Chapter 1: Understanding My Dual Nature

I often find myself in a curious position as an introverted extrovert, much to the confusion of my girlfriend.

Most of the time, I thrive in the solitude of my home, finding joy in isolation. However, there are rare moments—about 1% of the time—when I must step outside my comfort zone. This usually involves driving my girlfriend or our youngest child somewhere, when I actually have enough energy to interact with others. But why do I cherish my alone time?

It’s about the moments I get to recharge before and after social gatherings. Living with my youngest child, who is extroverted and enjoys spending time with friends—whether in person or online—works well for us. They understand my need for personal space, which I find fascinating.

The pandemic provided me with an unexpected benefit; it highlighted how much more relaxed I felt when physical interactions were limited. For the past ten years, I've been working remotely, managing a team spread across eight states on the West Coast of the U.S. Annual visits to meet the team are incredibly draining for me, requiring considerable recovery time afterward.

My social calendar is highly curated. I do enjoy hosting monthly dinners and game nights with another couple, but even a few hours of that can leave me feeling completely exhausted.

During my downtime, I indulge in reading, writing, cooking, and playing games on my iPad. I often have classic shows playing in the background—like MASH, Frasier, Archer, and House—that I can tune in and out of as needed.

Engaging in small talk drains me; I prefer meaningful discussions that stimulate my mind and allow me to learn something new or gain insight into the person I'm speaking with. Topics like Taylor Swift’s latest album or local gossip do not interest me at all.

I tend to remain quiet in larger groups. My mild agoraphobia often makes me feel overwhelmed, prompting me to seek an exit strategy when I feel cornered. I always have a quick way out and even prepare some excuses in advance to ease my departure from conversations.

The 1% of the time when I do engage socially is a different story. I may become overly talkative, perhaps too loud, and find myself caught up in small talk. In these moments, I often need a reminder to tone it down, as I tend to attract attention. I even find myself inventing stories for strangers I will never see again, just for the thrill of seeing their reactions.

This behavior often leaves my girlfriend puzzled, questioning my inconsistent social tendencies.

You can follow my journey further and check out my first novel, Bass Rift, available for purchase here.

Chapter 2: Insights from My Experiences

The first video, "Carla Wehbe - Introvert (with Extroverted Expectations) [Official Visualiser]," explores the complexities of being an introvert in a world that often expects extroverted behavior.

The second video, "I'm an Introverted Extrovert! - (When Music is Played Ironically in a Scene)," delves into the humorous and relatable aspects of navigating life as someone who embodies both introverted and extroverted traits.