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Many, many years ago I took the Myers-Briggs test (or more professionally known as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) by someone who was trained as an MBTI practitioner.

Basically, MBTI is a personality assessment tool to help people gain insight about themselves by how they perceive the world and make decisions and how they interact with others.

Here is a list of the 8 preferences:


After completing the test you are left with four preferences that make up your whole personality type. There are 16 types in all.


And what I found fascinating was that I took this test twice in the same day and came up with two different results in one of the preferences. The first time I was an INFP (introvert, intuitive, feeling, perceiving), and the second time I took it I ended up being an ENFP (extrovert, intuitive, feeling, perceiving).

I thought it odd at first, but the practitioner informed me that it is possible to be both an extrovert AND introvert. And after pondering it for sometime, I knew he was correct.

Many people upon meeting me for the first time, immediately perceive me as being solely an extrovert because I'm approachable, friendly, open, and talkative most of the time. But I'm also someone who enjoys spending time alone and being very quiet. I don't like large parties, but prefer intimate gatherings one-on-one.

In my line of work, I spend 8-9 hours a day interacting with a lot of people, talking and socializing, so that by the time I get home at night or on my days off, I don't want to be social. I want to be a hermit.

Even when I travel, I prefer traveling alone or with one other person who I feel extremely comfortable with. I'm not one for traveling with large groups of people, taking guided tours, or being on a set schedule. I like to explore on my own and be adventurous.

Also, whenever I'm going through something challenging and need to make decisions, I prefer spending time reflecting. I find that talking about it with other people only confuses me. I tend to go within and make my choices based on what I'm guided to do.

So yes, I can be an extrovert; extremely social and very outgoing. Yet, I can also be an introvert; reclusive, private and reserved.

I guess you could call me an extra-introvert.

After prolonged socializing, I find the need to get away and be alone.


How about you. Do you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert? Or both?

Happy Monday, y'all!
X

*If you're interested anytime this week, please feel free to take this questionnaire to see what type you are. It's based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.


55 comments:

  1. Hi Everyone!

    I've got a super early morning at work today, so I'll be responding to comments and visiting your fabulous blogs later in the day.

    Thank you for your understanding and patience."

    X

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  2. Good morning, Ron. I am definitely more introvert than extrovert. Whilst I can mingle with the crowd I much prefer to be quietly occupied on my own. I love the silence. Although I love music I don't feel the need to have it playing every second of the day, unlike a friend who can''t bear being in a silent house on her own. I am a practical person and there's nothing I like more than organising. Gosh you got me thinking hard this morning. I tried the quiz and answered all but two of the questions... which later on I couldn't find! Hey ho, I think I answered enough for the verdict ... introvert.


    Happy Monday x

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  3. Wow, Ron, everything you described about yourself, I feel the same way.....except I don't mind a guided tour, if I can learn something. I didn't realize they say you can be both an introvert and an extrovert, but that IS how I feel!

    I actually hate small talk, but I love meeting new people and I tend to form bonds with people quickly. It seems contradictory, doesn't it?

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  4. Hey, Ron, I'm an ISFJ! It's a little too early for alphabet soup, but I like the idea.


    These tests fascinate me. On one level they're so general you wonder if they're worthwhile. Yet some questions really seem directed at me. The important thing is that they make you think about yourself and how you relate to others.


    I think we all have bits of the extrovert and introvert within us. Some people lean more to one side while others go the opposite way. The human mind is a fascinating place, no?


    This has certainly given me a lot to think about. Terrific post, buddy! Have a VEEW--(Very enjoyable and exciting week!)

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  5. I've taken this before and found it interesting to do so again...thanks. I'm sure you know I am introverted, ha! I found this test to be equally on the mark, just as horoscope type...being a Cancer fits right in with this.

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  6. I've taken this test before and scored an INFJ. Which doesn't really surprise me. If Tara is a social butterfly, I'm the guy with the butterfly net hiding in the bushes. Definitely prefer it low-key.

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  7. I am an iNTj (had to go search in my files for that) - the Mastermind Yay!! Essentially I am an introvert, having learned to be extroverted, and enjoy it. BUt at the end of the day I prefer to be alone...

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  8. I'm so against being pigeonholed that I wouldn't take a test that was going to label me as a specific "type", I just let people decide who they think I am. I already know.

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  9. What an interesting post topic, Ron. I would have pressumed you to be an extrovert just from reading your blog because of how social you are and interact with your readers. But I can also understand how you could also be an introvert and enjoy time alone to recharge.

    I would say that I'm more of an introvert. I'm rather shy and quiet when meeting new people until I get to know them better. Yet I can be very gregarious when I'm around people I feel comfortable with. Overall, I prefer smaller social gatherings than large. I tend to be more private about personal things unless it's a very close friend.

    You have me interested in the MBTI because I'm curious to see what personality type I would be. I will take the questionnaire and let you know, okay? I'm really looking forward to it.

    Have a wonderful week, Ron x

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  10. Ron, I've not taken this particular test but have taken others like it and I am clearly an introvert. I prefer working alone and feel drained after being around large groups of people. Now my girlfriend is an extrovert which is a good balance for me because she gets me out there socializing and mingling. We really are a great team because are introvert-extrovert personalities compliment each other.


    I'm curious about the Myers Briggs test and will take it sometime this week and report back to you. I'm very interested in stuff like this.


    Cool post, dude!

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  11. Hey there Valerie!

    "I love the silence. Although I love music I don't feel the need to have it playing every second of the day, unlike a friend who can''t bear being in a silent house on her own."

    You sound a lot like me. I too enjoy enjoy music at times, but don't feel the need to have it playing constantly. I love silence as well and will often spend the day IN silence.

    Many years ago when I first took this test, I was very confused at first scoring both an introvert and extrovert. But then it made sense because I CAN be both, and very strongly either way. I found it fascinating!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Happy Monday!

    X to you and Joe!

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  12. Hey there Bijoux!

    "I didn't realize they say you can be both an introvert and an extrovert, but that IS how I feel!"

    Yes, apparently some people CAN be both. And you and I must be those people. As I shared, I really enjoy socializing and working with people, however, there suddenly comes a time when I've had enough and feel the need to spend a lot of time alone.

    "I actually hate small talk, but I love meeting new people and I tend to form bonds with people quickly. It seems contradictory, doesn't it?"



    No, it doesn't sound contradictory at all because I am the exact same way. I prefer in depth talk and love meeting new people. And if I 'click' with certain people, I too form strong and lasting bonds.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this topic, my friend. Have a super week!
    X

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  13. "These tests fascinate me. On one level they're so general you wonder if they're worthwhile. Yet some questions really seem directed at me. The important thing is that they make you think about yourself and how you relate to others."


    I couldn't have said it any better myself, Rob! On one hand I wonder the worth of these tests, but then after taking certain ones, I see that there is much validity in them.

    "I think we all have bits of the extrovert and introvert within us. Some people lean more to one side while others go the opposite way."



    I agree! I think we all have bits of both, but some lean more one way. And I also think it depends on where a person is at in their life and how they feel.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a SUPER week!

    X

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  14. "I've taken this before and found it interesting to do so again...thanks. I'm sure you know I am introverted, ha! "

    You've taken this before, Suzi? VERY cool!

    "I found this test to be equally on the mark, just as horoscope type...being a Cancer fits right in with this."



    Yup, you're absolutely right because my brother is a Cancer and he too is more of an introvert.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous week!
    X

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  15. " If Tara is a social butterfly, I'm the guy with the butterfly net hiding in the bushes. Definitely prefer it low-key."


    Ha! And that's why you and Tara make such a great couple. You compliment each other and I think that's awesome!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a terrific week!


    X to you and Tara!

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  16. "I am an iNTj (had to go search in my files for that) - the Mastermind Yay!! "

    You GO, Grace! And thank you for searching your files to let me know what you were.

    " Essentially I am an introvert, having learned to be extroverted, and enjoy it. BUt at the end of the day I prefer to be alone..."



    Sounds like you and I are the same! And it's funny because my father was strictly an extrovert, yet my mother was very much an introvert. So they complimented each other very well.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super week!
    X

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  17. Hey there Dale!


    This test doesn't really pigeonhole you specifically, it gives you more of an overall insight. But I understand and respect your feelings :)


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaabulous week!
    X

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  18. Hola Denise!

    Yes, many people do see me solely as an extrovert and are quit surprised when they realize that I do have times of being quite the introvert; suddenly requiring alone time. It's funny because being around a lot of people can be very invigorating for me, but it can also make me feel drained at times.

    "I'm rather shy and quiet when meeting new people until I get to know them better. Yet I can be very gregarious when I'm around people I feel comfortable with. Overall, I prefer smaller social gatherings than large. I tend to be more private about personal things unless it's a very close friend."



    I too tend to be more private about personal things unless it's a very close friend, or someone like my mother who I used to talk about ANYTHING with.


    Yes, please let me know if you take the test and find out what you scored.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful week too!
    X

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  19. Hiya Matt!

    ". I prefer working alone and feel drained after being around large groups of people."

    Yes, according to the Myers-Briggs test, that one of the things is says about people who are more introverted. They tend to like working alone and feel drained around large groups of people.

    "Now my girlfriend is an extrovert which is a good balance for me because she gets me out there socializing and mingling. We really are a great team because our introvert-extrovert personalities compliment each other."

    That's AWESOME! You're a perfect match!

    "I'm curious about the Myers Briggs test and will take it sometime this week and report back to you. I'm very interested in stuff like this."



    Yes, do let me know.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, bud. Have a most excellent week!

    X

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  20. Ron, I took this test when I was in collage and I am ENFP like you. Isn't that ironic? But after reading about how you are, I now think that perhaps I too could be both an extrovert and introvert because so much of what you said I feel the same. I can be extremely social and outgoing but I also go through periods of needing a great deal of time alone. I can be a hermit too.


    I'm going to take this test again this week and see if I end up being an ENFP because you have me curious.


    Interesting topic!

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  21. "Ron, I took this test when I was in collage and I am ENFP like you. Isn't that ironic?"

    HA! Yes, that is SO ironic, Robert! We're ENFP'S!!!!

    "I can be extremely social and outgoing but I also go through periods of needing a great deal of time alone. I can be a hermit too."

    Yup, and people are surprised when I tell them that because they see me solely as an extrovert who thrives on always being around people. And I do enjoy being around people, I really do. However, it can suddenly feel very draining for me so I need time to myself.

    "I'm going to take this test again this week and see if I end up being an ENFP because you have me curious."



    Yes, let me know. I took this test a few weeks ago and was an ENPF.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a grrrrrrreat week!


    X

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  22. P.S. Ron, I also wanted to mention that I love the photograph of the fish. Perfect!

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  23. Thanks Robert! I searched and searched for a photograph to conclude this post. And when I saw that one online, I grabbed it.

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  24. I would say I am a mix of both. There are times I want to be a complete hermit and times when I love being around people. I HATE events with crowds... not me at all.. like you, I want to explore.. .not be part of a herd. At work I'm an extrovert... but like you... time alone is healing!

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  25. "I think of myself as a sociable introvert, and that may fit for you as well."

    And I think you're absolutely right because I too need contact with others and I like interacting with people, but NEED some solitary time to re-group.

    "the primary characteristic in introversion and extroversion isn't about whether you like being with people but how you re-fuel."

    Thank you for clarifying that for me because now it makes total sense.

    "I am happiest with my interactions that are just with another person or two. I have a handful of very good friends I am always, always happy to spend time with, but big groups are a little more draining for me. Even though I am perfectly comfortable on stage or in front of a class. But definitely, I need that time alone!"



    Amen! You took the words right out of my mouth because I feel the same way.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insight on this topic, my friend. Appreciate it :)


    Have a faaaabulous week. And again, Happy Birthday!
    X

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  26. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comMonday, September 29, 2014

    I think I'm both. I like meeting new people, but I like me-time too.

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  27. Helloooooooo Katherine!

    You GO, girl! I knew you and I had similar personalities because of our mutual love and attracting to all things decaying and distressed - HA!

    " I HATE events with crowds... not me at all.. like you, I want to explore.. .not be part of a herd."



    AMEN!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an AWESOME week!

    X

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  28. Hello there Fiona!

    " I like meeting new people, but I like me-time too."



    Me as well. After spending time with people, I need that me-time to recharge and re-group.


    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
    X

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  29. I guess I've always considered myself an extrovert, but I do spend a lot of time alone during the day and am fine with that, too. I could be in a room full of people and still feel 'lonely' if that's the mood I'm in. Or I could sit in a bookstore full of people and not necessarily talk to anyone. Okay, sometimes chatchatchatchatterchatter and some might think, girl, STFU! LOL It just depends on the situation and my mood.

    I like your extra-introvert assessment. :) I'll take that, too! Ron is much more comfortable in very small groups or just us, so we often go out and it's just the two of us. We'll pick a movie time when there isn't a theater full of people, or just take a day trip and drive, etc. I wouldn't say that I'm friendlier than he is specifically, but I definitely have less filters. Like he'll say hello, how are you. I'll say hello, how are you, that's a beautiful blouse, oh, you like coffee, I like coffee but it makes my IBS act up sometimes.
    Haha!


    So my test said ESFP. E 22%, S 1%, F 69%, P 22%. So, it was pretty close to Intuitive. I see how one could fluctuate a bit by answering at different times.


    Fun post! Have a great day, Ron!

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  30. Put me down as an extra-introvert too!!! I am a friendly, approachable (I hope) person and love to chat with people for the most part. But I do tend to "clam up" when I'm in a large group setting such as a party or class, where other people seem to find it so easy to mingle and chat. That's where I usually freeze and want to retreat. ;-( I am getting better though. I think a lot of it comes with building confidence over the years and putting things into perspective. Everyone is NOT going to like you, right!!! So why obsess about it and perhaps also keep the people who will like you, away, by being shy or seemingly withdrawn. Hope this makes sense!!!


    Great post Ron and thanks for another look at what makes you tick. :-)

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  31. I've missed you, my friend -- what an outstanding post I'm coming back to, though!

    I've taken a lot of these types of quizzes, and I always find them interesting. I'm definitely an introvert, despite several years in sales. I guess I just love "holing up" by myself and need a lot of "me time!" (Probably a good thing for a writer, don't you think??)

    I'm also more of a "thinker" than a "feeler" -- probably because my sun sign is in Virgo, and we tend to over-analyze stuff.

    Your last photo of the fishie jumping into his own bowl really resonates with me, ha!!

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  32. Hey there Shae!

    " But when it comes to my personal life I am basically a hermit. I have social anxiety like you couldnt believe yet I love to perform (dance, sing act) so I guess I am all over the spectrum!"

    OMG...you sound just like me because I'm the same way. When it comes to my personal life I tend be more of a hermit or socialize with just a few close friends.
    Also, like you, I love to perform (when I was an actor), therefore, people always assumed me to be a total extrovert. But many times after a performance, instead of going out to a party, I would want nothing more than to go home and just be quiet and have no one around me.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post topic, my friend. Have a FAB week!
    X

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  33. I've missed you too, my friend!

    ((((((((( You ))))))))))

    And I'm so glad to see you back blogging. Hope your time off was great.

    " I'm definitely an introvert, despite several years in sales. I guess I just love "holing up" by myself and need a lot of "me time!" (Probably a good thing for a writer, don't you think??)"

    I think many people who are more the 'creative/artistic type' are mostly likely more on the introverted side rather than the extroverted side. I know I'm more that way. And I thinks it's because we need time alone to tap into that creative energy.

    "Your last photo of the fishie jumping into his own bowl really resonates with me, ha!!"



    Isn't that photo faaaaabulous? When I spotted it online, I knew it was the perfect image to describe how I felt.


    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a super week!


    X

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  34. Hello there Geraldine!


    Yes, your comment made perfect sense.


    I am very sensitive to peoples' energy, so that when I'm around LARGE groups of people, it feels like too much for me to handle because I feel EVERYTHING so it feels overwhelming. I can go to parties every once in a while and be okay. But for the most part, I prefer smaller and more intimate gatherings.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings on this topic, my friend. Enjoyed!


    Have a wonderful week!


    X

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  35. Introvert. No doubt about it. I could very happily be alone all the time. My motto - Familiarity breeds contempt. Oh! Yeah, a cynic too! ;-)

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  36. Hey there Mary!

    "So my test said ESFP. E 22%, S 1%, F 69%, P 22%. So, it was pretty close to Intuitive."

    Yup, it was very close to Intuitive. In fact, when I was thinking of you taking this test, I thought for sure you would be an ENFP, like me. But we're pretty darn close.

    Interesting to read about you and Ron. And it sounds to me that you are perfectly matched because you're a great balance for each other.

    I'm kind of more like you. I get very chatty with people who I instantly meet because I'm genuinely interested in knowing about them. Even with customers who I meet at my store, I can find out so much about them in only 5-10 minutes.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Have a maaaahvelous week!


    X

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  37. "My motto - Familiarity breeds contempt. Oh! Yeah, a cynic too! ;-)"


    Bwhahahahahaha! Nitebryd, that cracked me up because I kinda feel the same way at times. I think it's healthy to have some 'breathing time' between close friends.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, Sis. Have a SUPER week! Hope you're enjoying the Fall.


    X ya!

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  38. This was such an interesting post, Ron. I'd never taken this test. Clicked onto the link and took the test. Results:
    ENFJ
    Extravert(44%) iNtuitive(19%) Feeling(38%) Judging(33%)
    You have moderate preference of Extraversion over Introversion (44%)
    You have slight preference of Intuition over Sensing (19%)
    You have moderate preference of Feeling over Thinking (38%)
    You have moderate preference of Judging over Perceiving (33%)
    I was so surprised at the 33% judging, because I do not sit in judgment of others, if that what judging in this case means. Honestly, Ron, I didn't know what to expect. Because I have to say that I think I'm a little of everything, and the least judging although it states a "moderate" preference over perceiving.
    Very, very interesting, indeed, Ron. Actually, when I reread the results am I down the middle? If that exemplifies my trying to attain balance, then that's good news, I think, I feel, I perceive, I intuit, sense, I perceive and or judge?! :))

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  39. Hello there Petra!

    "I was so surprised at the 33% judging, because I do not sit in judgment of others, if that what judging in this case means."

    No, 'Judging' doesn't mean that you are judgmental of others because I've known you for a very long time and I can say that you are not judgmental in the least. What 'Judging' means is that you prefer things planned and organized, and prefer detailed instructions when executing something. Whereas, 'Perceiving' (which is what I am) means that I like to fly the seat of my pants and do things my own way in how I perceive it.

    "Actually, when I reread the results am I down the middle? If that exemplifies my trying to attain balance, then that's good news,"

    Yes, and to be honest, I think we are ALL a little of both. This test gives an overall insight to how we tick. But I also think we change and can be different as we age and grow.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your results of the test. I find it very interesting to read everyone's type.

    Have an awesome week, my friend!

    X

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  40. ISTJ
    I almost choked when that popped up. I think I'll try that again, BEFORE I take those stupid pain meds. :-/

    Then we can compare...this is Mel on drugs, this is Mel straight. LOL. I had debates with myself over lots of the questions.. but then I like a good gdebate.

    I'm with you--I "do" people all week. My weekends are as I get around to MAYBE planning them to be. Speaking of weekends....are we there yet? :-/

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  41. Hey there Mel!

    " I had debates with myself over lots of the questions.. but then I like a good debate."

    HA! When I first took this test, there were several questions that I too debated on. However, the practitioner told me to answer the questions as quickly as could, without overly thinking about them.

    "I'm with you--I "do" people all week. My weekends are as I get around to MAYBE planning them to be. Speaking of weekends....are we there yet? :-/"

    Only two more days until the weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a great of the week!

    X

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  42. Ron, I just stopped back to let you know that I took the test and was an ENFP. So guess I really am an extrovert!

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  43. Thanks so much for stopping back and letting me know, Robert!

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  44. Wow, Ron! I felt like I was reading about ME. I haven't taken a test, but I know I am the same way. I get super nervous around big crowds and afterwards, I need chill time. It's draining. My dad was a hermit and my mom a socialite. I always thought that is why I was in the middle. LOL. I really like the extra-introvert. Very cute! Cheers to scocializing and then crawling in a hole! HA. :-)

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  45. "Wow, Ron! I felt like I was reading about ME. I haven't taken a test, but I know I am the same way."

    HA! Angelia, it must be the 'creative/artistic' in us that makes us simpler!

    "My dad was a hermit and my mom a socialite. I always thought that is why I was in the middle."

    It's funny because my father was a socialite and my mother was more the hermit, which I think is what made them such a great couple. Yeah me to, I'm somewhere in the middle.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a FAB week!

    X

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  46. Ron, I took the questionnaire last night was an ISFJ. And I have to say that it was spot on! My girlfriend was an ENFP, like you!


    Thanks for sharing, that was fun!

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  47. Matt, I'm so glad you enjoyed the questionnaire and found it accurate. And thanks for stopping back to let me know:)


    Hope you're having a super week!

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  48. I took this as part of a Sandler Sales training course and got an ENFP as well! And I totally agree that someone can be an extrovert with some introvert tendencies in certain situation. In Sandler-speak, I'm an IS (Influence/Steadiness) on the DISC profile assessment. Overall, I think it's fairly accurate in my case. BTW, Meyers Briggs say ENFPs account for only 3-4% of the population! :-)

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  49. I have also taken the Myers Briggs test & definitely came back as an introvert. I believe you are actually an introvert. You have a job which requires you to be social & interactive but you require down time to recover from it. It's the down time required which marks you as an introvert. Your choices in travel companions, dinner parties, etc. also strongly suggest introvert. After many years of having to answer phones as part of my job, I hate to talk on the phone even after years of not working.

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  50. Hey there Lisa!

    You're an ENFP too? How cool is that!!!!

    "BTW, Meyers Briggs say ENFPs account for only 3-4% of the population! :-)"

    Woot! Woot! I guess that means were special - HAHAHAHAHA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent weekend!

    X

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  51. Benze, thank you SO MUCH for sharing your knowledge about this test because what you said makes total sense to me.

    " It's the down time required which marks you as an introvert. Your choices in travel companions, dinner parties, etc. also strongly suggest introvert."



    Yup...that's me to a T.


    Have a super weekend, my friend!
    X

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  52. i think i'm a little bit of both, but i lean toward introvert.

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  53. Me too, Val. Even though I seem to be more of an extrovert, I lean more into introvert.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and catching up with my posts. You're a sweetheart!

    X

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