The Folly of Being an Extrovert

Wondering Weekend #1      

     Schools embrace it. Counselors chant it. Society is mired in it. What, am I referring to? The idea of finding yourself, being yourself, or anything of the like. Yet, to describe ourselves, we use stereotypes. Hm, contradiction here? 

The two biggest stereotypes that are suppose to encompass everyone are two exact opposites: extroverts and introverts. But is it fair to say that one person is exactly different from the other if they put themselves in opposite categories? And who wants to describe themselves as really shy or really boisterous?

If I had to categorize myself as one or the other, I definitely would pick extrovert as opposed to introvert. But is there a middlevert? I thought not... Today I am here to tell you many things about being an extrovert. I will range from the topic of self image, what it’s like to be an extrovert, and the sheer follies of my side of the “verts.” 

Now, picture three of your closest friends; categorize them as an introvert or extrovert. If my friends are typical, than I would expect you to have a hard time being cut and dry as to their fit in this puzzle. Yet, our society has demanded we throw everyone  in their place while still screaming, “Be yourself! Be unique!” The image most people have of an introvert is someone who is either a book worm who never talks or someone that’s a little cu-coo. Ok, maybe there are a few that aren’t in my mold. Isn’t that what always happens when we categorize?

Do you get my point? Not everyone fits the Disney made molds that society tells itself are real. They are fake! Rubbish! True folly! It is easy to see. I’m sure you probably know someone who plays sports and is smart. Does that make them a jock OR a nerd?!?!? Oh, no!!! THEY DON’T FIT THE STEREOTYPES!!!!! 

You may disagree, but I feel confident that I have proven the lack of true categories for people. Therefore, the terms I use in the future like extrovert or introvert are loose ideas. 

Me. I love to talk about me. I am an extrovert, if you must. This loose term is truly not a good definition of me. I love to be loud, chat my head off, and do crazy things, but yet I like to think. Books and/or films scores can accompany silence and I, and we will all be happy. I am blonde, but I pull all A’s and am going to graduate at 16. I enjoy the little things, so sometimes I feel like a hidden introvert. I can’t speak for the others of my kind, but the craziness, silliness, and overall goofiness just comes out. I end up looking stupid and blame it on ADHD. It seems extroverts are all attention hogs who also have a brain. (But there are plenty of people out there who are crazy and dumb!) 

What I’m trying to say is, the term extrovert seems more like a cage of a title than one that sets me free to be me. Isn’t that society wants us to do? Just be ourselves? “Finding yourself” seems like a waste of time considering how hard it can be. 

But if we continue with the idea that all extroverts are alike, we can obviously find problems with them. Their follies! Oh, how I hate being an extrovert. We are meant to be so crazy and happy, yet we truly want to be caring... Our mouths move too fast and our brains rebel at the saying, “Think before you speak.” The problems could go on and on, but we all know the guidance counselors have the answer, “Forget stereotypes! Just be yourself.” I’m starting to feel like “yourself” is a category...

In conclusion, I will sum up what I am trying to say. Society, through tv, music, and the like, has made us molds: jocks, nerds, dumb blondes, cheerleaders, the populars, hipsters, you name it! But apparently all those people can either be called shy thinkers or outgoing talkers?!? Heresy! The folly here is not simply with extroverts, but with the whole idea of stereotypes. Therefore, next time you’re trying to figure someone out, do not let any stereotypes cross your mind. Me, you, and everyone else are who God made us to be. I don’t think God made us to be molded into a category that Disney made up. Don’t be yourself, be who God made you to be!  :-)