Where are you on the introvert/extrovert spectrum -- naturally? This is not the same as the roles you must play sometimes.

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Where are you on the introvert/extrovert spectrum — naturally? This is not the same as the roles you must play sometimes.

Super Extrovert Votes: 2
Extrovert Votes: 3
Ambivert (some characteristics of both — or fairly in middle) Votes: 7
Introvert Votes: 14
Super Introvert Votes: 2
Other or unknown to mankind Votes: 1

(Migrated poll)

N/A
0% (0 votes)
Total votes: 0

Discussion

I am often forced to play roles to both sides of my natural inclination. In some contexts, I am naturally extroverted, in other situations or areas, introverted. I consider myself an ambivert.

Having had a high number of introverts in the church I pastor sometimes forced me to play the role of the extrovert. Digging into the Word with my Jewish Roots interest has forced me to note details more and play a more introverted role.

What about you? And how do your responsibilities (esp. the Lord) stretch you into roles you might not otherwise play?

Or do you think the whole thing is nonsense?

Opine away!

"The Midrash Detective"

I enjoy being alone.

But I play the extrovert when among people

A trick I learned a long time ago … if I ask open ended questions of other people … it will get them talking … and I can just listen … and they won’t ask me about myself.

The early returns sugges SI draws more introverted types…please be sure to vote!

Jim, what got me thinking about this is a book I am reading a secular book, “Quiet: The Power or Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain. She suggests that many introverts take the role of being extroverted because they are pressured into doing so. It is sort of an introverts “fight back” book.

Although I am not an introvert, per se, I am more extroverted that I would normally be because of ministry, etc.

"The Midrash Detective"

That I am an extrovert. He is an introvert for sure, but he can strike up a conversation with random people anywhere. However, he draws his energy by being alone. I am energized by being around people, but I have a difficult time conversing with people I do not know. So, by his definition, I would guess I am an extrovert and he’s an introvert, even though in public those roles are reversed.

[Teri Ploski]

That I am an extrovert. He is an introvert for sure, but he can strike up a conversation with random people anywhere. However, he draws his energy by being alone. I am energized by being around people, but I have a difficult time conversing with people I do not know. So, by his definition, I would guess I am an extrovert and he’s an introvert, even though in public those roles are reversed.

Terri, you have demonstrated how difficult this study is! I would call you both ambiverts because you have qualities associated with both types. Ambiverts are not always “in the middle.” If an extrovert quality (enjoying being in crowds) is averaged with an introvert quality (not being good at conversing with strangers), it averages to ambivert. Your husband does too, only you are mirror image.

But, then again, that is merely opinon.

"The Midrash Detective"

If by ‘introvert’ we mean someone who is uncomfortable in social situations, or prefers to be alone, then I’d qualify as an introvert. My idea of heaven is an isolated cabin on the side of a mountain, with a few dogs, goats, and chickens for company.

My husband is Extrovert Extraordinaire. He is best friends with everyone in the room in about 5 minutes. We can’t go anywhere without him running into a dozen people who have to stop and chat with him about something.

I decided in high school, for some reason, that I was going to conquer anything I was uncomfortable doing. Afraid of water and can’t swim? I go whitewater rafting (and capsize, which is a very funny story). Afraid of heights? I go to Cedar Point and ride the Demon Drop 17 consecutive times. Afraid of public speaking and crowds? I took Speech, joined the Debate Team, and entered every academic dog&pony show available.

And I still turn beet red and get the shakes when I’m around a lot of people. I compensate for that by immersing myself in what my friends call my “Suzy Sunshine” persona. But I will never be a true extrovert.

[Susan R]

I decided in high school, for some reason, that I was going to conquer anything I was uncomfortable doing. Afraid of water and can’t swim? I go whitewater rafting (and capsize, which is a very funny story). Afraid of heights? I go to Cedar Point and ride the Demon Drop 17 consecutive times. Afraid of public speaking and crowds? I took Speech, joined the Debate Team, and entered every academic dog&pony show available.

And I still turn beet red and get the shakes when I’m around a lot of people. I compensate for that by immersing myself in what my friends call my “Suzy Sunshine” persona. But I will never be a true extrovert.

Amazing, Susan. Even though we may take on roles that stretch us, we do come back to being what we are, deep down.

The book I am reading suggests that most people are probably introverts, as we are seeing that here in this SI poll.

"The Midrash Detective"

I deeply hate motion sickness so I decided to do a ride on the Witch’s Wheel at Cedar Point…. That was 1983 and I’m still dizzy.

I wonder if anyone has thoroughly studied the introvertism idea in relation to “forum participants” in general.

But there are problems with the whole idea of “introvert vs. extrovert.” For starters, the concept was pretty much invented by Carl Jung around 1918, and his conception comes with a whole lot of baggage. (See also So You Think You’re an Introvert)

Most people today use the term to refer to a person’s basic inclination to interact with other people in unstructured social situations. But Jung was thinking more in terms of where “psychic energy” comes from… whatever that is.

But people also use the term to refer to a person’s basic comfort level with solitude. I’m not sure that these three things (inclination to interact, psychic energy, and comfort with solitude) really have all that much to do with each other.

When it comes to “energy,” being around people (in the “real” world) both raises my energy level and exhausts me, sort of like shoveling snow! :D Is that “energized” or “psychic energy”?

But I do like solitude more than most people I know.

In short the theory of introversion and extroversion has some kinks to work out.

Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.

Introvert/extrovert are definitely terms that illustrate how language and meaning changes over time. The dictionary definition of introvert indicates someone who is focused on themselves, not someone who is comfortable with or prefers being alone.

I also don’t think that it’s the same thing as being shy, which carries with it the connotation of being fearful. I’m NOT shy. I just want to be in a quiet room on comfy couch wearing my fuzzy socks reading a book and drinking a cup of hot coffee.

I also agree about the energy boost/drain of social interaction. I organized and attended a curriculum fair for our local homeschool group last night. I talked until I lost my voice. I came home totally wired and completely exhausted. It was a successful meeting so I feel very ‘up’ today. :D

Susan,

I think introversion and extroversion can mean different things to different people. To my way of thinking, an introvert prefers a lot of solitude and one-on-one relationships while extroverts prefer being with others more and enjoy groups more. Introverts are usually more into quality and into detail.

A shy person is a fearful person, which is not necessarily the same as introversion. Many introverts are not afraid of social or group settings, they just do not like them— at least not as much or as frequently as extroverts do.

Introverts are not necessarily selfish, but they are less socially comfortable in crowds. Extroverts are not necessarily selfless and are less comfortable with solitude.

You can almost see this theologically. Some people enjoy prayer, contemplation and personal study while others prefer group studies and team efforts.

Aaron, the terms may have been coined by Jung, but the idea is not young! :) Hypocrites had his 4 temperament theory (as advanced by LaHaye) in which there were two extrovert types (Sanguine and Choleric ) and two introvert types (Phlegmatic and Melancholic). I think the Roman orators were into this stuff as well, in a way.

It is probably true that certain churches and denominations push people in a certain direction. In traditional fundamentalism, that direction was extroversion. We celebrated the “soul winner” and the outspoken, but not so much the quiet and faithful.

"The Midrash Detective"

[Ed Vasicek] It is probably true that certain churches and denominations push people in a certain direction. In traditional fundamentalism, that direction was extroversion. We celebrated the “soul winner” and the outspoken, but not so much the quiet and faithful.

That always bugged me. You hear teaching and preaching about humility, doing things in secret and allowing God to reward you, and then here comes the Awards Assembly with prizes and trophies for the most prolific ‘soul winners’, (probably called The Fishers of Men Award), those who exemplify Christian Character, boys who have Surrendered to the Ministry, and The Most Kids Packed Into a Bus Illegally (glory to God, His laws are higher than man’s laws!).

That’s sort of another thread, but it does illustrate how churches may value the extrovert whose work is often highly visible, while looking askance at the introvert as if their quiet nature is a sign that they aren’t doing anything to further God’s work.

[Susan R]

[Ed Vasicek] It is probably true that certain churches and denominations push people in a certain direction. In traditional fundamentalism, that direction was extroversion. We celebrated the “soul winner” and the outspoken, but not so much the quiet and faithful.

That always bugged me. You hear teaching and preaching about humility, doing things in secret and allowing God to reward you, and then here comes the Awards Assembly with prizes and trophies for the most prolific ‘soul winners’, (probably called The Fishers of Men Award), those who exemplify Christian Character, boys who have Surrendered to the Ministry, and The Most Kids Packed Into a Bus Illegally (glory to God, His laws are higher than man’s laws!).

That’s sort of another thread, but it does illustrate how churches may value the extrovert whose work is often highly visible, while looking askance at the introvert as if their quiet nature is a sign that they aren’t doing anything to further God’s work.

Susan, this is not as simple as meets the eye. Here is my opinion. Our motive for doing what we do should not be the applause of men. Yet, on the other hand, it is is important that we are encouraging and appreciative to others. The church is not a bunch of independent contractors doing their own thing and coming together for a workshop. One approach is to do the things that matter most, like praying or helping others privately. But what we already do publicly for the church’s ministry is known; we are not to do it for praise (as our motive), but yet others around us should seek to encourage us and express gratitude. Some people are good at giving but not at receiving (it’s a power/pride thing), failing to realize that receiving allows another to give. This is especially true with compliments and encouraging words.

Personally, because I am an ambivert, I say, “It is better to over-encourage than under-encourage.”

One caveat: do not take praise (or awards) too seriously.

"The Midrash Detective"

Bro. Ed- I think there is a vast difference between what I described, and giving honor to whom honor is due.

But there is still the problem of the introvert operating under the radar, while the extrovert, often through no fault of their own (as in they aren’t seeking praise), is in the limelight.

[JVDM]

Ed - I have listened to that book 3 times at least. It was instrumental in allowing me to stop feeling guilty about hating crowds.

…Ever since then, I prefer being at home with my family, and also having my cochlear implant sound processors off. Silence is golden. I draw strength and energy from silence and meditation. I run dry very quickly in large groups of people. I’m also disposed to that because, with my CIs, I have to work really really hard to follow what is being said. It is much easier to just allow the background noise be background noise.

Fascinating story. Thanks for sharing it!

"The Midrash Detective"