Are you an introvert who can waltz into a party and shine like a diamond in the limelight?
Yep, that’s me… I’m what you’d call a strange mix of ‘introverted extrovert’.
Extroverted when I need to be, but a true introvert at heart. ❤️
I’m deliriously happy when rugged up with a cup of tea at home and also in my element when on to my second class of champagne at a networking event. Whichever situation I find myself in, I can come to life and thrive.
But if I’m being honest, I need more friends who understand that I want to be invited to everything, but I’m not necessarily going. LOL!
With chameleon-like social abilities comes a whole lotta conditions.
Those that don’t know us well, could be somewhat confused by our erratic behaviours and patterns.
On one end of the spectrum you might think of us as the life of the party, but on the other you may see us quietly in the corner fading away into the background.
What people don’t know, is that socialising comes natural to us but at a cost to our livelihood.
Think of us like big batteries, when we’re fully charged and rested we can throw infectious energy around like nobody’s watching, but like batteries our energy levels deplete, slowly but surely the internal battery that powers the persona everyone loves us for slowly decreases … and decreases… kaput!
After socialising an introverted extrovert feels so drained that they need desperately to get some me-time and recharge – otherwise they’ll descend down into a spiral of self pity.
So if you’ve always felt like you’re between these two worlds, I’ve put together a list of signs that only an introverted extrovert would understand.
// 1. You need downtime before and after any social event
Your social energy is like a carton of milk, it will eventually expire (or in my household every two days!!!). An introverted extrovert knows they need to rest up and recharge before and after any social event.
Failure to recharge means you’ll be running on critically low levels where your emotions will destabilize – sadness, anxiety and even depression are the symptoms of an introverted extroverted meltdown (the latter ‘darker thoughts’ usually are experienced during intense periods times in your life).
Essentially if you’re an introverted extrovert, you’re going to need to dedicate alone time before and after a social event or gathering where you can spend some time relaxing by yourself.
// 2. A well organised calendar excites you
You know you’re an introverted extrovert when you plan out your social calendar to a tee. Every appointment, meeting, pickup, event and Facetime is neatly organized in your calendar (perhaps in your Life Sorted app *wink*).
Your calendar is so organized, as only you know how much energy you can spent being extroverted, you’re careful with what plans you say yes to… otherwise you’ll (figuratively) die of exhaustion.
Perhaps whilst reading this you’re starting to realise you’re of the same nature and saying ‘yes’ with a friendly poker face to everything is burning you out?
Start by being *very* selective with your social calendar, spending your social energy wisely.
// 3. Small talk annoys you
You definitely know you’re an introverted extrovert when small talk absolutely drives you up the wall.
As part introvert you crave a true connection with someone, a passionate exchange of words is what gets your blood pumping. When small talk is on the menu, you can’t help but zone out and feel empty inside. You then wish you were at home watching a good Netflix series. Oh wait there’s a door… time to make my exit I hear my couch calling! LOL!
// 4. Individuals will either recharge or drain you
You’ll find that individuals have different effects on you. Highly buzzed passionate people will excite every cell in your body, whereas quiet shy people will pacify you… kinda like the different emotions felt when watching an action movie vs a sad tearjerker.
You see, an introverted extrovert is a true empath, they channel the energy of the individual they’re talking to. Basically you’re a walking human mirror!
// 5. You’ll be the one to reach out to your friends
You’ve heard a friend say more than once they haven’t heard from you in a while. An introverted extrovert confuses the closest people around them, they think that they’re friendship is drifting apart but in actual fact the introverted extrovert is busy doing the rounds with their other friends.
The silence just means they are busy trying to keep the other million people in their life entertained.
Introverted extroverts are excellent at making friends but have trouble maintaining them.
That’s why you’ll know you’re an introverted extrovert if you have a small tight group of friends you regularly check in with, and a ton of acquaintances (or Insta friends!!).
// 6. You take time to warm up in new social situations
Surprisingly an introverted extrovert is no stranger to the limelight, but in saying that they do take time to warm up and gauge a new social situation.
Once they’re comfortable and absorbed the ‘vibe’ of the party an introverted extrovert will no longer be afraid to spill their life story, or reveal their latest troubling dilemmas to strangers.
// 7. You’re the go-to shoulder for all your friends
An introverted extrovert is naturally gifted with empathic powers, they can feel when something is wrong with the person in front of them. Usually this means they’re one of the strongest emotional individuals in your social group.
As the extroverted side of you comes out, you seek to connect with individuals outside of yourself, meaning you’re a good listener with a strong sense of self who can provide great advice.
Colleagues say my superpower is inspiring and convincing other people they can do anything – this has come in handy in my work life. I just thought I had a good ear, a heart of gold, and really love to listening to people… little did I know this would become one of my greatest assets in life.
There you have it. Does this sound like you too? I’m no psychologist, but I’m definitely a self prescribed ‘introverted extrovert’.
What are you? I’d love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment below.
Yup, I’m every word of this post!
This perfectly describes me.