Misunderstanding My Personality: The Journey from Introvert to Extrovert
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Chapter 1: The Solitary Move
After leaving my parents' home to settle into a compact studio, I found myself living alone and working remotely. This meant spending considerable time by myself in a neighborhood where I had no acquaintances.
As months passed, I began to experience troubling physical effects. Mornings became a struggle; I often found it hard to rise from bed despite sleeping for over eight hours. Daytime naps became a necessity, and meals led to sudden bouts of fatigue. I was perplexed by these symptoms, unsure of their origin.
Eventually, I secured a new job that required me to work in an office environment, surrounded by colleagues. To my surprise, the physical symptoms largely diminished.
For the first time, it dawned on me: I am an extrovert.
Section 1.1: Realizations About Energy
I feel invigorated in the company of others, which is the essence of being an extrovert.
For most of my life, I had considered myself an introvert. Why? I was never the loudest in any gathering. Shyness plagued me at various points, and I absorbed the label from others, leading to deeper social anxiety. Although I found small talk somewhat draining, I mistakenly generalized that sentiment to all social interactions.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Harmful Misdiagnosis
This fundamental misunderstanding of my identity proved to be detrimental. I had fully embraced the notion of being an introvert. Fascinated by personality types such as Myers-Briggs and Enneagram, I would spend hours analyzing what I thought was my INFP type (Introverted/Intuitive/Feeling/Perceiving). Although much of what I read resonated with me, it led to a distorted self-view.
I convinced myself I needed solitude after busy weeks and exaggerated my shyness, which heightened my social anxiety. Moreover, I was perpetually conscious of how others perceived me, further reinforcing the idea that I was inherently shy. Consequently, I sought solitude, believing it was vital for my well-being, which resulted in frequent feelings of fatigue.
Section 1.2: Defining Introversion vs. Extroversion
Introverts derive energy from solitude, while extroverts thrive in social settings. It wasn’t until I spent excessive time alone that I recognized my energy was sapped rather than replenished in solitude.
Chapter 2: Finding a Balanced Identity
I believe many individuals misidentify themselves as introverts or extroverts, simply based on societal labels—where the loud are classified as extroverts and the reserved as introverts. However, I’ve learned that personality traits exist on a spectrum.
While I now identify as an extrovert, I also acknowledge my introverted tendencies. I consider myself an "introverted extrovert," understanding that people can embody various blends of these traits.
Recognizing my true extroverted nature has been crucial for my mental and physical health. It has encouraged me to actively seek social interactions, even when it means stepping outside my comfort zone. I’ve realized that retreating into solitude, though comforting, can be harmful.
As you navigate your journey of self-discovery, keep in mind that it’s possible to be a shy extrovert or a boisterous introvert. Pay attention to where your energy originates; this awareness can be a pivotal step toward deeper self-understanding.