Lies Extroverts Tell (2 of 3)

A friend recently told me:

“It’s tough for me to trust extroverts because whenever they get excited and tell me something I feel like they’re lying.”

I’m an extrovert.

His comment cut me deep — really deep.

He probably isn’t too far off in his assessment.

It was his comment and my own self-reflection that inspired this series of posts.

I’m not out to make extroverts feel bad or anything. I’m simply wanting to have fun with our quirks.

And fear not, I have a few posts lined up for the introverts too.

But let’s continue to look at the extroverts.

As a refresher, here is a Wikipedia’s definition of an extrovert:

“Extroverts tend to enjoy human interactions and to be enthusiastic, talkative, assertive, and gregarious. Extroverts are energized and thrive off of being around other people. They take pleasure in activities that involve large social gatherings, such as parties, community activities, public demonstrations, and business or political groups. An extroverted person is likely to enjoy time spent with people and find less reward in time spent alone. They tend to be energized when around other people, and they are more prone to boredom when they are by themselves.”

Enjoy human interactions.

Thrive off being around people.

Take pleasure in activities that involve large social gatherings.

Energized when around other people.

Yup, that’s an extrovert.

Introverts read that description and start to sweat.

Extroverts read that and text friends to plan their next party.

So back to the lies we tell. We’re all guilty here. Everybody lies on occasion.

But what are the specific lies extroverts tell.

On Monday I revealed a common lie extroverts tell.

It was this: “Hey, I really like your ________!”

*shoes, jeans, hair, hat, bracelet, belt, nametag, frog pendant, socks or ANYTHING else.

Some people weren’t feeling that one and I get it.

The truth is I say stuff like that a lot and I’m not even sure I believe it.

I’m just trying to be nice so people will be nice to me in return.

Here is lie number two:

“Come on, it’ll be fun!”

Extroverts love telling this lie.

We have no idea if it will be fun or not but we really want you to come along and find out with us.

This lie comes from a place of wanting to include— err, persuade– err manipulate.

I say this to people all the time. I hope it comes from a good place because I like it when people feel included.

I suppose it comes from my fear of being excluded.

Look, I’m just trying to clear the air here. Just trying to be honest.

I don’t know if it’s going to be fun, but I know me getting you to come along is fun for me.

Come on, be adventurous.

Be inclusive. Extroverts always want more people at the party. It’ll be fun.

Yeah, it’s a lie, but it comes from a good place in our hearts.

________

On Friday I’m posting one more lie extroverts tell.

But I’m interested…

Which lies do you think extroverts tell?

Send ‘em my way and leave a comment below.

6 thoughts on “Lies Extroverts Tell (2 of 3)

  1. As your fellow extrovert I would say that I am very guilty of the second lie. I always feel like I should include “…for me” after it. As for the first one, if I am telling you I like something then I really like it. My problem is sometimes being too honest and expressing when I don’t like something. That is hard for me.

    I would include for me the lie of “Oh I get embarassed too” This is usually accompanied with the “It will be fun” lie.

    • Haha. Adrian, I think I could live by this simple slogan: It’s all fun & games until an introvert walks in & ruins it for everybody.

      Maybe not… But some days it feels like that’s the case.

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