I’m An Introvert But I Need People Around to Ignore | Conversations With the Browns

The introvert and extrovert finding energy in certain circumstances 

You probably have some ideas about the differences between introverts and extroverts when it comes to socializing. We tend to believe that being an introvert or an extrovert falls on a continuum rather than fully on one end or the other. Today we talk about one instance where we have found similarities and differences between us. Join today’s conversation between one introvert and one extrovert.

Today’s podcast is not meant to label anyone out there as an introvert or extrovert. For us, Andrea identifies more as an introvert and Mister Brown more as an extrovert. But as we said before, being an introvert or extrovert tends to fall along a continuum. That seems to be true for us when it comes to socializing with people. 

Andrea is more of an introvert. Being around a lot of people can be very exhausting. She enjoys people but mostly does better in small groups. As an extrovert, Mister Brown gets a lot of energy from being around people.  

It’s not that introverts can’t be engaged in large groups or that they don’t like people. Furthermore, extroverts can get drained by large groups and need time by themselves.  

Do you need people around to ignore? We do.

Introvert or extrovert, being an entrepreneur means a lot of work can get done even when there are a lot of people around; but only when you can ignore them.

We have seen this most clearly when we go to a coffee shop to work. At a coffee shop, there are a lot of people around, but you are alone. You are not forced to interact with the people around you. 

This is probably not the case at a social gathering. You can’t ignore people there. You have a responsibility to engage with people at a social gathering. 

Conversely, it can be hard to be totally alone for very long. We have found that being alone at home to do work only goes so far and then we want some human engagement.  

Our introvert and extrovert personalities have found common ground with working alone, but with people around. However, there are differences between us in why this works.

 For Andrea, the introvert, the anonymity of the coffee shop makes getting work done easy. Once people start recognizing her and talking with her, it gets more distracting. This might be why study groups don’t work for some people. Who wants to work when you can talk with your friends instead?  

For Mister Brown, the extrovert, the little bits of conversation, and interruptions while working don’t interfere with his focus. He can have conversations and then dive back into what he was working on before. 

We are curious to know, is having people around that you can ignore a thing or are we weird? For people who work at coffee shops, what do you think about us people who come into to do work and be alone?  

Send us your questions and your thoughts. Let’s continue this conversation.   

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