The world in which we live is extraverted and introversion is looked at as a defect or a wrong choice made by some people who should simply try to socialize more and open up and not everybody is ready to accept the fact that someone might simply be introverted.

Googling around I found out that according to Jung (who invented the expressions introverted and extraverted) introversion or extraversion is NOT something one can chose and it is a genetic trait.

In many languages the two words have entered everyday language and partially lost their original meaning.

This test is a good instrument to see if you are extraverted or introverted. Just out of curiosity. Once you've taken the test if you feel like sharing and wish for more information about your type, just post the letters of your type and I will be happy to provide you a deeper explanation made of a copy and paste from different websites of your description.

To make things clearer here is an explanation of what is meant with introversion and what is meant with extraversion:

Introvert: Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.

Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to "recharge."

When introverts want to be alone, it is not, by itself, a sign of depression. It means that they either need to regain their energy from being around people or that they simply want the time to be with their own thoughts. Being with people, even people they like and are comfortable with, can prevent them from their desire to be quietly introspective.

Being introspective, though, does not mean that an introvert never has conversations. However, those conversations are generally about ideas and concepts, not about what they consider the trivial matters of social small talk.

Introverts make up about 60% of the gifted population but only about 25-40% of the general population.


Extrovert: Most people believe that an extrovert is a person who is friendly and outgoing. While that may be true, that is not the true meaning of extroversion. Basically, an extrovert is a person who is energized by being around other people. This is the opposite of an introvert who is energized by being alone.

Extroverts tend to "fade" when alone and can easily become bored without other people around. When given the chance, an extrovert will talk with someone else rather than sit alone and think. In fact, extroverts tend to think as they speak, unlike introverts who are far more likely to think before they speak. Extroverts often think best when they are talking. Concepts just don't seem real to them unless they can talk about them; reflecting on them isn't enough.

Extroverts enjoy social situations and even seek them out since they enjoy being around people. Their ability to make small talk makes them appear to be more socially adept than introverts (although introverts may have little difficulty talking to people they don't know if they can talk about concepts or issues).

Extrovert behavior seems to be the standard in American society, which means that other behavior is judged against the ways an extrovert would behave. However, extroverted behavior is simply a manifestation of the way an extrovert interacts with the world. Extroverts are interested in and concerned with the external world.

It sounds as if you’ve been giving this subject a lot of thought… :;):

I’ve taken the test, and surprise surprise, came out as INFP…

I don't know if I'd agree its genetic wether someone is one or the other, I've gone from one extreme to the other throughout my life, most of my childhood and teen years I was very introverted, but upon becoming 18 (almost overnight) became very extroverted up until around 25, from then until now I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle of the two.
I don't see either as being a good or bad way of being, theres nothing wrong with either nor anything to be applauded.
As an introvert I envied the extroverts.
As an extrovert I envied the introverts.

I'll have to take the test later when I get home, it will no doubt, contradict me

as you may guess, me too

INFps mainly have slim figures, however well-built INFps are not that uncommon. Their gait is usually graceful and full of poise as they like to project an image of self-worthiness. Their eyes vary from large to small, however if they are isolated a characteristic pattern emerges. Narrow eyes give the impression that the person is smiling whereas wider eyes convey a feeling of curiosity.

During conversation INFps have a tendency to maintain eye contact and to touch their interlocutors hand. They often have a very noticeable shy grin that appears when they worried or excited, or when someone focuses other's attention on them.

INFps have a very good understanding of harmony and know well how to successfully combine clothes and accessories, resulting in their characteristic, elegant appearance. Sometimes they may give the impression that they are somewhat foppish. This applies to both male and female. INFps show interest in a varied range of the unusual and original. They are also inclined to small talk. It can sometimes prove difficult for others to hold INFps attention during interaction. They may unexpectedly disrupt a conversation by commenting in such a way as to give the impression that they are not following the subject. This can confuse or puzzle others.

INFps enjoy interesting or humorous anecdotes and stories. They often recall and share notable episodes from their own life experiences. In situations where they are required to give a answer they often delay the inevitable until the last moment even if they have reached a decision by evading and camouflaging their intent. INFps are inclined to make empty promises, always finding excuses to justify their lack of responsibility. They like to make others aware of their lack or practicality. However, INFps have a good instinct for commercial and business matters showing great flexibility. This quality coupled with their ability to choose reliable deputies helps them to maintain a firm grip on positions of power.

INFps have the ability to positively console people who are upset or worried by helping them to look to the future with optimism. With strangers INFps behave gallantly and tactfully, showing good manners and education. However among friends and family they can be very up front sometimes behaving frivolously. They enjoy baiting others in a playful manner in order to create an easy and tension-free atmosphere. At home INFps can be very frivolous and capricious, showing great stubbornness in getting what they want, sometimes creating dramas and scenes. These emotional outbursts are usually short and disappear without consequences. Generally they have very flexible emotions which they control consciously.

INFps are usually uneconomical in financial matters. They find it difficult to refuse their whimsical desires. This can often lead them into financial difficulties and can result in them having to borrow money if they do not have sufficient money reserves. They like an extravagant style of life which is why their demands often outweigh their resources. INFps more than any other type are inclined to marry because of wealth instead of love. INFps will often accumulate their complaints in order release them all in one go in an appropriate situation. In fact, people who show concern about INFps health and well being and who listen to their problems are very much appreciated.

Introverted
Feeling with
Extraverted Intuiting

STRENGTHS
Thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are quietly perceptive, emotionally deep, individuals. However, being inclined to focus on the Introverted world of abstract thoughts and ideas, they may keep their great interpersonal warmth hidden from those they do not know well. Flexible and free-thinking, they will examine new situations from novel, theoretical perspectives. Quietly curious and introspective, they focus on the deeper hidden patterns and meanings behind surface forms and structures. Using their Intuition to look beyond the obvious known facts in a given situation, they will be motivated to get to the heart of theoretical issues. Thus, they often prefer to work either on their own, or with a small group of supportive, like-minded colleagues. Open and accepting of others' idiosyncrasies, and valuing autonomy, they are inclined to feel stifled by rigid systems and procedures. They will have a tight circle of close friends, who will value their authenticity and genuine concern for others' welfare.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Being orientated towards the Introverted domain of subjective mental events and feelings, INFPs may sometimes need to be drawn out when in the company of others. Perceptive, thoughtful and considerate, they may resist being the first to express their own deeply held personal views and opinions. Sensitive to others¹ feelings, they will not needlessly criticise colleagues in meetings and discussions. Averse to conflict and discord, they will work to resolve disagreements by actively seeking compromise and consensus. They are likely to resist organising colleagues, preferring instead to work alongside people in an egalitarian manner. Flexible and free-thinking, they will be open to others¹ points of view. Tending only to express their deeply held values and ideals to close friends, others may not always be aware of the true depth of their feelings. Thus, they are likely to be at their best when communicating on a one-to-one basis, with colleagues who value their theoretical, open-minded approach to problems.
THINKING STYLE
INFPs are known for their creative, abstract, theory-driven approach to problem solving. More interested in understanding why things work, rather than simply perceiving how they work, they will look beyond the superficial facts and data in search of deeper hidden truths. However, this does not mean that they will lack interest in solving practical, real-world problems. Rather, it means that they approach such problems by focusing on the theoretical concepts that underpin the problem at hand. Inclined to focus on the broader picture, attending to the detailed requirements of a task may not come naturally to them. They will be committed to completing tasks that catch their imagination; working in bursts of great enthusiasm and energy. With their preference for Feeling, they will be attuned to the impact their actions will have upon those around them. Quite able to function effectively in groups and committees, they may feel most at home brainstorming ideas with one or two like minded friends and colleagues.
HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU
Colleagues will value their quietly supportive, co-operative, egalitarian interpersonal style. However, their egalitarian style, and desire to manage by consensus, may be misinterpreted by some as indicating an inability to take difficult, unpopular decisions. Perceptive and sensitive to others¹ needs, they will be viewed as thoughtful, considerate, understanding and helpful. However, if others try to take unfair advantage of their goodwill, and genuine offers of help, this may generate feelings of resentment. They are likely to be viewed as Œdeep thinkers¹ who may sometimes be prone to flights of fantasy. More down-to-earth colleagues, who are less interested than them in the subtle nuances of a problem, may sometimes fear that they lose sight of practical, day-to-day realities. Avoiding dogmatism, they will be seen as free-thinking, open-minded individuals. Inclined to become engrossed in their own thoughts, some may view them as being a little disorganised or absentminded at times.

-- 04 Mar 2011, 12:01 --



Every time I heard this talk it turned out it was a misunderstanding about the term.
The question is: GENERALLY speaking, are you recharged or worn out by social interaction?

Even though some people have a 50-50% balance of the two with maybe a slight propention to one direction or the other, it's very rare, but can happen.

Only way is to listen to your subconscius through the test . I hope you'll feel like sharing

Thanks, Cassie!

I have to confess that the more these analyses focus on deeper characteristics, the more accurate they become. I think they sum up rather well how I conduct interpersonal relationships, and are almost completely spot on where my thinking style’s concerned!

I was both and made the experience that it is a question of the social milieu whether I'm introvert or extrovert. This is a psychological approach from the sociological viewpoint there would be some more to add. The concept of the spiral of silcence for example, which points out that minoritie's opinions, perceptions, way's of thinking are opressed by the majority. It's a question of the success of the peer group as well, if someone is interested in general small talk or not.

Taken from a scientifically based approach on the net:







From another website:



This passage would actually clarify some of the confusion:

There is no such thing as an absolute introvert or an absolute extrovert. I for instance score 80% to 90% intraverted and fall into the 2% of world society. Each person having a propention towards one of the two will also have compensation traits in the other direction.

On a personal note, dear demon, I would NEVER ever dream of writing something on the perspective you're using, because I do not use my time to analyse others, I usually stick to introspection, which makes me think of a possible propension towards extravertion in your case. But this is only a feeling based both on your appproach and on the sentence I highlighted, which would mean that you need a specific sociological setting to "recharge your batteries", whereas in my case there is NO possible social setting doing that for me, I need to be on my own, alone to recharge, even though apparently I'm good at social interaction.



On another note the difference between introversion and extraversion is the way to think:
intraverted people have a different way to approach emotion, which means they are often overwhelmed by emotion and their thinking process is constanly buisy filing such emotions and digging into reactions to give a meaning to the almost unbearable ammount of information expressed through emotion itself.

Tell an introvert to stop thinking and if said person will try it his/her head will explode, tell an introvert to think less and if said person will try it he/she will have health problems.

It even happened to me to be told by extraverted people that "no one can cope with the ammount of emotions you deal with, you need to spit it out or you will become ill" which is more or less the origin of my health problems: I tried so to do and got to the point where I am now. I NEED to deal with my emotions in my head, until they are completely processed expressing them only means a further load of emotions to file (new emotions come from fear of a reaction from the person I'm telling my thought or from the actual reaction of said person).

Moreover the use of the word "introverted" is automatically negative, and the person addressed with such word considered depressed, antisocial or worse needing help.
This is not fair.
Most geniuses in the past had introverted personalities, such as Albert Einstein, Proust, Shakespear, Niestche, and I seriously doubt anyone would say these four need therapy even though two of them actually had psychological matters that may have required professional help. I think it's clear enough for anybody that syphilis is not a matter of psychology, but a serious disease.

Your type is ENFp - "The Reporter" In a relationship you are inspired by as exceptional, extraordinary and irresistible partner as yourself. You recognize talent in people when you see it and know well how to manage people's feelings and opinions to serve your needs. You feel that to be knowledgeable is important and essential to you but you can never be sure that your erudition is adequate. You enjoy simple physical pleasures and people who know how to create them.

ENFps are normally either tall and often quiet even though they are extrovert or short and full figured. The latter are more movable and energetic and their gait is quick and erratic. ENFps often walk with their feet apart. Slim ENFps often have a crafty look in their eyes. Sometimes, when they are inactive, their faces can have an astonished look about them.

Generally ENFps have straight proportional noses. Full figured ENFps have corpulent faces and quite often a nice smile. Their facial structure is rather round with softer edges. They seem to always be in a good mood. They like to have fun, to laugh and to joke. They can also have flashing eyes which combines very well with their overall playful disposition. ENFps pay great attention to their appearance.

ENFps choice of clothes and accessories are quite characteristic especially in women. They often neglect some part of their outfit which can give a romantic and liberated feeling to their style. All ENFps dress in a way that indicates a sense of the theatrical.

Male ENFps, with their charming, complimentary and affable manner are quite successful when it comes to conquering the hearts of the opposite sex. Because of female ENFps playful dispositions, they can sometimes go over the top without realising, which often provokes a strong response from males. If they see the males taking their behaviour seriously they may try to halt the proceedings. If this is insufficient they can resort to physical action.

Generally ENFps are very emotional and spontaneous during interactions. They know how to find that special way of dealing with almost anybody. ENFps are quite comfortable to talk to and are talented interlocutors. They often help people to extricate themselves from difficult situations. Their advice is normally based on ethical grounds. ENFps are often optimistic and it is not uncommon for them to transfer this optimism to others.

ENFps pay the least attention possible to details. This is often interpreted by others as superficiality. This peculiarity enables ENFps to swallow lots of information without chewing it. After taking the cream from the surface of one sphere of interests ENFps can become bored and start looking for different interests. They often change their interests. Wherever ENFps go they have a characteristic ability to create a circle of friends and acquaintances and be at the centre of attention. They respect and preserve the opinions of the circle, taking an active part in defending and promoting them.

ENFps are quick to mobilise themselves in extreme situations. When in the midst of chaos and panic they are able to take control of the situation if there is no one else available or willing. However in day to day life they are usually quite disorganised and do not cope well with routine matters. They also do not perform well at all when it comes to dealing with documentation.

ENFps are very sociable types and are driven towards the easy life. They are very dependent on their desires. They do not mind spending a fair amount of money just to fulfil these desires. ENFps also strive for adventure, improvisation and unplanned actions.


STRENGTHS
Warm, sociable and friendly, ENFPs are quick to form new relationships. Moved by deep feelings and emotions, they communicate in an open, honest way. Using their Intuition to look beyond the obvious known facts in a given situation, they are insightful, free-thinking, perceptive individuals. Inclined to question conventional wisdom, they tend to focus on the deeper hidden patterns and meanings behind surface forms and structures, and enjoy approaching old problems from novel theoretical perspectives. Spontaneous, enthusiastic and quick to act, they may find rigid systems and procedures stifling. Lively, energetic and versatile, they enjoy variety and change and will actively seek out new, exciting challenges. Valuing authenticity and genuineness in their relationships, their friends and colleagues will appreciate the support and encouragement they freely offer. Focusing on the broader picture, they approach problems in a strategic, expedient way, seeking novel, creative solutions to problems.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
With their preference for Feeling, ENFPs are warm, empathic, caring individuals. Directing their attention to the Extraverted world of people and external events, they have a great interest in those around them, and are sensitive to their colleagues' feelings and personal needs. Thus, others will be quick to warm to them, greatly appreciating their infectious enthusiasm and zest for life. Averse to discord and disagreement, they will try to accommodate others¹ needs when possible. Flexible and free-thinking, they are open to others' points of view, which they will evaluate with sensitivity and tact. Empathic, co-operative and having a genuine concern for others¹ welfare, they will be popular team members. Initiating projects with great energy and enthusiasm, they will be keen to work for the common good. Expressing their views with great conviction, they plunge into things enthusiastically and enjoy creating novel solutions to problems as they arise.
THINKING STYLE
ENFPs are known for their abstract, creative approach to problem solving, which is based on a logical analysis of fundamental principles. More interested in understanding why things work, rather than simply perceiving how they work, they are motivated to look beyond the superficial facts in a given situation in search of deeper, hidden truths. However, this does not mean that they will lack interest in solving practical, real-world problems. Rather, it means that they approach such problems by focusing on the theoretical concepts that underpin the problem at hand. Focusing on the broader picture, attending to the detailed requirements of a task may not come naturally to them. Attuned to others' feelings, perceptive and empathic, they will be sensitive to the impact their decisions will have on those around them. They will generally prefer to learn about a subject by participating in lively informed debate or discussion, rather than through private study or reflection.
HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU
Colleagues will value their insights into others' feelings, motives and actions, and their tendency to take a strategic view of the 'broader picture'. Avoiding dogmatism, they will be seen as open-minded, independent thinkers. Perceptive and sensitive to others¹ needs, they will be viewed as thoughtful, considerate and understanding. However, if colleagues try to take unfair advantage of their genuine offers of help and support, this may generate feelings of resentment. Quick to give, and actively seek, affirmation and support from others, they may become disheartened if they feel their ideas and opinions are not valued. On occasion, more cautious, detail-conscious colleagues may worry about their readiness to discard established systems and procedures, when seeking immediate solutions to current problems. Inclined to go off on tangents, and become engrossed in their own thoughts, some may view them as being a little disorganised or absentminded at times.

Of course children are predisposed by their familíes, but that is not necessesarily genetical. Children are mainly socialised by their parents.

There are total different tribal characters in germany, although the people live neareby there is a total different culture, especially regarding to introversion or extroversion. I don't reject the genetical approach, but need more support than just saying "the parents". Measerable differences in the physignomie for example. "People with thicker skull bones react less intensive on acoustic exterior stimuli." would be an thesis or something like that. There is support in science for many point of views Calliope Aisha Cassandra and there is a lot of contradiction, especially if we reflect a question from the point of view of different faculties.

To your personal comments regarding to me:
I'm alone in the crowd. I prefer communication which is structured through topics and it don't matters what other people think about me and the first twenty years in my live I was the total opposite. Funny genes I must have.
Although I'm still a social beeing and enjoy new input from other people like you.

INFp and INTp - I'm doomed..
More of an INTp probably.

My parents always pushed me to socialize and even forced me to take part to associations and social events, it made me cry for days and worked nothing but rage in me



Oh, I see what you need! As far as I read on an italian article, my apologies but I didn't find a translation, intraverted people have a more active central nervous system and a tendency to grow up (as kids) or age (as adults) slower then coetaneous extraverts.



^_^

Actually, what you wrote here doesn't say much about you being one way or the other
The point is: do you feel better and more energetic after some time with the right people or after some time on your own?

Ok, here is something that may clarify things:

a)
Show energy and enthusiasm.
Respond quickly without long pauses to think.
Allow talking out loud without definite conclusions.
Communicate openly - do not censure.
Focus on the external world, the people and the things.
Allow time for bouncing around ideas.
Take words at face value.
Do not assume commitment or decisions made.

b)
Include introduction time to get to know you and trust you.
Encourage responses with questions as, “What do you think?”
Use polling techniques for input and decision making.
Allow time for thinking before responding and decision-making.
Make use of written responses where practical.
Concentrate on one-on-one activities.
Do not assume lack of interest.


Which list shows better how you've generally been through your life?

-- 04 Mar 2011, 16:10 --



Check the combined result, Morana ^_^

Depends on. There are times where I speak a sentence or two per day and I feel fine and sometimes I enjoy some smalltalk with friends. By the way, what do you call introversion? You are one of the most communicative person on this board your behaviour is more extroverted here.

loooool!

As I already mentioned in my first post here, being talkative is not an exclusive of extraverted people. You might find interesting to read some points of my profile as an introvert:



Let me use a vocabulary approach to explain what I'm talking about:

Intraversion= intra - version it has a latin origin and means directed inwards which means thoughts are more likely to be about self.

Extraversion= exta - version it also has a latin origin and means directed outwards which means thoughts are more likely to be about society.

There is much more to it but an introvert can be very talkative and an extrovert closemouthed.
The point here is that I am introvert because after an interesting exchange (like this one) I feel worn out and tired and need time on my own.
An old friend of mine is an extrovert because after some time alone she feels worn out and tired and needs to talk to someone to feel better.

I'm sorry Calliope Aisha Cassandra,

I've just answered the assumptions or questions or whatever that is and I couldn't save it. So we have total different definitions of introverts and extroverts. Of course communication can be brisk and exhausting. It's really different and is to much affected by different jobs I have or had. A discussion in a colloqium might be amazing and a job in a callcenter or as a social worker might be the opposite. So there is no consideration of the reason for communication or the intellectual level in your criteria. The esprit and charme of the people and so on. There are so many factors ignored by that theory you are introducing here that I can't make a decision.