How I Discovered I Was an Extroverted Introvert
I love people, but sometimes I just want to be alone
I was a shy child and often enjoyed being by myself. I didn’t crave to be the center of attention and preferred my own company most of the time. I liked learning new things, reading books, thinking up imaginary stories, playing games and climbing trees.
But as I grew older I became more extroverted — at school I easily made friends and took charge of my siblings as only the oldest child can do.
So, if you had asked me before the pandemic if I was an extrovert or an introvert, I’d have said extrovert all the way.
But now in 2022, I realize that is not the case at all. I’m definitely an extroverted introvert instead.
So how did I come to this realization?
Before the pandemic I worked full-time in an office and had an active social life. I still did all the things I liked doing alone, but I never really associated it with being introverted. There were times I felt over stimulated and stressed, but I chalked that up to my active lifestyle.
I never put together the signs of my introverted tendencies which were always lurking just below the surface.
I liked going to large networking events, but hated trying to “sell” myself or “work the room.” I liked to chat with people one on one and just ask them about themselves and make a connection.
During the pandemic, things were different. I was forced to slow down and spent more time alone — just being. I no longer felt the need to go out every day and to always be doing.
I did some research and found out many people fall near the middle of the introvert/extrovert spectrum and exhibit both tendencies.
I now understand how I can use my double-sided nature to my advantage. It also explains why I prefer to work in a hybrid mode balancing both office and remote work.
Here’s some of the other things I learned:
Fast forward to today. I get energized when I’m around people one to one or in small groups, but I still find long Zoom meetings fatiguing and making small talk boring. I make sure I have time alone to recharge and feel grounded. I am less stressed and much happier.
Key Message: You can learn to balance your inner extrovert and introvert and create a life that works best for you. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can split the difference and be a bit of both :)
Linda Locke is a writer and mentor/teacher. She lives in Southern California in Ventura County by the coast with her husband and lots and lots of books. Want to become more visible as a writer on Medium? My course can help.
If you liked this story and want to see more of my work, follow me here.
