# Are you an introvert or extrovert? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 31, 2002, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105 "2002-03-31T22:13:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/1 "2002-03-31T22:13:17Z")
Most people have an idea of what these terms mean, but for those who don’t, we’ll work based on the M-W definitions: Main Entry: ex·tro·ver·sion Variant(s): or ex·tra·ver·sion /"ek-str&-'v&r-zh&n, -sh&n/ Function: noun Etymology: German Extraversion, from Latin extra- + versus, past participle of vertere to turn – more at WORTH Date: 1915 : the act, state, or habit of being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self Main Entry: in·tro·ver·sion Pronunciation: "in-tr&-'v&r-zh&n, -sh&n Function: noun Etymology: intro- + -version (as in diversion) Date: 1654 1 : the act of introverting : the state of being introverted 2 : the state or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one’s own mental life I consider myself very introverted. I’m not going to say I hate people, but I have a fairly low tolerance of them. I find large crowds draining, and I try to avoid parties and other social activities because they literally exhaust me. I’m not quiet with people I’m comfortable with, but I’m pretty reserved around strangers and folks I don’t feel comfortable around. I’m shy, but I don’t consider this as a sign of introversion. I have very few close friends but I’m not lonely. I come off as a bit of an eccentric because I’m not aware of social peculiarities. I have never had an attraction to another person and I don’t have any bad feelings about this. I am completely and utterly happy to be all alone. I’m aware that I might be a little unusual in this regard. Just curious: Am I the only introvert on this board? Surely there are others like me, right? And for those of you who are extraverted, how does it feel to be you? Don’t you ever get TIRED of being the life of the party? What makes you tick? ---
**Author:** ![Ringo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/779978/32.png) [@Ringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ringo)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/2 "2002-03-31T22:22:09Z")
I think I feel like an introvert, but I act like an extrovert. Some days. Other days it’s the other way around. I think. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/3 "2002-03-31T22:26:06Z")
I’m very much an introvert. Gosh it seems like those extroverts would be tired all the time. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/4 "2002-03-31T22:30:41Z")
**HELLO! LOOK AT ME!!!** \*\*\*HELLO? \*\*\* [sub]i’m an introvert[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![heptapod](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@heptapod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heptapod)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/5 "2002-03-31T22:33:43Z")
i’m an introvert ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/6 "2002-03-31T22:43:09Z")
Another definition of introvert/extravert comes from the MBTI, i.e. Meyer-Briggs. Not endorsing or supporting–there’ve been plenty of threads debating its usefulness–but it’s worth tossing out for discussion, doncha know. Very similar but with a distinctive spin… Basically the issue is _where does one draw strength_? No right or wrong answer, just that people charge their batteries different places. It may or may not be accurate but I like the concept a lot. Friends who find crowds, parties, noise, intense interactions etc. just use different plugs. Sigh. No help to the OP, but I’m on an off-the-chart introvert. I’ve slowly, painfully learned to “pass” in social situations but most times my greatest enjoyment comes from listening and watching. I’ve so often envied those who can process everything and flow it right back, instantly. Oh well. They aren’t shallow and I’m not stuffy. We’re just processing differently. Veb ---
**Author:** ![HPL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3da27b/32.png) [@HPL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HPL)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/7 "2002-03-31T22:44:09Z")
Introvert here. You wouldn’t know it by some of my internet posts though. Perhaps someday I should try to develop more of a social life, but at the moment, my schedule is packed as it is. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/8 "2002-03-31T22:46:51Z")
According to one theory, introverts have a higher level of internal stimulation and therefore choose environments (such as being alone) that decrease external stimulation. Extraverts, on the other hand, have a lower level of internal stimulation, so they seek others to increase that level. A variation of this holds that the level of stimulation isn’t different, just the preferences are. As in, an introvert doesn’t have a higher level, but prefers a lower level relative to an extravert. One quick and dirty way to tell which you are is to ask what you do in a crisis. Do you want to think it over or do you want to talk it over? Me? I’m an extravert. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/9 "2002-03-31T22:50:16Z")
No, I don’t get tired of it. It is **fun** being the life of the party. Like **Veb** said, some of us get more energy from others, not less. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2002, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/10 "2002-03-31T22:52:37Z")
Extrovert, and dammed proud of it. I’d be something even more outgoing than an extrovert, but they haven’t invented the word for it yet. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![raisinbread](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8491ac/32.png) [@raisinbread](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raisinbread)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/11 "2002-04-01T00:33:32Z")
I’m an introvert and extroverts grate on me. Why? Extroverts are so outgoing and friendly to the point that their attitude and personality can be deceiving. What? They don’t come across as being genuinely friendly because they’re that way with _everybody_ by default. If someone happens to truly befriend that person then that friendliness will be diminished because everyone gets that particular attention regardless of their relationship with the individual rather than saving something special and unique for a loved one or friend. Why? Because I’m bound to be harshly judged as socially retarded since I can’t comprehend concepts like extroversion. I have my own baggage with relationships in that I treat all people with respect but keep the truly special attention for my friends and loved ones. ---
**Author:** ![Mnementh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/898d66/32.png) [@Mnementh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mnementh)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/12 "2002-04-01T00:45:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by raisinbread \* > \*\*Extroverts are so outgoing and friendly to the point that their attitude and personality can be deceiving. > What? > They don’t come across as being genuinely friendly because they’re that way with _everybody_ by default. \*\* Sorry man, not true. I’m a full out extrovert, but if I don’t like someone, I don’t stand there pretending I’m bubbling over with joy to see them. It is, however, true that I can like, or at least stand the presense of, most people. If I’m misinterpreting what you, said, of course, correct me. I’m not quite sure I understand your point. ---
**Author:** ![ITR\_champion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c67d28/32.png) [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/13 "2002-04-01T00:51:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by heptapod \* > \*\*i’m an introvert \*\* I’m even more of an introvert than you are. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/14 "2002-04-01T00:56:23Z")
**raisinbread** , your post made me laugh. Extraverts grate my nerves as well, but I’m trying to overcome my prejudice of them. I think part of my problem with extraversion in general is how intrusive it can be. For instance, there’s a bonafide extravert in my lab, and she’s constantly inviting me to go out drinking with her and I’m constantly politely declining. She doesn’t seem to understand that 1) I don’t go drinking (I’m not adverse to alcohol, but I don’t like activities that are built strictly around getting drunk and 2) I don’t want to go anywhere with her. Period. She’s got waaayyy too much energy for me to handle. Introverts can be annoying too, but at least I can run away from them. When you try to avoid an extravert, they somehow find you and demand to know where the hell you’ve been. ---
**Author:** ![Lodrain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c4cdca/32.png) [@Lodrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lodrain)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/15 "2002-04-01T01:16:19Z")
Highly introverted in real life, less so online, but still a bit standoffish even when there’s a few servers and thousands of miles between me and my conversation partner. Officially, I’m an INFP, but really don’t trust fifty questions to determine who I am. At least they got the ‘I’ part of the profile right… ---
**Author:** ![Merhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Merhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merhouse)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/16 "2002-04-01T01:48:21Z")
I’m kinda like an extroverted introvert, if that makes any sense. I’m really pretty shy in person, though spending time online has actually helped make me less shy offline, too. Of course, online, I tend to have no shame at all. Then again, last night I was with a group of good friends and I’m sure they wouldn’t think I’m shy at all! (Get yer minds outta the gutter 🆒 ) Mike ---
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/17 "2002-04-01T02:10:55Z")
I would like to second what **Merhouse** said. I think that, before my time on the SDMB, I would have sat through get-togethers with people I didn’t know without saying a word. Now, compare that with my behaviour at SanDiegdope last night 😃 But seriously, my introversion has receded greatly over the past two years. I am still quiet most of the time, but I am now at least able to keep up with the general outrageousness of my office, not to mention that of the average Dopefest… ---
**Author:** ![kniz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@kniz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kniz)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/18 "2002-04-01T02:54:57Z")
I took a test online that said I was an introvert, but most people would say “no way”. I seem to be able to be more out-going with absolute strangers, like clerks in stores, etc. And I guess that carries over to this board, although I never say something like “Hey **XYZero** good to see you back.” ---
**Author:** ![Wolfian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7ea924/32.png) [@Wolfian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolfian)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/19 "2002-04-01T03:05:59Z")
In the middle leaning towards introvert, although alcohol can push me one way or the other. ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2002, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105/20 "2002-04-01T11:14:22Z")
introvert:D [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-an-introvert-or-extrovert/101105.md?page=2)