I'm currently 14. In school I have probably 3 very close friends who I am very extroverted with, I can say anything and arent afraid to say anything to them. Then I have 7 or 8 friends in school who I can partly be myself around, but sometimes I'm a little shy. It takes me a long time to truly open up to people and show them my very extroverted side. Also, with new people or people I barely know I try to be extroverted so they'll think I'm approachale, etc, but I usually just end up being quiet or feeling awkward. However when I'm around my friends with new people, I'm extroverted around anyone. It's like they give me confidence. Would you classify me as more Extroverted or Introverted? What can I do to open up to new people more without my friends' help? Please answer, Thank you!
2007-03-17 07:07:47 · 5 answers · asked by Colette B. 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Extroversion and introversion are not completely defined by how you behave socially. More to the point is what you like to pay attention to. Do you use most of your mind concentrating on the world outside of you, or on your thoughts and impressions within you?
People who read, watch movies, listen to or play music, etc., are more introverted , generally, while those who favor activities and sports, more extroverted.
Since your entire question pertains to how you behave around other people, that means you are concerned about THEM, and hence you are extroverted, regardless of whether you sometimes feel quiet or timid. A real Introvert would not care so much about how s/he behaves in social situations.
I bet this is good news to you. Most people think there is something "better" about being an Extrovert. Actually, neither is better than the other, and of course, a balanced approach is best.
2007-03-17 07:23:12 · answer #1 · answered by DinDjinn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Introverted people are those who are only comfortable in small groups. I'm introverted, I don't actively seek out the company of others but I'm very chatty and daring with my friends and especially with my family. I'm extroverted around new people to see if I should add them to my circle of friends, which is a pretty small and select group, and if it turns out that this person wouldn't really be a suitable friend for me, I more or less stop talking to him or her. I think that you're definately an introvert
Unlike the person above, I don't think you have low self-esteem. Extroverts tend to think introverts are freaks anyway
2007-03-17 07:18:33 · answer #2 · answered by Cybele 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could have low self esteem; by your lenghty description, you seem at least self-conscious of your social skills. Follow the below link to take a complete personality profile. It is long and tells you more than just introversion-extroversion, it gives all 5 personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, aggreableness, neuroticism). The reason why I give it, is because there are a lot of b.s. sites that aren't legit, this scale has been validated and is legit. It should explain how you rate on each trait and what it means.
If you want to change, the best way to gain confidence is to simply participate. Sign up for activities, join a band, play a sport, promote yourself. I was the same in junior high/high school and now regret that I wasn't more involved. BTW, you seem pretty articulate for a 14 year old.
2007-03-17 07:17:18 · answer #3 · answered by Henry B. 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds as though you are an introvert who would like to be an extravert. Sometimes a little mystery (where friends are concerned) is a good thing. They do not need to know everything about you - just what you choose to let them know :)
2007-03-17 07:22:57 · answer #4 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you're extroverted.
2007-03-17 07:21:21 · answer #5 · answered by juliEmAnia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋