You think you are an extrovert from what people tell you, but deep down you know that it isn't the case. You might want to be an extrovert because you are selectively outgoing, but you can't realize why you don't want to be outgoing all of the time. If this applies to you, you're probably an outgoing introvert. It is the ultimate struggle because introverts are usually hard to understand but add an outgoing personality to the mix, good luck figuring us out!
Introverts are known for being shy. The thing is, being shy isn't a huge part of being an introvert. According to giftedkids.about.com, "Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to recharge."
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If you relate to this on an emotional level, chances are, you are an introvert.
We all have friends like this.
Not all of our friends are introverts. We can be outgoing and have many outgoing, extroverted friends. These friends don't understand when we say we would rather lay in our beds than go to a party. We need time to recharge! We honestly need to hide in my room for our own personal health, not because we hate you. But, if it's the party of the year, you bet we will be there. We are not anti-social, we are selectively social. It is also important to point out that if it is the party of the year, we will have to prepare a couple days before. By preparing, I mean conserving energy and avoid all social situations the day of. It's just a fact.
We are quiet in a social situation because we like to be. We like to read the room and see how everyone acts. It's not because we do not have anything to say, we like listening. So when someone says, "you're a shy one, aren't you?" Nope, not shy. Thanks, though!
Sometimes, we try to not be so introverted and act as an extrovert, but it always backfires. Usually, the backfires are what people would call "having no filter." The thing is, we have probably been thinking of that sassy comment for about a week now and we have been keeping it in. Sorry, not sorry!
Since we like our thoughts in our mind and not out in the open, we find it hard to understand why others can't do the same. We think a lot before we share anything with the world. We constantly have to sit and get our thoughts together when we have a stressful day. Think about your problems a little bit more, then come back to me and we will talk about it.
Another fun fact about outgoing introverts is that we would rather speak onstage in front of hundreds of people than talk in front of ten. Why? Because we are outgoing and we like to talk if we have something to say. If there are 10 people in the room, the introvert side of of tries to read the room instead of focusing on what we are trying to say.
Small talk is bad. Phone calls of, "Hey, how are you?" -- please, let us hide in a hole. Let's cut to the chase and get the conversation over with. Also, don't get us started on texting. Introverts can be really weird about their phones. We are either texting you back immediately, being outgoing, or we don't respond for awhile, or respond shortly. It is not because we don't want to talk to you -- well, maybe it is (you can figure that out). Basically, pointless texting is very painful. Outgoing introverts hate small talk and would rather talk about your hopes, dreams and fears in person.
Review: let us recharge our social batteries, and we could be the life of the party. Don't hate us if we don't want to go out or if we don't text you back quickly. It's just how we are.
Let's be real, outgoing introverts are the best of both worlds. If you need me, I'll be hiding in my room. Please don't knock for the next 24 hours.
