I'm an introvert, but want to be more extroverted?

Question

Like I'm tired of not being that social...I feel like I should be more social and that I will enjoy life more if I was. Will it only lead to unhappiness going against your nature?

Answer 1

Here's what I recommend.  I was more introverted in the past, myself.  

I believe that introversion comes when someone is very bright, but their communication centers of the brain haven't caught up yet.  They think brilliant things, but fear that if they say it, they will sound like a fool.

Here's what I did, oh so many years ago.  We had a class president in high school, a very energetic, sociable person.  What I did was, whenever I wanted to be sociable myself, I would emulate that individual's speaking patterns, and speak as though I were speaking through the class president.  

Over time, I developed my own "voice" so to speak, and now I'm a college professor and city councilman.  Just emulate someone and incorporate your self into he or she whom you emulate.

Answer 2

Make friends who are extroverted. Maybe he or she can change you, at least you will be more extroverted than before.

Answer 3

Not necessarily.  Join a club or two, and volunteer for a position as an officer.  You will be forced to become a more outgoing person.

Answer 4

No way

I used to be the same way until I stepped on a pageant stage.  Originally I signed up because the queen is becomes a celebrity in my town and I had no friends.  I was surprised that I loved it even though I did not even place and broke every pageant rule in the world.  

I now hold nine titles, will be featured in Supermodel Magazine (Nov/Dec), and getting ready for my second national pageant this year.

Find something you love to do or just decide to jump into something new feet first and just do it.  You may be shocked at the change it will make in your life.

Answer 5

Stephy,

People who are introverted generally remain introverted. They can expand their comfort zone to a degree, but they get their energy from, and find comfort in, being alone or in a very small group. {this is according to Myers-Briggs Research]

As the above poster said, you can join groups who will help you expand your comfor zone. Some will do it just by association, and some, like Toastmasters, will gently force you to open up.

It won't lead to unhappiness, but it will make you nervous for a while.

Good luck to you.

"Ranger"