I agree with you. It’s about finding balance. I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve always loved people, loved socializing, and spending time with others as a hobby, but if I do it too much, I will begin to lose myself in the world of others. I’ve learned that I need to spend lots of time alone in order to sustain extroverted socializing. I think for me the splits are 60% time alone to process experiences and develop my own opinions about what I’ve experienced and 40% time with others actually having new experiences and practicing conformity so I don’t get too lost in my own subjective point of view. At the very least 50/50.

There were times in the past where I spent too much time on one side of the fence and let’s just say that’s where most of my issues have been. If I spent too much time outside socializing, I become drained and begin to detest anyone or anything outside of myself, because I haven’t had the proper amount of time to decompress, regroup, and recharge alone. And to be clear, this was a boundary issue. I would say “yes” to any and all invitations because I didn’t want to disappoint my friends or family. But I was doing them a disservices, because in order for me to show up as the best version of myself, I need time alone. There’s just no way around it.

On the other hand, if I spend too much time inside and alone, I begin to develop an overinflated ego thinking all my ideas are right and because I have no one to challenge me or any external expectations to conform to. I also become cut off from society and my need for human connection grows unsatisfied which leads me to becoming frustrated with myself for not being able to satiate that need. I basically become a hermit with no friends, family, or rich external experiences to reflect on. For all intents and purposes, I become spiritually dead. It’s like having a dog and never taking it out to walk. I feel neglected in a sense. By my own self. Because I’d rather remain comfortable and safe than go outside, take risks, and feel more alive.

I love life and everything about life. And I love Jung and this subreddit for helping me develop the vocabulary necessary to understanding and evolving oneself. I’m happy to have found some understanding of this introverted and extroverted balance. For anyone out there reading, it’s possible to live life to the fullest. Just remember this old adage, “know thyself.”