Introverted vs. Social Anxiety

[bertine]

A few questions:

Are you an introvert?

Do you have social anxiety?

Do you think one means the other?

Bonus Question: Am I an introvert?

Comments

[sacramentalist.livejournal.com]

Yes. No. No. Bonus = yes.

An introvert is just someone who needs to recharge away from people. one can have social anxiety or be gregarious but just need to be away for a while.

[jonthedull.livejournal.com]

Hmm I wish I read your reply before I made my own. I can deal with social situations, even in what I consider safe places, but I will eventually need time alone or with limited interaction.

[sacramentalist.livejournal.com]

It's not a bad thing, bub. It's just a different way of being around people. And I'm not saying it in an inclusive "we're all Special" way. Some people need to be around other people. Being alone is kryptonite. I'm just the opposite way. Neither is better.

Actually, the whole personality types idea isn't a great model. I'm also a Capricorn.

[dreamwell-ali.livejournal.com]

Yes. exactly this.

I have mild social anxiety within the last few years, but I have always been an introvert. One has nothing to do with the other for me.

[bertine.livejournal.com]

That is how I define introversion. I can be social, I am not that shy (anymore) but after I do social things I have much less energy than when I started.

[sacramentalist.livejournal.com]

Well, you know me. I flew to another city to meet people I barely know. I may be socially awkward, but not really shy. But being up takes some effort. Everyone just leave me alone for a while.

Most people I associate with are like that. But I lived with someone who was an extrovert (step daughter). It's a totally different dynamic. I don't know how people can be comfortable being in constant contact with others and being alone is tough.

Again, neither is good or bad. It's just different. It's probably best to accept who we are. But pushing the comfort zone is good. Otherwise, I'd just be a shut-in.