Autistic or an Introvert?
My question was originally about my beloved Aziraphale, but of course, it can also be about me or you.
And the answer is - both, either, neither?
What matters is that his character helps you accept and love yourself as you are.
As it is World Introvert Day, I do want to talk about a couple of things I see mentioned around introversion that rub me the wrong way.
Most people are of course somewhere on a scale between introversion and extroversion. If we take the usual Bell Curve, most people will not be somewhere on the extreme points of the scale but will find themselves inclined more to one side or the other.
And that's absolutely fine. Of course. I just can't stand the term extroverted introvert... OR, even worse - someone claiming they used to be an introvert and are now an extrovert...! That is not possible.
The above probably stem from a few common misconceptions:
Introverts dislike and always avoid people
Introverts don't have friends or have hard time making friends and maintaining friendships (introverts are usually content with having fewer friends than extroverts and seeing them less often and in smaller groups or preferably one on one - that extroverts don't believe them is another matter)
Introverts absolutely hate parties or large gatherings (introverts can absolutely enjoy a party - but it depends on the party, and it would be for a limited time)
Introverts would always prefer alone time if given a choice (introverts, who pay attention to their inner world, know that interacting with others is good for their mental health, even if the inclination is to stay alone - because it's simply easier and requires less energy)
Introverts are shy (introverts can be shy, but shyness is not a trait of introversion)
Introverts are not good at small talk (small talk is a skill, anyone can be good or bad at it)
Introverts are bad at typical 'extrovert' jobs - public speakers, leaders, lawyers, politicians... honestly, anything to do with people and public
And there's lots more I'm sure
So yes, introverts can be any of the above.
And so can extroverts. It probably is more likely for introverts to have these kind of traits (being shy, avoiding large groups) but that is only because their introversion and tendency to seek and thrive in solitude, did not give them enough time to learn and practice the skills to be very good at any of the above in general.
That does not mean though that introverts cannot be confident, great at small talk, fantastic leaders and incredible public speakers, actors etc.
Can introverts be misanthropic? Yeah. But so can extroverts. Can introverts be shy? Yeah. But so can extroverts.
Extroverts would just have over time, more of an incentive to overcome their shyness or being terrible at speaking to strangers and would learn how to manage it, because they have a larger internal drive for interaction with others than introverts.
It's not bad or wrong to be either.
The scale is also not as simple as claiming one to be shallow and the other deep, or indicate intelligence etc.
Having said that though, society at the moment definitely prefers extroverts and rewards them more, because currently we exist on speed and volume. When introverts are not natural at either.
But that doesn't mean we are broken, that there is something wrong with us or we need to be changed.
Now back to Aziraphale (and Crowley). While the question of introversion/extroversion is not commonly discussed - it is far more likely to see metas about the angel and demon having traits associated with autism and ADHD respectively, I have seen some posts on this note too.
And I'd just like to say that yes, Aziraphale has friends - or at least acquaintances and is more readily engaging with humans and is seen talking to them (although this is also often explained away as his need to be good and polite and behave 'correctly') and Crowley, when interacting with anyone else but Aziraphale is often sarcastic and dismissive, short and appears uninterested.
And the above is why I have seen Crowley described as an introvert and Aziraphale as an extrovert.
As I have explained above however, people's skills in interaction with others are not a measure of their introversion or extroversion.
Aziraphale is clearly content on his own, he does not seek out others for social stimulation (which is supported by his reluctance to go to the pub or host the Street Association meeting - but which he will do if necessary and do well).
I think a lot of fanworks have picked up on some of this dynamic. Aziraphale is often the 'boring one' who is at home and Crowley is (given all of Aziraphale's acquaintances as friends) and Crowley is the one pushing to meet and spend time together.
I don't think by the way that Crowley is an extrovert, I think he'd be more in the ambivert part of the spectrum.
Aziraphale and introverts in general, as if often said, enjoys his alone time and it's where he 'rechargers' so he has energy to deal with the world.
Crowley apparently recharges by being with Aziraphale - which, honestly, is very sweet and extremely valid.
I think about 10 years ago the internet went through a wave of calling out the extroversion as being the only 'correct' way of being, the only way to be truly happy and fulfilled and successful, and booed at extroverts for being shallow and loud and needy.
And briefly, the quiet people were spoken about, the nerds, the people who look for the cat at the house party and hide in the kitchen.
Most people I think however, don't worry too much about what side they fall on.
I believe though that if you fall on the farther end of the introvert scale, you have been asking yourself what is wrong with you for a very long time.
And the answer is - nothing. It's just the way you are wired. And yes, we can learn to interact with strangers more easily and yes, it's harder to do than it is for extroverted people and yes, it is tiring - and that's not wrong or 'bad' of us.
Does Aziraphale also have autistic traits? Would he be diagnosed on the spectrum should he be real?
I don't know. This is beyond my expertise and I hope if you are seeking answers you will find them, and if you have been diagnosed, that Aziraphale helps you accept and understand yourself too.
But I do know one thing for certain, learning about introversion (and autism too), what it is and what it is not, has helped me hugely to understand and accept myself.
Seeing characters on screen like Aziraphale who love their alone time, their home, their things, their routine, their hobbies. Who are quiet and rehearse their speech and worry and are anxious and are not quick to reply or crack a joke but are no less clever for that - has been a joy.
And speaking of joy, introverts and extroverts would generally express happiness and other heightened emotions differently - but just because introverts don't whoop or exclaim when happy or express grief or shock in the expected ways - does not mean they do not feel deeply.
If you have more questions, honestly, I'd recommend the IntrovertDear website I linked above or just starting with looking up a YouTube video or two, an article or a paper.
P.S. Yes, I know 'extravert' is the more correct, technical term, and normally I'd be a stickler for that, but I simply prefer the symmetry of introversion/extroversion.
