What does it MEAN to be an extrovert? I wrote about my own experiences with the label, and the sometimes specious science behind the introvert-extrovert binary, for the Guardian: www.theguardian.com/wellness/202...

I’ve been a ‘people person’ since before I could talk. But am I an extrovert?

Making friends and communicating is a joy to me – but my outspokenness can also be a thin veneer masking anxiety

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I've seen the "where you get your energy" definition in action with my family. My brother and I are very outgoing but we absolutely will implode if we don't get alone time. My sister in law is quiet and cautious but gets out-of-sorts unless she can get out into world to events and outings.

I'm never sure if I'm an extrovert or just loud.

I’m introverted & talk too much when anxious. If spiraling, I can’t stop. My Mom, an “extrovert” has never dined in public alone. She says she isn’t “fearless” like me but but I’m not fearless. I saw her anxiety & my own & pushed through. In time, dining alone transitioned from fear to joy.

Wow 🩵 Three comments: 1: Quote! ⭐️ “I always get the sense that people … see themselves as awkward when they are really just being humans.” Big 2: Yes 🙌🏻 -I was pleasantly surprised to see, though, that I am now only in the 71st percentile for neuroticism. Now that’s news.- 💥 3: A 25% difference!

I used to be a people person, but people ruined that for me. :)

As one of the more naturally quiet-anxious people, can I just say that the louder friend-making types are my favourite? That’s how I made most of my friends when I was a kid. Some random child would be all “let’s be friends” and it was such a relief. Ha.

This was well-written, thanks! Perhaps "energy" isn't the proper term but there absolutely *is* a physiological element to it. When I join my extroverted wife at social events, after several hours I'm absolutely exhausted and irritability sets in, and it's not by choice. I generally like people. :)

I’m excited to read this! Heard you mention it on BtB and have been looking forward to it. 😁

this is great!! Love reading about how these definitions have changed over time.