By Bob Difley
The subject of introvert or extrovert came up at a recent family gathering and elicited quite a lively debate over the subject. One of our group, a novelist, claimed to be an introvert, yet conducts many speaking engagements at book readings at bookstores around the country, give interviews to radio, TV, and newspaper reporters, and often speaks at library events that draw dozens of fans.
A lot of definitions of introverts describe them as being anywhere from terrified to uncomfortable at meeting new people, speaking before a group, and tend to direct thoughts and feelings inward. Extroverts are the partiers, life-of-the-party types, stand-up comics, and politicians.
Funny thing is, I always thought of myself as an extrovert, yet find that as I grow older I am more comfortable with myself, boondocking rather than staying in a busy campground, and would rather read or take a hike rather than walk the campground looking for conversation or attend a cocktail party–all traits of an introvert.
Yet, at the same time, I am comfortable teaching seminars and classes, meeting new people, and am not afraid to engage strangers in lively debates–all traits of an extrovert.
I’m looking forward to reading Susan Cain’s new book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. And I found a test online that supposedly shows whether you are an introvert or extrovert. I tested “Balanced,” with a score of 10 versus 10.9 average for all test takers (over 125,000 have taken the test) meaning in testing for extrovertedness, 56% scored higher and 34% lower.
I would bet that whether you test out as an introvert or extrovert, the result probably determines what type of RVing you do. For instance, if you like busy campgrounds, participate in historic reenactments, host at a campground, love potlucks, and attend rallies, you are likely an extrovert. However, if you enjoy boondocking, hiking in remote areas, and would rather read or watch wildlife, you are likely and introvert. You can find out for yourself by taking the Introvert vs. Extrovert test in the following link. Comment on the results and let’s compare what we RVers really are.
After you’ve taken the test, please take a look at my Healthy RV Lifestyle website and ebooks: BOONDOCKING: Finding the Perfect Campsite on America’s Public Lands (PDF or Kindle), 111 Ways to Get the Biggest Bang out of your RV Lifestyle Dollar (PDF or Kindle), and Snowbird Guide to Boondocking in the Southwestern Deserts (PDF or Kindle).
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william Fincher
Fun quiz.
I totally love nothing more than mountain biking way back in the sand washes alone.
Then riding back to the r.v. parked in the middle of the Anza Borrego desert.
However,i adore talking to people of all walks of life.
Balance is a necessity,God Bless.
Bob Difley
Thanks for all the interesting comments. I wonder what would happen if all of us were put in a room together. The comments show that we are all individuals, with our own quirks and opinions. Next time I throw a cocktail party I’ll invite all of you.
Bill
I am an introvert. The test said “The average raw score is 10.9, your’s was: 2” Perhaps you have read. Johnny Carson was an introvert. He was comfortable doing his show because he was in control. I’m like that. I can speak in public but I have trouble having a casual conversation with people, either strangers or people I know.
I like people, I’m just not comfortable talking with them. In a campground a friendly wave and a yelled “good morning” is plenty of conversation with my fellow campers. Any actually chatting up close and personal stresses me out.
I like the counter at restaurants. I can listen to the conversation becoming only as involved as I feel like being. If I want out, I can pretend to be involved with my phone or finish up and leave.
It’s a good thing I’m not a young person starting out in life. These days everything in the workplace is about collaboration with other people rather than individual achievement. I’m no good at that. Put me in my cubicle, leave me alone, and let me work.
Ron Butler
Bob – interesting. I find myself falling more and more into your pattern. I am the exrovert of the two of us and gain energy being around people. (Tom Bailes’ definintion of the two was right on.) However, as I get older, I don’t mind hanging out by myself more and more. That’s not to say that I still don’t go “wanderin” the campground to find a fellow bs’er however!
Steve’s comments about the Meyers-Briggs test brought up a good reference. When Carolyn was in mangement, she was sent to several MB training sessions and got certified to administer the test. It basically shows which 1 of 4 modes you preferr to be in or work in. It also kind of lets you know how “balanced” you are when faced with working or dealing in a differennt mode, or with someone that works in a specific mode. When she tested me, it showed that I preferred the “extroverted” end of the scale, but could operate comfortably in any of the other modes, which was good since I was an educator!!
Take care.
jerry x shea
Interesting – I find that many times, it all depends on “your placement” at any given point in time. Sitting at a table for 10 (5 couples) and someone says “what do you think of the national debt?” You may see yourself as an extrovert, but if you don’t know anything about our national debt, you are not going to “jump in.” Someone says “I found this great wine” and you don’t drink – again, your not going to “jump in.” Yes , some folks are obvious extroverts, while other may be seen as introverts, yet, there topic of conversation has not been brought up. For the record, I am very much an extrovert – however, I know “when to talk and when to ‘shut up’.”
A.W.Walker
I didn’t answer all the questions, since the choices were not pertinent at all to the kinds of choices I would make at any particular time.
I can confirm from this “TEST” that we humans are all individuals, and not prone to a ten-question assessment, like you might apply to an otter, rattlesnake or chimp. The difference in humans is their complexity, which cannot be assigned by a short quiz. It was entertaining, though. Thanks, Bob.
Beth
I was just thinking about the same question this morning, wondering especially about full-timers. For an introvert, how in the world could you stand being in such a close space for such a long time with another person? I haven’t full-timed, and just loving RVing (an introverted, book-reading, quiet camp-site introvert), but just thought I’d ask.
BTW, I love spending time with my husband while camping, but I really don’t know if I could take it for 3 or 4 months!
Steve Putnam
I found the Meyer’s- Briggs Test on personalities to be very informative. I learned a lot about myself. The test itself goes a long way to categorize a person beyond whether he/she is just an introvert or extrovert. I haven’t looked at the website you mentioned so I don’t know how good it is.
One of the things they teach you is that your behavior changes based on the situation. I am very solidly an introvert but I give speeches to large audiences, teach classes, and photograph and interview people for newspapers. I prefer being alone or in small groups but I do what it takes to get the job done.
Just my two cents worth,
Steve
Linda
Hello Bob,
When I met my husband 13 years ago he was quite an introvert and shy. He was an over the road truck driver and was use to be alone, even though he had been married before. I had camped most of my life and loved it. We surprised his family by buying a fifth wheel and took off camping. They said camping would be over in 3-6 months as he had not camped before. At first he was shy when meeting other people, but little by little he came out of his shell (camper) and now he has done a 360. We have been camping 6 years now and moved up to a 40ft motorhome (once a trucker always a trucker) and he can now keep up with the best of them. Camping has been a blessing for the both of us.
Kathy Brophey one.click.away
HI Bob,
I read your posts on RV.net all the time, I really enjoy it. Now here is my test results.
The Introvert-Extrovert Test says that I’m SOMEWHAT EXTROVERT….
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Howdy Bob,
Some of the questions I couldn’t answer because they didn’t fit me or my lifestyle, BUT it wouldn’t score me unless I answered ALL of the questions.. ITZ STUPID!!
Tom Bailes
The definitions I like best are that extroverts get energy from being around people (and are looking for the party after the party), while introverts are drained by being around other people (and are lookoing for a place to recuperate after the party). I am an introvert and I’m not terrified or uncomfortable at meeting new people, or speaking before a group. As a matter of fact I am a clown and enjoy being in that center of attention. After the party is over, just let me crash. I’ll be ready again tomorrow! But I also enjoy some solitude and chilling out alone with a book.