Episode 48: The Introvert vs. Extrovert Video

midlife, midlife women, life after kids, over 40, over 40 women, extrovert, introvert, healthy women, strong women, avoid a midlife crisis

There are wall flowers and then there's the life of the party.  Truth be told, most of us fall somewhere in between.

How well do you know yourself? 

In this week's episode of Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne, we're discussing what it means to be an introvert or extrovert and why it's important for you to know which one you are.  It's a valuable conversation because very often the types are misunderstood.  For example, introverts are often thought of as quiet, shy, even nerdy.  But that's not actually the case.  There are plenty of introverts who are outwardly great with people.  In fact, it's not uncommon for an introvert to mislabel themselves as an extrovert. So let's start our discussion by defining what it means to be introverted and extroverted.

It all comes down to how you recharge your batteries

• INTROVERTS recharge by being alone, often sitting quietly with their thoughts

• EXTROVERTS recharge by being around people and interacting with groups

Sit with this for a few moments and reflect on yourself and which resonates with you the most.  It's important to understand ourselves in these ways, because when we do, we can be more gentle and gracious to ourselves. We can be more comfortable with who we are, making allowances for our own needs without feeling guilty about it.  Here are a few highlights from this week's discussion...

1. Because introverts can be shy and quiet, having a more difficult time opening up, they are sometimes mistaken for being rude, or stuck up.  Be gracious and kind to other women when you're just getting to know them. Don't judge

2. It's important to know who your spouse is as well.  Very often opposites marry.  We need to make allowances for each other's needs.

3. Introverts can typically speak easily on a topic they're passionate about.  Extroverts usually speak easily on any topic.

4. Where you are on the spectrum can shift with age and life circumstance

5. If you are an introvert, set boundaries for yourself and don't feel bad about it, especially during the party season of the holidays

Understanding yourself better and self awareness are keys to being authentic and joyful in midlife.  Tools like the enneagram and Gallup Strength Finders can help, just like knowing whether you're an introvert or extrovert can.  But they're all just pieces to the puzzle.  Please don't think that these labels are meant to put you in a box, quite the opposite, actually.  The awareness that comes with using these tools helps you step out of the box.  They enable you to be more of who you are, having grace and love for yourself, instead of violating barriers and boundaries that you need to be healthy and vibrant.  Learn even more by clicking the picture above to watch this week's episode of Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne, The Introvert vs Extrovert Video.  

Solitude matters, and for some people, it's the air they breathe.
-Susan Cain