Poll:Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert

[REWahoo]

I'm going to guess not many of us had retirement parties either...

I'd be interested to know how many were thrown a retirement party even though they said no, then were no shows...

 

[aim-high]

I'm going to guess not many of us had retirement parties either...
Be interesting to know if the small number of Extroverts are strong extroverts.
TJ

Very strong E here.

 

[FIREd]

How does that affect communication at home? If you have children, are they introverted? I would imagine that growing up with two introverted parents could lead to introversion in the children.

No kids of our own to screw up.

After a week at work where she talks non-stop all day long, DW is usually pretty quiet on the weekends. So we don't spend a lot of time chattering. Yet I feel like DW and I have a good level of communication. Sometimes a single glance says more than a thousand words.

 

[CoolChange]

How does that affect communication at home? If you have children, are they introverted? I would imagine that growing up with two introverted parents could lead to introversion in the children.

For me, it is not good: DD and her mother are both pretty far down the E spectrum while I am so far at the I end some folks have, jokingly I assume, referred to me as mildly autistic. (Of course, there are other things I do not understand about them; they are both cat people too. I am allergic.)

I used to be in sales for a telco......recall receiving an internal company call, (we weren't able to differentiate then), and having the caller, from another department, say "It's always great to call you, you're always so upbeat"............I replied "I'm working".

This is the bit that I find most people do not understand: For me, putting on any kind of sales performance, most certainly including dinners and other forms of entertaining clients, is definitely work. While I can do it, it does tire me out terribly.

 

[JOHNNIE36]

I am considered an extrovert but needed help getting there. Back in my early years with GM, they formed a class on "How to Win Friends and Influence People", the Dale Carnegie course. Part of the program was effective speaking and coming out of your shell. I know it helped me and later it rubbed off on my wife, who is now the world's biggest extrovert. Then the daughter (thirteen at the time) needed help coming out of her shell. While we were in Pittsburgh, we enrolled her in the Barbizon School of Modeling, which really changed her personality and poise. She gained a lot of self confidence which changed her completely. Money well spent. You can be changed.

 

[Sesq]

How does that affect communication at home? If you have children, are they introverted? I would imagine that growing up with two introverted parents could lead to introversion in the children.

My wife and I are both introverts (INTP for me, I want to say my wife is IFSJ, I am sure about the I and J) and my daughter is very, very, very extroverted, has been since the day she was born. My wife's family (of 6 kids) are half and half and my daughter is a lot like one of her extroverted aunts.

I am pretty sure my son will be an introvert (he is only 4) like his parents.

Its is kind of handy to have an extroverted child, as she improves our social life a bit (but not too much).

 

[braumeister]

I'm the I, while DW is the E.
Funny, but among all the couples we consider close friends, there is always a pair of opposites. The genders are irrelevant; it can go either way, but we don't seem to associate with any pairs who are both either I or E. And most of the time they are each pretty far out on their respective scales.

 

[Bestwifeever]

DH is quite extroverted. I am less introverted in little things as I grow older, especially with helping out vs contributing to awkward silences, making people comfortable, etc., in social situations. But all in all I prefer being invisible.

I've noticed unscientifically that extroverts often have a well-developed sense of entitlement.

 

[Gabieta]

I'm going to guess not many of us had retirement parties either...

TJ

This made me laugh out loud! The military REALLY pushes those retirement ceremonies. I had to say "no" to the pomp and circumstance a ridiculous number of times.

I was told soooo many times that I would "regret" not having a ceremony. It's been 7 years, and not a sign of regret yet!!

Edit: I am an INFP. REALLY strong on the I

 

[scrabbler1]

I am an introvert. Other than my square dancing and volunteer work, I am not around groups of people. It also contributed to my hating the commute I had (public transit) when I was working. I participated in nearly no nonwork activities at my old job, skipping every office party and nearly all luncheons. I requested that there be no farewell luncheon when I left the company, too.

 

[Major Tom]

INTJ here. The various tests I have taken all indicate a moderate level of introversion but I think that's a bit off, as I think of myself as a huge introvert. I am not by any means shy, and enjoy casual interaction with strangers and acquaintances but when it comes to more meaningful social time, all I need is my SO and the very occasional visit with family or friends.

The main thing that has caused me problems throughout my life is that the majority of people cannot understand why I don't want to hang out with them. The sentence "Just because I like you doesn't mean I want to hang out with you" sounds awfully harsh but in my case, it's an accurate representation of the way I feel much of the time. I have spent a fair amount of time and energy in my life trying to prevent people that I like (and who like me) from turning into friends. Once in a blue moon, I come across a person who also has limited need for close interaction and it's like heaven to know someone who instinctively understands me.

What makes it harder is that I am affable (and even at times a touch obnoxious) on the outside, so I think that many introverts wouldn't be able to spot me. The introverts think I'm an extrovert, and the extroverts think I'm one of them. It has created many awkward and in a few cases, rather ugly situations in the past with people who have become very upset with me for not being more sociable.

But it's fine. I have my SO, my 3 cats, and can live off my ~2.5% WR. What more could a person want?

 

[W2R]

I'm going to guess not many of us had retirement parties either...

I asked not to have one, but unfortunately that was not my call.

So, instead of the regular retirement-lunch-in-a-fancy-restaurant party, I requested pot luck snacks, just for those I actually worked closely with, and held in a conference room. That wasn't so bad and was better for everyone's LBYM efforts since the cost of retirement luncheons were paid by attendees.

 

[Lcountz]

I am INTJ.

I made it thru school and career by acting "E" when I had to, but what a HUGE relief now that I am retired. Feel like I slipped out of too tight clothes.

I am single and I LOVE living/being alone. I have fought long battles with "E" types over the years, and I have ended up being best friends with the first man I was serious with because he is "I" as well. And because he lives 400 miles away, we have the perfect relationship!!!!!

IF only I had stuck with him from the beginning instead of being dazzled by "E" types!!!

ALL the "E"s are still working by the way so I do think there is something to what someone posted that they like to spend to impress...Peacocks by nature.

I LIKE QUIET!!!!!! And I dont care what anyone thinks about how I choose to live. Some members of immediate family are the worst as far as harranging me to "join in" and "find a man" blah blah blah......

I say... been there, done that, now leave me alone!!!!!

And PS-I LOVE men but for right now I am savoring being by myself!!!!

 

[Lcountz]

+10 Major Tom!!!!!!!!

I loved your comment about "not being more sociable" God I've heard that a million times.

To me those are almost swear words.

My feelings have cost me several relationships because I could not "loosen up" with "Friends" ( another word that is WAAAAAY overused today, thanks to social media)

O well to each his own. It's a gorgeous early fall day here at my place, quiet, golden, and I LOVE the peace and quiet. I have two older, gentle cats- and they like quiet too!!!!

 

[FIREd]

But it's fine. I have my SO, my 3 cats, and can live off my ~2.5% WR. What more could a person want?

Same here. Yet a lot of people think that my life must be terribly unfulfilling.

 

[Midpack]

I'm going to guess not many of us had retirement parties either...

I was fine with a low key retirement party with my 80 co-workers and a nice dinner with my 8 managers, but I firmly/politely declined a lavish Corp sendoff - mostly because I thought travel expenses for all involved were unnecessary and over the top, I would have been OK with the Corp get together otherwise. The thought was enough for me, though some at Corp were angry that I didn't want a party.

I've always been an I, but happily getting more E all the time. I'm probably barely an I anymore in the real world. Life is good...

On this forum I'm probably considered an A by [-]many[/-] [-]some[/-] [-]many[/-] some. No poll please...

 

[tmm99]

I am an introvert, but people tend to think I am an extravert, so they don't get it when I don't show up for company-wide functions (outside of business hours). It's not like I don't like people. It's just that being social tires me after a very short time, plus I get kind of bored. I do have a small circle of very good friends and that's it.

 

[Willers]

I'm dead in the middle between ENTJ and INTJ. Until I saw Susan Cain's video I never knew we had a name... It can be funny because my extroverted friends think I'm quiet and thoughtful and my introvert friends think I'm loud and manic. I'm married to a 100% extrovert so that makes life interesting.

I moved from a technical field into management about 15 years ago. I wish more introverts would consider management as a career. I credit much of the success I've had to the fact that I always want the right answer and don't want people to tell me what I want to hear (I already know that!). That is amazingly uncommon in my organization. Everyone seems to want to be a rock star on stage. I believe that, over time, people will respond better to authenticity and results than to who can captivate the room and/or dominate the conversation. Take away the need for attention and it's amazing what can get done.

Some of our best ideas have come from true introverts who go off and come back with the perfect solution or initiative. I value both inroverts and extroverts...I just try to keep them away from each other enough to keep them all sane.

 

[braumeister]

Once in a blue moon, I come across a person who also has limited need for close interaction and it's like heaven to know someone who instinctively understands me.

I couldn't agree more.

I'm fortunate to have at least half a dozen friends like that. We see each other anywhere from once every couple of months to once every several years, but as soon as we lay eyes on each other we pick up the conversation wherever it left off last time.

Kindred spirits. The rush I get whenever I encounter one is priceless!

 

[truenorth418]

I am an INTJ and became more introverted as I began easing into ER two years ago. It's my natural state. I can be outgoing when necessary, but I often felt like I was putting on an act when doing so in a work setting. I am good at presenting to large audiences, but presenting around a room to smaller groups or in one-on-one situations has always been exhausting for me. I don't have much patience for small talk. I often find it easier to express myself in a cynical or sarcastic way. This has apparently led to people thinking that I am, well, cynical and sarcastic.

I admire extroverts, and based on what I have seen, they are more successful in business, more popular, and often happier and more sure of themselves. And, I hate to admit it, but sometimes other introverted people get on my nerves. It can take a lot of effort to get other introverts out of their shells sometimes, so I can see why extroverts get so impatient with introverts.

My career choice (marketing/advertising) tends to favor extroverts, and this explains in part why I committed to becoming financially independent at a young age. I sensed that I would always be struggling to break through and get noticed, and it was exhausting to "play the part" every day. As an introvert, I realized I did not have it in me to continue acting the part for more than a few more years.

 

[Keim]

Maybe you checked this out already...Early Retirement & Financial Independence Community - View Poll Results. 88% introverts altogether based on Briggs-Myers...

Missed that one, Midpack. Not knowing what the various letters stand for doesn't help, though.

 

[steelyman]

I am INFJ but always had lots of people coming to my office to hang out at work.

Since leaving, I have become more overtly extroverted just to make sure I get to see people I like. I think I'm turning into "the hostess with the mostest"!

 

[Major Tom]

Not knowing what the various letters stand for doesn't help, though.

Nothing like a nice, brisk Google search to clear the air!

My MBTI Personality Type - MBTI Basics - The 16 MBTI Types

 

[MichaelB]

Missed that one, Midpack. Not knowing what the various letters stand for doesn't help, though.

Some definitions here MBTI Jokes - Page 2

Descriptions

ENTJ: Evil Overlord - Characterized by their overwhelming desire to crush the world benieth their boot.
ENTP: Mad Scientist - "Not tonight, honey; I'm inventing a gigantic robot that will melt the sun and help me enslave the human race so I can take over the world... Okay, maybe that can wait 'till tomorrow."
ENFJ: Cult Leader - "See that impossibly high mountain dappled with sharp, ominous rocks? At the very top is where we're going to meditate."
ESFJ: Control Freak - Ideal for jobs such as middle management at a large chain department store, senior bank teller, and Jedi Master.
ESTJ: Bureaucrat - Often have an abnormal obsession with being normal at any costs.
INFJ: Conspiracy Theorist - Common jobs often held by INFJs include vagrant, loony, whacko, and writer/director/producer of the television show "Seinfeld." INFJs can also be found feeding that crucial bit of information to determined FBI agents just before they are brutally murdered.
INFP: Idealist -Iirrational thought patterns may sometimes cause INFPs to run off and join the circus, the Resistance, or the Rebellion, where they tend to do well in any position requiring excellent hand-eye coordination or mastery of the Force.
ENFP: Scientologist - Always seeking the answers to the great mysteries of life, such as "Who are we?" and "How can I use two tin cans and a Radio Shack multimeter to bring enlightenment to the world?" and "What is it with UFOs and anal probing, anyway?" Famous ENFPs include anyone who has ever dated Tom Cruise.
ISTJ: Thought Police - "Keep the insanity on the other side of the internet, please..."
ESFP: National Enquirer Headline - Often die in bizarre circumstances, usually involving jealous boyfriends, exotic dancers, escaped pythons, feather boas, and falls from the penthouse floor of high-rise apartments; those who don't, usually die of veneral diseases.
INTP: Egghead - May be able to tell you how to construct a nuclear reactor from a coconut and two pieces of string, but may be completely incapable of fixing a hole in a boat.
INTJ: Outside Contradictor - Are often baffled by the strange and incomprehensible recreational rituals of other people, such as going to parties, watching television, and having sex. Instead, they prefer to spend their leisure time installing twin missile launchers in their cars to deter tailgaters.
ISTP: Psycho Vigilante - Don't often get along well with their extroverted cousins, Evil Overlords and Mad Scientists. Instead, they prefer the company of INTPs, or perhaps their pets. Romantic relationships with ISTPs tend to be drawn-out, tragic affairs, filled with bitterness, longing, and teenage angst.
ISFP: Crackpot - Seem flighty and their attention span appears short to an outsider; ISFPs live by the motto "Life is best approach--oh, look, potato chips!"
ISFJ: Martyr - You're spending the entire weekend cooking souffle for your husband's big dinner with his boss or giving over your body as a vehicle for the Shoggoth from beneath the ancient city of the Old Ones so that the Great Gods can rise again, selflessness and service are your hallmarks.
ESTP: Conman - Your greatest fear is failure. Under no circumstances will you permit yourself that kind of weakness, which makes you ideally suited for a job at Enron, where your natural talents can be recognized and rewarded.

Examples

ENTJ: Lord, help me slow downandnotrushthroughwhatIdo.
ISTJ: Lord, help me to relax my focus on insignificant details, even though any of them may cause significant problems later. Begin this tomorrow at 8:31:04 am.
ISTP: God, please help me to consider other people's feelings, even if most of them ARE excessively hypersensitive.
ESTP: God help me to accept responsibility for my own actions, even though problems are usually NOT my fault.
ESTJ: God, please help me to not try to RUN everything. (But, if You need some help, just ask.)
ISFJ: Lord, please help me to be more laid back and help me to do that EXACTLY right.
ISFP: Lord, help me to stand up for my rights (if you don't mind my asking).
ESFP: God help me to take things more seriously, especially jokes, parties, conversation and dancing.
ESFJ: God give me the patience I need to deal with things more effectively, and I mean right NOW!
INFJ: Lord. Please help me not to be so perfectionistic! (Did I spell that correctly?)
INFP: God, help me to finish everything I sta..
ENFP: God, please help me to keep my mind on one... Look a butterfly! thing at a time.
ENFJ: God help me to do only what I can, trusting you for all the rest. But would you mind putting that in writing?
INTJ: Lord keep me open to others' ideas, WRONG though they may be.
INTP: Lord, please help me to be a little less independent - but in my own way, of course.
ENTP: Lord, please help me follow our established procedures today. On second thought, I'll settle for a couple of minutes.

 

[Willers]

And, I hate to admit it, but sometimes other introverted people get on my nerves. It can take a lot of effort to get other introverts out of their shells sometimes, so I can see why extroverts get so impatient with introverts.

This made me laugh because I've found the same thing and also don't like to admit it. I think all of the time I spend around the extremely extroverted has gotten me used to letting others talk so it throws me off a bit when it gets quiet...