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Comment by mindcrime | Hacker News Reader

I don't really know. It seems to me that there's a continuum between introvert and extrovert, OR that people can be one or the other at some times, and the other at other times, OR can vary between the two depending on context.

All told, I think I lean more towards "introvert" than "extrovert" most of the time, but on occasion I think I switch to a more extroverted mode.

I dunno, it's really hard to say. I don't think I have Aspergers though. But I could be wrong.

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The clearest I've seen it posed is this: Do you draw energy from or expend energy on highly social situations?

I'm quite an outgoing introvert, but after enough time I become mentally worn out by socialising and need a break to gather myself. Truly extroverted people I know feed off social situations and would lose enthusiasm from taking a break where I would come back re-enthused. When they eventually retreat for some "me time" it's physical rather than mental energy which they've exhausted.

I believe that whether one behaves as an introvert or extrovert depends entirely on context. I've seen so-called 'social butterflies' hide in a corner and pretend to be occupied with their phone when put in an uncomfortable social situation. Inversely, I've seen rather quiet individuals take charge and demonstrate remarkable leadership & interpersonal skills when put in a situation where there was no obvious leader.

I think this is not black or white, It's more like a grayscale.

I'm surely more introvert than extrovert, but not completely introvert. Even if I feel some Asperger symptoms in myself in certain social situations, I also enjoy to party and meet new people.

So I'm sure anyone is 100% introvert or 100% extrovert all the time (this would be really insane).

It seems to me that there's a continuum between introvert and extrovert ... people can be one or the other at some times

That is, indeed, what most psychologists believe. The Myers-Brigg inventory is bogus, by the way.

Usually, you are one or the other in social situations. When you go to an event alone, do you talk to people? Do you spark convo or do you look at your phone? This poll will be dominated by introverts. Should be interesting to see.

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