Oh leftovers, you make lunch so darn easy.
Dinner last night was one of our favorite go-to simple winter dinners: Italian sausage with peppers and onions. It’s a set it and forget it kind of meal that tastes great every time!
For lunch I ate a bowl of the leftover Italian chicken sausage and veggies with a side of cheese toast, prepared on a honey wheat English muffin.
Veggies, lean protein, whole grains! Woo!
Now brace yourself for some long-winded psychology talk. I just kept goin’ and goin’ on this one because I could talk about psychology and Myers-Briggs for hours. I find it fascinating!
Introvert vs. Extrovert
When I was a senior in college, I interned in the public relations department at the Florida Municipal Power Agency. I briefly touched on the positive experience I had at the company in the post where I met up with my former boss, Mark, for lunch on the day I announced we were moving to Ocala on the blog.
In that post, I mentioned how the company had every employee take the Myers-Briggs personality test so everyone could better understand their coworker’s personalities. Every employee’s results were then posted outside their office, which was helpful to me because I knew before approaching a colleague the ways that they preferred to communicate.
After answering a lot of questions, the Myers-Briggs test assigns you letters to define your personality:
- Extroversion (E) or Introversion (I): Do you prefer to focus on the outer world or on your own inner world?
- Sensing (S) or Intuition (N): Do you prefer to focus on the basic information you take in or do you prefer to interpret and add meaning?
- Thinking (T) or Feeling (F): When making decisions, do you prefer to first look at logic and consistency or first look at the people and special circumstances?
- Judging (J) or Perceiving (P): In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options?
I honestly cannot remember all of my letter results (I wish I would’ve kept them!), but I do remember that I was labeled an extrovert. This didn’t really surprise me based on the stereotypes I had in my head for what I thought classified people as an introvert or an extrovert.
You know, the crazies of the world. 
As I began to talk with the woman from Myers-Briggs who administered the test and my boss, I actually realized that I have a lot of introverted tendencies. They told me that from a psychological standpoint, this is quite common. Many people are both introverts and extroverts, with one side only slightly dominating.
I also found it fascinating when my boss told me that his wife is actually an introvert. His wife was one of my favorite professors in college and was as bubbly and outgoing as they come.
Knowing that she tested an “introvert” helped me understand that the Myers-Briggs test didn’t determine whether you were an introvert or an extrovert the way we seem to. If you’re quiet, you must be an introvert. If you’re loud, you must be an extrovert. Not so with Myers-Briggs!
It boiled down to where you get your energy, the woman from Myers-Briggs explained. Extroverts get their energy from the outside world while introverts get their energy internally, she said. Introverts often need alone time to feel rejuvenated and alive, but they can still be quite outgoing! Extroverts feel alive around people, but may still be rather quiet in social situations, according to Myers-Briggs.
I feel like I flirt with the line between extroversion and introversion. I definitely feed off the energy and excitement of others, but I absolutely need alone time to recharge and collect myself before go-go-going.
When I think of someone who is a true extrovert from a Myers-Briggs standpoint, I think of my good friend Merri. She is so fun, social and excitable and when we talked about this before, she said that she could be around people for days and days on end without feeling the need to be by herself.
I guess that’s where my introverted side comes in.
I love being around people, but need time to myself. This was something Ryan actually learned about me when we moved in together (see point number four on this post), and something that he thought was a little unexpected given the fact that I am rather outgoing in social situations. I get excited, talkative and energetic around people, but I love being by myself at times, too.
I think that’s why I really, really loved the Myers-Briggs test. At times I’ve felt like people expect me to be able to go, go, go and be outgoing all the time because I am naturally rather social, but I do need time to myself to recollect and I find too much social stimulation draining.
If you’re a psychologist, I’d love to learn more about what you think of the Myers-Briggs test and how you personally define introversion and extroversion, as I know there are a lot of opinions and studies out there.
Question of the Afternoon
- Would you define yourself as an introvert or an extrovert… or a bit of both?
- Do you feel like you get the most energy from being around others, or do you need time alone to feel rejuvenated?
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Cool post! I’m definitely both. I love being around people, but I’ve gotta have some “me” time! 🙂
Love these kind of personality analysis. I truly believe I’m an introvert with a lot of social skills… or so I like think on that last part ;). I really value (and enjoy) my alone time and can become irrationally overwhelmed and moody if I don’t get it. I’m interested to see if any psychologists comment, too!
I love this!! Mostly because I can define myself as both an introvert and extrovert at certain times. And you’re right, we all have preconceived notions of what exactly either or are, and if we suspect someone to be an introvert, and then find out they’re actually quite social, it’s mind blowing! lol And vice versa. My undergrad is in Psychology, and this particular test was one of my favorite to learning about.
Oops! *favorite to learn about
This is such a good post! A family friend first introduced me to the Myers-Briggs test about a year ago. It has interested me ever since! The first time I took the test (in lonely winter time) I was an INFJ & then I re-took the test a few months later (In July) and was labeled a solid ENFJ. I wonder if others go between the two also?
I used to think of myself as an extrovert but as I’ve gotten older I’ve noticed more and more introverted tendencies. I used to thrive on being around people all the time until I moved to a new location where I was completely on my own. I grew to like my “me” time and now I crave it.
guilty: I’m a true extrovert through and through. I’m actually happiest when I’m surrounded by people, and I’m not a huge fan of chilling alone.
at least I admit it, right? 😉
oh i love all this stuff. i have a B.A. in psychology (with a concentration in health), so we talked a lot about introversion vs. extroversion and such. i absolutely agree with the woman from Myers-Briggs – that it is based off of where you tend to “refuel” and get your energy from.
i’m just like you said you were – right on the line of introverted/extroverted. when i’ve taken this test and others, they usually all came out at about 60% extroverted 40% introverted. i LOVE people, but i also LOVE my alone time. too much of either can drive me bonkers. i like a good balance!
Kind of both. I thrive around other people, but I’m also pretty shy at first.
We did the Myers-Briggs during our marriage counseling. I thought that it was extremely helpful in shedding light as to why my husband hates going to parties. I thought he was just a stick in the mud, but really, it’s just his personality.
Also, it told us that when we have kids he will be the disciplinarian and I will be the big softy. We already saw this scenario at work with our dog. I would love to have her sleep and snuggle with us on the bed. And Matt is absolutely against it. He’s always telling her no, when I just want to squeeze her!!
It was really interesting.
i love that you did this in marriage counseling! the woman from myers-briggs actually said it has proven EXTREMELY helpful for couples to know about each other’s results! i can see how it would completely.
It really was. At this point we’d been together 4.5 years and 1.5 years, but this truly helped us to see where the other person was coming form.
My husband and I did the Myers-Briggs test in marriage counseling too! We went to the same undergrad, and all the freshmen take the test the first week there. We got married right after we graduated, and both of our letter combinations changed in just 4 years! I was an ENFP and now I’m an ENFJ. It was very interesting to review our test results at the point in our life right before we got married. I highly recommend it!
i think i’m definitely both! i love to be around people, but it’s also important for me to do things that make ME happy to rejuvenate my system and charge me up!
Fun post! I would say I’m right in the middle.
I love this! I’d say I’m a bit of both and I really think it depends who I am with and the situation I am in. When I’m in a familiar situation or with familiar people, I’m definitely an extrovert. New people, new situations tend to make me more of an introvert.
I’ve taken this test before and my results were introvert, which totally shocked me at first but when I read more of the explanation about it. I love being around people but I definitely get my energy internally and need my alone time. My husband also took the test and oddly enough we had the exact same score not sure if this is a good thing or not haha. so far it’s good
I’m about 80% introverted, but can be really extroverted around people I’m close with. 🙂
I have been through MB multiple times and the only thing that has ever changed on mine is the E to an I. I learned that the E/I also indicates how you process information. An E wants to talk about everything. They are think out loud kind of people. While an introvert needs to think things through internally and then may come back with questions. This is VERY important to know when you are making decisions in a group setting as the E’s will dominate the conversation and by the time the I’s processed enough to have input or questions, the decision may already be made.
Just some additional info. I am an ISTJ.
The Kidless Kronicles
this comment makes me think i’m even MORE of an introvert. i have a really hard time talking about negative things in my life and tend to let it fester and get under my skin. ryan, on the other hand, needs to talk about everything. i also like to take time to REALLY think about things before giving an answer or a reply. i can see how introverts ideas might get lost in the shuffle in a work or school-related situation. thanks for the comment! very interesting!
Wow. That’s so interesting! Really made me think!
I would say I’m a bit of both. I love being around people, but I’m not a “chatter” and don’t really enjoy small talk. I’m also terrified to speak by myself in front of more than probably 5 people. But I’d say I get my energy from both time alone and being around others.. it depends! I’d probably say I’m more on the introvert side, but now I’m not sure! I like the idea of what Anne said above about considering these tendencies in marriage counseling! Probably great preparation.
A bit of both, I do tend to get energy from people but at the same time, I get easily get sick of people and quick and really cherish my “me” time. I am also typically quieter and not very outgoing which points to introvert. So I am probably more of an introvert than extrovert.
My boss just had us take that and email each other the results. It is very interesting!
I love tests like these–we had to do them when we were hired as personal health coaches as well–helps us be better coaches!
I am a lot like you, actually! I LOVE social things, I am quite outgoing, and I am talkative. BUT I def nees my space and personal time. It is a HUGE need I had–and something my husband had to learn as well!
Love this post 🙂
I own a book called the Introvert Advantage which helped me realize that i am indeed an introvert, as I need time to myself to rejuvenate, but I am still fairly outgoing. I’ve always classified myself as an introvert though an it’s taken me a very long time and loads of practice to be outgoing and bubbly in social situations. When I was younger I was much more shy and reserved.
I am definitely an introvert. I really enjoy my alone time and I drive myself to do everything in my life! Haha not that I don’t like other people though!
i’m most definitely an introvert. i need alone time to feel energized and living alone works fabulously for me (minus the extra $..but to me, worth it). i am often “in my head” and over-analyzing things, which can make me seem standoffish in real life unfortunately! i am very quiet/shy until you get to know me. i’m a lot like my dad, whereas my mom and brother are the complete opposites!
I think I have tendencies of both, but lean a little more towards extrovert. I love to be around people andcan talk to anyone about anything, but at the same time I have no problem spending a day by myself for some “me time,” which is usually me doing absolutely nothing haha.
It’s so common to perceive the words “introvert” and “extrovert” in the sense of outward personality, but, like you said, it’s not all it. I’m definitely a huge mix of both, and I don’t really dominate in either. It really all depends on the situations, who I’m with, and what I’m doing.
I scored really high as an Extrovert on the MB test, but when I talked to the counselor about it, she said it was also really common to want “alone” time to re-charge… which is exactly how you describe it!
Indeed, I do get excited and I am very sociable, but I do love being alone too. At first I thought it was weird, but now I’m used to it, as are most of my friends and family. In the beginning, I wouldn’t realize I needed alone time and would instead be grumpy to my loved ones, and they would tell me to go “be by myself” (in a nice way!)
Now that I have a roommate, I have to be cognizant that when I start to feel annoyed, I need to remove myself before I take it out on her. It’s still a learning process!
Btw, I LOVE psychology too! Cool post 🙂
I’m certified to administer the instrument and it really is interesting and valuable in a lot of situations. I’ve mostly administered it for work teams and volunteer groups (since I do it as part of my job), but agree that it is SUCH a useful tool for couples as well.
I’ve found that the Intuition/Sensing dichotomy is a biggie when it comes to harmony in relationships — when a couple (or a pair of co-workers!) has that N/S preference in common, they tend to view things in a similar way. When they don’t, it can take a lot of work to get on the same page.
I just read your Swamp Beast post – so funny! My husband is the swamp beast in our apartment, and I’m always trying to take a shower before him (ie – before the bathroom becomes a swamp). 🙂
I took this test in high school and was an extrovert, which made perfect sense. I was one of the “crazies” like you! It wasn’t until after college that I found myself enjoying more “me” time. I totally think that I toe the line between the two, like you. Really interesting post!
This is a really interesting post! I stereotypically assumed that an extrovert was loud and an introvert was quiet – I’ve never really looked into the deeper aspects. I’ve never taken the M-B test but I think my intro/extroversion depends on my mood and the people around me. I think certain people and situations really bring out the extrovert in me and I usually prefer to be in company than alone but I love having time to myself to bake, read, watch a movie or just be silent! I also am someone who will take a step back and become introverted if i’m surrounded by extremely extrovert personalities.
I need to make that sausage for dinner one night. It looks, and sounds, delicious. I am all for green peppers at this point. I wonder how it would take with some mushrooms thrown in. I made a dinner with sauteed mushrooms, green bell peppers, and onions last night and the mushrooms were amazing! Recipe is on my blog, though it isn’t my original recipe. 🙂
As far as introvert vs. extrovert, I am both. I NEED alone time to recharge. Its something my husband and I are always working through as he recharges by spending time with me. I tend to be more outgoing in social situations than he is, but I also love, love, love spending time at home doing nothing. If I am trying to problem solve, I do better talking about it – a LOT. i need someone to bounce ideas off on – once I am ready to talk.
When I took the Myers-Briggs, it showed me as being more introverted.
I’m definitely a bit of both. It really depends on the people and situation. I can be around some of my friends 24/7 and feel super amped and energetic, but some other situations and people cause me to need some alone/recharging time. Super interesting! Now I want to take the test but holy cow it’s so long!
I tend to be slightly more introverted. I definitely crave my alone time and get a little crabby when it doesn’t happen for a day or two!
The first day of pre-marrital counseling me and my husband took the Myers-Briggs. The differences our pastor saw from the test in our personalities have certainly been seen in our marriage. Its an excellent tool to reference to when me and my husband get in in one of those disagreements that seem unresolvable. Understanding each othera point of view helps us compromise so much more efficiently.
Me and my husband are moderate (we can go back and forth) in all the categories except J or P. I am an extreme J and he is extreme P. Most of our arguments are over planning! We worked on this a lot during counseling and Myers-Briggs was and and still is such an indispensable tool.
I love this! I had to take this test at my last job, and since I am a pack rat I still have all the info. I am a ENFP! I found that I was really in the middle with a lot of them. Either way it is really cool to look at what you are, and how you relate to other people’s personalities.
definitely a bit of both. I always say needing my alone time has something to do with me being an only child but I really thrive and enjoy being around other people.
I’m definitely an extrovert most of the time, but treasure my alone time to recharge. My husband is as introverted as they come, so I guess opposites DO attract (cue Paula Abdul)
I really like that test, too! I’m an ISFJ – and now that you wrote this, it made me remember that whole introverted/extroverted basis. And it does totally makes sense when it was explained to me. Because when you hear introvert, some might immediately assume that person can’t talk or do anything publicly. But it totally is more about the downtime, and makes being introverted a little but more understandable.
I obviously love being around people, but do totally love my downtime – true introvert haha. This test also helped my husband better understand me!
I could totally geek out on Meyer’s Briggs with you for hours! I took this a few years ago (I’m an ESTJ) as a manager group in my company and then had all our teams and direct reports take it too. Super interesting stuff that can come out of that. It definitely helped explain some people!
This is sort of similar to the free giveaway that I had on my blog. What I learned was the color personalities but after listening to audios by jerry Clark about the different types of personalities I now know why within the first few minutes of meeting someone they will tell me their deepest secret (literally happens all the time) and I learned how to communicate with my hubby better so I don’t talk his ear off haha!
I really think if all people in relationships listened to these cd’s or took the personality tests it would make their life SO much better 🙂
I’m happy to report I just took the Myers-Briggs test on Tuesday! I’m going to school for my bachelors in Psychology and hoping to get my masters someday to become a therapist. I’m more on the extrovert side of things but I still need time to myself to get energy such as working out and reading blogs 🙂 My test results were ESFJ! Awesome post!
My boss made us take the test too, so he’d know how to deal with us. When I told him I was ISFJ, his response was, “Oh, crap!” Still not sure how to take that… 🙂
I work in Career Services on a college campus and we use the Myers Briggs all the time with students to help them understand themselves better. The first couple times I took the assessment I scored as a high E. When I started my most recent position I had to take the assessment again and barely scored on the E side. At first I thought this was really odd. However, when talking to the other counselors in my office, they reminded me that as we get older, we settle into our true types and that they can shift somewhat over time. Being a student through my undergraduate and graduate careers was really what kept my E so high. Now that I have more of a “normal” life, I’ve really settled into my true personality…which I like to refer to as “extroverted with introverted tendencies.” I love it! Another assessment that we use quite a lot is StrengthsQuest (or Strengths Finder for non-higher ed purposes). I love how it looks at our natural talents and how we can make them true strengths (as opposed to always focusing on improving our weaknesses). When you combine the results from the two assessments, then you can really have some fun. 🙂
I am FOR SURE an introvert (INTJ, if I remember correctly). I love having time to myself, and, even though I do like to go out, I need at least one day to myself to recharge.
I’m like you – I am an extrovert around people, but I LOVE alone time and can’t be social allll the time. I took one of these tests back in college but don’t remember what i got.. I wish we could find a link to take it again!!
I would guess that I am considered an introvert. I enjoy alone time so much and enjoy being alone with my own thoughts. I think that’s one reason why I enjoy writing so much. It gives me time to reflect and refresh. However, sometimes I crave being around people and need human interaction. I agree that most people are probably a mix of both, leaning slightly toward one side.
Well, first, I’m an introvert, but only recently (as in, late in college) did I show up as an introvert. I think I’m an ISFJ, but I’m one of those 60/40 Introverts.
I’m in graduate school for psychology, and actually most personality psychologists don’t really use the MBTI. In my experience, it’s more of a tool for HR departments, career advising, and sometimes marriage/counseling. However, the idea of introversion/extraversion as where you draw your energy is pretty widely accepted. There are some really interesting studies & theories about introversion/extraversion — one to look into if you’re interested is Eysenck’s arousal theory.
If you’re interested, though, the Big Five is another personality test that is really widely-used; one of the dimensions is extraversion, so you can figure out where you fall on that test’s conception of introversion/extraversion (which is closer to where the field of personality psychology stands than the MBTI).
What a great post! I would have to agree that I’m both an extrovert and introvert. I love being around people and love the social settings, but at the same time I love my alone time just as much. My husband is more of an introvert but our personalities balance each other out. 🙂
I took the test for school once and I’m an extrovert. I have my results somewhere haha 🙂 But I’m like you and need my alone time just as much as I need my social time.
Very cool discussion going on. I think I’m truly an introvert and feel best hanging out with people after I’ve had plenty of time to myself that day. I definetely come alive around people (it would be strange if I only came alive when I was alone…), but I feel re energized after doing things on my own too.
90% of the time I dont mind spending all weekend in the house, cooking, baking, and watching sports, just me and the finance, but every once in awhile I feel the need to go out and about, but give me my own time and space if you want me the most happy.