Am I an Introvert or Extrovert?

What is an introvert? The dictionary defines an introvert as a shy, reticent person. It is also defined as a person predominantly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings rather than with external things.

I believe that all my life I have been an introvert. I tend to feel shy around new people. I tend to turn away when there is someone I don’t know around. I kind of shut down and won’t talk. I get super nervous and my focus goes into “I don’t exist” mode. When someone is doing something that I haven’t done, I will second guess what is going on and think to just go back to my corner and do my own thing.

I like to work on my own. I like to be alone quite a bit. I tend to keep to myself. Although I have been to my fair share of concerts and was okay. I use to dislike going into the city because it was always so crowded and I would get little anxiety attacks. I am comfortable doing some things but I don’t mind just sitting around my house either. When it comes to spending time with others,  I like to have a lot of one-on-one time. I find it’s easier for me. Although I love being in certain group settings, especially when it’s a great group of people.  And I’m OK in that setting too. I just tend to like to be by myself a bit more. If I have too much interaction one day, I will then retreat to be by myself for a bit.

But … I do think that I can be an extrovert as well. An extrovert is defined as an outgoing, overly expressive person. If I am talking about something that I really like, I do become a bit more extroverted. I can get excited about what I am talking about. And you can tell that by my enthusiasm and my body language. And I do like to be social and meet new people.

When you get to know me, you realize that although I am quiet, I can be outgoing. But I guess that means that I’m a good balance of both, right?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Do you think you can be both?