Yep, that's me. Some may not believe that, but if I seem extroverted it's really because I force myself to listen to the 49%. Usually with the promise that "this will make a great story later".
There's an exception to any rule, though, and here's mine: If I'm wearing a costume (and especially if it's one I made), I become about 80% extrovert. I'm sure there's some psychology behind that, that I'm not really being me, or that I can hide, or something.
- At PAX, I wore a Viva Pinata Horstachio costume I made. I loved it, even though it was fleece, and very warm, and I ended up being a giant sweat monster. I posed for photos, skipped around, and was really a big happy dork. Yay!
- And last week we had a Lips contest at work - Chris Ballew and Jason Finn of the Presidents were judging. I do not sing terribly well, and in fact I failed out singing a song in RockBand at the Gamefest party this year. But I decided to sing "Peaches" at this contest. Not because I particularly know or love this song, but because my extroverted minority knew that singing a song for the guy who sings the song would make a great story. So I did it. And it went okay. But believe me, I don't think I've ever been so nervous in front of a group of people I know.
- Conversely, a few years ago I dressed up as Axel Rose, complete with wig, and went to Ozzie's for karaoke. It was a blast - I sang, I mimicked some of Axel's moves, and felt no fear at all.
The point here? Not quite sure. I think there's a few of them.
- I think it's interesting that you can't tell how people feel on the inside. I don't think most people would guess me an introvert. But I could be wrong about that.
- I should wear a costume for public performances. Always. Preferably something really silly.
- What doesn't kill you can make for a great story.
I'm sure I'll make more stories in the future, thanks wholly to 49% of me.
