5 Things This Extroverted Introvert Mom Needs You to Know
Hi, my name is Kristin and I’m an Enneagram 3 (wing 2), Phlegmatic, ENFJ, Type A, blah, blah, blah …
Correct me if I’m wrong, but there seems to be more personality tests out there than there are young children begging for another snack.
I’ve taken what feels like all of them, because it’s so interesting to see why and how my personality manifests itself. (The Enneagram is my fav!) But the sheer number of tests and personality indicators shows that we — as humans — have an inherent need to understand the way we operate.
When looking at the Introvert/Extrovert scale, I thought I was an extrovert. Then I thought I was an introvert. But then an extrovert… and again, back to introvert.
I have friends and family who are straight-up introverts, and it’s obvious. I also have lots of extroverted friend and family members, and it’s obvious. So I was confused when it wasn’t so obvious for me.
Until — ta da!! — “ambivert” showed up: one whose personality has a balance of both introvert and extrovert features.
Ding. Ding. Ding.
I fall right in the middle of the “vert” scale — I love and need my quiet, personal refueling time, but I also love being around people. They give me energy.
I tried explaining my ambivert quirks to an extroverted family member. He didn’t get it. I tried explaining to an introverted friend how I am like them — an introvert — but simultaneously I also have lots of extroverted tendencies. She didn’t get it.
They thought it was obvious I was one or the other. But I’m not. I’m both. And that looks different than what they thought in my day-to-day.
So I’m here to let all the Intro and Extro moms out there know what it’s like to be smack dab in the middle.
When the Intros and Extros think they know what us ambiverts are feeling, but actually don’t, because it’s not as obvious as they might think.
Here are 5 quick behind-the-curtain looks at what it’s like to be me — an extroverted introvert:
1) I can’t wait until the week starts.
I love my kids and I love my husband. But I cannot wait until everyone has both school and work. This means time for me to focus on myself, my job, and my energy levels.
Yes, by the end of the work and school week, I’m ready for the weekend. But I’m also always ready for the week to come back.
2) I’m always friendly, but that doesn’t mean I want to be your close friend.
This sounds terrible, right? But it’s true. I love people, and I don’t mind being friendly or even a regular friend. But I don’t necessarily need another BF or two. I’m good how we are.
3) I suck at responding to texts because sometimes I don’t want to talk – to anyone. Even via a keyboard.
Words are draining, yo.
4) I don’t actually like small talk.
But there I go, doing it all day long. And I’m good at it.
5) I can be very charming. Until I’m not.
When it’s time for me to shut down. It. Is. Time. I have a hard time faking it.
A good friend of mine calls it the “friendliness meter.” When the tank is full, it’s fine, but eventually the gas empties out. And I’m done.
What personality boxes are you in?
Are you an ambivert too? More introverted? What about other personality types? An Enneagram 3, like me, or more of a 9? Phlegmatic or Sanguine? Type A or C?
What’s your favorite personality quiz or indicator?
