Introvert or Extrovert

Roosterreid · 23-02-2015 04:49PM #1

What are people's views on being an introvert / extrovert.... Specifically, do you think it's something you are pre-destined to be or is it a rational choice to be one or the other?

I work in a large office and am generally a very social person and enjoy peoples company. On work nights out, I mix well and am fun to be around, but on other occasions, I find people in general frustrating, self centred and egotistical and dream of moving to a remote place and living a solo life; nearly like a hermit, with limited human contact.

greengirl31 · 23-02-2015 05:19PM

I do think being an introvert or extrovert is something that’s an inherent part of our personalities but like many other things we can work on it so are not the extremes of either.

I’m believe I’m an introvert – I, too, manage well in social situations but am better with people I know rather than a group of strangers. I find new situations difficult but after a while I relax a bit. Usually the anticipation of these events is usually worse than the event itself. In terms of work and the environment, it is not possible for me to work from home but it might be something you can do … Failing that, I just tune out of a lot of the nonsense that occurs in the office setting. I am happy and chatty to my colleagues but try not to get involved with the petty office politics and b!tching that can go on.

There’s a book called “The Power of the Introvert” by Susan Cain (I think) which is worth a read. It talks about how society conditions us to be extraverts even though introverts have a very valuable and equal role in all aspects of life … It’s definitely worth a read

Roosterreid · 23-02-2015 05:30PM

greengirl31 wrote: »

I do think being an introvert or extrovert is something that’s an inherent part of our personalities but like many other things we can work on it so are not the extremes of either.

I’m believe I’m an introvert – I, too, manage well in social situations but am better with people I know rather than a group of strangers. I find new situations difficult but after a while I relax a bit. Usually the anticipation of these events is usually worse than the event itself. In terms of work and the environment, it is not possible for me to work from home but it might be something you can do … Failing that, I just tune out of a lot of the nonsense that occurs in the office setting. I am happy and chatty to my colleagues but try not to get involved with the petty office politics and b!tching that can go on.

There’s a book called “The Power of the Introvert” by Susan Cain (I think) which is worth a read. It talks about how society conditions us to be extraverts even though introverts have a very valuable and equal role in all aspects of life … It’s definitely worth a read

Thank you..... an insightful and helpful reply. I too am the same, I dread / don't look forward to going out and socialising and being in the company of other, then when the event that I am dreading comes round, I usually enjoy it.

Work is a strange place at times....I seem to swing between the two (introvert / extrovert) and certain days I look forward to work tea break and chatting and other days, I cant see it far enough. I guess I wasn't sure if this was a 'normal' response or something more.

greengirl31 · 23-02-2015 05:39PM

No, it's very normal .... There are some days I would love to not have to see or speak to a soul but other days i'm as much of a chatterbox as the next person.

ivytwine · 23-02-2015 09:48PM

I'm the exact same op. Some days I don't want to talk to anyone. Nothing wrong with you at all

DavidRamsay99 · 23-02-2015 10:14PM

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert depends on a combination of genes and environment especially upbringing.
I think to find happiness it is worthwhile exploring how much of an introvert and extrovert you are.
That ratio changes constantly minute by minute and year by year with most people.

blatantrereg · 24-02-2015 11:41AM

It's effected by biology and status.

It's easier to be extrovert if you have high status among the people you're interacting with. Your extroverted behaviour is welcomed and encouraged. If you have low status in the group you are in, you will be expected to be correspondingly more reserved.

Ability to deal with noisy environments, and read subtle social and political aspects of human interactions can be developed but is largely inherent. If you are good at it then you will tend to enjoy and benefit from extroverted behaviour much more.

Introvert or Extrovert

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