I am an introvert. But oddly, most of my life I’ve been quite the opposite. As a child, I never shut up and I craved attention. I dominated conversations and made friends with anyone who could tolerate my hyperactive tendencies. The personality assessments I took throughout college to properly match me up with a freshman roommate, then as practice when I was studying psychology, then before I was hired as a dorm resident advisor all classified me as an extrovert. However, with each testing, my extroversion percentage got progressively smaller.
Now, over a decade after taking those tests, I have officially crossed over to the other side. I am a scientifically-proven introvert.
Don’t get me wrong, I like people. I like attending social gatherings (sometimes), and I like associating myself with a social group. But if given the choice between going to a party where I don’t know most of the guests and staying home and reading a book, the book will always win. When I’m in a social situation where I’m a newcomer, I’m much more comfortable listening in the background than standing in the spotlight. And my definition of relaxation usually includes being alone.
I realized how truly introverted I’ve become during my recent vacation in Jamaica with my husband. Mr. Roller Coaster will talk to anyone with a pulse. Following his lead, I found myself in a pool with a swim-up bar, milling around with a dozen people taking turns sharing their life stories. I liked these people, and I enjoyed their stories, but I didn’t go on vacation to spend my time with people I’ll never see again. Call me antisocial, but soon I had migrated with my fruity cocktail to the lone hammock overlooking the clear blue sea. While Mr. Roller Coaster conversed with the other vacationers, I swung in the hammock with my iPod set to my Ruminations playlist, book in hand, ignoring the world. To me, that was pure bliss.
My introversion is probably why I love blogging. Blogging is the perfect way for an introvert to be gregarious. I can socialize from the comfort of my home without having to wear makeup. Facebook and Twitter? Yeah, they’re introvert compatible as well. Introverts can ostensibly get their daily recommended allowances of socialization without ever changing out of their pajamas. Personally, I’m not THAT introverted, but I’m sure there are people out there who are.
I have no explanation for my personality shift over the years. If anything, you would think I’d become more extroverted considering my life as a mil spouse and my career as a teacher. But I am who I am. I am an introvert.
So are you more introverted or extroverted?
Take this personality test to find out! (I promise it only takes a few minutes.)
I haven't taken the test yet. That's on my list of things to do next. 😉 But, I do have to say that I started out as an extrovert as a kid, myself. Over the years, though, I've become more introverted. If it weren't for DH, I likely wouldn't socialize at all. lol
I'm finding that it makes it rather difficult, though, being a military spouse. I long for that "one good friend" each spot we land, but I, too, would rather spend my time alone, listening to music and reading a good book. A conundrum in some respects, but that is what I most enjoy… So, yes, you're not alone there.
Now, off to take the test…
Hope you have a great week!
I am a military spouse and I am the same way, I think it has a lot to do with the fact that we move around so much and need to make new friends wherever we go, I for one am sick of leaving my good friends behind and don't really want to make new friends that I know I won't be seeing all the often in a couple of years. I can still talk to anyone with a pulse, but I prefer to keep it casual now. So I understand completly what you are saying. 😀 Don't know if it is the same for you, or not, but that is why I have changed over the years.
I think my earler comment got eaten by the internet bug. 😀
If it shows up, I apologize for recommenting…
I know how you feel, as a military spouse, I also have changed from Extrovert to Introvert, I think it has something to do with the fact that we move so often, and it seems hard to make new friends when we know that we will be leaveing them in a couple years. We stay in touch, but it is different then living next door, Know what I mean?
I took the test and I am an ISFJ, which is a guardian protecter, I will read more about it and find out if it is true to who I am, but skimming it, it seems like it. Thanks for the link to the test. 😀
I used to be much more introverted than I am now. As I've gotten older and more used to social situations I've become more comfortable being social. I took the quiz and I'm a "moderately expressed introvert". That's pretty right-on because while I love going out with friends, meeting new people and exploring new places, sometimes I'd rather read a book or take a hot bath and watch a movie with my Spouse.
Seriously…I am the same way! I love talking to people and getting to know them, but I do NOT like being in the spot light at all. It makes me feel super nervous. And what you said about being on your R&R…Fox and I are the same way with our neighbors or being out and about. We have said many times, that our family is our hobby. We enjoy spending time with on another. I think sometimes others are more worried about spreading themselves out with other relationships rather then focusing on what is important and standing right infront of them.
I've always been an introvert, despite the fact I love public speaking. I love being on stage, but the minute I step down and have to minggle is when I want to go home. That's interesting your profile changed.
I think we are all introverts in extrovert bodies! People think I am an extrovert…I play one in real life…I am social and outgoing. It's all fake! I've learned to hold that perseption of me for long periods of time just to get through a situation. In reality – I'd love nothing more than to do what you did…walk away, grab a book, music playing and drift away!
"My introversion is probably why I love blogging. Blogging is the perfect way for an introvert to be gregarious."
I hadn't really thought about it that way, but I think this might be why I blog. Hmmm…something to think about. Thanks! =)
I second what Jessica said. I never thought of it that way but its so true. I'm pretty outgoing but can be introverted depending on my mood and the situation/environment.