This probably isn't the first "soul" searching I've bloggified so far but it is the first of a series of recent thoughts. Why am I all of a sudden so deep? Probably two things: getting old and the population I work with and environment I'm in for placement. The revelation for today is that I'm an introvert. Apparently no one is shocked by this information but it wasn't until this week that I finally realized the truth. Those ENFJIV or whatever personality tests were always difficult for me because I could never decide if I was an E (extrovert) or an I (introvert). You're naturally shy. Yeah, but I can be pretty nuts and outgoing, even without any *help*. But being in a large crowd is completely unnerving to you. Yeah, but I always have a good time in a big group of people I know.
Fo the longest time I assumed I couldn't be an introvert because I like people (most of the time) and I don't wear dark makeup or write poetry. Is that not the definition of introvert? Then I realized that the most important factor in determining this designation (if there is a need to be so black and white about it) is how one recharges. If I'm being honest, I recharge by being alone. Running has caught on with me partly because it is a solo (or mostly solo) sport. After a long day at work I prefer to have some time chilling alone at home before heading out to do something social. At placement I tend to eat lunch alone in my office while reading a book. This sounds really pathetic to type but it works for me; the job is emotionally and socially demanding and I need that midday break to be by myeslf in order to be effective for the second half of the day.
How do you classify yourself? Do you think a person can change from an introvert to an extrovert and vice versa?
4 comments:
I was just thinking about this the other day actually. I remember one time G-ray (I hope you know who I mean) told me he was an introvert... that blew my mind. I didn't believe him. I was confused by it. The recharging thing makes sense to me now.
I classify myself as an "outgoing introvert" - meaning, I like people, and I am outgoing, but at the end of the day, I, like you and "G-ray" recharge by myself.
There are "shy extroverts" out there - one of my Vancouver housemates was pretty quiet in groups, but LOVED being with people and got energy from it. Which is strange to me. But to each her own...
Suz: I do think I know who G-Ray is. That is an interesting fact, I wouldn't necessarily have guessed it. Introvert vs Extrovert by how a person "recharges" was how I finally started to understand the difference between the two and felt ok with being an introvert.
Beth: I like that classification (if it even needs to be classified). An outgoing introvert seems so much easier to believe than the shy extrovert but maybe I just haven't asked enough people. Or assumed that all shy people are introverts.
I'm definitely an introvert. Maybe that's partly why you associated it with being emo =P But I'm not surprised. I've always thought of you as an introvert.
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