Extroversion and Introversion

Extroversion and introversion are terms used by Carl Jung during his lifetime. Although they were defined before his time, Jung redefined the words and popularized them.

Extroversion (from the wiki article) means "the act, state, or habit of being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self".
Introversion (also from the wiki article) means "the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life".

A lot of people make the mistake of simply labeling someone as either an extrovert or introvert without realising there is ground in between. Extroversion/introversion are actually measured (for lack of a better word) on a continuum. Extroversion at one end, introversion at the other, and ambiversion in between. Thus to be more extroverted means to be less introverted, though it is highly subjective and circumstantial.

Anyway, what I wanted to talk about here is how E&I are viewed within society. I think we could all agree that extroversion is generally the more socially accepted of the two. Confidence, socialness and happiness all seem to be associated with it, particularly happiness. Society seems to tell us, in all its many ways, that someone who is extroverted is someone who is happy, hence people strive to be something they're not in an attempt to gain this happiness. Though statistics do show that extroverted people are generally happier, this may not be because they are wired that way. It could be that they have easily achieved what most people are striving for, so they feel satisfied with themselves and their lifestyle. As with all things, correlation does not necessarily equal causation.
In fact, introverts tend to take much more notice of their feelings and needs, so in some ways they are much more prepared when it comes to dealing with problems of the shadow, and seeing as shadow problems are often at the route of unhappiness or conflict it is beneficial to be able to realise their presence and determine why they have taken up residence.

(This wiki article explains the shadow pretty well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_%28psychology%29)

Another reason why extroversion might be something we strive for is that introversion is often misconstrued as shy, though that's not the case. Shyness is a fear, or lack of confidence when conversing with others, whereas introversion is a choice to remain reserved by preference. Someone who is introverted can be just as capable when saying something in a group as someone who is extroverted, it's just they have the tendency to keep their thoughts to them self. It's important to realise that confidence doesn't equal being vocal.

I'd like to point out that I'm not saying that striving to be extroverted or introverted is bad - as long as it's for the right reasons (ie not because other people will like you more). Just because you have a genetic/biological disposition one way doesn't mean you can't attempt to develop yourself the other way. Personally I think it makes for a more well rounded person.

Anyway, I've gotta go for a piss, and my cheeks are covered in bum fluff so a shave is needed. I mean my face cheeks by the way... Not my bum cheeks. Maybe it should be called face fluff then. Though I do definitely have some bum fluff too. Perhaps it's time for a back sack and crack? (minus back - I'm not that manly)