For a long time people that know me have been telling me they think I may suffer from depression and/or anxiety. So much so that I began to believe it. I am still somewhat open to the possibility, but my position on the matter is: so what? I'm not hurting anyone. I'm certainly not going to alter my body chemistry just because it doesn't match what is "normal". Where would evolution have gone if all species could change themselves back to "normal"?
Last night I read this article about shyness, introversion, and social anxiety. It confirmed many of my thoughts on the matter, and got me to research introversion more. Before, I had been aware of the general idea of introversion/extroversion (never studied psychology that much), but I did not know that it could be such a specific and pervasive behavioral trait. After much reading I found that on the introvert/extrovert scale, I'm about as introverted as you could possibly get.
Anyway, in the article the author references Winifred Gallagher: “The glory of the disposition that stops to consider stimuli rather than rushing to engage with them is its long association with intellectual and artistic achievement." It got me thinking about religion. Are introverts more likely to analyze the inconsistencies and problems with religion before (or even after) committing to one? How many atheists are introverts?
So, do you consider yourself more introverted than extroverted? A poll would be awesome, but I don't see an option to add one.
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Permalink Reply by Akshay Bist on July 2, 2011 at 9:21am
Permalink Reply by AntiChristianLeague on July 2, 2011 at 11:24am I am extremely introverted. My ideal day would be hiding out alone somewhere with my dog and a pile of books. There is probably at least some correlation between introversion and belief systems, but what that may be, I don't know.
My jobs require me to act extroverted. So, while I'm on the clock, I'm the ultra outgoing friendly, overcaffeinated while still socially awkward oddball.
Permalink Reply by Sean Fraser on July 2, 2011 at 2:16pm
Permalink Reply by erik112358 on July 3, 2011 at 5:50am
Permalink Reply by Dustin on July 2, 2011 at 4:14pm Well , I think your statement about depression 'not being normal so why care' is just off the wall. If this is offensive that is ok because I think you still need to hear it.
I was very much an introvert when I was 18. This turned into a serious depression where I locked myself in my dorm , didn't eat for days and stopped contact with all my family and friends. I failed all my college courses. The police had to open up my dorm room when the semester ended because I hadn't left the dorm for weeks , except at night when I quickly had to go out and get food. My family thought I was dead.
I was not a happy person at that time in my life. I got professional help and started forcing myself to socialize. Since then I have been happier and haven't been depressed.
So , think what you want about depression. It is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with maturely and if you think you have symptoms you should seek professional help because it can over take you without you knowing it. Then you'll be helpless.
I'm an extrovert now - used to be introverted. I like my life better now. It's more fun and rewarding. Being an introvert was lonely and sad.
Permalink Reply by erik112358 on July 3, 2011 at 5:49am
Permalink Reply by Arcus on July 2, 2011 at 6:27pm I'm introverted in the sense that I prefer my alone time, i.e. I have headphones on at work in my cubicle and really want an office where I can shut the door, I don't like talking to strangers, prefer e-mail over phone, etc. However, in the substantial amount of social settings I seek out, usually 2-3 nights per week, I'm extremely extroverted and open - even to complete strangers. In addition I routinely have to talk to people I barely know face to face and it is something I really like,
A limited number of very good friends, whom I trust absolutely and I know wish me well, and a large circle of acquaintances is quite common where I am from.
Facebook is a good tool in this matter I believe, friendship maps have a tendency to be more revealing than the MBTI imho. Post yours and let the psychologists in this thread go wild. ;)
Permalink Reply by oneinfinity on July 2, 2011 at 6:56pm
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