Some people are extroverts, some people are introverts. It’s like yin and yang, but with people.
The introverts are stereotyped as shy, antisocial bookworms who stay inside all day while the extroverts are portrayed as friendly party people who just want a good time. But the truth is – sometimes, when there’s a full moon and the stars align – an outgoing introvert is born. And it’s literally the most confusing thing on the planet.
For starters, as an outgoing introvert, you might find yourself making a lot of promises you can’t keep. Most would find this fickle/annoying, but it’s just a part of our life. In a genuine bout of friendliness and appreciation of someone’s company, you make plans to, say, go out for coffee later that day.
But you can’t, because suddenly, the worst happens… You get ‘peopled-out.’ This is a syndrome where, gradually or suddenly, people’s voices get really grating. Their very presence is exhausting. You need to run for the cover of your bed and internet, no matter what…
But the coffee is still planned. So you have to awkwardly make an excuse for leaving early, or go anyway and realize you’re going to act like a sad idiot the whole time because your battery has simply lost all its charge.
Another situation the outgoing introvert may find themselves in is over-planning. This is similar to the coffee situation, but compounded. Say it’s Friday morning, your people battery still has charge, and you plan out your weekend to include going to your friend’s wedding, hanging out with your friends and taking your sister shopping – all in the same weekend.
Bad idea when that weekend actually arrives.
Soon, your once-noble social schedule becomes a living nightmare. You have an entire two days spent with nothing but people talking to you and expecting you to talk to them. Your bravery and well-meaning of Friday doesn’t seem so brave. You’re coming apart at the seams. Must… Be… Alone…
But, by far, the worst part of being an outgoing introvert is the face your friend makes when you tell them you just have to go. Since you’re outgoing, you’ve probably made an extroverted friend who might not understand our need to be by ourselves for hours a day.
It’s that perplexed, slightly hurt grimace that says, “But we were just about to get coffee! What’s wrong?”