Summary: Are you an extroverted introvert? Find out in this article.
Right now, you might be saying, “How is it possible to be an extroverted introvert?” Yes, it seems like an oxymoron, but it’s actually a very real and common personality type. An introvert is not someone who is shy but rather, someone who gains their energy from being alone as opposed to being energized by other people. You know, those friends of yours (or you!) who need some time to recharge by themselves after spending too much time around other people. Just because someone needs to be alone to regain their energy, doesn’t mean they aren’t an outgoing person when they’re around others. Hence, the extroverted introvert.
But how do you know if you’re a part of this special personality group? How do you better understand your friends or family who are? Here are some examples of what it means to be an extroverted introvert:
- They won’t answer the phone. More often than not, extroverted introverts don’t want to talk to you. It’s not about you, it’s just that they’re doing their own thing and don’t have the energy to give to a conversation.
- They may not talk much. Although they like being around people, extroverted introverts aren’t often the type to fight for space when it doesn’t really matter to them. You’ll find them sitting back and listening, only chiming in when they have something important to include.
- They prefer one on one. Group activities can definitely be fun, but the larger the group the more uncomfortable they start to get. Extroverted introverts do better with one on one or small groups of people where they can get more meaningful conversations and experiences.
- They make great conversation when needed. Extroverted introverts are perfectly capable of being outgoing when they want to be. If someone seems out of place or if they’re at a networking event, extroverted introverts can easily strike up a conversation.
- They live in their heads. Just because they’re quiet doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on in there. Extroverted introverts tend to have a lot of thoughts and stories running through their minds, which is part of why they find more interaction tiring.
- They still get lonely. There’s a difference between being alone and being lonely. While extroverted introverts love being alone when they want to, that doesn’t mean they can’t become lonely if they don’t get the interaction that they need.
- They hate small talk. Extroverted introverts only have so much energy for conversation, so when it comes to chatting for no real reason, they tend to get annoyed and want to be left alone.
- If they’re your friend, they really like you. Again, extroverted introverts only have so much social energy. If they spend a lot of time with you, that means you’re really important to them or they really like being around you.