Will you tell me whether I am an introvert or an extrovert?

Question

I'm still not sure whether I'm introverted or extroverted....when I'm around my old friends, I'm comfortable and easy going, but when I'm meeting new people without having my best old friends nearby I feel shy & I find it hard to get engaged in a conversation...at the same time.....I consider myself confident, because I'm always ready to talk about anything, in front of anyone and at anytime, so I'm not a shy person I think...then why can't I adabt the new atmosphere of any new place, or get used to the new people I meet everyday....?

Answer 1

Like someone said, it's not necessary to label yourself in order to learn how to deal with things. But sometimes categorizing can help us understand our general motivations better, which does help with our reactions.

From what information you gave, obviously you're not a pure-bred extravert. Let's look at the other side of the coin:

Introverts can range from being quiet around everyone (regardless of who they are) all the way to quiet when with strangers but suddenly outspoken when with friends.

It all depends on the comfort level and how well you know the people around you.

It sounds like this is the dynamic at play here -- once you have a topic of conversation to focus on (a frame of reference, or an invitation to speak), you are totally willing to do so; but you're reluctant to starting the conversation cold and prefer to let others reveal themselves first.

That's typical introverted behavior.

Someone mentioned the "recharge the batteries" concept. Generally, an introvert burns energy when they're in a crowd and needs 'alone time' in order to recharge. An extravert becomes empty and restless when alone and gets more energetic the longer they're with people.

A deeper way to look at it is that the introvert is focused on what's going on inside of them, then looks at their surroundings for information, then looks back inside again. The focus is on what's happening inside.

The extravert is the opposite. She is looking at her surroundings to see what's happening, then goes inside momentarily to weigh things out or see her reaction, then goes back outside again to interact.

(So it's sort of like a tree -- where the introvert has a solid trunk but has to work at developing foliage, and the extravert has a large canopy of leaves but needs to work at building more of an inner core.)

If you are an introvert, this would explain why you have trouble adapting and warming up to people.

Don't trouble yourself too much, it's a "valid" way to be. :) Just accept that you need a little time to size up a situation and learn a bit about the people around you, before you feel comfortable sharing what's going on inside.

Although maybe part of you is doing it to avoid feeling embarrassed by making a mistake (i.e., you're protecting yourself), part of it is also probably courtesy to others: You don't want to accidentally say something that could be hurtful to say or make a large blunder (i.e., you are trying to be kind and fair).

Since you know that once you're comfortable, you are totally ready to share your thoughts with others, the only real issue is how to deal with the initial discomfort.

Part of the solution is learning to accept this about yourself and be fine with it. Part of it is also figuring out ways to use it.

Introverts are good listeners, so use that to your advantage -- listen to what people say, ask general questions to help spur on the conversation, and soon you'll be comfortable enough to initiate conversation with them yourself.

If you can do something to make your 'strange environment' seem more homey to you (such as adding a plant to a new workcube, or some memento of home -- pictures of family, etc.), that will help you adjust more quickly as well.

If you're in a job where you're constantly going new places or meeting new people, you'll either learn how to adjust or you would need to find new work if you can't make the switch.

Take care.

Answer 2

There is no such thing as being 100% introverted or 100% extroverted. Introversion and extroversion are two ends of a scale. Even the most extroverted person would have a minute or two in his/her day doing something introverted (such as spending some time alone) and even the most introverted person may have to go through an extroverted activity (such as having a meal/chat with a close friend) Being extroverted/ introverted all depends on circumstances. Results shown in most personality tests just tell you which side of the scale you sway towards.

Answer 3

Test for Introvert: ******************** If the person do not ask back anything even if you make Friendly talk to the person then he may most probably be an Introvert. Test for Extrovert: ******************** If the person do not speaks back anything even if you make Friendly talk to the person then he may /may not be an Extrovert. If the no. of queries made by you is 3 and if the person replies with about 3*3=9 answers the he is an Extrovert. And if the no. of reply is 3 or 4 then he is a NEUTRAL guy. Just ,Try it...

Answer 4

I've heard that extrovert people are recharged around other people whereas introverted people are recharged by spending time alone. That doesnt mean that both types dont like the opposite (extroverts spending some time alone and introverts mixing with people). It is just a matter of being "recharged".
I LOVE to mix with people, even entertain, but e.g. I like to get away some time during the day if I'm at work and do something alone (recharging). Some people are borderline. There are questionaires you can do to find out - look up some psychology sites.

Answer 5

Introvert

Answer 6

Hi, I'm doing P.E G.C.S.E at the moment and there's a section in my book which can determine whether you are an introvert or an extrovert from sporting situations..I personally think that I am both and can't decide either but this may help you determine..or may you may be like me, a bit of both:
Extrovert:
*You get bored during a training session
*You prefer team sports
*You prefer a high level of excitement
*You get impatient with intricate skills
*You enjoy sports with lots of action
*You enjoy contact sports
*You have a high tolerance for pain

Introvert:
*You prefer individual sports
*You prefer a low level of excitement
*You work hard in training
*You get nervous before important competitions
*You perform intricate skills well
*You enjoy sports with more restricted movement
*You dislike contact sports
*you have a low tolerance for pain

-*from G.C.S.E P.E to 16 text book (p.114)

Definitions:

Introverts- tend to be calm, shy and thoughtful
Extroverts- tend to be the opposite, they tend to be lively, sociable, optimistic, outgoing and talkative.

Answer 7

You could be an introverted extrovert. I'm not making this up. My son took a personality test and this is what they said about him. He doesn't talk that much but loves performing and playing the guitar! He's quiet and keeps alot to himself but when it comes to getting up in front of a crowd he's right there and loves it! So maybe you are both! ;)

Answer 8

An extrovert is someone who's comfortable in making decisions that lean towards making OTHERS happy. An introvert is someone who isn't so bothered about making others happy. Being in-between is good cos it means you will not suffer from burn-outs (pleasing everyone isn't easy).

By what you described, you are an introvert. If you want SOMETHING badly, you will be able to adapt. And that includes getting over your shyness. Hope this helps!

Answer 9

You're a quiet person. But I'm sure you're a very nice girl ;) And you don't have to talk with people you don't know. Sometimes extroverted people can be very annoying and stupid.

Answer 10

You are neither one as are most people. It is very natural to be shy or should I say on your guard when you meet some one new. In fact, it is a sign of intelligence.