Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

2015-05-23T17:40:39-04:00

I would expect most military folks to say they are extroverts, but I served 30 years on active duty and I'm an introvert. Maybe I'm an exception to the rule that I have in my head.

I do think that extroverts succeed more easily in the military because it's an institution that rewards outgoing and Type A personalities, in general.

So, what are you? Introverted? Extroverted? Somewhere in between? And do you think your place on the scale helped or hurt you in the military?

If you're not sure, here's a quiz (one of many on the web) to help you determine your "status."

http://psychology.about.com/od/personality-quizzes/l/blextravertquiz.htm

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 23 at 2015 6:45 PM

2015-05-23T18:45:32-04:00

I am mostly an extrovert, but I do have my secrets, then again. Don't we all?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 7:04 PM

2015-05-23T19:04:07-04:00

Introvert definitely.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 7:08 PM

2015-05-23T19:08:29-04:00

Introvert for sure!!! And that's why I go to horse college. :)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-05-23T19:11:03-04:00

Extrovert for sure.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 7:21 PM

2015-05-23T19:21:34-04:00

Extrovert with a dash of introvert!

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 23 at 2015 7:25 PM

2015-05-23T19:25:59-04:00

This a great question I like to think a am a balance of both. I teach and that in my opinion requires the extrovert side. However, I am also a person who enjoys time to focus and be at home. One would ask is it possible for a person to change for the situation?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 23 at 2015 7:35 PM

2015-05-23T19:35:01-04:00

In the middle. I tend to like my personal space and quiet time.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 23 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-05-23T19:57:49-04:00

I am an introvert wearing an extrovert mask..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 8:06 PM

2015-05-23T20:06:40-04:00

I agree with everything in the poll about introverts. I do think things through before making a decision. I do not like small talk. As a matter of fact I don't like to talk at all. I communicate better in writing, thus my poetry, than in person. I do not like change, sudden or not. I like a day to day routine. Boring as hell, but that's me. I do like to be alone because I don't have to worry about if I'm doing something right or wrong. I am really into being by myself. I'm not much of a conversationalist, but, I do like to write a lot. I don't like being in the limelight. I like being in the background. I am comfortable talking with vets anywhere, anytime. I did used to be very outgoing before the war in Vietnam. It takes a lot for me to laugh at anything. My wife is an extrovert. If it's true opposites at tracked, we wrote the book on it.

Response by SPC Neil Humble made May 23 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-05-23T20:25:08-04:00

I don't think being and introvert and a type A personality are mutually exclusive. I'm very introverted and prefer doing things alone and spending alone, but I'm also pretty high on the type A scale. I prefer to take action and get stuff done rather than wait for someone else to take charge, even if as soon as it's over I'm directing the attention to someone else

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 23 at 2015 11:09 PM

2015-05-23T23:09:35-04:00

By Nature and Past Military Profession, Introvert but like all things, Depends. I was always very shy and a Lone Wolf, Lone Operator but the Navy Corrected that in Boot Camp. Can't be too much of an Introvert Racking with 60 other guys. Also the Navy Brought out some latent skills that I didn't realize I had and they put it to use and I'm still using it. I'm a Natural Teacher and Storyteller. In 21 years got a hell of a collection of Stories and Great Examples for Teaching others.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made May 24 at 2015 12:29 AM

2015-05-24T00:29:01-04:00

I am a extrovert, without question. That is, unless I am having a bit of anxiety, then I am a introvert. Crap, does that mean I lied on my poll? Will I get put into RP timeout and have my integrity questioned? Great, now I my stress level is rising and I don't know what I should do!

Nah, just kidding...I am sticking with extrovert.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 24 at 2015 12:46 AM

2015-05-24T00:46:03-04:00

According to the quiz I am a mix of both but I know personally I am an introvert. I am not big on large social scenes and would much rather spend time with the people that I know. I guess it is probably because I find it hard to get to trust people, especially in this day and age with social media where if someone finds a skeleton in your closet most wouldn't hesitate to reveal it if they feel you have wronged them.

Response by MSgt Rob Nethaway made May 24 at 2015 10:25 AM

2015-05-24T10:25:05-04:00

Introvert with flashes of extrovert

Response by SPC David Shaffer made May 24 at 2015 10:55 AM

2015-05-24T10:55:46-04:00

I am both. It all depends on the situation I am in. My wife would say I am an extrovert though ;)

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 6:20 PM

2015-05-25T18:20:32-04:00

I like this option...the "outgoing introvert."

8 Signs You May Be an Outgoing Introvert

There are introverts, extroverts, and then there’s you - falling somewhere in between.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-05-25T18:46:39-04:00

Mainly introvert

Response by SGT Steven Montgomery made Jul 16 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-07-16T19:57:17-04:00

I used to be an introvert in my early years but the older I get, the more extroverted I get so I would classify myself somewhere in the middle.

Response by SSG Diane R. made Jul 6 at 2017 2:29 PM

2017-07-06T14:29:47-04:00

I'm an INJY on the Briggs- Mayer Scale.