Introverted/Extroverted Misconceptions

[hoss2576]

I was having a discussion with my girlfriend last night and had asked her how a mutual friend was doing. She said the friend was fine, but seemed shocked that I was asking about him. Admittedly, I will ask her to check on how people are doing, because she is more of an extrovert and seems to be friends with everybody. I am not someone who will call you up and say, "hey haven't seen you in church in awhile," but I will notice it.

Our friend's reaction made me wonder if there are other misconceptions people have because I come across as introverted. Did my introversion make it seem like I didn't care? Could people just think I wasn't interested? Then I started to think about CC, and all of the folks here who talk about being introverted.

Do you think there are any misconceptions about you because you are introverted? If you are extroverted, are there misconceptions that you routinely encounter? How do you address them when they happen?

 

[JonahLynx]

I consider myself an introvert who likes doing extrovert things, lol. Growing up I think the biggest misconception was that introversion is the same thing as being shy... which is the case for some people, but it really just means that you are recharged when you can spend time away from people. After awhile the brain just needs time to think and process everything that happened. It was never about being shy or anti-social, just couldn't be in a crowd for more than about 3 hours before feeling very drained.

I'm like you though, I'll notice what might be going on with someone but won't always bring it up.

 

[cmarieh]

I consider myself introverted because I don't like being in a crowd of people. I find going to family gatherings or huge groups of people I keep to myself and end up feeling drained much sooner. Granted, I enjoy watching people have a good time and maybe a part of me wants to be more extroverted and join in on the fun. I have always had one or two friends at one time because I can't really have a conversation with a group of more than that. I am good at public speaking though, go figure. I do agree there is a misconception of what people think of others being introverted and extroverted. I have been told that I am stuck up and am a goody two-shoes because I won't jump into a conversation. Let me tell you that hurt really bad and after they got to know me on a personal level they realized how warm and giving I am and they immediately apologized. This is something I have worked on and all of my instructors have told me that they look up to me and I have a warm personality that is rare to find. It seems as though I am coming out of my shell a bit and having more conversations than I ever have before. CC has been an excellent way to help me come out of my cocoon and turn into a butterfly. Although, I prefer being at home and being outside or in the kitchen.

 

[VioletReigns]

I'm the one who had the misconception about myself. Because I'm not shy, am very outgoing and am friendly toward people, I thought I was more of an extrovert. But my son explained that someone who gains their energy by reflecting alone is predominantly an introvert. So I looked it up and lo and behold, he is right! An extrovert gains their energy by interacting with people. Although I love people, enjoy interacting with them and can easily make friends, I do my best energizing alone with God. Also, I don't have an issue going places alone, dining out, traveling, movie theater, etc. Not to say I don't enjoy those activities with people. But when I'm with people, I concentrate on them, listen to them, focus on them. I can't really focus so much on myself or do my best thinking in a group setting.

 

[wisebeardman]

people seem to think I am mean,rude,ect. but I am not really, unless you get on me bad side.

 

[skylove7]

Wisebeardman! Wisebeardman! You gotta good heart wisebeardman!! smile! Its your buddy skylove! Take good care wisebeardman!

 

[VioletReigns]

people seem to think I am mean,rude,ect. but I am not really, unless you get on me bad side.

Ehhhhh..... my bad side. I've been pm'd a few times regarding some of my less than nice responses in the Bible Discussion Forum. I have impatience and get angry with some of the more legalistic folk in there who seem to be beating condemnation over people's heads. So some of my friends remind me to take some deep breaths and pray for the Lord's guidance before I post a response.

 

[skylove7]

Ehhhhh..... my bad side. I've been pm'd a few times regarding some of my less than nice responses in the Bible Discussion Forum. I have impatience and get angry with some of the more legalistic folk in there who seem to be beating condemnation over people's heads. So some of my friends remind me to take some deep breaths and pray for the Lord's guidance before I post a response.

you are a beautiful soul VioletReigns! We love you very much!

 

[VioletReigns]

Awww.... you're such a sweetie-pie!! I love you too and appreciate you so much, Sister Skylove! ♥

 

[cmarieh]

you are a beautiful soul VioletReigns! We love you very much!

Amen! Yes we do love you very much.

 

[VioletReigns]

Love and blessings to you as well, dear Sister Marieh! I sure appreciate your kind friendship. ♥

 

[Tintin]

Ehhhhh..... my bad side. I've been pm'd a few times regarding some of my less than nice responses in the Bible Discussion Forum. I have impatience and get angry with some of the more legalistic folk in there who seem to be beating condemnation over people's heads. So some of my friends remind me to take some deep breaths and pray for the Lord's guidance before I post a response.

Oh, good. You're human like me. I do that too.

 

[VioletReigns]

Oh Brother Tintin, you don't have a mean bone in your body! I'll give Christ Jesus all the glory but He certainly shines gracious and kind through you. ♥ \/

 

[cmarieh]

Love and blessings to you as well, dear Sister Marieh! I sure appreciate your kind friendship. ♥

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You are really sweet. You keep encouraging me when I am going through a rough time and CC would not be the same without your presence here with us.

 

[VioletReigns]

people seem to think I am mean,rude,ect. but I am not really, unless you get on me bad side.

And I happen to enjoy your wise and witty posts a lot, Wisebeardman. I know I'm not alone because you seem to have a following. ♥

 

[cmarieh]

Oh, good. You're human like me. I do that too.

I struggle with all this as well as showing humility. It makes me feel better that I am definitely not the only one. I often have to stop and pray that what comes out of my mouth is showing the love of Christ instead of being frustrated.

 

[Tintin]

Oh Brother Tintin, you don't have a mean bone in your body! I'll give Christ Jesus all the glory but He certainly shines gracious and kind through you. ♥ \/

Thanks so much, my dear sister! I wish that were true. But I can be very short with the legalistic, condemning folks. I've improved a lot in this area though, which is encouraging. Thanks again.

 

[VioletReigns]

You all are just the most awesome, lovely people!!! Group hug in Jesus!! heehee



I gotta get to bed so I can get up for church in the morning. Thank you for making my heart smile.

Love to you all in Christ the Lord! ♥ good night!

 

[Roh_Chris]

Do you think there are any misconceptions about you because you are introverted? If you are extroverted, are there misconceptions that you routinely encounter? How do you address them when they happen?

I hope you guys don't find my reply weird.

I'm a mix of introversion and extroversion. Now you may groan and say that everybody is a mix of both to a certain extent, but what I mean is that I am 53% extroverted and 47% introverted. It means that I've got almost half of both traits in me. This makes it all the more difficult for me to condition my behaviour. Let me give you some examples -

- There are times when I cannot socialize and there are times when I have to socialize. For example, I may spend all of Saturday morning in my room (read, shell) without interacting with the outside world. But when it's evening, my energy level is fully restored and I have to go out and meet people.

- My emotions function like a flip-flop switch. When I'm in the extrovert phase, I'm energetic and jovial to talk to. But when I'm an introvert, I can be curt, ride or snobbish - depending on how you come across to me at that instant.

- There are times when I do not recognise or greet people (again, when I'm an introvert) and there are times when I go out of my way to greet and hug people.

I exhibit many such conflicting behaviour. My energy levels go up and down many times in a day. If you analyze my CC behaviour, you will be able to identify it. But, I am working on myself. I would give anything to have a stable energy level.

Oh, good. You're human like me. I do that too.

You are tall. You've got long limbs. You drink juice with your dog.

Last time I checked, you didn't qualify to be a human.

Just kidding, bro. Please don't skewer me!

 

[Tintin]

Haha! It's all good. To think we didn't get along on CC in the early days. Look at us now! A bear, a dog and a Tintin. Nothing could go wrong!

I don't like to label myself, but I'm definitely more of an extroverted introvert than anything else.