Intravert/Extravert Can you be both?

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I thought I'd write this one thread because I feel I can be a bit of both Intravert/Extravert for example I can be Intravert one day be really quiet not want to talk to anyone and if anyone phones me I just want to rush the phonecall and then the next day I can be really socialble want to talk to everyone I end up have a very talkative phonecall. Is anyonme like that or is it just me.

People who are both are called ambiverts. I think the statistics are probably off about introverts being only 25% of the population and extroverts 75% I would say most people instead fall in the ambivert range. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambivert#Ambiversion

Introversion and extroversion has a few definitions. In psychology it is generally a measure of how gregarious a person is,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introversion

and yes a person can be either an introvert or an extrovert in certain situations. Put a classic NT extrovert in a group of Aspie Star Trek Enthusiasts, and watch them become the odd one out who has nothing to contribute. Watch them "fade" and be unable to follow the conversation.

The Myers Brigg Scale tends to define introversion and extroversion by whether a person will think before they speak, as well as whether they get energy from being with people. But that is only one of the models, there are several.

I am both introverted and extroverted, definitely. But I identify with ENFP far more than with INFP, for some weird reason, and it is not because I am amazingly outgoing, it is because INFPs are careful and perfectionistic whereas I am not.

Last edited by zen_mistress on 21 Dec 2007, 4:53 am, edited 5 times in total.

double post
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On the Myers Briggs I am an Introvert though I all find myself speaking out at meetings, being a lead in various work groups.

Not the natural haunt of an introvert but I think that although I'm introverted by nature I also lack any fear of sepaking in public which many NTs do, therefore I speak out and speak my mind.

Not both, but one can be in between the extremes.

IIRC Introversion vs. Extroversion has to do with a part of the brain stem called the reticular activating system, which plays an important role in screening sensory information. Introverts have an under-active RAS, causing them to withdraw from sensory stimulation, extroverts have an overactive RAS, causing them to seek more sensory stimulation.

A big misconception of introversion and extroversion is that to much emphasis is placed on socializing, one can be an extrovert yet still be somewhat shy and one can be an introvert yet still be a good socializer. I vs. E has to do with tolerance to sensory stimulation in general, not just sensory stimulation in a social context. IMO a lot of people who take personality type tests like MBTI may often mistype themselves because the I vs. E questions on such tests overly emphasize socializing.

I've heard it's around 50/50, half of people leaning towards introversion and half of people leaning towards extroversion

Last edited by Odin on 21 Dec 2007, 9:57 am, edited 1 time in total.

Thats really interesting. But this just highlights the many different definitions for introversion and extroversion.

I have a very quiet friend who is a complete thrillseeker and lives absolutely on the edge. He is the classic introvert but looks for new and interesting and thrilling experiences....

I also went to school with an incredibly quiet boy who in adulthood went on to acting.. certainly a nerve-wracking job.

So does that make them extrovert? When they hardly speak at all?

I talk a lot when i am talking but im risk averse and a scaredycat with physical stuff.

I am starting to wonder about the whole introversion/extroversion thing, in some ways it seems completely situational, and really what is the difference between seeking risk in a social situation or seeking risk by jumping out of a plane?

It is all sensory stimulation. I think that all people have types of sensory stimulation which they process better, and types of stimulation that send them into overload, whether they are social or not.

Perhaps true introversion and extroversion doesnt really exist... a very quiet person could be a maths extrovert for example .

If you think I am talking crap then let me know.. I love debating.

Last edited by zen_mistress on 21 Dec 2007, 10:08 am, edited 1 time in total.

Your hardwired to be Introverted or Extraverted, its far more deeper than just RAS, Introverts have more stimulation internal so seek out less stimulation externally, where it is reversed in Extraverts, But you can do Extraverted stuff if your Introverted or Introverted stuff if your Extraverted... But the underline is your more comfortable doing what you naturally do, & use your other way when the environment is right...

You guys really need to buy an Introvert book...

" The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extravert World "


* Get this book & it will answer all your questions....

Last edited by logitechdog on 21 Dec 2007, 10:24 am, edited 1 time in total.

Yes this is true. But this only applies to the audial/verbal types of stimulation.

An introvert may not enjoy much verbal talking type stimulation but be good at dealing with pain, or the cold, or take drugs- all types of external stimulation.

Being an introvert does not mean you are a nervous person per se, it just means you process talking differently to social extroverts.

Since someone posted the wiki link....

Introversion is not the same as shyness, though introverts may also be shy. Introverts choose solitary over social activities by preference, whereas shy people avoid social encounters out of fear. [5]


Lets put it this way your taking introverted stuff the same way a person looking at As stuff does...

No, I agree with the quoted wiki statement. I just think the world is obsessed with social interactions when in reality people can be brave and capable in all sorts of external situations.

I think it's possible to be a bit of both, from personal experience. In situations where I'm comfortable, know the rules, where I fit etc, I can be outgoing. In situations where I'm not comfortable, don't know my place etc, I tend to act introverted.
I have found that to function the best, I need balance. I need time with people, but also need plenty of downtime where I'm alone.
BTW, I took two versions of the MBTI and came out 50% extroverted, 50% introverted on one test and slightly introverted on the other.

Probably not.

Introversion and extraversion are polar ends of one personality trait, and personality traits are defined as being persistent and occurring across situational boundaries. If you are an introvert, you are spending your days locked up in your room, reading or lost in your thoughts—always. If you are an extravert, you are constantly mingling with friends and making new acquaintances; even as you sleep, a part of your brain wakes up and does some socializing for you without you even knowing it. There is nothing in between, and people are always the same.

Yes I seem to be an odd unpredictable mixture of both. Its quite annoying!

I can be both when I feel the need to be, but usually I don't have to unless acting. I'm generally an extrovert but I can be introverted sometimes if I so choose.