Can someone change from extrovert to introvert?

Question

I find that I'm often very talkative and joke around a lot. I would like to be more reserved and introspective; the kind of person who speaks when necessary and only after thinking things through. I am impressed with people like this.

Answer 1

I don't think we change at "core level" -- extraverts will always be charged up by being around others and in the "midst of things," while introverts always still need alone-time in order to recharge.

Extraversion and introversion are partly "biologically wired." Extraverts NEED more stimulation in order to function and are more willing to take risk, whereas introverts are more sensitive to stimulation and thus get overwhelmed, and also hang back in order to avoid risk.

As we get older and mature, though, we make ourselves stronger by learning things that we normally don't gravitate towards. In your case, you have seen value in people who listen first and talk later, who thinks through things before committing, who can give others space to speak and share. That's a good thing and means you are desiring to mature and change for the better; and I have seen many extraverts learn to do this sort of thing as they grow.

Some of it will have to be a conscious decision on your part. Be aware of your tendencies (i.e., making decisions too quickly, talking too quickly and taking over a conversation, not listening well enough) -- and as soon as you realize you are not acting the way you desire, change what you're doing. It will get easier with time, although it will be hard at first.

Have introverted friends whom you can talk to, and who can kindly point out when you are acting in ways you don't want to act. Learn from them. Ask their advice.

Create space for yourself (quiet time), to just go off and reflect. Set a time period to just be alone (30 minutes? An hour? Whatever you can handle. No TV, no radio, etc.) Write in a journal. Pick something in your environment, observe it, and write about it. Speculate on it.

Imagine your future and write about it. Go hiking. Do something alone and become at one with the world. There are many ways to develop your introverted side.

A final word: Don't feel bad for being you. You are an extravert, just one who is now beginning to become more complex, since you are learning how to "quiet yourself." Never abandon your strength of extraversion or feel inadequate because of it; you have a gift. We need extraverts. Just temper it with the ability to introvert when necessary.

We introverts need you as much as you need us.

Answer 2

It's so much easier the other way---from intro to extro. But you will mature and grow more quiet anyway. I guess you realized that the silent ones seem much smarter, huh? I have that problem-----keeping my mouth shut, but it's because I get nervous. I always feel like I have to keep the group together or laughing, even if it's at my own expense. You sound like you have a good mind and know what you want. You can write down your objective and figure out what makes you so 'out there' can't you? I wish I could talk to you. (We would probably be talking over each other until the loudest one wins or I started crying-------it's a gift I have) Good Luck!! @8-)

Answer 3

Everyone has Introvert and Extrovert characteristics.You are on a road to self discovery ,these qualities are already in your personality and you are studying your own Human Behavior.You could read books on self development and psychology.Are you interested in Astrology?This is the science of human kind and very informative."Be who you really are which is yourself" Good Luck Lindsay.

Answer 4

I suggest counseling, this way you can explore the reason why you are an extrovert and go from there.