Most people believe that they fall into one of two categories—introvert or extrovert. However, there is actually a spectrum. While some people might find themselves on either extreme of the spectrum, others don’t find it that simple. If you don’t resonate with being an introvert or an extrovert, here are 15 signs you might be an extroverted introvert.
1. You are somewhat open.
Extroverts typically wear their hearts on their sleeves and are willing to share openly and honestly with those around them. In contrast, introverts tend to be more reserved. If you’re an Extroverted introvert, you might be open about some things and more reserved about others.
2. Your environment determines your mood.
If you were an introvert, you would only feel socially comfortable if you were in one of your few comfort zones, like at home or somewhere else equally familiar. Extroverts will feel socially comfortable almost everywhere they go. If you are an extroverted introvert, you might brighten up and become social in certain situations but not others.
3. You’re more sensitive than people think.
Because you’re half extrovert, people assume that you’ve got tough skin. But the reality? You can take things to heart depending on what’s being said, and who’s saying it. If someone who doesn’t really know you says something that hurts you, you’re quick to laugh it off, but if someone you care about says something hurtful, you have a harder time getting over it.
4. You like being social…to a point.
It’s obvious that extroverts love being around other people and recharge by being in social settings. On the other hand, introverts like to spend their time alone, reflecting and recharging. Typically, introverts only have a short amount of time to give socially before they have to get away. An extroverted introvert is a mix. They can last much longer socially than a classic introvert, but they always reach a point when they’ve had enough.
5. You’re an adrenaline junkie…sometimes.
You love doing things that scare you, but you have to be in the mood. If you’re caught on a bad day when you’re not feeling extroverted, it’s going to be hard to convince you to do something challenging. Your friend only got you to go skydiving last month because you were feeling like you wanted to try something crazy, but if they asked you today, you would probably say no.
6. Conversations will either recharge you or drain you.
It doesn’t really matter what the subject is; an extrovert can be energized by just about any conversation. On the other hand, introverts are drained quickly from conversing with others. As an extroverted introvert, it depends entirely on the conversation. You’re passionate about baking and hiking—two things that you could talk animatedly about with someone for hours. However, if the topic doesn’t naturally interest you, you find that you can contribute for a bit, but then you start to lose interest and find it difficult to keep up.
7. You avoid some phone calls.
Extroverts will jump at any opportunity to talk to someone on the phone. It’s how they prefer to communicate and they find it more personable than a quick text message. Introverts feel the opposite—they’ll do anything to avoid talking to someone on the phone. You’re more of a hesitator—when you see that it’s your mom calling or your college classmate, you think before picking it up, sometimes choosing not to answer the call, because you know the conversation is going to drain you.
8. Sometimes, your friends have to drag you out.
In your friend group, you’re known as the person who calls the shots when scheduling social activities. You like to come up with ideas, make sure everyone’s happy to participate, and encourage people to join. However, every now and then, you don’t feel up to the task, and your friends have to convince you to come out.
9. People misread you as quiet.
Introverts typically are quiet—they stand back and let the extroverts have the spotlight. While this character trait might resonate, it’s probably not your entire personality. When you’re at a party, at first you tend to be a wallflower, taking the scene in and letting others be the center of attention. However, as the night goes on and you get more comfortable with your surroundings, you become more animated and energized, preferring to be at the center of what’s going on.
10. You take time to get used to new things.
Often, an extrovert will dive headfirst into something new—an activity or a new environment. They embrace change wholeheartedly. Introverts will be a bit slower to warm up to a new idea. For you, if the new activity or environment relates to your interests, like baking or hiking, you get used to it quickly. However, if you’re out of your comfort zone, for example at a wrestling match or a comedy club, you take a bit longer to warm up and start having fun.
11. You prefer one-on-one time with people.
You love having a big group of friends, but sometimes you prefer to spend time with your friends individually. You find that spending time one-on-one with people results in quality connections. If your friends have organized at night out on the town together, you’re one of the first to put your hand up, but when you’re organizing something, you often call up one of your friends to get a coffee.
12. You like small talk when you’re in the mood.
If there’s one thing that extroverts won’t shy away from, it’s small talk. For most extroverts, small talk comes naturally, and they love rising to the challenge of meeting someone new and having to converse with them. Introverts avoid small talk like the plague. You’ve discovered that if you’re feeling social, you’re okay with small talk, but if you’re drained, you’d rather be anywhere else.
13. You are indecisive.
You find that at times you have difficulty making concrete decisions. Sometimes, it’s not an issue, like when you have to choose your subjects for college, because you know what you’re interested in studying. However, if you’ve double booked yourself for the weekend, you have a hard time choosing. One plan involves lots of your friends, and the other involves just one or two. You can’t decide what you’re more in the mood for.
14. You’re not always trying to prove yourself.
Because extroverts get a lot out of being the center of attention, they have an innate need to prove themselves and win others over. Introverts don’t share this same need—they’re happy being themselves without others’ validation. You find that sometimes you seek the approval of others, while other times you’re not too worried about it.
15. You choose who sees your extroverted side.
Because you’re both extroverted and introverted, certain friends see different sides of you. For example, you only really show your extroverted side to your closest friends, whom you’ve known for years and feel comfortable with. If you’ve just met someone, however, or only hung out with a friend a couple of times, they’re going to see more of your introverted side.
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