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Last week's reflection on introversion and extroversion generated a lively dialogue. Some of you clearly saw yourselves ensconced in the "I" or "E" camp, while others said "It depends." Some took the Quiet Quiz we posted on Facebook, and came out as "amibiverts" (what the heck does that mean)? With all the fuzziness, is the distinction useful or just confusing?
I also could fit the ambivert profile, and I also answer survey questions, "It depends." It depends whether or not I know people at the party. It depends on the project whether I need team effort and brainstorming over beer, or time alone with a laptop and coffee. It depends whether I have spent the previous week alone or surrounded by a houseful of lively guests.
Since our culture is habitually extroverted, it takes extra effort to consider introverted options when making a wise and self-aware choice. Since I lean toward introverted but most often work in highly interactive roles, I am always teetering between too much social contact and not enough. Following are a few of my strategies for maintaining the balance.
I do a lot of writing (journals, lists, plans, messages, articles). Writing nurtures my need to think things through and offsets the discomfort of speaking on my feet and making decisions on the fly. The more time I spend mulling things over, the better the outcome in the moment of action.
I schedule and protect solitary time. I get up early to to read, write, and sometimes meditate before engaging with other people and the outside world.
I monitor the calendar. When I see a bulge of social activity coming up, I make extra effort to retain white space between commitments and to schedule recovery time after the bulge has passed.
I seek out other introverts. We enjoy 1:1 conversations that get into some depth. Finding a soulmate at a party or meeting helps me function effectively in a setting designed by and for extroverts.
The experience of living and functioning in an extroverted society is a dance between polar extremes like yin and yang. On the one hand, we are connected; on the other hand we are individuals. Each of us has a unique way of moving back and forth between those poles in a way that optimizes energy and productivity.
How does it work for you? | 
