Every time I take the Myers-Briggs personality test, I score in the 90th percentile for extroversion. In brief, there is absolutely no doubt I possess an extroverted personality.
I love people. I can hold a conversation with any person in any place at any time about anything. My grandma once told me that “I don’t know a stranger.” Within a short period of time someone could know more about me than they even need or want to know. I don’t mind being the center of attention: In fact, I actually enjoy talking to large groups of people at a moment’s notice.
Here are my 10 confessions of being an extrovert:
1. I am energized by people.
I am recharged when I spend time with people. Long periods of solitude wear me out and stress me out. Unexpected time spent alone is overwhelming and terrifying: How can I entertain myself all alone? Hanging out with big groups of people is exciting to me, rather than daunting.
2. I am still nervous in front of a crowd.
While I gain energy and adrenaline from speaking in front of people, I still get nervous butterflies in my stomach. I don’t dread or avoid situations that put me as the center of attention, but I am definitely intimidated. Even if it’s just a short speech for class, I may be worried about it for hours leading up to the actual presentation. I am always able to smile and push through the nerves because the post-speech endorphins are worth it.
3. I process everything out loud.
I solve all of life’s biggest decisions out loud (usually with accompanying hand gestures and vivid facial expressions). Whenever I find a friend who will patiently listen while I deliberate about what I should eat for dinner, I know they’re a keeper.
4. I regret things that I’ve said.
I am definitely the say-everything-that-pops-in-my-brain kind of extrovert. I have a habit of blurting out thoughts before they are fully formed, which can sometimes get me into awkward situations. This has also caused me to hurt people’s feelings or say things that are insensitive. However, I will definitely toss and turn at night as I replay these disastrous conversations in my head.
5. I never run out of things to say.
Awkward silence kills me. If I feel that there is a lull in the conversation, I will do everything in my power to fill that gap. However, I have so many thoughts running through my brain that I can’t possibly speak them all. For everything I say, there’s at least 100 things I didn’t say.
6. I am aware that I talk too much.
I know I’m rambling, but I just have too many thoughts I need to communicate to people. Once I start talking about a topic I’m passionate about (of which there are many) I honestly can’t stop speaking. Sometimes I talk so much that people start to tune me out, or roll their eyes, or simply start another conversation.
7. I am actually really self-conscious.
I feel guilty about having a personality that can overwhelm my less boisterous friends, but I can’t help being outgoing any more than they can help being shy. I care deeply about my friends, and driving them away would be my worst nightmare.
8. If I’m quiet, something is probably wrong.
Unless someone is extremely perceptive, they might not recognize this subtle sign of distress. If something is so difficult I feel unable to express it out loud, then I’m likely very unhappy or worried. I’m often willing to talk about it with a close friend, but I’m unlikely to initiate the conversation.
9. I don’t understand introverts at all.
The majority of my friends are introverts who don’t understand why I’m constantly asking to hang out and talk. They say they would prefer staying in and watching Netflix on Friday night, which is something I will never understand.
10. I love and need my introvert friends.
My introverted friends are dear to me. They are happy to let me do the talking in any social situation. They have also taught me the value of silence. These friends help me know when to bite my tongue and just enjoy life without words. I will never understand them, but I will always need them.
