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Catlover · 11-11-2007, 01:33 PM

I agree with some of what Fulcrum says in that there is a "confidence" factor, but there is also the factor of identifying and leveraging your source of energy in social interactions. The true difference between an extrovert and introvert is whether one is generating mental/emotional energy from being with others or from being alone. And yes, I think that the source of energy can change in a person, particularly as a teen or young adult. But once you know where you get your energy from, I believe that you can work toward achieving the proper balance so that if you do not generate energy being with others, then you build in alone time to recharge and prepare yourself for social contact. In other words, being an introvert should not be a life sentence for aloneness.

Another thing that I've recently noticed in myself is that although I am an introvert (basically I'm right on the line between the two and just slightly over into introvert), I can generate energy similar to an extrovert when I am interacting with people who share my passions and interests. For example, talking with other musicians and people interested in personal development is incredibly energizing and revitalizing for me. I cannot do the same, for example, in a work-related setting for the sake of "networking" with others. That type of contact will be draining for me, and I will be thinking constantly about how to keep the conversation going and what to do next. With like minded individuals, I achieve "flow" in my conversation. Thus, I've decided that is important for me to seek out more relationships with people with similar interests. Seems like this conclusion should have been apparent to me a long time ago, but it wasn't. I used to approach socializing with a scarce mentality rather than from a position of abundance. I thought that I had to have a great conversation or try to be friends with everyone who came along in case someone else didn't come along. I am now trying to approach it with the thought that I am in the process of identifying and choosing the people that I want to interact with. The role of "choosing" is not a comfortable one for me.

I hope my comments help in some way.

11-11-2007, 01:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Catlover Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 65	I agree with some of what Fulcrum says in that there is a "confidence" factor, but there is also the factor of identifying and leveraging your source of energy in social interactions. The true difference between an extrovert and introvert is whether one is generating mental/emotional energy from being with others or from being alone. And yes, I think that the source of energy can change in a person, particularly as a teen or young adult. But once you know where you get your energy from, I believe that you can work toward achieving the proper balance so that if you do not generate energy being with others, then you build in alone time to recharge and prepare yourself for social contact. In other words, being an introvert should not be a life sentence for aloneness. Another thing that I've recently noticed in myself is that although I am an introvert (basically I'm right on the line between the two and just slightly over into introvert), I can generate energy similar to an extrovert when I am interacting with people who share my passions and interests. For example, talking with other musicians and people interested in personal development is incredibly energizing and revitalizing for me. I cannot do the same, for example, in a work-related setting for the sake of "networking" with others. That type of contact will be draining for me, and I will be thinking constantly about how to keep the conversation going and what to do next. With like minded individuals, I achieve "flow" in my conversation. Thus, I've decided that is important for me to seek out more relationships with people with similar interests. Seems like this conclusion should have been apparent to me a long time ago, but it wasn't. I used to approach socializing with a scarce mentality rather than from a position of abundance. I thought that I had to have a great conversation or try to be friends with everyone who came along in case someone else didn't come along. I am now trying to approach it with the thought that I am in the process of identifying and choosing the people that I want to interact with. The role of "choosing" is not a comfortable one for me. I hope my comments help in some way.