All my Friends and Lovers, shine like the stars...

05:00 am - Lego

http://xkcd.com/659/

mxkillerpx

05:01 pm - Introversion Vs. Shyness

According to these tests, I am an introvert, which I probably didn't need an expensive test to figure out. Most people would agree with that assessment, and those same people would cite that it must be true because I can at times be quiet or shy. Both of which I am, but to a small degree. I prefer to think of myself as being "selectively proactive." And really, is "shy" a substitute word for "introvert?" I don't think so. So if being an introvert isn't the same as being shy, what is it exactly?

Well, it's complicated, as is most over-exposed psycho babble, but I think the best definition I've heard is as follows: Introverts are people who gain energy from within and expend energy in social situations, while extroverts gain energy from their surroundings, especially in social situations.

From all that I've experienced, this seems true. And if it is, it means that introverts are not necessarily shy, despite the stereotype. Rather, introverts can interact with people just fine, but it is taxes their energy level to do so. More taxing than it would be for an extrovert who might not feel taxed at all but instead envigorated and enthused. Meanwhile, those same extroverts though energized by social situations are depleted by situations in which they find themselves alone left only with their thoughts and solo activities. Introverts feel most normal and upbeat when alone, extroverts feel most normal and upbeat when with groups of people. Make sense? It does to me.

I've tried for years to claim that I am shy, but I'm always reminded (usually by Ashley) that I interact with others fine when put in a position to do so. I'm not the life of the party and I never will be, but I'm not (usually) a wall flower either. It feels less tiresome for me to blend somewhere into the middle. To be explaining it so casually  makes it seem calculated, but my actions in social situations feel very natural. I do proactively avoid situations that I perceive will be most exhausting, but overall I can function like everyone else. However, it's not until I'm left to my own devices and free of groups of people that I feel like I'm fully in control.

I really don't know any other way to describe why introversion is not the same as shyness except to say that choices born of shyness seem to be out of fear and choices born of introversion seems to be out of honest preference. I think most people would agree that I attack social interactions without fear. I'm not completely devoid of shy, but  I have no problem discussing any topic and no fear of being judged for what I say. At work I challenge opinions and interject my strange brand of humor whenever I can, even if I'm pretty sure nobody is going to get it. But if you asked me if I'd rather go to the club this weekend or play video games with 2 close friends at home, I'd choose the video games every time. If I say it's because clubs/dancing/bars are lame, people tend to think it's an excuse. On the contrary, those things just aren't my idea of fun. Some people meet their girlfriends in bars. That's great. I met mine on facebook, in a controlled environment, alone in my dorm because that seemed reasonable to me and efficient. I'd probably do it again, too.  She's an extrovert and we match up just fine.

The way I usually describe myself in social situations these days is that I "just don't understand certain 'social rules' that others seem to be really good at." Even simple rules like when to say hello and when it's appropriate to joke about things. I've been called "unintentionally offensive," which is something I fought at first but that I've grown to understand. I am no good at calling people and staying in touch with people. I have no sense of whether or not I'm supposed to do those things.  

mxkillerpx

05:39 pm - ISTP

The Myers-Briggs test is a psychomatic questionaire used to measure psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. It is a lengthy test, as it covers a full gamit of personality-related questions, and as such is said to be somewhat accurate if not dead-on at describing a peron's "type." This being the case,  employers seem to encourage their employees to take it as a means of "discovering themselves," which I guess can help to guide employees when deciding on a career path. I've taken it twice now, and both times I've been told that I'm an ISTP (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perception).

I've done a bit of reading about what an ISTP is supposed to be like and I happen to agree to an almost embarassed degree with some of the assessments of my "type" as they relate to me personally.

I think I'll open up the ol' livejournal once again to talk about some of my thoughts and issues abotu being an ISTP.  When I find time.

Chapter 1: Being an Introvert

05:00 am - Orbitals

http://xkcd.com/658/

05:00 am - Movie Narrative Charts

http://xkcd.com/657/

05:12 am - Notes

http://blag.xkcd.com/2009/11/02/notes/

http://blag.xkcd.com/?p=306

I had a lot of fun putting together today’s comic. Anyone who likes strange charts like this should check out Edward Tufte’s The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. It’s long been one of my favorite books. Thank you to my friend Tina for color advice, and to my brother Ricky for some Lord of the Rings detail corrections.

Also thank you to Olga and Noam for the lovely animated version of comic #442.

02:04 pm

Poll #1478591
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 8

Do you use fatwallet?

04:00 am - October 30th

http://xkcd.com/656/