I was having a conversation in the Havens with an extroverted god who seemed surprised when I revealed that I was actually an introvert. How do you know if you're introverted? Basically, if being around people (especially groups) drains you, then you are introverted. If it energizes you, then you are extroverted. If you feel energized by spending long periods of time alone, you are introverted. If you feel stir crazy, then you are extroverted. (Yes, people can be borderline.) It has nothing to do with being shy or timid, etc.

Anyway, the conversation reminded me of an article I read by an "out" introvert that I think best encapsulates what introversion is, which I'd like to share with you. It's called Caring for Your Introvert.

That's interesting. I think I am probably more intoverted than extrovertial (right words?), but I can be chatty sometimes. In conversation with groups of friends, I am often just either standing there and watching the conversation go from person to person like a tennis player, or staring off into space. My little brother (definitely an extrovert) is OK for a while, but then he just starts wearing me down, after which I just spend some time to myself, reading, writing, lusternia-ing, or thinking about life, the universe and everything (or what colour my new curtains should be). I have good-ish social skills, but I prefer not having to talk, and I suck at talking about myself, and I HATEHATEHATE having to say things I've already said because the person I was talking to is either too thickwitted or just plain wasn't listening

EDIT - Wait, I'm introverted alright

I am an introvert, I've always known that, but I especially realized it while at school. Living in the dorm really stressed me out, I hate being around people ALL the time. I love being with people sometimes, but honestly, it's really draining, and I really need to have "alone time", and LOTS of it. I can't just go sit for an hour and then be okay, I need like, a whole afternoon to recuperate at times.

In fact, if I was extroverted, I would be insane right now. As my parents moved to a different state when I graduated, I don't have any friends, my only social interaction is occasionally at work and lusternia, and I have yet to go really insane . Since May 15th, I've seen friends of mine for 4 days, and I was in Germany with my sister for about 9 days, and that was it. Other than that, I've just been sitting around entertaining myself. An extrovert's -nightmare-, I'll bet.

I'm a bit odd. Technically I'm an introvert, and I pretty much act like one, but around groups of close friends or in front of an audience I'm... explosive. And it's very 'energizing' too, so eh. It's like I swing from extremely introverted (locked in a room contemplating existence) to extremely extroverted (getting up in front of a bunch of people and putting on an improptu performance).

Despite my odd habits I'm an introvert, when it really comes down to it. Interesting article, by the way.

EDIT:

That sums it up rather well.

I'm kinda like you but after a long time with people I tend to feel that I need to spend some time alone on my own

Depends on the situation with me. Just being in a room full of strangers saps me - unless I can find a niche and take control, parties drain me fast.

Wow, Guido hit this on the spot, but this DOES sum it up. The majority of my friends are extroverted, and when I'm tired of being with people I have to continue as if I'm really enjoying it, when in reality I'd rather just go watch TV by myself or something.

However at the same time, I don't think I relate quite as much to the guy writing that article. I CAN be with people for long periods of time and enjoy it, and I don't need quite as much time to get it back together, it's only when I'm forced to be with people day in and day out, for weeks on end, with no escape, that I really get tired.

Hi I edit posts like 50 times. I also always tell people, I'm not SHY, I'm just not that outgoing .

I used to be really introverted, but then I sort of got burnt out of that, but by then I didn't really know how to act with people too well, then sort of got used to a forced introversion Slight stammering doesn't really help things much either.

Pretty sure I'm introverted except that I get lonely if I'm on my own...

In Lusternia I don't find anything more enjoyable than sitting down with one or two (more than that makes me a bit uncomfy) friends and chatting, but IRL I'm not good with people at all, and I'm shy which is part of why I don't have any friends from around here.

And I don't like groups at all. Don't even really like group conversations on skype. 3 is about max before I start wanting to go elsewhere.

Very nice article! And several parts that are so true.

I'm very introverted. Best, most wonderful time I've had was taking classes last summer. Lived alone from around May until the end of August, many classes were online. If I had enough food, I didn't even have to leave my apartment to get groceries. I could sometimes go a week or so without having to see or talk to anyone, though I "saw" people online and on Lusternia to interact with a bit. Online is so nice because if/when social interaction there gets wearying it's just "oops, I have to go ... talk to you later" and sign off or block 'em. And the other party isn't worried/upset/angry that you're "leaving" them.

I'm just wierd, because I get depressed without people, but I need alone time sometimes to recharge.

I've always been an introvert. Since I reached adulthood I became slightly more extroverted but nowhere near enough to stop referring to myself as an introvert. I very much like doing things on my own, in fact I get rather frustrated at people when they don't let me do so.

Despite my online personality, unless I'm hyper in person you will rarely see me be anything but calm and quiet. I'd much rather be a spectator than in the limelight... though I won't say that that holds true 100% any more heh.

I can get lost in my own thoughts and am happy to just wander off alone. But I also love to talk to my friends and the other people in my comfort zone, though I don't enjoy having to speak up infront of my classes at TAFE especially when I have to stand in the middle of the room (I was the focus of like 16 people i'd known for quite a few months and I was uncomfortable)

Oh and for many people I am greeted with a "What's wrong" to which I reply with my confused smiley... I mean face.

Hmm. I would seem to be introverted in RL and extroverted in Lusternia.

Odd.

I'm definitely an extrovert. Nothing makes me happier than hanging around with my friends or making people laugh. I usually measure how successful a day has gone by how many people have laughed or looked at me (yeah, I'm a total attention whore). And I have to admit that I get a bit frustrated or puzzled when interacting with a more hardcore introvert (the "leave me alone" type), because I just don't understand the mindset. I can be alone by myself for periods of time, but after a long time of seclusion I get really depressed, and get hyperactive when reintroduced into a social situation.

I'm the opposite, in RL I'm very extroverted and although I enjoy alone time I have more fun with people around. However, in game I don't really interact with people that much on any of my characters.

I saw that coming, a lot of us are Introverts.

Eh I swing from one extreme to the other, I couldn't pick what I am.

Edit: Wrong thread, but I'm extroverted anyway. >.>