by Marshall Gibson

Created on: October 18, 2007   Last Updated: July 19, 2011

A true loner and a social butterfly cannot coexist in a fulfilling relationship, for this gives us the following expository scenario: Let's say for some dubious reason an introverted loner and extroverted socialite find themselves attempting to exist as a serious couple. The loner is content with a monogamous vicissitude, and thrives in this exclusivity shared only between the two of them; he or she focuses on deepening the romance and strengthening the bond. However, at some point the socialite is overcome with the magnanimous urge to, naturally, socialize. He or she eventually feels the loner's prized intimacy disenfranchises the socialite's lifestyle. So the extrovert goes out, parties, mingles, and zealously acquaints his or herself with as many people as possible.

Meanwhile the loner does what the loner does best: writing, reading, surfing the web, cruising down the interstate, smoking on the balcony, walking the streets in the dead of night, etcetera. Up springs the quagmire where the socialite has suddenly sampled dozens of new faces while the introvert has met no one. Statistically speaking, the extrovert is due to meet someone he or she finds more attractive (physically, intellectually, emotionally, comically, romantically, or what have you) than the now-seemingly creepy loner. Ergo, the socialite who now rationalizes that this freakish couple was lacking loyalty to begin with ceases the relationship and resumes his or her life of flirt and spontaneity with the other extroverts.

The butterfly flutters away with the other butterflies. The loner is left alone, which may be serendipity seeing solidarity is what the recluse craves.

Bottom line: the socialite is destined to find someone else because extroverts involuntarily market themselves while loners don't.

Learn more about this author, Marshall Gibson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.