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Introvert or Extrovert?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?


  • Total voters
    46
Whether I should be telling you guys so much about me or not I do not know but my results

Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving
Strength of the preferences %
78 25 88 22

I haven't read all the thread but link for anyone wanting to do the test.

Personality test based on Jung - Myers-Briggs typology
 
I misspoke. What I meant to say is that males with excessively introverted qualities and characteristics probably don't get enough exercise in their lives, resulting in lower than normal testosterone levels. I didn't stop being an introvert once I resumed exercising; I just became healthier and more comfortable with myself.

If that's what I said, then I take it back. I'm saying people who are introverts are more at risk for depression and anxiety, and that male introverts who undergo prolonged periods without physical activity will likely experience those problems. It happened to me, so that's just what I'm going off of. Not claiming any type of expertise here.

Introverts are more likely to be higher on the anxiety scale. I'm pretty certain of that. Depression scale? I'd say probably, but I'm less certain of that one. I've administered both the Myers-Briggs, and the Beck Depression and Beck Anxiety scales MANY times. I've seem a correlation between introversion and anxiety, but not necessarily between introversion and depression. Remember, we are talking about personality types, not psychological disorders. And I STILL do not agree that introverts are more sedentary. They may more solitary in their activities, but that does not mean that they are not active. When you add a significant depressive aspect to this, however, you would probably find someone who doe NOT exercise as much... but not always. And yes, exercise does help mood disorders.
 
The study says nothing about testosterone levels. And feeling more aggressive/cheerful/outgoing is more about the endorphins that have been pumped through your body when exercising. This does not change a basic personality type.

Told you it took some supposition. Follow me here. Exercise naturally boosts your testosterone levels. The "theory" is that testosterone makes you an extrovert. Therefore you'd expect people who work out to be extroverts (assuming working out gives you a lower BMI). But what we find is the opposite of the theory is true (again, assuming if people worked out they wouldn't have a high BMI).

Note: this does not imply an agreement with the theory!
 
Wow, some of the questions on these tests are really making me cringe.
Example: (T/F) "I tend to be more comfortable with the known than the unknown"
Um, no sh*t? BY DEFINITION that is true.

No, it's not. Some folks hate convention and prefer surprises. You just answered this question.

Oh here's another one: "You trust reason rather than feelings"
Um, EVERYONE trusts feelings more than reason. Everyone thinks that they trust reason more than feelings.

I chose "reason". I would rather consider what I think about a situation, than what I feel about that situationwhen making a decision.

And my favorite: "I tend to make decisions based on logic and facts"
Right, because lots of people are really going to say that they don't use facts and logic in their decisions.

And some people will answer that they would more often go with their gut.

I'm starting to think that this whole MBTI thing is bull.

No, though somewhat outdated, it's a pretty good tool to describe personality types.
 
Told you it took some supposition. Follow me here. Exercise naturally boosts your testosterone levels. The "theory" is that testosterone makes you an extrovert. Therefore you'd expect people who work out to be extroverts (assuming working out gives you a lower BMI). But what we find is the opposite of the theory is true (again, assuming if people worked out they wouldn't have a high BMI).

Note: this does not imply an agreement with the theory!

OK. I think what you are saying is that because we have opposing viewpoint, either there is no evidence either way, or we just don't know.
 
Introverts are more likely to be higher on the anxiety scale. I'm pretty certain of that. Depression scale? I'd say probably, but I'm less certain of that one. I've administered both the Myers-Briggs, and the Beck Depression and Beck Anxiety scales MANY times. I've seem a correlation between introversion and anxiety, but not necessarily between introversion and depression. Remember, we are talking about personality types, not psychological disorders. And I STILL do not agree that introverts are more sedentary. They may more solitary in their activities, but that does not mean that they are not active. When you add a significant depressive aspect to this, however, you would probably find someone who doe NOT exercise as much... but not always. And yes, exercise does help mood disorders.

And that's all I was saying. I know a lot of introverted types in my field, and many times, they tend to become too solitary, too sedentary. I think shutting yourself in, not interacting with people, and basically sitting in front of a screen all day is very unhealthy, and I think introverts tend to be more at risk for that type of behavior (just an opinion) just because they enjoy being alone more than others.

When I was going through that period, all I did was go to class and come right back to my room and play games or watch movies or read books. I hated going out and I dreaded physical activity. One of my friends finally had enough and said "Get your moody ass up and play some basketball with us! I'm sick of your bitchy attitude, man!" I started exercising regularly, getting out in the sun, and damn did it feel good!
 
And that's all I was saying. I know a lot of introverted types in my field, and many times, they tend to become too solitary, too sedentary. I think shutting yourself in, not interacting with people, and basically sitting in front of a screen all day is very unhealthy, and I think introverts tend to be more at risk for that type of behavior (just an opinion) just because they enjoy being alone more than others.

When I was going through that period, all I did was go to class and come right back to my room and play games or watch movies or read books. I hated going out and I dreaded physical activity. One of my friends finally had enough and said "Get your moody ass up and play some basketball with us! I'm sick of your bitchy attitude, man!" I started exercising regularly, getting out in the sun, and damn did it feel good!

But what you are describing doesn't sound like simple introversion. It sounds more like being somewhat depressed. I have been introverted all my life. Yet I exercise daily, BY MY SELF. Doesn't change the fact that I am an introvert and prefer to either be alone or in a small group of familiar people.

Not all introverts are depressed, though that may be the stereoptype that some have.
 
Almost forgot! My diet was complete ****, too. Need to eat healthy and exercise if you want to be all you can be.
 
And that's all I was saying. I know a lot of introverted types in my field, and many times, they tend to become too solitary, too sedentary. I think shutting yourself in, not interacting with people, and basically sitting in front of a screen all day is very unhealthy, and I think introverts tend to be more at risk for that type of behavior (just an opinion) just because they enjoy being alone more than others.

When I was going through that period, all I did was go to class and come right back to my room and play games or watch movies or read books. I hated going out and I dreaded physical activity. One of my friends finally had enough and said "Get your moody ass up and play some basketball with us! I'm sick of your bitchy attitude, man!" I started exercising regularly, getting out in the sun, and damn did it feel good!


Sounds like you were depressed. I don't just want I need time on my own. I like it. It centres me.
 
No, it's not. Some folks hate convention and prefer surprises. You just answered this question.



I chose "reason". I would rather consider what I think about a situation, than what I feel about that situationwhen making a decision.



And some people will answer that they would more often go with their gut.



No, though somewhat outdated, it's a pretty good tool to describe personality types.

The problem is the trouble with assessing one's self. Most people want to think that they use logic and reason rather than just their gut, but is that true?

When I look at each question, I can think of a way to make myself fit each answer, and not even ambiguously; I can think of a way to make it seem like each answer is the most obvious one for me. The real answer is that we don't know, and can't say for sure, especially when it comes to measuring ourselves.

I find it extremely hard to trust any of these tests.
 
Desire to socialize is also a function of self confidence.

Not always. Wanting to do something and feeling confident in doing that thing are not always consistent.


Testosterone will tend to increase a mans self confidence

It tends to increase aggression, which can appear to be self confidence.
 
The problem is the trouble with assessing one's self. Most people want to think that they use logic and reason rather than just their gut, but is that true?

When I look at each question, I can think of a way to make myself fit each answer, and not even ambiguously; I can think of a way to make it seem like each answer is the most obvious one for me. The real answer is that we don't know, and can't say for sure, especially when it comes to measuring ourselves.

I find it extremely hard to trust any of these tests.

Many of these tests have natural reliability factors built into them. Try taking the test, answering as honestly as you can in assessing yourself and see what you come up with.
 
But what you are describing doesn't sound like simple introversion. It sounds more like being somewhat depressed. I have been introverted all my life. Yet I exercise daily, BY MY SELF. Doesn't change the fact that I am an introvert and prefer to either be alone or in a small group of familiar people.

Not all introverts are depressed, though that may be the stereoptype that some have.

I became depressed and anxious because my introverted nature left me more predisposed towards being alone. I don't know what I'm trying to say, I guess. I think if you stopped exercising, you'd probably start experiencing some depression and anxiety; I bet it keeps you level, mentally and physically.
 
I became depressed and anxious because my introverted nature left me more predisposed towards being alone. I don't know what I'm trying to say, I guess. I think if you stopped exercising, you'd probably start experiencing some depression and anxiety; I bet it keeps you level, mentally and physically.

Being introverted does not make you predisposed to depression and/or anxiety. Introverts may be more anxious, but that does not mean that it develops into a disorder. Not exercising does not necessarily mean you will be more depressed or anxious, however, you can improve your mood from your baseline by exercising.
 
I had to vote extroverted after taking the test:



You are:
moderately expressed extrovert
distinctively expressed intuitive personality
moderately expressed thinking personality
slightly expressed perceiving personality

I did have to correct their spelling of extravert (sic). That might mean that they don't know as much as they think they do.
 
Sounds like you were depressed. I don't just want I need time on my own. I like it. It centres me.

So do I. I just don't feel absurdly uncomfortable around other people anymore.
 
So do I. I just don't feel absurdly uncomfortable around other people anymore.

But do you prefer to be around people, or prefer to be alone?
 
So do I. I just don't feel absurdly uncomfortable around other people anymore.

I don't feel absurdly uncomfortable around other people either.

Possibly the article does indicate different needs and sometimes they may not be easily met.
 
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Rationalizing. I've taken the Myers-Briggs 4 times. Once in 1983, once in 1992, once in 2003, and just now. My rationalizing score started at about 50, and has been shrinking to where I'm now at a 12 for sensing. I've always been a 100 on the introvert scale. My thinking-feeling level has been consistent at about 60 something, thinking, and my judging-perceiving level has fluctuated throughout my life. It's pretty interesting to note where you've been and where you are and how that has affected your past and current choices.

I'd also imagine that more conservatives would match with my results than liberals.

Ohhhh...that's called N now for intuitive.
 
I don't feel absurdly uncomfortable around other people either.

Possibly the article does indicate different needs and sometimes they may not be easily met.

I never said you did! I'm talking about my own experiences as a young man. I think young men ought to eat right and exercise regularly; get some sun and interact with people every now and then. I think introverted males who become too isolated and sedentary will suffer from bad anxiety and possibly depression. The reason I single out introverted males is because of the ones I know, they are the most likely to play a damn video game for hours on end. That stuff ain't healthy.
 
I do agree that physical activity is healthy both physically and emotionally. Plenty of research shows that. However, lack of physical activity is not necessarily connected to introversion or extroversion. One can be the life of the party (extrovert) and never exercise. You are making a connection that doesn't exist. You seem to be making the case that introversion is unhealthy. There is no basis for that assertion.

My guy runs 3 miles a day, lifts weight, and is extremely fit. He's still a hardcore introvert, and always has been.

I don't run nearly as often as I should, spend way too much time online (and indoors at work), and I'm still mostly extroverted.
 
Took the linked to test:

Your Type is
INTJ
Introverted Intuitive Thinking Judging
Strength of the preferences %
67 38 50 1

You are:

* distinctively expressed introvert
* moderately expressed intuitive personality
* moderately expressed thinking personality
* slightly expressed judging personality

Also took another test, liked this one slightly better:
INTP - "Architect". Greatest precision in thought and language. Can readily discern contradictions and inconsistencies. The world exists primarily to be understood. 3.3% of total population.


Introverted (I) 67.65% Extroverted (E) 32.35%
Intuitive (N) 64.71% Sensing (S) 35.29%
Thinking (T) 58.33% Feeling (F) 41.67%
Perceiving (P) 50% Judging (J) 50%

Same as many people here, though apparantly also the least common in the general population.
 
Wow, some of the questions on these tests are really making me cringe.
Example: (T/F) "I tend to be more comfortable with the known than the unknown"
Um, no sh*t? BY DEFINITION that is true.

Oh here's another one: "You trust reason rather than feelings"
Um, EVERYONE trusts feelings more than reason. Everyone thinks that they trust reason more than feelings.

And my favorite: "I tend to make decisions based on logic and facts"
Right, because lots of people are really going to say that they don't use facts and logic in their decisions.

I'm starting to think that this whole MBTI thing is bull.

I am perfectly comfortable with gray areas (the unknown). I trust my feelings more than reason. I operate primarily from my gut on my job. I make decisions based upon what I'm feeling at the moment.

That isn't to say that I can't use logic and facts (I do it all the time, and enjoy it), but my default mode is more emotional than logical.

The "right" answer, to someone else, would be potentially quite different (and is). Pick the one that seems the most obviously correct about you. They are sometimes similar, so pick the one that seems the most accurate.
 
So do I. I just don't feel absurdly uncomfortable around other people anymore.

There is a difference between insecurity and introversion. I sometimes feel absurdly uncomfortable around other people, as if I'm watching myself perform. But, I crave the attention of other people (shockers). I'm the one who tends to organize parties and create small social groups. I have a LARGE social circle, even if I sometimes play the hermit.

My boyfriend craves silence and getting away from people. If socializing were up to him, there would be no parties. He has a tiny social circle because he's really uninterested in 99.3% of human beings. I spend a large portion of my time talking and socializing. He spends a large portion of his time inside his head, thinking about things. Silence comforts him. Silence drives me completely bonkers.

After dating him for 2 years, though, I've learned to be completely comfortable with being quiet for up to 2 hours. I can't just sit and think, I have to have something external to occupy my mind (forum, anyone?). If I'm alone, I read or post on the forum or watch movies. If he's alone, half the time, he is thinking and doing what appears to be nothing at all.

I need entertainment and stimulation. He entertains himself.
 
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Took the linked to test:



Also took another test, liked this one slightly better:


Same as many people here, though apparantly also the least common in the general population.

I think the tests were pretty accurate in describing you, at least in how you come across, here.
 
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