I tend to be an introvert and over the years have been somewhat irked when introverts are told to "ligthen up" etc. It seems that introverts often get mislabeled as anti-social or broading or distant by society.

Not true, at least for me it's just that I find being around people or large groups of people for long periods of time drains my energy hence the true definition of an introvert. I dislike large noisy crowds, I crave peace and quiet. Not always but especially during the week after spending 8 hours a day in job where I have lots of contact with people.

Extroverts are energized by being around people or large crowds. I am often more comortable in one on one or in small groups, but put me in a large group and I get quiet and feel very out of place.

I guess I just find the misunderstandings and misinformation that is out there about the true nature of introverts annoying. One can be an introvert and still be socially graceful. In my case I am an introvert and somewhat blunt so social grace is not always one of my strengths and it can be painful when I do have to be socially graceful (for example when an annoying co-worker is babiling on about something and they are not taking the hint that you have zero intrest in participating in the conversation. and you can't say excuse me I am trying to work here, and ignore them.)

Anyway I digress, thoughts on the whole introvert/extrovert dynamic?

well i believe that everyone needs some form of interaction with others , we also need that alone time to reflect or rather reconstruct ourselves. you can give so much of yourself that you forget or rather loose touch with self. it is not self preservation but orbsorbtion of our suroundings. all the people we incounter in our lives in some way make us who we are. and with out them we fail to experience or learn.
we all have our buttons and find ways to vent them. my son for example at a few fenurals he i noticed didnt cry or or talk . but in his own way found a way to adjust and cope with the plight set befor him . and was able to regain strenght to join others and incourage . look at a cat and see what he dose in interation. you never own him but he controles the hole meeting.

Interesting topic!

As far as being an introvert or extrovert, according to the Myers/Briggs personality test, I am one point higher than an introvert. This means I can be either one depending on the situation at hand.

Over the years I have noticed that I am becoming more sensitive to people and the energy they exude. Thus I will do my best to stay out/away of/from detrimental situations & people/crowds. Ive had to let go of several friendships. These people were dragging me down.

*shrug*

I am a little of both I guess...
To each his own.

Exactly!

<---- Naturally quiet and reserved but definitely NOT shy or awkward or unfriendly ... And not all the time in all situations....

I like the explanation about "being energized" or not.

Thanks Brykers