When we were in my teens, and first heard the terms introvert and extrovert, all of us rushed to fit ourselves into one category or the other. The general impression we had about these terms at that time was that introverts were shy, and extroverts were bold, and liked to be around people. I couldn't put myself into either category. I wasn't shy, but everything else about introversion seemed to resonate with me. Besides, back then, to be labeled an "introvert" wasn't a compliment, you see, and so when I learned about the term "ambivert," I jumped at it.
The years passed, and my personality crystallized. After I realized that there's nothing "wrong" in being an introvert, and when I read more about what introverts are, I comfortably slotted myself into the "introvert" category. I had all the classic traits - I like being by myself, I prefer small groups to big ones because too many people tire me, I like quiet days as opposed to busy, social days, and after even an enjoyable social event, I need the rest of the day, and the next, to recuperate.
But - the shy factor was still bothering me, because I am not shy at all. And then I read some articles that busted the myth - introversion and shyness do not have to go together. And there you have it - I am a not-shy introvert. And in case you are wondering, yes, there are shy extroverts too!
The years passed, and my personality crystallized. After I realized that there's nothing "wrong" in being an introvert, and when I read more about what introverts are, I comfortably slotted myself into the "introvert" category. I had all the classic traits - I like being by myself, I prefer small groups to big ones because too many people tire me, I like quiet days as opposed to busy, social days, and after even an enjoyable social event, I need the rest of the day, and the next, to recuperate.
But - the shy factor was still bothering me, because I am not shy at all. And then I read some articles that busted the myth - introversion and shyness do not have to go together. And there you have it - I am a not-shy introvert. And in case you are wondering, yes, there are shy extroverts too!
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2 comments:
your post made me search on ambivert, and I ended up finding this link..
http://www.danpink.com/assessment
as per this questionnaire, I am an ambivert!
It's true that introverts aren't shy people. As you've pointed out, the company of other people drains them. I've recently come to the same conclusion myself - that I'm an introvert. Whenever I thought about it, which wasn't often, I thought I was an extrovert because I love making people laugh :)
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