I need help understanding different personality types!

[Ceridwenae]

But because I only know me. I often get stuck in the trap of just assuming people are as ambitious, social, or extroverted as me. So I don't always recognize when they need a helping hand. For example initiating conversation. If I want something--I'll just boldly blurt it out (like this forum post). I wanted to know something, and so I asked. Even though I knew people would think I was a troll. I just HAD to know, so acted the way I act.

Don't make the mistake of thinking if someone is introverted (if we're using that intro vs extro analogy) that they're not social; as in, don't mistake introversion for shyness. I'm a really sociable person, one-on-one, but only if they take a heap of time to get to know me well. If I get to know people one-on-one first, and then there's grouping up - say for a dungeon if you will - it's great! I will likely have a lot of fun. Otherwise, it's just hell. I also will need solo time in amongst that, because the interactions take an emotional toll. It's hard work, it's not that I don't want to do it (though some days it is that too, because we all have those days), it just comes from a different place.

It's funny reading what you've written here, as it comes across like you have a condition too (social anxiety cue: please don't take that the wrong way!). If you take that bit where you're saying you don't recognise when someone needs a helping hand, or mistaking the lack of conversation starters for disinterest, you could flip it on its head and perhaps you'll start to understand why, say, someone like me (social anxiety), doesn't get your behaviour either. Though, it will vary from person to person.

I think it's very much worth your time to read some decent peer-reviewed medical papers on this stuff in your leisure time. A framework of understanding, if you will, a bedrock to build upon then (which is where the anecdotes you've asked for will help fill in gaps). And bugger me, this thunderstorm is ridiculous, and though I'd love to write you six pages more and gabber about social interactions all day, I should probably go. I may edit later if it feels necessary.

Quickly though! I'm proud of you for starting this topic. The more people seek to expand their knowledge in this way, the better.