I have always been told that I am obviously an extrovert. Friends and acquaintances like to talk about how I feed off of socialization. People see me as completely and inarguably extroverted because that is the part of my personality that is seen and gets the most attention. However, thinking of people either as an extrovert or an introvert isn’t an either/or situation, we are all somewhere along that spectrum.
For me, that spectrum is a balancing act straight down the middle. Being an Extroverted Introvert is sometimes challenging for ourselves as well as the people that love us. Here are a few things you should know if you love an Extroverted Introvert.
We would rather have one on one real conversation about your life better than large group events.
I sometimes need the large group interaction but chances are, I will find one or two people to have real conversation with. We want to get to know you and who you are rather than small talk typically done at large gatherings.
We will go on a streak of days and nights where there is event after event and will love every minute of meeting and mingling until all of a sudden we hit a wall. Then we are done with people.
I have to “recharge” my batter with my bed, chocolate and my favorite TV show on Netflix, then I can go back out into the world.
We want affirmation for a job well done with my kids but we also struggle with any attention whatsoever being shown directly at us.
Yep, true story … my kids are great despite me not because of me.
We struggle with social anxiety.
It doesn’t matter how many times I make a great impression in a social situation, social anxiety always rears its head leading up to the next event. Obsessing over what to wear, who to talk to and how to act. I know once I am there, I will enjoy myself but doubt myself the entire time leading up to it.
We hate compliments.
Let me stress the word HATE here. I awkwardly do not know how to respond so I will probably either say thank you and giggle or respond with a compliment to you. Think “Peace be with you – and also with you.” I cannot leave the focus of the conversation on me.
The more I learn about myself, the easier it is to share how I am feeling. I am learning that we don’t have to fit into a box to succeed in this world but be ourselves. Even if being ourselves means it will be a little messy, I promise it is all worth it.
