Some days it feels like the world tries to shove you into little boxes, but none of them really seem to fit just right. And maybe while you think to yourself that you’d rather not be forced into these boxes.
Some days I don’t really consider myself an introvert or an extrovert. Personally, I feel like I occupy an in-between space, and possess qualities from both ends of the spectrum. I’m friendly with everyone, yet I only have a few solid friendships. Some nights, I think to myself I would rather stay in, but then get lonely and wish I had gone out (or vice versa). While I’ve come to accept this as my reality, sometimes I feel frustrated or alienated, especially when my anxiety takes over. I feel like a phony, indecisive, or a flake. In these times I should remember that I’m probably not the only one who feels this way, and I shouldn’t let these arbitrary labels dictate who I am or how I live my life.
The thing is that personality typing is fairly subjective, people shouldn’t base their entire evaluation of self around these things. Yes, the many available personality tests online are fun to take and are heavily researched by psychologists (like the Myers-Briggs personality test), but they can also get in the way of one’s self discovery.
In reality, people can’t be shoved into these little boxes, and base themselves entirely off of a set model. Everybody is different and complex inside, based on their life experiences, personal views, etc. It is easy to get caught up in these labels. However, at the end of the day, we just need to take a step back and look at these personality quizzes for what they are: fun, somewhat silly, and definitely not a guidebook for who we should be as a person. We are who we are, and no label is going to shift or change that.
So to all of my extroverted introverts out there, I know the label seems like a secure thing, but don’t let it keep your true self from shining through. Relax, know your limitations, take good care of yourself. Most importantly, love yourself.