introvert or extrovert?

very introverted but people say Im a little extroverted as well

I'm shy

Friends, family and even strangers can tell that I'm an extreme, bubbly, outgoing, straight forward, in-your-face EXXXXXXXXXXXXXXTROVERT! I love people, love interacting with them, never meet a stranger and make friends easily... however, that also means that I feel I require a large amount of mental stimulation and human interaction. I get sullen and moody when all of my friends are too busy or not attentive or when they're feeling introverted. I don't understand introverts at all and find them very fascinating. When things aren't fast-paced in my life and challenging (whether 'good' challenging or 'bad' challenging), then I find myself to get bored very easily. I want to be going and doing something 24/7 and have insomnia issues... I rarely slow down and I love having a jam-packed day.

Wow that's a really interesting definition. I was an extrovert until I was bullied at school at age 10-12, then I became very distrustful of people and became a bit OCD and had panic attacks etc as a teenager. I'm an introvert but it's taken me most of my life to accept that's how I am and to stop trying to be something I'm not. My daughter is age 14 and quite introverted, I've been trying to get her to be accepting of that, rather than feel the odd one out because she's not into socialising etc with her peers. Strangely I am a lecturer, and regularly stand up in front of 40 or more strangers, but I loved acting at school, and they are very much the same thing.

I was a teacher and I found that to be no big deal, which is definitely strange. I think it's because I was in charge of the situation. It was my classroom and I knew exactly what I wanted to say, etc. Also it's a lot more structured. I don't like the uncertainty of unstructured social interactions.

Yep, I like to be in control too, makes a big difference, a reason I could never take drugs!

One thing introverts hate: Small talk. We like to talk when we have something worthwhile to say about a subject, and we can go on for hours. But just talking for the sake of talking, that's a no no. I hate when people, especially strangers, expect me to do that, lol. Like, why can't you just sit there and enjoy the silence already, sheesh. XD

Yep, this is me all over. I can sit in silence and just watch people. I am definitely introverted, don't like fuss, don't like big crowds, too much noise and I am wanting to retreat to a quieter place....I love me time. In fact I think I could live on my own on an island for a fair while before I was bored, etc...but I have a family...so that is never going to happen : )

Here's some cool and interesting quotes I just found from Laurie Helgoe's book on introversion vs extroversion, "Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength" (who can relate?):

“Introvert conversations are like jazz, where each player gets to solo for a nice stretch before the other player comes in and does his solo. And like jazz, once we get going, we can play all night. Extrovert conversations are more like tennis matches, where thoughts are batted back and forth, and players need to be ready to respond. Introverts get winded pretty quickly.”

“In “America the extroverted,” relationships are good, and even if they are very bad, they are better than no relationship. Introverts don’t think this way. Many of us want and have great relationships, but we generally prefer “no relationship” to a bad one. Quality matters. We conserve our relationship resources, because we know they are limited.”

“Introverts keep their best stuff inside—that is, until it is ready. And this drives extroverts crazy! The explanation for the introvert’s behavior—and there must be an explanation for this behavior, say the extroverts—is that he or she is antisocial, out of touch, or simply a snob.” (can SO relate to that one, people have labeled me as "stuck up" when I'm just being my introverted self)

“While the introvert is reflecting on the question (thinking first), the extrovert takes this as an invitation to fill the void (talking first). As long as the introvert doesn't interrupt, the extrovert continues to fill the interpersonal space with talk. But as long as the extrovert talks, the introvert can’t think and stays mute. Mute means the invitation is still open, and continued talk assures that the introvert remains mute. By the time the extrovert pauses to ask, the introvert’s head is pounding and he or she just wants to get out so she can think. The extrovert just assumes the introvert had nothing to say, and moves on.”

“I am rarely bored alone; I am often bored in groups and crowds.”

“I prefer to interact with people one-on-one. Any more than that, and the dynamic becomes competitive.”

“This is why it is sometimes hard for introverts to find words: we really hate to compromise, and words are always a compromise.” ( I always feel like there's only one best way to say something, and I rather get there than offer something less, which is why conversations can be a chore at times.)

Introvert. I've never been a people person, and usually find it hard to express myself well.

Pervert

Extrovert. I love people.

total introvert until I am comfortable...

Wow that's a really interesting definition. I was an extrovert until I was bullied at school at age 10-12, then I became very distrustful of people and became a bit OCD and had panic attacks etc as a teenager. I'm an introvert but it's taken me most of my life to accept that's how I am and to stop trying to be something I'm not. My daughter is age 14 and quite introverted, I've been trying to get her to be accepting of that, rather than feel the odd one out because she's not into socialising etc with her peers. Strangely I am a lecturer, and regularly stand up in front of 40 or more strangers, but I loved acting at school, and they are very much the same thing.

I was a teacher and I found that to be no big deal, which is definitely strange. I think it's because I was in charge of the situation. It was my classroom and I knew exactly what I wanted to say, etc. Also it's a lot more structured. I don't like the uncertainty of unstructured social interactions.

Aw, yes, structure is very important. It explains why so many artists and actors are introverted and yet capable of performing so well. When things are rehearsed and planned, it's much easier to be confidant and in control of the situation. In school, I found that if I prepared a speech and rehearsed it or was allowed to read it, I'd do quite well. If I'm left to just talk on my own I'm a hot mess, lol.

You guys are speaking my language!!! This is totally me... panic attacks and everything.. I hate not being in control and I dread social interactions where I may meet new people. EEK

Introvert, to the Nth degree. I can manage a false front in public and put on sociable facade, but ordinarily can't stand crowds/new people and would much prefer doing my own thing.

Introvert

Mercatus Center scholar Jerry Brito debunking the top ten myths about introverts:

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.

Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.

source: http://spatialorientation.com/2011/10/14/misreading-introverts/

Totally an extrovert! Which is good since it suits my career.

I put the Captal "E" in Extrovert. I am one of those people who can strike up a conversation with a total stranger... in another country... not knowing their language. Tends to work too!