The Evolution (or De-evolution?) of My Introverted-ness

Monday, September 9: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth."

I actually ended up taking the test twice, because I accidentally closed the results window the first time- oops.  I took the test for the second time one day later, and actually got the same results.  So at least I know the test is somewhat reliable! 

My results: INFJ - Introvert iNtuitive Feeling Judging

I would say I agreed with about 70% of the description of my personality and tendencies.  What I found most interesting was that the test results stated that I show a slight preference (22%) of introversion over extraversion.  I have always identified as an introvert.  I've always enjoyed being alone, it takes me a while to feel comfortable around people I don't know well, and I tend to be a pretty private person. 

So at first the low percentage of preference for introversion (22%) kind of surprised me.  But as I reflected on it more, I came to the realization that I have really become less and less of an introvert during my adult life thus far.  I think this shift probably started during my college years- moving away from home for the first time, meeting all new friends, discovering more about who I am, etc.  But each "phase" of my life since then has also helped me become less and less introverted (not that being an introvert is a bad thing by any means).  Some more events/changes that have made me less of an introvert:

-As a teacher, you basically perform in front of an audience all day, everyday.  Sure they're "just kids," but you are still on display and whether you're faking it or not, you sure as heck better appear confident and comfortable in front of them!
-Moving to Houston to be with David was the first time that I was in a new setting where social structures and opportunities for making friends and socializing weren't "built in."  College is full of these, and in Los Angeles I had the structures and network of Teach for America to help me meet people and make friends.  In Houston, I didn't have any of this.  It was the first time I realized how hard it is to make friends as an adult.  Admittedly, I didn't really do a good job of putting myself out there while in Houston, but at least I had that experience to show me what I would need to do the next time. 
-Becoming an expat has also made me less of an introvert.  While there are thankfully some structures here (through my husband's company) to assist in the friend-making process, I still struggled with this here.  My introverted-ness actually has been useful here since I do spend the good majority of my days alone (stupid long long work days and 6-day work weeks), so it's a good thing that I really don't mind being alone.  However, I've exercised my "extrovert muscle" here more in the past 3-4 months than I have in the year I've been here.  I finally found a group of girls that I really can call friends here.  Initially, I had to really push myself out of my comfort zone, but I am so glad I did! 

I don't think I will ever re-take this test and find that I have turned into an EXTROVERTED anything.  But it really is interesting to see how the degree of this characteristic has changed as I have changed and experienced different things in my life. 

Movie Night With Some of My Gladstone Girls!