6 Things You Need To Know About Extroverted Introverts

I know that most personality tests assume that you’re either an extrovert or an introvert. But, if you’re like me, you possess traits that fit both categories. It truly only depends on how you woke up, the people you’re surrounded by, or how your week’s been going.

If you have an extroverted introvert in your life, please, never call them fake introverts or pretend extroverts. And yes, please, treat them with patience, understanding, and care.

Here are 6 things you need to understand about us:

1. We love hanging out with other people, but we also need to plan our schedule thoughtfully.

Extroverted introverts have no problem socializing. In fact, they are good at making friendships. But, we don’t want to hang out with our friends every single day. If I am going to the movies with you on Saturday, don’t think I’m going to do the same or go out for a meal on Sunday.

2. Gossip and small talk do not interest us.

Gossip is vile and worthless and small talk is a waste of time. That’s the reason why we try to change the topic of conversation whenever you talk behind someone’s back or about the weather or share with us your plans for the next weekend.

3. Yeah, I left the party without saying goodbye. And I wasn’t mad at you or at anyone else.

Because I know that if I’d told you I was leaving, we would have had a really long conversation, explaining to each other why I shouldn’t leave and I’d have got talked into staying there for an extra hour or two. Believe me – you didn’t say or do anything which made me want to leave.

4. Yes, I gave a speech in front of 500 people. But, that doesn’t make me an extrovert.

Yes, throughout my life, my friends and family have put me in uncomfortable situations which have forced me to develop some “extroverted” traits. From giving speeches in front of 500 people and participating in public debates on TV to hosting events, I truly have developed certain “extroverted” traits which have brought me success.

But, right after each of these speeches and events, I came home and slept for hours to rest and recharge my batteries. Yes, that’s what the introvert inside me always requires me to do.

5. Crowded and loud places make us feel uncomfortable and stressed.

Undoubtedly, it’ll be wonderful to celebrate with you at your birthday party, but I have to admit that I feel overwhelmed by the idea of a night spent with a bunch of people who I don’t know. Indeed, crowded, noisy places intimidate me and suck the energy out of me.

6. We can get truly creative with our excuses.

Let me tell you something: Extroverted introverts hate it when they’re invited out but simply don’t feel like going.

So, instead of saying, “Thank you for inviting me to your  party, but I won’t be able to come because I’ll be lying on the couch in my living room, watching movies on Netflix and eating pizza,” I may come up with an excuse like, “Oh, sorry, I’m on a business trip this weekend” or “I’m looking after my little cousin this weekend.”