I do consider myself an introvert but I’m not as introvert like I once was. I wish I was more quiet because I can talk people’s ear off and usually stuff they have no interest in, i.e. twitter. Of course, this really only happens to people I know. I don’t really go out my way to talk to new people.

Maybe I’m just a different kind of introvert. I guess it depends on your definition of an introvert.

Oops. I didn’t see the ambivert part of this post. I didn’t read far enough. I guess I’m an ambivert.

It’s hard being an introvert when everyone around you is an extravert. Societies around the world value extraverts more and it is downright exhausting for the introvert to become an ambivert in social situations. My default setting is introvert but I’ll put on the social face when I have to.

Meh, when around ppl for the first time, I am totally introverted, I won’t say anything, but I may not listen to what they may be saying either … usually, I do listen and adapt to who that person is, in order to bring down their defenses “omg we’re so alike” … “no, we aren’t, that’s me fitting in just enough because I know how the western social has something against ppl who are different” I often do come out an introduce myself, but like to converse before hand.

It’s really all a game, read ppl and target what you know in order to maximize charismatic appeal. I become extrovert the more familiar/involved I am with a person/group, even if I know nothing about them.

In terms of extro/introversion, there is always a balance in each setting. At work it’s more important to be an extrovert because communication drives business and innovation, that’s not to say one has to be an extrovert at life; only its advisable in that situation.

Working in groups is the same, because it’s about communication and expression of idea directions.

As for being around extroverts, I’d say it’s necessary to express as best as possible through ideas and quality showings. Just put on a smile and keep watching their faces. Also, it’s not important to blabber, but if something needs explaining, it is best to be able to do so.

Personally, I find conversation useless unless the “state” has changed … “status update.” Though, playful conversation is more of an enjoyment issue than productivity. ^^ cheerios

@Ryan A: I very much agree that it’s a game. I think introverts have it harder - not only is it an effort to find common ground (like anyone can have) but to be demonstratively engaging.

I’m also an introvert as I speak little and am not that outgoing. Working on a project solo is perfectly fine for me but I work well in a team too, just that I would be speaking much. Observing others seem to have become a trait of mine and while observing, I learn and sometimes pick up things from the others here and there. Example: What topic interest them, their character, their behavior, etc.

I sometimes try to “connect” with the person with topics that the extrovert and I would be familiar with but common ground between an extrovert and introvert is rare. What I realized is that due to the difference in personality, interests somehow differ too. Hence, I fall back on general world topic (like US elections, world recession, etc) to keep the conversation going. @_@

I’m pretty much on the same boat as Ryan on this one. I become an extrovert when I get accustomed to the person/environment, or if I deem it to be necessary. The workplace I have unleashed the extrovert in me, and that’s all for the better. But still, finding that ‘common ground’ can really be an issue, especially if you barely know the person. Then again if you genuinely want to get to know the person better you can always ask them about their interests and actively seek for that ‘common ground’ instead of staying passive.

@Hynavian: How do the interests differ? There are some obvious ones, like clubbing vs. staying at home but in terms of topics of discussion, I’m drawing a blank.

@usagijen: I also agree that it’s for the better. While I enjoy being passive and more observant, realizing when to mimic (because I never feel it’s genuine) has been quite beneficial.