What It Means To Be An Outgoing Introvert | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What It Means To Be An Outgoing Introvert

What do you mean not all introverts are shy?

1202
What It Means To Be An Outgoing Introvert
Anna Dziubinska // Unsplash

By the time college rolls around, most of us have taken the Myers-Briggs personality test. Part of the test tells you whether you tend to be more extroverted or introverted. Not surprising to anyone who knows me well, the test tells me that I'm very introverted. However, those who don't know me very well may be surprised to learn that I'm an introvert. I tend to be an outgoing person. I have my shy moments, but for the most part, I love to meet new people, make friends, and hang out in groups. Yet, somehow I'm still an introvert.

So how is this possible? Introversion and extroversion are not synonymous with being shy or outgoing. Instead, determining whether you are an introvert or an extrovert just determines from where you draw your energy. Do you feel energized and 'at your best' when you're around other people? Does the thought of alone time terrify you? Then congratulations, you are an extrovert.

In my case, I need alone time in order to recharge. Even though I love being around my friends, I usually leave group functions feeling drained and not quite myself. Honestly, I look forward to heading back to my dorm, making some tea and curling up in bed for an exciting night of Netflix.

Those of us who classify ourselves as 'outgoing introverts' have to deal with a unique set of struggles. For example, we might try really hard to make plans and schedule our lives with plenty of social events. Yet when our plans fall through or someone makes a last minute cancellation, we suddenly find ourselves secretly happy. In other instances, we might overestimate our capacity for human interaction in a day. There are times in college where I find myself scheduling social plans for every second I'm not in class. It feels great to look in my planner and see, "dinner with Madison at 4 p.m., 8 p.m. movie with Julia, study session with Skylar at 11 p.m.," but when I finally make it through my four classes of the day, the prospect of social interaction just seems too exhausting.

Being an outgoing introvert means having to dig deeper to understand your own wants and needs. It means having to become flexible, not only with other people, but also with yourself. It means allowing yourself to cancel plans when they become too much, but also pushing your own boundaries. It means accepting that there will be days when you want to go out and meet a thousand new friends, and days that you need to spend 12 hours with a book and maybe a cat or two.

All in all, if you are an outgoing introvert, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone and that you are one of the most unique types out there.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191084
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15363
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458202
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26796
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments