Originally Posted by HowlerKarma
I've had people close to me ask me which of my sides is "real." That has always struck me as peculiar. They both are. I like people. I just don't NEED them. My father was a truly bimodal person-- he had both needs. I've not known too many people that had extreme needs in both directions like that, but they must exist because he was one.

This resonates. I would self-identify as an extrovert with strong solitary tendencies, which is essentially that bimodal personality you describe. On most Jungian personality tests, I consistently score as just slightly extrovert, which fits.

In person, I'm a bona fide show pony, leading group conversations, hobnobbing, and generally loving the company of likeminded others. I live interpersonally. My best ideas come from discussions with close friends and colleagues. This is my preferred way of operating but, like a big cat, I'm short on stamina and long on rest. I NEED an hour or two each day to be immersed in people, but at least a few hours to let my ideas percolate, to exercise in solitude, and to just be. An extended social lunch or dinner contrasted with an otherwise solitary day is my ideal.



What is to give light must endure burning.