There is so much to be said about categorizing ourselves. Sometimes, there can be very beneficial tools such as Meyers Briggs, the Enneagram, KOLBE Assessments, etc. which can give you vocabulary to describe the inner workings of your mind. Yet, even these can all fall short to explain the multifaceted unique nature that is YOU.
One thing I hear a lot from people is “I’m an introvert so I just really need my alone time to recharge” or the other end of the spectrum “I’m so highly extroverted I need to be around people to give myself energy!”
Yet, did you know that introversion and extroversion isn’t completely polarized? There is a middle ground that many people can find themselves in where they aren’t completely in one box.
The one I want to address today is the outgoing introvert.
Do you get worn down after being at a party with people?
After a weekend at the beach with friends do you need to be home alone in complete silence before you want to see others again?
Does the thought of going on a work trip with coworkers give you a stomach ache?
Most importantly, would those around you be SHOCKED to hear that is the case? You may be used to others projecting onto you that you are recharged by being with others because you are so social and outgoing. Being socially inclined may not be a litmus test on whether you are an introvert or extrovert.
Those two are all about where you draw your energy from? To put it in simple terms: do people exhilarate you or drain you? Do you feel the most recharged from being at home in your own peace and quiet? You may be the life of the party but still need your down time at home.
You may not fit in a perfectly crafted extrovert box because you want alone time. You also may not fit into an introverted category because you enjoy being with people too.
These perceptions by others can often make us feel misunderstood, misjudged, or miscategorized by others. If you feel this way, and it negatively impacts your sense of wellbeing, please reach out to a professional who will be able to help you make the necessary changes to improve your confidence and self esteem.
