Introvert/Extrovert Paradigm

I was reading some psychology articles and taking some Extrovert/Intovert tests yesterday, because I was sick as a dog the last two days.  This always ends up being a really frustrating ordeal for me. One test will say, "You're definitely an Extrovert!" Another one will say, "You're definitely an Introvert!" Leaving me throwing my hands up and thinking, "This is BULLSHIT!"

On one hand, I dislike texting and being on the phone. For me they're second best to being in person. I like having the extra mediums of body language, touch and being face to face, and experiencing people's presence. I much rather would have a big house party or go to the club for a birthday or bachelor party. A lot of times, I'll be home by myself and feel a burning need to talk to people, so I'll call someone.

On the other hand, I really enjoy my alone time, like spending 20 minutes meditating every day. I don't necessarily get a "recharge" from it. More like a sense of being collected and focused. I also prefer to work alone. A lot of times, it's necessary for me to be able to enter that "inner space" where I can clearly see what I'm doing and what my vision is.

So I get really confused. Am I this, or am I that? It kindof seems to me like the study of psychology is a bit "sophistic" and arbitrary... You're either Box A or Box B. Light side of the Force, Dark side of the Force LOL. I'm thinking it's ok to jump back and forth between the boxes as needed. Or even see it as a spectrum and be in the middle. Why can't you can be like the Jedi that wears a bathrobe and does mind tricks and shoots lightning bolts at the same time?

I've known some really harcore introverts and extroverts before and I know that you don't want to be either one of those. Hardcore introverts are painfully shy and in their shell. Hardcore extroverts are not taken seriously at all. They're often "clown men." Often validation seeking and reactive to what other people think. It seems really debilitating as far as improving your game to be hard on either end.

There's a social stigma (also in the community) to introversion. It literally was almost categorized as a disorder, along with bipolar, narcissism, sociopathy etc!!! WTF? You're told that you have to be Mr. Party and having introvert characteristics is something you need to change. I boldly disagree with that. The introvert side is absolutely necessary for things like effective leadership. It's were you get inner strength of will (being unreactive). You have you're own reality. You're not looking to other people to define who you are, or the standards of what you do. Also I believe empathy and compassion are qualities of the introvert, which are critical. A lot of very famous, successful people are introverts. Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Bruce Willis, there are way too many to name.

Extroverts find charisma, being bold and taking risks a lot easier, calibration comes more naturally, being concious of the general mood of a group of people, being entertaining etc. Extroverts are wonderful at "putting on a show." Think of Owen Cook (Brad P). One of my friends, used to be a clown in the circus. He's a consummate extrovert showman. His entire day is putting on a show. Literally. But I've also noticed that it's not hard change his mind on things.

The whole point, (and my speculation here) is maybe its optimal to find ways to draw emotional energy from both sides, and try to be an ambivert or even transcend the Introvert/Extrovert paradigm. Maybe this is what is meant by being "centered or grounded?" Maybe this is why some guys can be freakishly good at one set of skills but absolutely beat their head against the wall when it comes to another set of skills. I'm coming to think that it's really really important to know yourself and accept what you are, Introvert or extrovert, and play to your strengths. I know extroverts are typically good at night game, so maybe introverts should focus on daygame?

Just my thoughts... trying to figure out why I get so confused and frustrated about the whole thing. Maybe some of you are more knowledgeable about this subject than I am. I honestly don't know much about psychology. So feel free to correct me if I have things completely bassackward.