"You are such a people person!" "You are super outgoing!" "You like being around people, don't you?" "You are definitely an extrovert!" I've heard these phrases so many times in my life that I've lost count. I've even said them when describing myself to other people. You might even say that you are an extrovert or an introvert. Hey, you might even be an ambivert: a little bit of both characteristics. It's been said that "extroverts like people" and "introverts don't like human interaction" but let me stop that train in its tracks. While that might be true for some people, it isn't true for everyone. But what if you aren't really any of those? No need to worry; you aren't alone. I'm what I like to call an introverted extrovert.
Yes, you read that correctly. After taking time to really think about the ways that I operate and how I interact with people, I feel that I possess qualities of both types of people. I certainly don't fall right in the middle of the two either. Normally, I am outgoing, talkative, and really enjoy being around people! Those are the situations that make me happy and where I have the ability to 'recharge.' But on a different note, I need time to myself quite a bit. It is when I am by myself cleaning, cooking, reading, or just plain relaxing that I also find peace and rejuvenation.
Now you might be thinking: "How can you get energy and lose energy by being with people?" I have an answer for you, my friend: I have no clue. I have asked myself plenty of times how I can be both rejuvenated and worn-down by being around people, but this is where the title of the article comes into play. I am an extrovert by nature, but I am not only an extrovert. My tendencies to be by myself, problem-solve on my own, and thrive in independence allow for me to sway to the introvert side of the scale, and that's not a bad thing.
So some might say that I'm just moody, and maybe I change my mind too much. Your opinion is valid, and not wrong; it is just different than the way that I understand myself and how I operate. Yes, I can go from being around a bunch of people and being happy to needing alone time for a little bit because I am overwhelmed by a situation. That's not bad, and for those who might say otherwise, you are free to do so.
Whether you are an introvert, an extrovert, and ambivert, or something entirely different, be proud. Most importantly, know that wherever you fall on the spectrum, it is not wrong. If you lean more to one type, that's awesome, but it's important to not be defined by a single word. Don't let the label categorize who you are and how you interact with others. Embrace who you are and be proud.
"Everyone shines, given the right lighting. For some it's a Broadway stage, for others, a lamplit desk." ~Susan Cain
