[20years]

Trying to force introverts into pro-longed extroversion is exhausting. It is not how we are built. I think oftentimes people view introverts as anti-social, which is not always the case. We are just differently social.

Instead of trying to force introverts to be more like extroverts, encourage them to share their skills/talents in a positive way. This is where you will see us shine and you might even forget that we are introverts.

Throwing us into a party with 100 strangers and expecting us to thrive, is not gonna do it. Asking us to teach a large group of strangers something valuable or lead a project that we know a lot about will energize us like nothing else. This is how we connect with people and how we make our mark in society.

A lot of introverts are quiet leaders and have a way of making a huge impact in ways that extroverts just don't understand. Don't get me wrong, I love the extroverts in my life, but I don't want to be like them :)

[tehlike]

I think I agree with you. I am an introvert, but have vast variety of interest in science, technology, startups etc. I don't like at all to do small talk with friends, i get bored and tired really fast, unless the topic hits one of these areas. I liked to socialize on forums on programming, and made a bunch of friends sincr when i was in middle school or high school that way. I gave a bunch of talks and raised enthusiasm on some programming concepts back in the day. Everything else was too boring.

[anyfoo]

I'm an extrovert, and I am also interested in "science" and "technology" (but not startups). One of my primary hobbies is very math-heavy, and involves hours and sometimes days of intense focus. I also gave talks in the past, e.g. on functional programming.

The point is, I have no idea how any of this is related to being introvert or extrovert (and was wondering the same in the post you replied to).

People can shut themselves into their room with only oscilloscopes and MATLAB as company on one weekend, and meet up with friends on the next one.

[mrob]

Exactly. Trying to force extroversion on introverts because it makes them "feel happier" is like pressuring them to take recreational drugs, which will likely have similar short-term success.

[freedomben]

Sometimes a short term good experience is exactly what you need. I wouldn't discount the value in that.

[marmada]

I don't think you're wrong but I do think you need a better example because extroverts can do both of the things you mentioned.