Question of the Month: Are you an introvert or an extrovert? The Question of the Month is a blog hop hosted by Michael D’Agostino, over at A Life Examined. Visit his site to read more answers to the question and/or participate. I look forward to the question every month and reading other bloggers’ answers. This one wasn’t as cut and dried for me. I feel I stand in both boxes in the Myers Briggs personality test. In fact, one time we did this 
exercise in a church group, and the leader actually taped out the boxes on the floor. By the end, I was singing “Don’t fence me in” in my head. I’m not a fan of standing in boxes, and I make it a point to “Play off the Page!” Anyway, in the three other categories, it was clear where I stood, but not that I/E square. When it comes to social settings, it really depends on the event and who is there. If there are too many strangers, to me, or I feel it’s not “my crowd,” I’m really shy about showing up. I get stressed out in large crowds, and I do like to decompress in some quiet space. On the other hand, I get really fired up teaching children. I have 14, or so, elementary and middle school kids in my theatre classes. I feel the creative energy firing up when I’m teaching. I love writer’s conferences and theatre events. As a freelance writer, I feel I have the best of all worlds. I enjoy going out and meeting with the people for the article. I love hearing their stories, seeing what they do, and feeling the energy of their environment. But, when it comes time to write the story, I’m sitting at home alone at the kitchen table where I don’t have any major distractions. (I’m really good at ignoring the dryer buzz when I’m in the middle of writing an article.) So, there are times when I get energized by being with other people, and there are times when I need some quiet time. However, if I’m alone too much, I get all “schlumpy” and blue. I find myself sitting around, watching mindless television, and not feeling at all motivated to work on projects. I need people. The Biker Chef says that I’m more introspective. Good word, honey. I’ll go with that and keep standing on the line between the Introvert and Extrovert boxes.
Good question, Michael. I look forward to what you come up with for next month.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: Where do you stand on the Introvert/Extrovert spectrum?
Maybe it has to do with how much control you have over the situation? Like you, it varies with me.
That’s a good observation, Alex.
I’m a total introvert. I used to be a teacher and I can handle myself in front of a group, but somehow, teaching was easier than mingling at a party. Maybe it’s the difference between being prepared on what to say vs. coming up with sparkling small talk. When I taught, it was about the subject, but when you socialize, it’s about you.
Yes, Tamara, I think there is a big difference. Having a task, or the words for you, is different from just socializing. I think many performers are introverts, and have a shy streak.
You make an important point: To a great extent, what we are depends on who we are with and the situation in which we find ourselves. I really don’t think anyone is any one thing.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thanks, Arlee.
So you’re an introverted-extrovert…or vice versus. That is the best of both worlds. I wish I was more like that. 🙂
Thanks, Chrys. That’s how I feel. Depends on the situation, and my mood.
Hi..I joined this blog hop recently and your answer was really good. I think a lot of people are a little of both depending on situations.
Thanks, Barb. Welcome to the blog hop. I enjoy answering the questions every month and reading all the varied answers.
I got confused by this double layer of comments, so here I go again.
–
I’ve jumped on this bandwagon I discovered on the Cup of Jo blog. I think most people are ambivert while only a few of us are actually introvert or extrovert. I’d personally like to be more somewhere in the middle.
Sorry about the confusion. I like being more in the middle.
Very true indeed. Many of us can be either depending upon the situation we find ourselves in.
Yes, Pat. This question, and answer, helped me realize that even more.
You have a good perspective. I guess we’re all influenced by how comfortable in a situation we are.
Susan Says
Yes. Thanks, Susan.
Your answer’s fairly similar to mine, except I never find company draining 🙂
I know, Michael! If I’m alone too long, I seek out company, or drop in on a friend.
I came by to visit since you were nice enough to do that XD… but seriously, as I said in my reply, no one is totally introverted or extraverted; it’s going to vary between the two, and a lot of things will affect where you stand at any given time, including physical, mental, and emotional factors. If you’re upset, sick, or tired, you’ll want to stay away from others, and if you’re thrown into a situation under duress (e.g. a mandatory office party or being forced to work in small teams), you’re likely to have a chip on your shoulder about things.
That is so true, John. We all have tendencies, one way or the other. And the situation really dictates it.
Sorry for the delayed response 🙁 I’m introverted, but when I was teaching kids it was easier for me to be a bit more animated vs. being around adults. When I am around people too many consecutive days, I do tend to shut down completely once I get a day to myself. And I often ignore dryer buzzes, too 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth. It takes me a while to get to all the IWSG posts, too!