Great post! Fun story that resonates with what you were saying: I have a B.S. in Psych. In three different classes I took personality tests. The first time my small and tight-knit group of classmates were objectionable to my "introversion", questioning the professor on the accuracy of the tests. In there minds, there was NO WAY I could be in innie! I heard "You are the most extroverted introvert I know!". Yep, yep. Two tests and one essay paper later, they finally understood. However, I didn't fully until I had my very own introverted child! A few years back, after disastrous mom and tots dance class experience, I read "Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child". Not only did it help her avoid the force of society to become an "outie", but it also helped my husband and I understand what we experienced as children/adults. Yay to the introverts finally having a voice! Great vlog!

Hi Jennifer,
Wonderful vlog post!! Loved it. :-) I am also an introvert, and like you, I've made it part of my mission in life to increase understanding of introversion - it's the focus of my business. You give a very clear description, and your emphasis on introvert-doesn't-equal-shy is so appreciated. I remember when I took the M-B 13 years ago and learned of the REAL definition... it was like being set free. Understanding, compassion and self-acceptance... these are the keys to the Introvert Kingdom!

And to Jen's point, I've come across the term "ambivert" to describe someone who truly falls in the middle of the introvert/extrovert spectrum. I've also heard of "high functioning introvert," but don't like that phrase; high functioning compared to what? An extrovert? Do we ever say "high functioning extrovert?" ;-) I could go on and on, but I need to process it all for a while, LOL!!

I'll be sharing this post, Jennifer - thanks for your brilliant message!

Really great vlog, Jennifer. I totally get what you're saying. I am a Myers Briggs extrovert to be sure, but a very strong balanced Libra (I know you live this realm) that then goes home and LOVES to be alone. I'm recharging, processing, etc. I am very aware of my boundaries around giving my time away, etc., so I really do appreciate your vlog.

We celebrated introversion AND shyness - just sharing - we'd written these related posts at GoodWitchBadWitch previously:
http://goodwitchbadwitch.com/2009/08/05/too-shy-shy-hush-hush-eye-to-eye/

http://goodwitchbadwitch.com/2009/11/09/working-shy-at-work-can-work/

This is a great post, Jennifer. And I really like how you used video to convey your point. Not what one would typically expect from an introvert! But that's what makes it so good. I love this idea that introversion does not always equal shyness. I have never thought about this before.

Like you, I tested way over on the "I" side of the Meyers-Briggs test. But I do like to be social, especially in small, intimate groups. Large gatherings kind of freak me out, but sometimes I like them anyway.

I must admit, though, that sometimes it feels like the introversion and the shyness feel like the same thing. Like when I just cannot come up with a single interesting thing to say in a group. It's agony! Some of my best comebacks have popped into my mind hours after the appropriate time.

Thanks for a clever and helpful post.

I didn't accept that I was an introvert for a long time, even though I had a personality test telling me that I was, b/c like you, I'm not shy. It was a great relief when I finally accepted it and learned how to use my introverted tendencies to my advantage.

Although I'm an introvert (and definitely lose energy in social situations), I fall pretty close to the middle of the spectrum. What does this mean for me? People seem to talk primarily about the extreme ends. What does a blended introvert/extrovert "look" like?

Jen

P.S. I usually don't bother to watch videos, but the idea of "I want you to see what an introvert looks and sounds like" is a great idea. Enjoyed!