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> I've often wondered if this means I am an introvert. I don't hate other people

I think the most basic and least-controversial definition is that introverts feel the need to "recharge" after a period of socializing whereas extroverts want an encore.

It's entirely possible to be introverted and also gregarious, outgoing, etc... It just means you need more breaks.




That's one definition of the word, but several others are also in use, endlessly confusing these discussions.


It’s a horoscope at this point. Literally everyone identifies with the need to “recharge”. Ever notice how everyone identifies with introversion using these definitions?

Also, the most common definition people seem to be using is whether they feel social anxiety and whether or not they think someone else does. Though it’s kinda bring-your-own; the person above wonders if introverts hate people thus maybe they aren’t because they don’t hate people.

The words never clarify discussion. We should drop them and just say what we mean.


I think you're right that it's a good idea to avoid using the terms introvert and extrovert.

In my original post I was perhaps falling a bit for a stereotype that introverts are also misanthropic. A more accurate description for me would be that I generally feel more at peace when I am picking my own path through life and don't have any close or intimate relationships interfering with that. I'm not sure it's social events per se that bring me stress, it's more the sense that I am obliged or expected to perform that causes me anxiety.

What's still an interesting question for me is whether the sorts of negative health effects that - according to the article - are correlated with loneliness also happen to people who make a conscious choice to live more independent lifestyles. Is it physical isolation that causes these problems, or does it also happen to people who do superficially socialize in public but generally do so alone? Or are neither of these things a problem, only loneliness is a problem?




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