Introversion Awareness

On December 21 2012 09:01 Barrin wrote:
Could you elaborate on what you mean by myth?

On December 21 2012 09:05 SnipedSoul wrote:
Being introverted is cool. I know some people whose lives come to an end when they have nowhere to go on a Friday.

I appreciate the effort you put into making that ginormous post. Anything to increase awareness would be cool. I'm tired of people thinking that introverts are psychotic time bombs waiting to go off.

On December 21 2012 09:28 Barrin wrote:

I did try to convey that where possible. I'll pick out all the parts where I do if you'd like (when I listed Lady Gagy as an introvert I thought this mix of qualities was crystal clear). Keep in mind I didn't make most of this stuff, I'm just presenting it.

On December 21 2012 09:10 BluePanther wrote:
I'm very introverted (a very strong INTP), but I've also learned that if you aren't social you won't excel in life. You need to be extroverted at times to accomplish great things. You can be content as an introvert, but learning how to be extroverted when the situation calls for it is very important.

On December 21 2012 09:49 Mstring wrote:
If you think "I'm an introvert", so you will remain. Drop the labels and you're free.

On December 21 2012 08:58 decado90 wrote:
I'm an introvert and basically every 'myth' applies to me O_o

On December 21 2012 09:53 Brosy wrote:


Nonsense. Being an introvert or extrovert has nothing to do with how you think. For instance if I go to an event that where I am talking with a bunch of people that I don't know, to just stop thinking that I'm an introvert will not make me more comfortable with the situation.

On December 21 2012 09:55 Barrin wrote:

Honestly, fuck you for implying introversion is a bad thing.

On December 21 2012 09:54 puppykiller wrote:
I think a lot of intimidated or shy people tend to claim introversion to justify their anti-social activity. I know that I and many people I know used to or currently do this.

On December 21 2012 09:55 Barrin wrote:

Honestly, fuck you for implying introversion is a bad thing. You'll be free when you can accept who you are - you kinda sound like someone who hasn't.

On December 21 2012 10:05 Mstring wrote:


Is this a subtle put-down attempt? Why would you say this?

On December 21 2012 10:11 Barrin wrote:

"If you think "I'm an introvert", so you will remain."
This right here is implying that being an introvert is undesirable. The only reason to say something like this is like a warning. To a reasonable person it's hard to see this line any other way.

"Drop the labels and you're free."
This does a better job of conveying what you actually mean, but even still it almost seems to imply that being an introvert takes away your freedom (you really mean just believing it does).

On December 21 2012 10:17 rasnj wrote:

Why would we want to be free of the labels? The whole introvert vs extrovert dichotomy is just a recognition that most people fairly neatly divides into one class or the other, and further it is the idea that perhaps the groups need to be taught about each other and how to interact because there is a lack of understanding between the groups. You can compare it to the realization that there are boys and girls (or straight and gay people if you want something less physical), and it helps children to get some idea how to interact with the other group.

As the OP explains many people have experienced that introvert tendencies as you grow up are treated with an attempt to "cure" them and make you more extrovert. Your post makes it sound like you have the same approach. It is similar to someone coming out of the closet as gay and they are told "don't worry it's just a phase" or "you just haven't met the man/woman (of opposite gender)".

You may of course just have meant that there is no need for the distinction, but many people find it helpful because a large group of people are very hard to understand without a little guidance. Furthermore people need different advice depending on their personality. How do you socialize, how do you lead, how do you make friends? The answers may depend on how you are most comfortable engaging other people.

EDIT: Obviously no one is suggesting this is a completely binary relationship. You are of course some mixture of both introverted and extroverted. It is also clear that different situations call for different skills so you need to act introverted or extroverted on occassion to be succssfull. You shouldn't treat this as a terminal diagnosis or anything like that, just as a way to further understand yourself and other people. This includes understanding how others are successfull at some things you consider almost impossible and where you can push your boundaries.

On December 21 2012 10:26 Barrin wrote:

I wasn't trying to be subtle, I'm trying to free myself from that constraint of my introversion (made possibly by my understanding and accepting of it).

I said it because my strong intuition tells me I should believe it, though I don't really have any evidence to back it up. Would you like to prove me wrong? How much do you know about yourself, lets hear? You're not uncomfortable with your introversion (if you are), after all, right?

On December 21 2012 10:02 RoieTRS wrote:
The myths in the OP apply to 100% of people at varying levels and everyone will identify whether they are introverted or not. The OP paints a picture like introversion is a secret club. If this keeps up, in 5 years you'll be seeing people say "lol im so introverted" on a whim like they treat nerddom now.
I've been called shy or whatever bogus all my life and it has nothing to do with introversion vs extroversion. It is simply people give you shit about anything unless you tell them to back off. This is a scam I wouldn't be surprised if people started writing books on this soon or whatever else they do to get money

On December 21 2012 10:16 Thereisnosaurus wrote:
as a kind of alpha introvert (best expressed by the line 'yes I am quiet, what are you going to do about it punk?'), I think there's a sort of misconception in the OP that introversion is not aligned with boldness, confidence and charisma. I find I am at my most capable around other people when I let my quieter tendencies lead. I am extremely self confident, self critical (in a positive way) and self aware, so I am capable of making myself into an example of positive humanity. I serve, I prepare, I assist and I encourage, simply by going about my daily life.

I would say that the introvert's answer to extroverted charisma and social skill is what might be called 'force of will', the sort of thing you see in someone that tells you this person is both a) not to be fucked with and b) is worth not fucking with because they have their head screwed on straight. Introverts who aren't ashamed of what they feel and represent have incredible raw charisma in their sheer self confidence. I've always seen these people as role models and they've helped me shape myself into my current psychological state.

You can be an introvert and still a leader. You simply lead by example, not rhetoric.

On December 21 2012 10:11 Barrin wrote:

That has more to do with Judging vs. Perceiving. It's the J's that are susceptible to this... not I's.


"If you think "I'm an introvert", so you will remain."
This right here is implying that being an introvert is undesirable. The only reason to say something like this is like a warning. To a reasonable person it's hard to see this line any other way.

"Drop the labels and you're free."
This does a better job of conveying what you actually mean, but even still it almost seems to imply that being an introvert takes away your freedom (you really mean just believing it does).

I would really like to see some more evidence for your claims. So you know the people who invented the personality types testified over and over that their patients were feeling better about themselves and that sorta thing (and there are many many first hand accounts... including my own...). WTB [your examples].

On December 21 2012 10:31 Mstring wrote:

I'm not trying to cure anyone from anything except using labels which can only serve to divide. What you "are" is subject to change at any second. Why would I want to limit my growth of self by attaching all these rigid identities to "I"?

How you lead, socialise and make friends is all personal preference in the end. What value does these two identities have in this regard?

On December 21 2012 10:44 dreamsmasher wrote:
hmm i got


ENTP
Extravert(22%) iNtuitive(75%) iNtuitive Thinking(75%) Perceiving(11)%

You have slight preference of Extraversion over Introversion (22%)
You have distinctive preference of Intuition over Sensing (75%)
You have distinctive preference of Thinking over Feeling (75%)
You have slight preference of Perceiving over Judging (11%)

i would say this is pretty accurate, especially the descriptions of what this 'type' likes.

I'm in a pretty 'nerdy' major if you will: economics/statistics, but I have a lot of friends that don't share any of my similar intellectual pursuits, who like to party, hit clubs/do risky random things, and I can chat up anyone and make small talk easily. i also have my share of friends who practically never go out, really enjoy intellectual things, are generally 'quiet' or whatever society calls that -- i generally don't have trouble making friends from either end of the spectrum, you can be smart and be either an extrovert or introvert after all.

On December 21 2012 10:50 TricksAre4Figs wrote:
"American society tends to emphasize that success comes through being highly social and outgoing (in short, extroverted) which negatively pressures introverted people (1/4 to 1/2 of the population) into being uncomfortable with themselves or their environments, which in turn stifles creativity and progress."

OP can you elaborate on the definition of "American society" and "success" as it pertains to this statement?

On December 21 2012 10:50 LainRivers wrote:
I don't think some people realize you can change your personality, it's just really fucking hard to do it 'because you want to'. You would literally be going against what your body feels is 'right' due to genetics or your environment growing up. It definitely happens over your lifetime, and in some cases even radically changes in a very short amount of time. You are not some static thing that can never change or adapt. Also, one introvert can be completely different from the next aside from the fundamental similarities basically every introvert shares. Which is why there is even a word to separate introversion and extroversion.

On December 21 2012 10:42 rasnj wrote:

It also makes it possible to recognize and learn something about yourself. It is clear to many people that they are introverted or extroverted before being introduced to the idea in a way like this thread does. If you suppress the debate you get people (especially children) questioning themselves and asking "Is something wrong with me for not wanting to socialize? Will I ever be successful? Does anyone else feel like I do? Is there a way to deal with it?" The recognition of the idea of introversion helps people deal with this kind of stuff.

It is all a matter of trying to understand yourself and understand others. You can then accept yourself as you are and recognize where your boundaries are.

If you recognize that you are an introvert and have trouble socializing at parties then you can look up some of the litterature like the ones given in the OP which may very well help you. If you didn't know about introversion or didn't bother to label it, then it would much harder to understand how others in a similar situation successfully dealt with the problem you are having.

I think maybe I got a little too defensive in responding to you and am sorry for that, but I still feel the dichotomy is a useful one for many people.

It;'s been shown on PET scans that Is use different neural pathways to Es when engaged in almost any type of activity (including relaxation). During one study a group of identified Es and Is were asked to lie down and relax, and a PET scan was used to measure blood flow to the brain and the pathways it followed.

The Is had *more* bloodflow to the brain during relaxation than Es, indicating more internal stimulation. Also, the Is and Es' blood travelled along different pathways - the I pathway was found to be more complex, and flowed to areas of the brain associated with remembering, problem solving and planning.
The Es blood flowed on a more direct route to areas of the brain where sensory processing occurs. This confirmed the researchers' suspicion that the Es in the study were focused on what was happening around them in the lab, and were engaged in sensory processing.

The pathway used by Extraverts is activated by the chemical Dopamine. Dopamine is a powerful neurotransmitter, most closely associated with movement, attention, alert states, and learning. Too much dopamine in the brain causes hallucinations and paranoia, and too little causes depression, lethargy and misery. Having the right amount of Dopamine is critical to everyone.

It has been found that Extraverts have a low sensitivity to Dopamine (require more to get the desired effect). They require Adrenaline, which is released from the sympathetic nervous system, and makes more Dopamine in the brain. This explains why Es need more stimulation/thrill/activity, to feel good, and why they seek variety.

Introverts are highly sensitive to Dopamine - too much of it and they can feel overstimulated. Is rely on a different neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, on their dominant neural pathway. Acetylcholine affects attention and learning, influences the ability to sustain a calm, alert feeling and to utilise long term memory stores, and stimulates a good feeling when thinking or feeling emotion. Introverts require a lower level of Dopamine, and a good level of acetylcholine, to leave them calm and free of depression or anxiety. Too much activity/stimulation can leave Is in Dopamine "overload", and give them a feeling of exhaustion.

SHORTER EXTRAVERT NEURAL PATHWAY

Stimulation ascends the spinal cord and enter reticular activating system in brain stem - data enters the Hypothalamus (thirst/temperature/appetite) - this switches on the "Full Throttle" system in Extraverts - Stimulii are sent to POSTERIOR THALAMUS (a relay station which amplifies the stimuli and sends them to amygdala) - Amygdala is the emotional centre (associated with the actions in the motor area, in extraverts) - Stimuli transferred to Temporal and moror area (movement connects to short term memory access, and to the center for learning and processing sensory and emotional stimuli).

LONGER INTROVERT NEURAL PATHWAY

Stimuli enter Reticular activating system above brain stem - this system is less active in Introverts - transferred to Hypothalmus where the data is interpreted and the brain placed on "Throttle down" in Introverts - Data sent to ANTERIOR THALAMUS (relay station which turns sensory signals down in Introverts) - Data sent to Broca's Area (speech area where internal monologue is activated) - Data sent to Frontal lobe (thinking, planning, learning) - Data sent to Hippocampus (relayed to long term memory including environmental awareness) - Data sent to Amygdala (emotional centre where feelings are attached to thoughts, in Introverts).

Another interesting point to ponder is that Extraverts can apparently access short-term memory areas of the brain more readily than Introverts, because of their faster and less complicated pathway. This could explain why an Introvert will often "grope" for a word in conversation or in a group discussion, or may have to think on an issue for longer before responding in appropriate language.

On December 21 2012 10:56 Barrin wrote:

You took it too personally,

I was just trying to make it obvious how pervasive this stigma of introverts is which involved jumping on the first person to perpetuate it.

You're right, you cannot "be" introverted. You cannot "be" extroverted. Someone who is 100% of either would be in a mental hospital, according to the person who coined the terms. Instead it is a spectrum.

<- Introverted ---------- Ambivert ---------- Extrovert ->

What you can do with this is see where you stand in relation to other people. Like hot and cold... nobody is 0C or 100C but somewhere in between. 35C is an actual temperature, just like a proportional level of introversion is an actual relative temperament.

You're kidding? The burden of proof is on you pal.

HOW do they lead to less freedom? Evidence?

I've already tested the theory of learning and accepting and it has already worked for me. Many many other people have tested it before I've tested it - it worked for them. I don't understand why you think I'm just going to believe you? I already have 'freedom'...

above


So you just come where with a completely unsubstantiated claim with no intention of proving it right

but you still want people to believe it

and are offended when someone calls you out on the stupidity? C'mon man.

I think I've made my point now.

On December 21 2012 10:48 MountainDewJunkie wrote:
Personality tests
self-help/self-analysis books
arbitrary cultural labels
vagueness
pretty people on camera
Massive stroke-fest
ambiguous quotes

Some of the worst aspects of our culture and exploitative marketing are all crammed into this OP.

On December 21 2012 11:12 Barrin wrote:

This is literally the most extroverted of the 8 introverted personality type I think.

Sensing basically means you're in tune with reality. Feeling means you're in tune with other people. Perceiving over judging means you're more open and less overbearing.

On December 21 2012 11:13 RavenLoud wrote:
I don't really disagree with the OP, but I think introversion-extroversion is more like a spectrum and most people are in the middle rather than having 2 distinct groups. People can also change along that spectrum over the course of their lives, it's not as deterministic as it seems. There's tons of people that use to be shy in high school becoming very socially active in college then at work.

On December 21 2012 10:54 Mstring wrote:

What advantage does saying to a child "It's OK because you're introverted" have over simply "It's OK!"?

Boundaries are self-created. How does limiting yourself to boundaries of accepted identities help you?

On December 21 2012 11:08 Barrin wrote:
Introversion is not better than extraversion... but I don't think there's a question as to which side actually needed the pumping-up that's in the OP. The point of this thread is to educate extroverts and make introverts comfortable with themselves.


Words mean what a reasonable person think they mean at the time they are said. Don't get too definist on me plz, I wasn't trying to be vague. Do you really not know?

On December 21 2012 11:14 Mstring wrote:
I think we've all gotten your point by now

On December 21 2012 11:20 Shival wrote:


Introvert =/= shy. That's a very common mistake people make, but introverts are not by definition shy, they can be just as bold and certain of themselves as extroverts can be. They may not show it as often as extroverts do, but that has no bearing on whether they are shy.

On December 21 2012 11:37 RavenLoud wrote:

Err...

So introverts are less likely to show themselves, but they are not shy by definition?

I thought the definition of being shy is to be less inclined to show yourself?

On December 21 2012 11:36 Evangelist wrote:
There are a lot of people who treat their Meyer code as a thing to be proud of. I think I've been tested externally on 2-3 different occasions and as with most people on the low end of the autistic spectrum I come out as INTJ. However while it does influence my pattern of thinking, it is something I find myself actively trying to overcome. Medication helps a lot - shuts down a lot of the internal doubts and nonsense.

Personally I think your designation shifts with maturity. It's taken me nearly three decades to finally get comfortable with social situations. If you can drink happily with mates at 18, have a girlfriend and are socially adept then you aren't as introverted as you think are you.

On December 21 2012 11:37 RavenLoud wrote:

Err...

So introverts are less likely to show themselves, but they are not shy by definition?

I thought the definition of being shy is to be less inclined to show yourself?

The following statements generally apply to me:
I am seen as “outgoing” or as a “people person.”
I feel comfortable in groups and like working in them.
I have a wide range of friends and know lots of people.
I sometimes jump too quickly into an activity and don’t allow enough time to think it over.
Before I start a project, I sometimes forget to stop and get clear on what I want to do and why.

The following statements generally apply to me:
I am seen as “reflective” or “reserved.”
I feel comfortable being alone and like things I can do on my own.
I prefer to know just a few people well.
I sometimes spend too much time reflecting and don’t move into action quickly enough.
I sometimes forget to check with the outside world to see if my ideas really fit the experience.

On December 21 2012 11:32 Barrin wrote:

That's really what it comes down to. What he doesn't realize is that it's him putting a 'label' on labels. I've been there.

On December 21 2012 11:44 Evangelist wrote:
Oh and by the by. If you think you can escape "extroversion" by joining academia, think again. You'll spend about half your life at conferences and the other half with colleagues working on group projects and grants. You will be forced, frequently, to give presentations in front of 100+ people, all of which are dying to ensure you fall flat on your arse.

You'll be having plenty of brainstorming, plenty of meetings and all that kind of stuff.

My advice is to get over your self definition, stop pretending introversions is an advantage, change your thinking style to suit and get used to socializing because you're going to need to do it.

On December 21 2012 11:37 RavenLoud wrote:

Err...

So introverts are less likely to show themselves, but they are not shy by definition?

I thought the definition of being shy is to be less inclined to show yourself?

On December 21 2012 11:41 Sprungjeezy wrote:



There's a big difference between wanting to be noticed, not giving a fuck either way, and wanting to stay hidden.

On December 21 2012 11:41 Sprungjeezy wrote:



There's a big difference between wanting to be noticed, not giving a fuck either way, and wanting to stay hidden.

On December 21 2012 11:48 RavenLoud wrote:

Ah I see, maybe I just had a broader understanding of the word "shy" than I should.

Anyway, I tested INTP and it seems to fit fairly well. I'm absolutely in the "not giving a fuck either way" camp.

On December 21 2012 11:40 HellRoxYa wrote:


Being shy is being unable. Introverts aren't unable, they just choose their moments and do so well. A shy introvert, though, that's someone who you never really see or hear.



I don't think you understand. None of these things contradict being an introvert and if you think so you should go back to reading the OP. You don't have to be socially retarded to be introvert or vice versa.

On December 21 2012 09:43 Brosy wrote:
I am an INTJ and its something that I've constantly have to try and hide or pretend I am not. It is unfortunate that many companies have a biased against personality types. I made it to the final round of an interview with a fortune 500 firm and, while not told explicitly introverts were unwanted, they made it clear in the interviews and networking event that "outgoing" people make better employees.

On December 21 2012 11:47 Ben... wrote:
We aren't shy, we just don't put ourselves out there unless there is a need for it. There is no fear involved in social interaction (a hallmark of shyness is being scared or self-conscious about socializing with others), just we need more of a motivation for it. It is just like how introverts hate small talk, we need a purpose to our conversations other than to fill noise.

As an example, I don't talk to people unless that conversation has a purpose (except in the case of friends. But most of my friends know I am a rather laconic person). I don't start conversations but if someone wants to talk to me I am perfectly fine with that. Introverts don't mind social interaction, we just don't have a need for it like extroverts do.

On December 21 2012 11:51 Evangelist wrote:


Seriously introverted people are almost always socially retarded. More often than not, they tend to be autistic too.

You cannot walk into a room full of people and be comfortable with it and still be completely introverted. It just is not possible because an introvert has virtually no understanding of how other people think or behave - constantly judging and guesstimating their behaviour based on what other people do.

If you are capable of passably socializing with a large group of people, you are not completely introverted. Trust me on this. I used to be a teacher. I work in academia. Introversion may be a way of thinking/responding to stimuli but severe introversion has a crippling effect on the ability to socialise with other people.

It is not a secret club. It is definitely not a big, amazing label to have - some secret power of thinking or understanding. It is, in fact, often crippling to the way in which academics collaborate to the point where courses are given to academics solely to overcome this problem!!

So no. If you have developed more or less normally and you prefer your own company but are able to function fine in human society, you are at best mildly introverted.

You are not severely introverted.

On December 21 2012 10:15 CosmicSpiral wrote:
I don't like the general tone of the OP. It seems to attempt to make introversion seem like such type of gift instead of what it actually is i.e. a generalized series of traits that are no more 'real' than the categories of emotional intelligence, personality types, moral spectrum, etc.

I am a person who spends several hours of isolated time per day to work on my writing skills. I generally do not look forward to making friends unless they are trustworthy people who are deeply driven to succeed. Conversations with useless words annoy me. Reading philosophy books in the comfort of solitude is one of the most enjoyable activities in the world. However I enjoy working out by going outside. Talking to strangers is a great pleasure; popping off can be even better. The exhilaration of a physical fight is one of the most subtle pleasures in the world.

The "dichotomy" between extroversion and introversion only exists if you accept its existence. Many of the traits associated with one cross over into the other and can be extremely beneficial.

On December 21 2012 10:35 Maxd11 wrote:

I totally agree. And they already are making books about it. Many kid's books have the main hero character as a loner who feels out of place.

On December 21 2012 11:55 Barrin wrote:

If you actually realized X then you wouldn't do V, at least according to my intuition which I happen to trust.

You're right, I can't prove that you didn't realize that. But you were indeed putting a label on labels whether you realized it or not.

And now you have yourself expressed the label that you have put on labels. According to you, 'labeling' is analogous to 'denying possibilities'.

good luck to you too.

On December 21 2012 11:59 HellRoxYa wrote:


What is mild and severe introversion exactly?

I know very well how introverted I am and have always been. And I also know that for the longest time I figured there was something wrong with me (very self detrimental) before I realized that it was just who I am. That being said I don't have a scale to put it on nor do I care. I learned social interaction and much of it I do purely logically rather than empathetically. I play (although not in an evil way) with people's emotional responses from time to time and learn from it. While being a natural at social interaction is a plus, it's not the only way.

But yeah, please define mid and severe introversion for me. And while you're at it, define mild and severe extroversion.

On December 21 2012 12:11 farvacola wrote:
This thread is somewhat troubling. If being around people is uncomfortable or undesired, reacting with acceptance is merely one way to cope with that. Sometimes, individuals find themselves faced with immense difficulty in human interaction only to find that they really do not enjoy feeling that way, no matter how much self-acceptance is shoved down their throat, and they do something about it. Whether that be subtly increasing the volume of interaction, developing a tolerance for inter-personal embarrassment, or simply practicing speaking in front of a mirror. I had a friend who hated having to be in social situations, as in he would sometimes pass out from exhaustion at parties, the mall, or even at school. He grew tired of this inability to go out into the world, so he went out of his way to seek out places with increasingly large numbers of people and interaction, starting with libraries and moving his way up. Over time, he became able to go to the movies without issue, and eventually he never had to worry again, and could start conversations with strangers using public transportation.

Now don't get me wrong, not everyone is capable of that sort of self-therapy, but that is more or less my point. An over-indulgence in the safety of a definition can lead one to become complacent or perhaps even more self-destructive in their zeal to come to terms with the borders of their identity rather than the thing itself. So, if you want to call yourself introverted and proud, that's fine, just make sure you actually are proud, for change need not be far away.

On December 21 2012 12:35 farvacola wrote:

You've clearly misunderstood what I said, so allow me to rephrase (retort ). I am in no way advocating an extroverted lifestyle, not in the slightest. I'm simply suggesting that the gravity of self-definition can oftentimes fool us into thinking we're more "down to earth" than we truly are. Some people are never going to want to be around people, that's cool, I get it, and sometimes even feel that way myself. But others are on the border, prone to discomfort in the face of social interaction and yet on other levels still truly in search of social fellowship, be it amongst those that are like them, unlike them, or whatever. Over-investing in a brand of self-acceptance that is necessarily more tied to the connotations of a word rather than the pragmatic, contextual truth of human identity is not a recipe for success, not amongst those who do not fall along the extremes. I'm merely advocating caution and an open mind.

On December 21 2012 13:22 Synapze wrote:
I don't feel like im either an extrovert or introvert.. I prefer bits of both in doses. I do enjoy staying home though compared to going out.

On December 21 2012 14:11 Barrin wrote:

Your way (which as far as I can interpret is to basically not try to understand your strengths/weaknesses/preferences)

I am not assuming that every piece of my personality is introverted (not even close). But knowing that the fact that I like to be alone a lot is just what I fucking like and can even be a good thing makes it okay to tell people to leave me alone.

On December 21 2012 14:11 Barrin wrote:

What exactly do you think the Possibilities of introversion entails?

Introversion and Extraversion (etc) are not rigid concepts that you're supposed to identify with. They're psychological preferences and the OP literally states that everyone does both of them.

On December 21 2012 14:49 r.Evo wrote:

That's the issue here. You're celebrating them like some kind of lifestyle and something you have to deal with and embrace without any possible change. That's putting people into arbitrary categories, it's limiting personal growth.

Not to mention the insane amount of coldreading in those tests you present as "make this test and find out who you really are!"..


Edit: What I'm getting at, it's fine to say "I enjoy being alone from time to time" - saying "I enjoy being alone from time to time because I'm an introvert" is plain stupid because it removes any kind of personal responsibility or choice from the equation. The only reason to use this statement is to feel better about ones actions by shifting away "blame" or responsibility.

On December 21 2012 14:59 TheRabidDeer wrote:

Even extroverts enjoy being alone from time to time, there is no blame or responsibility in these choices.

I am an introvert and the only way I handle large groups is to focus on just one or two people at a time otherwise it feels a bit overwhelming. I do this for times that I have to speak in front of an audience as well as when I am at work (I am a waiter). I focus ALL of my attention on a very limited scope.

On December 21 2012 15:09 r.Evo wrote:

The issue is that the plain statement "I am an introvert" is a limiting belief in itself. Just because some random test on the internet (or random friends during your childhood, your parents, etc.) told you "Wow, you're really the introverted type" is no reason to reinforce that image.

There is an issue as soon as someone says "I do xyz/am able to do xyz because I belong to a certain group of people"

You don't visit Teamliquid because you were born in 1989, because you're male or because you love being a nerd. You visit TL because you like visiting TL. That is all the reason a person should need. Adding something like "...because I am an introvert" to the statement "I enjoy being alone from time to time" does nothing but seek validation from some artificial peer group. Not an awesome standard or something to be proud of to celebrate it.

Earl Wilson
If you wouldn’t write it and sign it, don’t say it.

On December 21 2012 15:38 Barrin wrote:

Using both your explicit preference and the term introversion can give the recipient a wider category of experience to draw from in order to understand what you mean.

What exactly is 'externally validating people's preferences' and what do you mean by that?

On December 21 2012 15:44 Barrin wrote:
I'm only showing why its okay to be introverted if that's what you happen to be (I'm not deciding it for anyone).

On December 21 2012 15:49 Barrin wrote:

You haven't been taking the official Myers Briggs test.

The official test has to be issued by someone who's certified. You have to take it like 3-4 times over the course of a few weeks/months. Only after you have done that will the test be 75-90% accurate.

You really should read more about this stuff dude. What you're experiencing is completely normal... people have all sorts of personality traits inside them that appear at different times depending on their circumstances. Your problem with introversion is only a problem with your understanding of it - and your fear that others will also misunderstand it.

The point of the test is to figure out which one type you use most often.

You are putting all sorts of meanings on these things than what they actually mean. How much research have you done on this stuff?

On December 21 2012 15:52 Barrin wrote:

Um no, because I am specifically targeting introversion. Surely you've gotten the memo. I thought I was doing me?

On December 21 2012 16:13 Barrin wrote:


How am I supposed to tell you what you are experiencing?

Indeed, people will do what they do. And we have labels for these things... the point of these labels is indeed to apply meaning for the purpose of ease of reference based on bits of context from memory.

We humans have found giving names to things to be very useful. You can live in a world with meaningless words if you wish - I'm not stopping you.

On December 21 2012 16:20 p4NDemik wrote:
INTJ here.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll abstain from saying anything more and judge all of you.

On December 21 2012 16:27 Barrin wrote:

Taking a test - especially an unofficial one - a few times over a long period of time and getting somewhat different results is normal.

On December 21 2012 16:20 p4NDemik wrote:
INTJ here.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll abstain from saying anything more and judge all of you.

On December 21 2012 13:39 Clarity_nl wrote:
I got ISTP: "Engineer". Values freedom of action and following interests and impulses. Independent, concise in speech, master of tools. 5.4% of total population.

Given that I have an engineering degree I find it quite fitting. =]

Could someone explain in laymans terms the difference between sensing and intuiting? Thanks!

Extravert(1%) iNtuitive(38%) iNtuitive Thinking(25%) Perceiving(11)%

Introverted (I) 52.78% Extroverted (E) 47.22%
Sensing (S) 54.05% Intuitive (N) 45.95%
Thinking (T) 54.55% Feeling (F) 45.45%
Judging (J) 51.11% Perceiving (P) 48.89%

On December 21 2012 15:44 Barrin wrote:

I'm not putting anyone into any category. I'm hardly celebrating introverts... I'm only showing why its okay to be introverted if that's what you happen to be (I'm not deciding it for anyone).


huh? my exact words: "These questionnaires can help you figure out your set of leanings:"



I agree 100%.

On December 21 2012 19:51 PandaCore wrote:
I mean, I'm introverted, I know that, but they make me feel that it's ok and normal to be that way. I often find myself feeling awkward in social situations and I'm not much of a talker. I don't really like small talk and often just get to the point, especially in my working environment.

On December 21 2012 14:04 MetalPanda wrote:
Thanks for this thread, I understand myself much better with that. For example, I couldn't figure out why I've never been able to say much except to people that really shares some of the same interests as me, I can listen and answer to people and crack a few jokes here and there, but even if I try to come up with small talk, nothing really comes.

On December 21 2012 23:48 xM(Z wrote:
the reason for the abundance of intp/intj here, is that extroverts lie. (or answer those questions based on the feeling/mood they are in, at that moment; which is the same thing as lying from an overall perspective)

emphasize that success comes through being highly social and outgoing

On December 21 2012 23:56 Cheerio wrote:

why would smb lie to look like an introvert?

On December 21 2012 23:57 Cubu wrote:
honestly, i don't see introversion as something that needs awareness. Introverts and extroverts are just normal people who live together quite well. But then again, i don't live in america so i might be wrong.

On December 21 2012 23:22 Barrin wrote:

Uh no. I don't like cooking, but I'm actually very good at it, because I like good food which encouraged me to practice.

Not liking something is not the same as not being good at it. Go check out the list of introverted actors... most of those people identify themselves as shy and reserved around people and yet they're fucking amazing actors. In fact introverts often feel like actors, and they're good at it even if they don't like it.

BTW you're talking about skills which are learned, it is talent that you are born with. Talent is how good that person is at math to begin with... Talent is a strength/weakness too, not just acquired skills.


Again, the only problem here is how the label is being used.

On December 21 2012 23:57 Cubu wrote:
honestly, i don't see introversion as something that needs awareness. Introverts and extroverts are just normal people who live together quite well. But then again, i don't live in america so i might be wrong.

btw, what do you mean by this :


Isn't the way to success the same throughout every society? That is, by getting good marks and other ways that contribute to society or results in getting alot of money. How does being social and outgoing make you successful?