I have found the introvert-extrovert thing is dependent on where you live.
I would say I am more of an introvert. I’m an only child and my parents were never social people.
But when I lived in NJ I had more friends and hung out with different groups of people and had a pretty good social life.
I have had trouble making friends in Ohio. People really are not that friendly. I am always uncomfortable talking to new people here whereas in NJ you can start talking to someone on line at the post office or at a bar and feel as if you have known them for years.
I can’t go back to NJ for job reasons, cost of living, and blue state politics. I didn’t make my yearly visit the year before Covid hit because I took another trip instead. There was no point in going back during Covid. People there told me to stay away because it was miserable. I should have invited them to visit me in Ohio so they could go to restaurants.
I won’t go this year due to needing the time off for estate stuff. By the time I get back there, if I ever do, it will be something like five years since the last time. I’m sure it will be very strange.
See here for the latest on the Branson meetup the second weekend in June:
https://freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3682262/posts?page=2766#2766
Actually, I believe it's a requirement in NJ. It used to be the case in NYC but I've noticed a new generation has emerged that doesn't appreciate or expect a complete stranger to engage them even if they are in the same situation, like being on line at the post office or the supermarket or even witnessing a car accident.
I blame technology.
Interesting take on the intro/extro thing.
I’m kind of introverted myself, though I can play the extrovert role. Tend to keep to myself about personal things, but I’m always willing to chat and discuss more familiar, non-personal topics with others.
Interesting that you’ve had trouble with people in Ohio - I’ve always found that state to be friendly, but then again, I’m from Ohio so maybe that’s just a reflection of the way I was brought up. Of course, Ohio is a big place - I grew up near Cleveland and can easily relate to the factory/blue collar type people. I might have a different experience around Columbus (go Buckeyes) or Cincinnati, or the vast farmlands between.
Probably my biggest obstacle to being comfortable with others is my uncanny ability to find the most abrasive way to say something - and then use it. Some rough first impressions I’ve left out there over the years. Then again, sometimes, that quick statement is even funny, as intended. The brain works in mysterious ways.
I visit the state every year, usually 2 times a year (and have a trip planned for early May of this year) to visit my old homies from the hood. Always enjoy the trips.