I was pretty extroverted when I was younger. By the casual measures of extroversion, I have changed quite a bit. I never had a Meyers-Briggs or the like when I was in my 20s, but in college I used to go alone to parties if my friends were busy, just to enjoy meeting people.
By 35, I was an INFJ. By the time I went to my first Escapade, I was hiding behind my best slash friend -- literally walking behind her and peering over her shoulder -- because I was so nervous and timid. When she wasn't available, I tried to lurk invisibly in corners, and God forbid that I would EVER walk up to any of those people I so admired and was so terribly intimidated by.
I'm overjoyed to say that was a special case, although I do find too many people and not enough alone time draining. I don't mind strangers at all in my work capacity -- that would REALLY cause some problems. Any place I feel comfortable and in charge is fine. I'm still great at small talk, and it does work on introverts, too.*G* I'm very good at making others feel comfortable, as long as *I* am.
One of my old bosses, who was extremely extroverted when younger and now somewhat less so, believed that most people get a bit more introverted as they get older. I'm ready to agree.
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By 35, I was an INFJ. By the time I went to my first Escapade, I was hiding behind my best slash friend -- literally walking behind her and peering over her shoulder -- because I was so nervous and timid. When she wasn't available, I tried to lurk invisibly in corners, and God forbid that I would EVER walk up to any of those people I so admired and was so terribly intimidated by.
I'm overjoyed to say that was a special case, although I do find too many people and not enough alone time draining. I don't mind strangers at all in my work capacity -- that would REALLY cause some problems. Any place I feel comfortable and in charge is fine. I'm still great at small talk, and it does work on introverts, too.*G* I'm very good at making others feel comfortable, as long as *I* am.
One of my old bosses, who was extremely extroverted when younger and now somewhat less so, believed that most people get a bit more introverted as they get older. I'm ready to agree.