An observation

[nayela]

For most of my life, I've self-identified as an introvert. You know that handy rule of thumb that goes along the lines of 'Extroverts thrive on being around people; introverts need time alone to recharge'? I've always liked that one. It doesn't make any claims about people's actual enjoyment (or lack thereof) of social situations, or any judgements

Comments

[nayela]

I didn't know people were going, but since you mention it I just might. :)

[nayela]

That would be cool, thank you. Who else is going?

[rjw76]

Talking on the internet doesn't "count" for me in terms of taking up Interacting With People tokens because I can do it on my own terms, stop when I need to, and not have to deal with ten people talking at once while I sit in a corner and try to follow them.

It's a different *sort* of socialising, so perhaps we need different definitions of introvert and extravert, based around the preferred type of human interaction rather than whether or not it tires them out?

[nayela]

I think that the introvert/extrovert distinction is a spectrum, like so many other things, and not the dichotomy it's often made out to be.

Point about the physical presence of other people making a huge difference. On the other hand, it's still something I seek out far more than I used to.

I think these days I just know far more people that actually click with, and who seem to enjoy my company in return. I can remember that being a rare and unexpected thing. :)

[scionofgrace]

I'm gonna say you're still an introvert, but perhaps your tolerance has improved?

It matters a great deal to me whether I'll be interacting with strangers or people I know well. Good friends, who I trust, I can "stand" for way longer, and I'll actively miss them. I rarely want to meet new people.

And the Internet is a whole different ballgame, since the interaction isn't direct.

[malanachronism]

...I think you just wrote down half of what my brain's been doing recently.

[nayela]

Oh? Cool. What's the other half, then?