Saturday, June 1, 2013

Closet extrovert

I think I have blogged about it before and I still wonder if I am a real introvert.  I know we will be somewhere on the spectrum between the two extremes because anyone on either end would be nuts.
In the area of introversion there are often other social issues people may have such as shyness, social anxiety, or other things that get in the way.

I know I like to be out of the house; but more often than not I question why I bothered to go out to begin with after I accomplish my goal/objectives soon after my arrival. We usually need a reason to go out even if it's a half assed one such as going to get boba. More often than not the reason of "to get out of the house" doesn't fly with me because the cost will outweigh the benefits.
A great example of cost greater than benefits would be going to the beach.  There are multiple variables to consider before going out - who, what, where, when, and why.
Who - Oh you can go alone.  This is one of those introvert things that make me reconsider that title. Why the heck do I want to go out alone?  I spend enough time by myself.  A world of strangers isn't magically going to become friendly and I lack the extroversion to change that.  There are some people who can magically strike up a conversation in an elevator rather than stare you down.  With that said, going with one person is awesome while going with two is just average. If you go to a beach alone that is potentially peaceful but I wouldn't count on it being any fun.   If you go to a mall alone(assuming as a guy) same situation clothing that you do not have a sense of style for will not suddenly click with your inner fashionista.
What - What are you going to do or what is the goal?  If you say relax that is possible with a friend.  If it was alone just stay home the whole process of going out and interacting with a bunch of stupid drivers and all that is going to outweigh the benefits. If you say the goal is drinks or whatever that has potential depending on the chemistry.  Does not necessarily mean the whole guy and girl thing just overall.  There are some people who you want to talk to and others where you try to remember exit strategies.
Where - Where goes in line with what the goal is.  If you want to go far to look at something that will only last a short while then it might not be worth it. I make heavy references to value because gas isn't free and your time might be worth something.
When - I have time and everyone else does too then traffic will be terrible.  I know there are many things that are beyond our control and it can be worth it. But for those who don't work a full time job five days a week when doesn't seem to be a huge concern.  In fact going out late or right after work is cool, but who has that type of energy?
Why - Goes together with what.  With some people the logic above is invalid.  Feeling tired after work is one thing, but feeling tired but satisfied or feeling tired with a tired face from smiling too much is another thing.   There are some people who can drag me out of the house with a simple offer.  Even if dinner is ready and I can eat at home there are some people who are a reason in themselves who can justify a change of plans.

Does the desire for pleasant human interaction make me a closet extrovert?
I don't know.
Have I found pleasant human interaction?
Most definitely.
Is it bad to be picky?
Perhaps lost potential connections.
Are there ulterior motives besides friendship and human interaction?
Why don't you tell me.

Cyanide and Happiness, a daily webcomic
Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net Read more at http://www.explosm.net/comics/3189/#rhLXAlEw9htlLxLr.99
Thought it was strangely fitting.