm pretty happy most the time and smile a lot at people and love it when they return a smile. Also, when I pass people on the street I will look at them and say high, and it bugs me when they don't say anything at all :(
Quote from: Jimmy on May 10, 2012, 05:52:37 AMAlso, when I pass people on the street I will look at them and say high, and it bugs me when they don't say anything at all :(
Oh sorry was that you?
I thought you must have been talking to someone behind me.
Or were you the guy with the carpet cleaning flyers?
I wonder how many introverts find a partner of a similar nature or are pried out of their hiding places by marauding extroverts.
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on May 10, 2012, 06:05:49 AM
Quote from: Jimmy on May 10, 2012, 05:52:37 AMAlso, when I pass people on the street I will look at them and say high, and it bugs me when they don't say anything at all :(
Oh sorry was that you?
I thought you must have been talking to someone behind me.
Or were you the guy with the carpet cleaning flyers?
I wonder how many introverts find a partner of a similar nature or are pried out of their hiding places by marauding extroverts.
More than you can possibly know ;)
By the way, I was trying to talk to the cute young lady behind you :)
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on May 10, 2012, 06:05:49 AM
I wonder how many introverts find a partner of a similar nature or are pried out of their hiding places by marauding extroverts.
I've always ended up with extroverts.
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 10, 2012, 06:16:42 AM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on May 10, 2012, 06:05:49 AM
I wonder how many introverts find a partner of a similar nature or are pried out of their hiding places by marauding extroverts.
I've always ended up with extroverts.
Same here. For romantic partners, as well as close friends. Go figure!
Well, this seems to be the place to be if you want to hang out with a bunch of introverts.
I'm extrovert when forced into public (at work, etc) introvert if left to plan my own activities.
Pretty much an introvert, both on my own and in public, but I can mimic extrovert qualities, when forced to :P
;)
Now, where's that paint? I have need to take a few hours off and paint the mountain of miniatures I have lying about... (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedailyscrapper.com%2Fforum%2Fimages%2Ftds%2Fsmilies%2Fsmiley_emoticons_wand_maler2.gif&hash=10baf863c93403f632d8ba1191ca7253df624a37)
Quote from: Amicale on May 10, 2012, 10:41:16 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on May 10, 2012, 06:16:42 AM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on May 10, 2012, 06:05:49 AM
I wonder how many introverts find a partner of a similar nature or are pried out of their hiding places by marauding extroverts.
I've always ended up with extroverts.
Same here. For romantic partners, as well as close friends. Go figure!
I'm definitely the extrovert in our relationship.
How about the little fella, DJ? Is he a little rip-roarer?
Quote from: OldGit on May 10, 2012, 02:19:19 PM
How about the little fella, DJ? Is he a little rip-roarer?
He's pretty shy - he likes smiling at ladies in public, but he's still pretty reserved. If we have new people over, he'll usually sit on my lap for a good half hour or so until he warms up to them. He's generally a pretty sensitive kid. It's funny because we have some close friends who have a little girl who's three months older than him and she's the complete opposite. As soon as she walks into a place, she's like "Hey! Who are you!" and she's not afraid of anyone. Sometimes when they're together our little guy just kind of looks at her like "What are you doing?! Are you nuts? You can't do that!" It's pretty cute.
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on May 10, 2012, 06:05:49 AM
I wonder how many introverts find a partner of a similar nature or are pried out of their hiding places by marauding extroverts.
I think it's harder for introverts to find each other 'cause we're, ya know, introverts. But we're better suited to one of those half-intro-half-extroverts than a full-on extrovert, in my opinion. I've met extroverts who truly do not believe that there are people who don't want to be surrounded by others
all the freaking time!!!
Quote from: Space Pope Approved on May 10, 2012, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on May 10, 2012, 06:05:49 AM
I wonder how many introverts find a partner of a similar nature or are pried out of their hiding places by marauding extroverts.
I think it's harder for introverts to find each other 'cause we're, ya know, introverts. But we're better suited to one of those half-intro-half-extroverts than a full-on extrovert, in my opinion. I've met extroverts who truly do not believe that there are people who don't want to be surrounded by others all the freaking time!!!
Well I'm an extrovert but if I don't get some quality 'me time' I turn into a right grump!
Quote from: Tank on May 10, 2012, 10:19:01 PM
Quote from: Space Pope Approved on May 10, 2012, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on May 10, 2012, 06:05:49 AM
I wonder how many introverts find a partner of a similar nature or are pried out of their hiding places by marauding extroverts.
I think it's harder for introverts to find each other 'cause we're, ya know, introverts. But we're better suited to one of those half-intro-half-extroverts than a full-on extrovert, in my opinion. I've met extroverts who truly do not believe that there are people who don't want to be surrounded by others all the freaking time!!!
Well I'm an extrovert but if I don't get some quality 'me time' I turn into a right grump!
We wouldn't want that to happen! Grumpy admins can be dangerous!
I've heard a LOT about that book -- on a facebook group, in a couple different podcasts, from a couple different people I know, and now here. :)
I believe I'll get my hands on a copy and give this one a go, soon.
This thread has left me pondering web forum demographics. Is anyone aware of such research on this subject? I am scouring the web for any resources, however my initial querries turned up nothing, with the oddly ironic exception of an article on school prayer. The article cites a letter by Rabbi David Seidenberg which makes what seems to be a strong case against any mandated moment of silence in public schools.
I was looking into a collumnist named Reuven Lerner, who is researching online learning communities. I am nearly certain there have been numerous studies conducted in exactly this area, given the prevalence of data mining social media for marketing purposes. Then again forums may not be considered hip enough for such an effort to be justified.
And I am quite introverted myself.
You know, I think I may be an introvert who has become more extroverted with age., but not enough to make me an extrovert. In fact, I used to be incredibly shy. Although I now feel pretty comfortable around people, it is probably because I have to work with strangers and new acquaintances on a daily basis and may have developed some half-way descent social skills. But I'm also pretty easy going and friendly and empathetic and I think that helps. After thinking about it all a while, as introverts would do, I talked to someone at work the other day and suggested that I am an introvert and they seemed pleasantly suprised, whereas my parents could have told me that already. Extrovert at work, introvert at home? Sounds about right. I'm also a rather deep thinker and do spend a lot of time alone without the need to go out and socialize, but at the same time I love being around people so I can share ideas and discuss and have become rather good at small talk. But, I can remember sucking at that long ago. I even researched the Myers/Briggs personality test this weekend, and although I'm rather skeptical of them for numerous reasons, I would have to say that INTP fits me pretty well. Does anyone else know their type from this particular personality assessment?
Jimmy, depending on the mood I'm in when I take it, I'm either an INFP or an INFJ. Go figure. :D Either fit with being reasonably but not exclusively introverted, though.
INFJ, the 'protector': http://www.personalitypage.com/INFJ.html
INFP, the 'idealist': http://www.personalitypage.com/INFP.html
Definitely an introvert. I am more comfortable in my own mind than being with others. I like other people well enough but I do not want to spend all my time with them. I suspect that atheists are inclined to be introverts. If we were not comfortable with our own thoughts and did need to be with other people all of the tie I doubt that many of us could make that final step.
My extroversion is like a switch. I can flip it on and off, but usually only do so when the situation demands extroversion. It's quite useful. 8)
I'm pretty much an Introvert. I've been called quiet & shy. In some situations that is true. I've always considered myself an observer. I'll never be the life of the party type of guy. I try to avoid bringing too much attention to myself. Although, there have been nights where the drinks were flowing and stuff just happened.....LOL. All Introverts probably have at least that ONE night....you know.....LOL.
I believe I have some Extrovert qualites though.I have no problem being around groups of people. I have no problem going to small or large events. I don't really like going to small events where I only know one person there and everyone else knows everyone else. I don't feel like I mesh well in those situations. I actually love going to large events. I've planned and worked large events. I run my own Mobile DJ Service. I don't like speaking in front of strangers though. If I book events such as weddings, where I'll have to make lots of announcements, I'll hire a friend.
I have a ton of acquaintances and friends. I hardly go many places without knowing at least one person. In my day job, I deal with the public. I try to make eye contact and speak to everyone. Even outside of work I try to do the same. It's funny how many people I come across, that I speak to, that look at me crazy for speaking to them.....LOL. I don't understand those types of people. They must be Introverts or something......LOL......or just A$$holes......LOL.
I definitely tend to be more introverted. I kind of hate that word, though; it always seemed to have some negative connotation and implied being anti-social as well, which I most certainly am not. I definitely need "down time" at the end of each day just to myself, but I also love to go out, whether with my wife or a group of my close friends. I don't really enjoy big parties where I don't know many people and am probably quiet when meeting someone new, but once I'm comfortable with you, I'm definitely outgoing.
Part of the reason I have issues with "introverted" is because my parents always told me I was the shy, quiet kid who always followed the rules, and that made me feel crappy about myself, sort of implying I was boring. Then I told this to some of my friends and my eventual wife, and they laughed their asses off because it didn't describe me at all in their eyes. This was a revelation to me. Eventually realized thanks to them and some therapy that my parents just didn't understand me at all, nor did I understand them, so I do tend to be quieter around them. Don't get me wrong, I love them to death and was very lucky to be their child, but they see a very different side of me than my friends/wife