Introducing Presenteversion: Beyond Extroversion and Introversion

Like so many of us, I have been fascinated with the many psychological models devised to categorize our personalities and decipher the patterns which seem to govern how we operate as human beings. In particular, I have always been intrigued by the simple spectrum of introversion vs extroversion.

Recently I was discussing this concept with a friend, who asked how I defined the spectrum — what was my take on the difference between extroverts and introverts? I replied that I saw myself as technically an introvert, given that being “on” — or around people constantly — drained my batteries, while being “off” — or by myself without needing to interact with people — refilled my batteries. However, and perhaps like some of you, I added a caveat into my answer, given that I felt a doubt lingering in my mind about whether the label of “introvert” precisely fits the way that I am. In many instances, I actually do derive great amounts of energy from interacting with people and have no desire to be alone. Sometimes I even fear being left alone — or more accurately separated — after a phenomenal weekend spent with longtime friends.

One solution is to call those of us who land somewhere in-between the two poles of the spectrum either an “extroverted introvert,” or an” introverted extrovert;” a generally accepted, but…