Today's homework is a bit of a blend between the two kinds of homework I post most--the kind that makes us think and hopefully helps move our journey forward and the kind that is lighter and allows us get to know one another more.

How being introverted or extraverted affects our behavior and thought process is a topic that comes up regularly for me, because I believe that most people tend to act/think/believe from their own experience and therefore may incorrectly assume that something that is easy for them will be easy for everyone. However, the truth may be that something that is easy for an extravert (making small talk at a party) may be difficult for an introvert and something that is easy for an introvert (spending time alone) may be difficult for an extravert.

1. At this time in your life, where would you place yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 if 1 meant you were a total introvert and 10 meant that you were a total extravert?

2. Does your answer to #1 differ from what you would have answered 10 or 20 years ago? If so, how?

3. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion helps your journey toward healthy living.

4. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion hinders your journey toward healthy living.

5. Bonus: Tell us how being introverted or extraverted impacts your life outside of the healthy living arena.

I'm more introvert than extrovert, probably around a 7 for being introvert. I like having time to myself now and then. But I also like sharing activities that I enjoy with someone else.

I don't like being part of large groups. I hate that feeling of being lost in a sea of people. (That would bump me upto a 10 for being introverted.) If it's a smaller group of people I'm comfortable with, my introverted self goes down to about a 4.

I don't think that I've changed much over the years. I do know that I no longer feel like I NEED to be more extroverted, I am who I am and that's all you're gonna get.

I am more likely to get out now and socialize with the local bike club, which is a good thing. And I love spending a day riding at an amusement park with a couple of people who like riding as much as I do.

But I am just as happy to be off by myself doing stuff, because I can do what I feel like doing. Often times, being around people for too long just makes me emotionally tired, especially if I haven't had any time to myself for quite some time.

I don't think being introverted hinders my healthy lifestyle. I take care of myself because I need to, for my own well being. I'm more confident knowing that I focus on being healthy.

1. At this time in your life, where would you place yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 if 1 meant you were a total introvert and 10 meant that you were a total extravert?

Depends on the situation… with friends and family at social gatherings… 8 or 9.
At some party where I have to make small talk 3

2. Does your answer to #1 differ from what you would have answered 10 or 20 years ago? If so, how?

I was VERY introverted as a kid and used to make my sister talk for me… like if we went to the mall… I’d make her talk to the sales people.

I’ve taken Meyers/Briggs tests and the results changed when I got depressed and became more introverted.

3. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion helps your journey toward healthy living.

I was able to walk into a WW meeting.

4. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion hinders your journey toward healthy living.

I resisted going to WW, in part because I didn’t want to walk into a room of strangers.

5. Bonus: Tell us how being introverted or extraverted impacts your life outside of the healthy living arena.

I don’t think that it really does. I think that I fall VERY much on the bell curve of “normal”… I’m not REALLY, REALLY quiet or REALLY shy anymore.

1. At this time in your life, where would you place yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 if 1 meant you were a total introvert and 10 meant that you were a total extravert?

I would say about a 7.....I'm fairly "extrovert" in most parts ofmy life, but still have a certain degree of introvertedness but can overcome it if the circumstances are right.


2. Does your answer to #1 differ from what you would have answered 10 or 20 years ago? If so, how?

10 years ago, no. 20 years ago....definitely! I would have answered that with a 10....TOTAL extrovert. I was so extroverted I was obnoxious.


3. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion helps your journey toward healthy living.

My introvertedness has helped me to succeed with not having to be "out there".....ie doing WW Online rather than meetings (just the thought of going to meetings creeps me out), and exercising at home, in the quiet early morning hours vs. going to the gym where there's LOTS of people, lots of noise, etc.


4. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion hinders your journey toward healthy living.

I really am not sure, but my guess would be that it would be in respect to the WW meetings.....I probably would be able to get a lot of good information.....although, I do have all of you, as well as a friend locally that is doing WW and we are encouraging one another.


5. Bonus: Tell us how being introverted or extraverted impacts your life outside of the healthy living arena.

I tend to "not know a stranger"....I will strike up a conversation with anyone. There are two reasons that this impacts my life.....#1 being, I'm married to an introvert, and it drives him nuts that I will just strike up a conversation about anything and everything with complete strangers. And this leads to #2.....our society has gotten so into our inside worlds (I see people walking through life "plugged in" either to an iPod, a cell phone, blue tooth, etc,. People just don't talk to other people or take the time to be friendly......SO when I strike up a conversation with someone in line or in an aisle in the store or whatever, they look at me as if I have 4 heads, and 2 of them are covered in oozing sores!

quote:

Originally posted by D in St Pete:
INFP, since the first time I took it, over 15 years ago The N is the only middle-of-the-road result.

I believe I was INTJ when I first took the MB. When they gave me back my test results plotted on a continuum from extreme I to extreme E, I was pretty far out at the I end. That's the only time I've taken the FULL MB--100 questions, I think. I took a shorter version online years later and I was much closer to the I/E dividing line then and I think was closer to an INFJ.

INFP, since the first time I took it, over 15 years ago The N is the only middle-of-the-road result.

Susan, I know this might sound strange, but I'm an amazing salesperson. I think it's because of the listening more than talking, and learning very early how to "read" people's moods and respond accordingly. My phrase is that I "turn it on," and it's mentally exhausting (which is why I don't do it at parties, I think), but I turn into some freakishly outgoing, friendly, bubbly version of myself.

(Shameless plug...my uncle wrote this book.)

I've taken the Myers Briggs test a couple of times, and I always come up as an "I" (for Introvert). Once, though, my score was just barely within the Introvert range. Most of the time I feel like I'm about a 5 on your scale.

When I was a little kid I was very outgoing. I think I stopped being that way at some point because it felt like people made fun of me for talking too much. Now I'm more quiet and reserved, until I get to know someone.

Like Sheri, I'm pretty comfortable working out by myself. But I've also enjoyed some group classes where I knew almost everyone, and I especially like the one-on-one interaction with my personal trainer.

Being introverted, I do spend a lot of time alone. Eating alone, I tend to eat faster than I do when others are around. And there's more "sneaking" because no one is seeing me go back for more.

My DH is really extroverted, and he loves parties. I resist going to them because they tend to make me more uncomfortable, particularly parties with his friends. It is also a constant source of discussion that he can't understand why I don't want to try starting a freelance writing business. Selling comes very easily to him, and it's just beyond his comprehension that the thought of "cold-calling" someone or asking for someone's business makes me want to throw up.

quote:

Originally posted by Tayhudson:
People thought that about my husband too. Sometiems they still do. He is very shy. Even after knowing I would say yes (I told the friend who introduced us I'd like to go out with him)if he asked me out, he was still so nervous he stuttered through asking me out.

I also kissed him first.(Which he later told me he was SO thankful I did.)

That is SOOOO cute! Good for you.

quote:

Originally posted by SheriaVa:

quote:

Originally posted by D in St Pete:
I have trouble making friends, because most people are fairly extraverted, and tend to mistake quiet and shy for stuck up and snobby.

I think we talked about this when you had your "making friends" post, but I have that problem too.

I think I related this story before but I was in the Ticketron line once in the 70s (when I was REALLY shy) and this girl behind my best friend and I ended up in conversation with us. Eventually, she said something like "Wow, you are nothing like I thought." and wsaid she thought I was stuck-up because, every time she passed me in the hall, I would not speak or make eye contact. I explained that I did not make eye contact or speak because I was very shy.

People thought that about my husband too. Sometiems they still do. He is very shy. Even after knowing I would say yes (I told the friend who introduced us I'd like to go out with him)if he asked me out, he was still so nervous he stuttered through asking me out.

I also kissed him first.(Which he later told me he was SO thankful I did.)

Dawn

1. At this time in your life, where would you place yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 if 1 meant you were a total introvert and 10 meant that you were a total extravert?

Um, I would say I'm at a 7 or 8. Mostly I'm very outgoing in most situations. But I'm not so outgoing that I'm comfortable schmoozing. While I most of the time generally enjoy people, and socializing, I also need a certain amount of alone time and actually relish it.

2. Does your answer to #1 differ from what you would have answered 10 or 20 years ago? If so, how? As a young child I was shy. By high school I began to "break out of my shell" so to speak, and by college I was probably a 9 out of 10 extrovert. I think I have a better balance now. In high school and college I hated spending time alone. I'm not like that anymore.

3. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion helps your journey toward healthy living.

I'm not afraid to ask for what I want in restaurants or social settings. I'm also open to talking to people and finding out what works for them and sharing what has and hasn't worked for me.

4. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion hinders your journey toward healthy living.

Like Linda, sometimes I find myself socializing over meals too often.

5. Bonus: Tell us how being introverted or extraverted impacts your life outside of the healthy living arena.

I am able to perform customer/client services jobs very well. Otherwise, I'm sure it does impact my life, but I can't think of any specific ways off the top of my head.

Dawn

quote:

Originally posted by D in St Pete:
I have trouble making friends, because most people are fairly extraverted, and tend to mistake quiet and shy for stuck up and snobby.

I think we talked about this when you had your "making friends" post, but I have that problem too.

I think I related this story before but I was in the Ticketron line once in the 70s (when I was REALLY shy) and this girl behind my best friend and I ended up in conversation with us. Eventually, she said something like "Wow, you are nothing like I thought." and wsaid she thought I was stuck-up because, every time she passed me in the hall, I would not speak or make eye contact. I explained that I did not make eye contact or speak because I was very shy.

I still thank that girl for telling me that because I had no idea that my shyness was giving people that kind of vibe. I may still give people that vibe, but at least now I know to be aware of it and can better understand why people react to me they way they do sometimes.

1. At this time in your life, where would you place yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 if 1 meant you were a total introvert and 10 meant that you were a total extravert?
I'm a 3 in day-to-day life. In a large crowd, I hit -1. In a group of 8 or less, when I'm comfortable, I will come out of my shell, but I still tend to listen more than I talk, and am very careful about what I share.

2. Does your answer to #1 differ from what you would have answered 10 or 20 years ago? If so, how?
I think I had a little easier time making friends in college, but even then, I'd put myself at a 4, max.

3. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion helps your journey toward healthy living.
I don't mind walking alone, cooking alone (though I don't enjoy cooking for one), or reading alone; I'm VERY self-motivated and will push myself without outside influences.

4. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion hinders your journey toward healthy living.
I'm terrified of "working out" in public places; every time I go to the gym, it takes a few minutes of "psych up!" time in the car to push myself OUT of the car and INTO that public place where I feel like everyone is pointing at me, saying, "What's the fat girl doing here? HAHA!"

Even though they aren't.

5. Bonus: Tell us how being introverted or extraverted impacts your life outside of the healthy living arena.
I have trouble making friends, because most people are fairly extraverted, and tend to mistake quiet and shy for stuck up and snobby. It's not that I don't want to talk to people--it's that I don't think they're interested in what I have to say.
On the other hand, I'm self-reliant and tend to have a network of trusted resources everywhere I go. I learn who's dependable and worth the money (to fix cars, plumbing, etc), and who isn't. I can also sit quietly and wait without fidgeting or being impatient. I don't need a magazine or a television to be entertained...the world *inside* my head is pretty entertaining on its own

1. At this time in your life, where would you place yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 if 1 meant you were a total introvert and 10 meant that you were a total extravert?

I am an extravert. I would put myself at an 8 or 9.

2. Does your answer to #1 differ from what you would have answered 10 or 20 years ago? If so, how?

I've also been more extraverted than introverted but I'm even more so now. I would say 10 - 20 years ago I was closer to a 6 or 7. As I've gotten older, I just don't care as much about if someone is going to judge me and am more comfortable just being myself.


3. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion helps your journey toward healthy living.

I felt OK going to the gym (not great because I was self conscious about my appearance) but made friends easily with some of the woman I saw all the time and developed a great support system.

4. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion hinders your journey toward healthy living.

We're too social. Too many parties, too many committments especially in the warm months that make staying on track much more difficult.

5. Bonus: Tell us how being introverted or extraverted impacts your life outside of the healthy living arena.

I am comfortable in almost any new situation whether it be band, school functions or dh's work functions. It's nice to just feel confident and walk in to something without being concerned about what I'm going to do when I get there and who I'm going to talk to.

1. At this time in your life, where would you place yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 if 1 meant you were a total introvert and 10 meant that you were a total extravert?

I think I've beccome more extroverted. But I think that I've always tended to be that way when I'm with people I know. I seem to be spending time with people I'm very friendly with.

2. Does your answer to #1 differ from what you would have answered 10 or 20 years ago? If so, how?

Yes, I was very introverted 20 years ago. Of course, then I was still dating and going to singles places.

3. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion helps your journey toward healthy living.

My extraversion allows me to ask for what I want/need when eating out. Leaving sauces off or leaving croutons out, etc.

4. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion hinders your journey toward healthy living.

It seems the only thing "to do" is go out to eat with friends.

5. Bonus: Tell us how being introverted or extraverted impacts your life outside of the healthy living arena.

Well, I was able to ask a friend to be my walking buddy - and we're still nudging each other.

At this time in your life, where would you place yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 if 1 meant you were a total introvert and 10 meant that you were a total extravert? I would put myself as a 7, I am pretty outgoing, when I feel comfortable in a group, and when I don't I make an even bigger push to feel outgoing in a group of people who don't know me.


2. Does your answer to #1 differ from what you would have answered 10 or 20 years ago? If so, how? OH, no that much, I used to be more extroverted when I was younger....nothing scared me as far as people were concerned. But I think with age you get to know that not everyone is kind and wonderful, most people really don't care about you, they care about themselves.

3. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion helps your journey toward healthy living. I am not afraid to talk, ask questions, "demand" the best health care I can get. If I don't feel that the docs are paying attention to a need, then I say something. That wasn't me years ago, I was one of the people who thought the docs walked on water, and were all knowing. I am much healthier because I wised up.

4. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion hinders your journey toward healthy living. In some cases it does put people off and create friction....but I am never disrespectful, just assertive.

5. Bonus: Tell us how being introverted or extraverted impacts your life outside of the healthy living arena. I am a great advocate for people who don't have the courage or knowledge to ask for what they need or want.

1. At this time in your life, where would you place yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 if 1 meant you were a total introvert and 10 meant that you were a total extravert?

I most definitely classify myself as an introvert, but I would say I'm a 4 or 5 on the continuum between the two extremes.

2. Does your answer to #1 differ from what you would have answered 10 or 20 years ago? If so, how?

Oh absolutely yes, it differs. Growing up, I was terribly shy and that remained the case well into my 20s. It wasn't until the late 70s/early 80s when I became active in online communities (and began meeting the people I spoke to online in person) that I started to change and come out of my shell.

This is also the same time period when I had my first gay friends and became involved socially with a great many gay people. My gay friends always hugged and kissed me when I arrived and when I left their home, and I had previously been very uncomfortable with hugging (outside a romantic relationship). I credit them with making me comfortable with affection.

3. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion helps your journey toward healthy living.

I think because I am so used to eating lunch alone at work, it makes it easier for me to stay on track with my healthy eating.

I think my introversion also helps me with exercise, since I really prefer to work out alone and therefore I can exercise alone in my livingroom and be absolutely happy about it.

4. Tell us 1 way that your introversion or extraversion hinders your journey toward healthy living.

I was a member of my gym from late 1998 to late 2006 when it closed. I enjoyed the gym but I was nearly always quite solitary there. The only group activity I ever did was an aerobic class on Saturday mornings, and it took me YEARS of going to the gym and secretly watching that class before I EVER had the nerve to try it.

5. Bonus: Tell us how being introverted or extraverted impacts your life outside of the healthy living arena.

I am tremendously happy to not be as introverted as I used to be. Frankly, it just makes life easier! I actually get excited about talking to strangers in the grocery store line...because it represents such a leap from where I was 30 years ago.

I wouldn't want to be a 10 on the scale, but I would like to be more comfortable with small talk at parties and being alone in a group of strangers than I am now.