What type of personality are you? You’ve probably taken (or at least seen) the 16Personalities test online. Are you an “E” (extroverted) or an “I” (introverted), and how strong is it for you? Lately, the internet has been obsessed with E vs. I moments. Like when the E friend suddenly starts singing opera in a busy restaurant, or introduces their I friend as if their I friend were a prized peacock, while the “prized peacock” I friend looks for a trapdoor to disappear through.
After scrolling through all those memes, I noticed that the introverts never “get back” in public. So, as a 99% E, here are a few playful, harmless ways introverts can survive the spotlight and quietly even the score. And why am I trying to get back at my own kind? I don’t know. I just thought it would be funny if all the fellow “I” people could try this out.
1. Go to Restaurants That Sing Happy Birthday and Ask Everyone to Sing Happy Birthday on a Random Day
Make a reservation at Olive Garden or TGI Fridays. Or, if you want hot pot, go to Haidilao. When you call, casually tell them it’s your friend’s 60th birthday tomorrow.
Then bring your extroverted friend in, as nothing has changed. When you’re seated, wave to the staff and act seriously about the “birthday surprise.” If you can’t handle the secondhand embarrassment, this is the perfect time for you to “go wash your hands” and disappear to the bathroom.
Your very-much-not-60 friend will suddenly get a loud birthday song on a random day. They might be handed a party hat that looks like a neon ice cream cone. They might even get “longevity” noodles, because sixty deserves respect. And for the first time in their entire extroverted life, they will be speechless.
2. Call Your Friend’s Mother
Why not be a tattletale? Why not use power?
But what will you even say? What if my friend hates me after that? What if I mess up their whole mother-child dynamic?
Don’t worry. You won’t because you’re not going to say anything important.
Call your extrovert friend’s mom right in front of them. Then ask about the weather. Or ask her opinion on dumplings. Ask anything harmless and ordinary. Keep it so casual that it’s almost confusing.
This won’t cause family drama. It won’t change their relationship. It will just plant one idea in your friend’s head. You may be an introvert, but you are an introvert who knows how to use power.
3. Sun Tzu and the Art of War: If Everything Else Fails, Retreat.
Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese military general, was smart. Listen to him. I know introverts need hours to gather enough energy to say a comeback out loud, even if you’ve already won three wars in your head. But alas. You are still an introvert. So sometimes the best move is to drop everything and run.
If you’re at a random wedding with your extroverted friend and fifty other people you don’t know or like, and your extroverted friend introduces you as a concert pianist, do not accept your fate. If everyone turns to you with bright, expectant eyes, just drop everything and sprint like a frantic chicken.
Extroverted people are extroverted. They are not heartless. If they actually see how panicked you are, they will stop. It’s like how my father stopped chasing his screeching chicken when he was trying to impress my great-grandma.
And don’t worry about “causing a scene.” Your E friend already caused one for you first.
In the end, all of this is just the funny way of saying one thing.
Communication is key. You can set boundaries in a hundred different ways, and they do not all have to be dramatic or loud. Some people send a calm text after. Some people have a quick code word in public. Some people just give the “stop” look and let that be the whole sentence. Whatever your style, real friendships always find their own balance and rhythm. I honestly cannot live without my sensitive, introverted friends. They keep me grounded, and they notice the little things I miss. And my introverted friends tell me that once in a while, they actually crave a day of my high energy and undivided attention. So yes, prank your extrovert friend with a fake birthday song if you must. But after that, talk. That’s how the “E” and the “I” stay friends on purpose.
Featured image via Zulfugar Karimov on Pexels
Delicious food brings people together, and few things compare to the thrill of exploring international flavors all in one setting. A global culinary celebration unites culture, tradition, and stories through the art of taste. At an International food festival https://sangennaro.nyc/ guests can sample everything from bold, spicy street fare to refined desserts from around the world. Beyond satisfying the palate, such events honor cultural heritage, foster community connections, and provide an easy way to discover diverse cuisines—offering unforgettable experiences without leaving your city.