There are extroverts, and there are introverts, but what about the people that seem to consider themselves both? Like on a spectrum, it is possible to fall between what is considered extroverted, and what is considered introverted. Now this might seem like a simple concept since everybody probably considers themselves all of the above at times, but the coined term for those who are social one moment, and home bodies the next, is simply the extroverted-introvert. I cannot speak for the experiences of others, but here are some of my personality traits that classify me as an Extroverted-Introvert.
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I love being social, but being social is also draining.
Think of it like a car with a full gas tank. I can be the liveliest person in the room, and then slowly, fade out into the quietest one. Some days I am down to go out and have a great time, but the night rolls around and I have no desire to do anything but be alone. The hardest part is trying to explain to people why I have unpredictable changes in plans. Sometimes, for my own sake, I just really have to kick back and be in a quiet and peaceful setting, alone.
I place a high value on my friendships.
Because there are only certain times when I can deal with group settings, I highly appreciate one-on-one time with people. I am observant and I like to listen. People are interesting to me. I like to know why my friends are the way they are. It's hard to take the time to know someone when there is a large group of people around. I have many friends, but I have a circle of very close friends. I like to keep it that way for the purpose of forming stronger bonds.
You would have no idea that I have an introverted side of me.
Different settings provoke my different behavior. If I am out, I love talking to people and meeting them, but I really only let most people skim the surface. If I am with my friends, we are all laughing and having a great time. But, sometimes I force myself to say yes to my friends just so they don't think I am being rude because it is hard to explain that I NEED my me time. After I force myself into the social world, I am extremely drained and I have to rejuvenate. All the same, there are days where I choose to do nothing but relax, and have no contact with anyone. I like to immerse myself in numerous hobbies and really get in to them, and I like to do them alone because I feel as though that is when I can seriously get something out of it. But you would probably never know that.
I am EXTREMELY introspective.
When I am emerged in my thoughts and inward experiences, I definitely need to be alone. I enjoy thinking about certain situations and how to better myself, and I like to write down some of my thoughts. It is a very private time for me and I need peace and quiet. It is a way that I take care of myself and my mental being. I re-evaluate situations, I attempt to solve problems I am currently dealing with, and I look to the future and how I can improve on various areas of my life. This is not a time you will find me chatting it up with my friends! I value experiences and I tend to reflect.
Fellow E-I's unite!
