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Normally I do. I lean closer to being an extrovert than an introvert. However in the years I have lived in Portland, Oregon, I have found myself somewhat limiting the need and want. Not so much I don't want to interact thats not really how I feel. Its more along the lines of I feel very out of place and somewhat uncomfortable, with the type residents and the type behavior I see here daily. So much so that it became a big factor in needing to leave here. Which I will be very shortly come April.
So my answer is in most instances I prefer being with other people, but I'm very cautious in this particular Metro.
Normally I do. I lean closer to being an extrovert than an introvert. However in the years I have lived in Portland, Oregon, I have found myself somewhat limiting the need and want. Not so much I don't want to interact thats not really how I feel. Its more along the lines of I feel very out of place and somewhat uncomfortable, with the type residents and the type behavior I see here daily. So much so that it became a big factor in needing to leave here. Which I will be very shortly come April.
So my answer is in most instances I prefer being with other people, but I'm very cautious in this particular Metro.
Jimrob: I understand totally. My answer would be "It depends." If the people around me are whiney, self centered, pushy or generally not my type, I run to the hills. Being in social work, I generally find "most" people interesting and enjoy talking to them. But sometimes I do want my space and like to be alone. Gardening, reading, artwork, and personal time (coloring my hair) are all alone-type things I enjoy.
Why won't you answer any questions about yourself? I'm sixty-eight; how old are you?
Are you taking a poll for class?
I do not think that posters need to reveal anything personal about themselves when they post a question. Anyone can reveal as much or as little as one wants, in both questions and answers. Personal information on the part of the OP has no bearing whatsoever on a generic question—only if s/he is asking about a personal situation.
I think you could also turn the question around and ask who likes spending time alone.
Not really. Liking being alone doesn't correlate with liking (or not liking) being with others. Plenty of people would rather spend more time alone than with other people, and yet they would say they like being with and socializing with other people. I am one of them.
The range of the spectrum would be from total recluse (avoids being with other people completely, or as far as possible) to social animal who can't stand being alone and must be with others almost non-stop.
The introvert/extrovert business of often mis-understood. An introvert is not a total recluse, but is in that half of the spectrum; he likes being around people but prefers smaller groups, say, two or three or four people as opposed to large crowds. And he values his time alone as a way to re-charge his batteries. But he can be friendly and a good conversationalist.
An extrovert can also enjoy time alone, but prefers to re-charge his batteries by being in large groups of people. He values his time alone less than the introvert, and thrives by being around large numbers of people fairly often.
So a yes/no answer to the OP's question is not possible unless one is firmly planted in one side of the spectrum. Many of us are somewhere around the middle - we like other people and enjoy their company but we also need and value our time alone. That describes me.
I do not think that posters need to reveal anything personal about themselves when they post a question. Anyone can reveal as much or as little as one wants, in both questions and answers. Personal information on the part of the OP has no bearing whatsoever on a generic question—only if s/he is asking about a personal situation.
Thank you, New England Girl,
I really did not like the tone of "Happy in Wyoming's" pointed questions. I do not know what he was after, but I don't think it was something pleasant.
I was only asking a general question and saw no reason whatsoever to answer his personal questions.
Last edited by staywarm2; 01-08-2012 at 04:34 PM..
The range of the spectrum would be from total recluse (avoids being with other people completely, or as far as possible) to social animal who can't stand being alone and must be with others almost non-stop.
The introvert/extrovert business of often mis-understood. An introvert is not a total recluse, but is in that half of the spectrum; he likes being around people but prefers smaller groups, say, two or three or four people as opposed to large crowds. And he values his time alone as a way to re-charge his batteries. But he can be friendly and a good conversationalist.
An extrovert can also enjoy time alone, but prefers to re-charge his batteries by being in large groups of people. He values his time alone less than the introvert, and thrives by being around large numbers of people fairly often.
So a yes/no answer to the OP's question is not possible unless one is firmly planted in one side of the spectrum. Many of us are somewhere around the middle - we like other people and enjoy their company but we also need and value our time alone. That describes me.
I don't think that extroverts only prefer large groups of people. Sometimes people who like large groups of people use it as a way to keep from being close to other individuals. Extroverts enjoy people, whether in a one-on-one situation or in a larger group.
I'm not retired yet but I find this form very helpful in future planning, ideas and just life stuff. You don't feel so alone.
I love people, however, I have a disability and sometimes, people make a judgment without knowing me. I'm probably more comfortable being in the background but today's events have made me question that a bit.
Today was our family Christmas get together. We couldn't do it before Christmas - different groups were not available - we planned to meet at my mother's church for Scottish Sunday in honor of her (she always planned it) and then go to brunch. We left it up to the upcoming generation to plan it and they did.
We got to the church and Scottish Sunday is not for 2 weeks!! However, it was very nice, made me feel very nostalgic but it was good being with my sibs and all my nieces and nephews. We laughed off the mistake and went to brunch which was lovely as well.
Just looking at my nieces and nephews (ages 21 to 28 - 10 of them) plus my son made me very happy that they all know each other and like each other!!
Last night, my husband and I went to a movie. While there, we ran into a couple we had not seen in 6 years and had a great catch up talk. We asked them to join for a bite to eat but they had already eaten. We then went to dinner. (The movie theatre has its own restaurant which is independent but for 21 and up). Our son waited on us and as we were waiting for the meal, a client of my husband's came up and sat with us. (Unknown to us, she paid for our meal and gave our son a great tip! He told us later).
We have something to attend tonight also-just a nice get together for a couple moving back here. Looking forward to it.
It made me realize how much I really need people in my life and how my spirits have been lifted this weekend!
So, I'm taking this positive into my work week......
Last edited by Bette; 01-08-2012 at 04:11 PM..
Reason: Word
The range of the spectrum would be from total recluse (avoids being with other people completely, or as far as possible) to social animal who can't stand being alone and must be with others almost non-stop.
The introvert/extrovert business of often mis-understood. An introvert is not a total recluse, but is in that half of the spectrum; he likes being around people but prefers smaller groups, say, two or three or four people as opposed to large crowds. And he values his time alone as a way to re-charge his batteries. But he can be friendly and a good conversationalist.
An extrovert can also enjoy time alone, but prefers to re-charge his batteries by being in large groups of people. He values his time alone less than the introvert, and thrives by being around large numbers of people fairly often.
So a yes/no answer to the OP's question is not possible unless one is firmly planted in one side of the spectrum. Many of us are somewhere around the middle - we like other people and enjoy their company but we also need and value our time alone. That describes me.
If I'm reading this right, I tend to agree with this. People are complicated and there's usually no either/or. For instance, when I'm out walking I have to go at my own mobility pace; I do not want to be trying to catch up with someone who's chattering incessantly and I don't like to talk while I walk. More of an introvert, I like being at (some) parties where I can talk here and there and move around, and not get stuck in a conversation. I like doing things with others as opposed to talking: group activities where there's a common experience, like a movie group. I've also noticed that I tend to attract rather self-centered people who only like to talk about themselves, incessantly. I'd rather be alone. I like small coffee get-togethers where the conversation is on the lighter side. I don't like to reveal much personally and will do less so in coming years. To me, shared activities is better than "socializing" for the sake of it.
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I get it
Sounds like one of my questions:)
