How to Introverted Extrovert

Plus simple steps to thrive as an introverted extrovert

Do you get all hyped up to go to a party only to find yourself suddenly fading after an hour or two? Do your friends constantly comment on how extroverted you are, but you know deep down that you’re a homebody at heart? If so, you may be an introverted extrovert! Read below to find out more about this personality type that blends the introvert vs. extrovert dichotomy into the best of both worlds. Plus, we interviewed life coaches Tara Bradford and Lauren Krasny for their insight on how to thrive as an introverted extrovert.

Introverted Extrovert Meaning

Introverted extroverts are people who enjoy socializing but need alone time to rest and recharge. The introverted extrovert, also called the “outgoing introvert,” is a type of ambivert—meaning that they blend traits of extroverted and introverted personality types.

Steps

What is an introverted extrovert?

1. An introverted extrovert socializes but needs solo time to recharge. Also referred to as “outgoing introverts,” introverted extroverts love being around other people but find frequent socialization draining. They need quiet, alone time to regain energy and recharge their social batteries.^[1]
   
   • An introverted extrovert is an extrovert at heart with some introverted tendencies.
   • Introverts and extroverts are on opposite sides of the personality scale; however, most people fall somewhere in the middle.^[2]
   • True extroverts gain energy from social activities. They’re generally optimistic, quick to respond to communication, feel comfortable expressing their opinions and emotions, and prefer to work in groups rather than individually.^[3]
   • True introverts, on the other hand, gain energy from their alone time. They’re often shy, creative, and thoughtful and prefer small social gatherings or deep conversations rather than parties or small talk.

10 Signs You’re an Introverted Extrovert

1. You have an equal need for alone time and social outings. Although you may feel really outgoing and like the life of the party in social situations, you also crave being alone and having time to recharge.^[4]
   
   • While having a full calendar of social commitments may seem fun, it can exhaust you if you do too much.
   • Spending time at home and having a personal space that feels like yours is a high priority for you.
2. You gain energy only from certain people. While a true extrovert recharges from socialization with almost anyone, you may only get that energy burst from your nearest and dearest. You may maintain a large social circle of friends, but you likely have a small group of close loved ones that you truly feel energized by.^[5]
   
3. Your energy level depends on the topic of the conversation. You’re likely to be very high-energy and enthusiastic when discussing topics you’re passionate about, but your energy wanes when it comes to subjects you’re less interested in. Similarly, you may tap into your energy more or less depending on who’s involved in the conversation (i.e., whether they’re a person who gives you energy or not).^[6]
   
4. You need time to warm up to a new social environment. You won’t be bringing the energy the second you walk through the doors. You need a moment to adjust to your new surroundings before you can really turn the energy up. Similarly, you prefer to mentally prepare and recharge before engaging in social activities.^[7]
   
5. You enjoy being at the party but not being the center of attention. You like receiving praise and attention from others, but you don’t want to be the star of the show. This trait may also apply to professional situations, where you often take the lead but don’t like to receive any fanfare for it.^[8]
   
6. You host and then ghost. Basically, you enjoy seeing people but may go off the grid for a bit afterward. For example, you might host a massive dinner party for a big group of your friends and then disengage from social plans for the following week while you recharge and recover.^[9]
   
7. You enjoy having deep conversations in person but not over text. You may avoid picking up the phone when friends call out of the blue or take your sweet time responding to texts you don’t have immediate energy for. When you do respond to texts and emails, your reply may be lacking the same enthusiasm you would give in person.
   
8. You love helping others but struggle to accept help yourself. You show a great deal of care and generosity to your loved ones but have difficulty receiving the same level of attention. The people close to you may perceive you as someone who rejects help or struggles to open up.
   
9. You’re more vulnerable than you may appear. Like an introvert, you have a rich inner world and are constantly processing the environment around you. You keep your cards close to the chest and conceal some personal details so most people don't observe the depth of your vulnerability and sensitivity. While some people may see that side of you, others may have very different perceptions.^[10]
   
10. You’re often mistaken for an extrovert. Your social, extroverted side may seem more obvious to others than your quiet, reflective side. Some people may describe you as super flirtatious or outgoing, even if you don’t intend to come across that way. And, internally, you probably feel much more like an introvert than an extrovert.^[11]
    

Benefits and Challenges for Introverted Extroverts

1. You benefit from both the outgoing and reserved sides of your personality. As an introverted extrovert, you may rely on your extroverted self to exude confidence and enthusiasm. At the same time, your introverted qualities make you deeply thoughtful and considerate.^[12]
   
   • As a result, you can easily adapt and be prepared for whatever your present situation calls for.
   • For example, you’re able to be spontaneous and adventurous and bring energy to a social situation when the moment calls for it.
   • In more serious moments, however, you have no problem tapping into your introverted side, slowing down, and reflecting on your feelings or the feelings of others.
2. You easily understand the emotional and energetic needs of others. Since you experience aspects of extroversion and introversion, you relate to people on both sides of the dichotomy. You can socialize with your extroverted friends and understand their desire to go out and meet new people. However, you also empathize with your introverted friends who value alone time and need space to recharge.
   
3. Other people may struggle to understand your personality traits and needs. You may be running around excitedly at a social event when, all of a sudden, you hit a wall and withdraw. This sudden change in energy and demeanor may make you seem moody to others. Certain people may also misunderstand you because they can’t get a clear read on your personality.^[13]
   
   • You may even struggle to understand your feelings if you aren’t aware that you’re an introverted extrovert.
   • You may feel confused when you suddenly feel shut down in a social setting or wonder why you feel drained around certain people.

How to Thrive as an Introverted Extrovert

1. Know your limits in social situations. Take note of when you start feeling drained and in which environments you’re typically in when feeling this way. When you start to feel this introversion creep in, take a step back and excuse yourself from the gathering or party. Avoid forcing yourself to be social and energetic when you’re not feeling it.
   
   • Life and mindset coach Tara Bradford recommends considering questions like, “Why is this draining? Is it because you're spending a long time? Is it because you're getting defensive? Is it because you're mad at yourself for not speaking up in the meeting because someone else took over the conversation?”^[14]
   • In the future, understanding when and why you lose steam in social settings may mean you can exit while you’re still riding an extroverted high rather than leaving feeling moody and drained.
   • Maybe you always cap out at 5 hours, or you get quickly drained in a club versus a house party setting.
2. Identify which people drain you more than others. As Bradford describes it, “Not everybody’s going to drain you, and not all numbers of people” will either.^[15] “Maybe one-on-one conversations are okay, and you feel energized after that,” continues Bradford, “but speaking in front of five or more people feels draining.”^[16]
   
   • Bradford goes on to assure that “you can have those relationships with a fewer number of people, but you have to see what works for you and really pay attention to your energy levels before and after talking to different types of people.”^[17]
   • Deciding that a certain friend or group of friends especially drains you doesn’t have to mean anything bad about your relationship.
   • In fact, realizing that you're better off seeing those people in shorter bursts of time may actually improve the strength of your relationship in the long run.
3. Communicate your needs and boundaries to loved ones. Set boundaries about how much time you can spend with others. Don’t be afraid to say no to taxing social engagements. Tell your closest pals when you need alone time to recharge and remind them that it has nothing to do with them personally.^[18]
   
   • You just need some time to yourself in order to be your best self for them later!
4. Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to relationships. While you may make friends easily and genuinely enjoy having a wide circle of friends, you likely gain more from meaningful relationships. Prioritize spending your time on deeper, more intimate friendships rather than trying to be a friend to all.^[19]
   
5. Find pride in the more introverted side of your personality. Since famed psychologist Carl Jung introduced the idea of extroverted and introverted personalities in the early 1900s, many people have been socialized to believe that being an extrovert makes you inherently more likable and dynamic.^[20]
   
   • However, having introverted qualities has nothing to do with your social capacity—it simply means that you require time to rest and recharge away from others.
6. Be flexible and patient with yourself. You and your personality traits may change over time, as they will for practically anybody. Resist the urge to compare yourself to past versions of you, e.g., “I was so much more social when I was younger.” Change is a normal part of growth, and the strengthening of your introverted traits may be more authentic for your current self!^[21]
   
7. Explore careers that utilize your extroverted and introverted traits. Since you experience both sides of the extroversion vs. introversion scale, you’re likely able to empathize and connect with more people. You may thrive and easily advance in careers like sales and teaching that require a natural skill for talking with and listening to others.^[22]
   
   • In any field, make sure you play to your special strengths as someone with both introverted and extroverted qualities.
   • For example, suppose you are a really strong leader in the workplace but struggle to give presentations in front of large groups. Consider what may help you in this situation, recommends career coach Lauren Krasny.^[23]
   • “If [you’re] not a dynamic speaker,” offers Krasny, “would it help to plan out a presentation, create a really detailed agenda or other types of preparation that would enable [you] to demonstrate leadership, even if [you’re] uncomfortable with some of the conventional methods associated with being a strong leader.”^[24]
   • Interested in hearing about what jobs introverts excel in? Check out our What are the best jobs for introverts? forum.

Introverted Extrovert vs. Extroverted Introvert

1. Extroverted introverts are mostly introverted, unlike introverted extroverts. Extroverted introverts are introverts at their core, so they mainly prefer solo time but occasionally crave social interaction (which makes them somewhat extroverted). Conversely, introverted extroverts are fundamentally social but occasionally need to recharge by themselves (making them somewhat introverted).^[25]
   
   • Essentially, both personality types resonate more with introversion or extroversion on a daily basis. However, they sometimes exhibit traits and needs that typically belong to the other group.
   • If someone prefers to be alone most of the time despite coming across as socially confident and charismatic, they are probably an extroverted introvert rather than an introverted extrovert.
   • Other signs of extroverted introverts include a distaste for small talk and experiencing feelings of loneliness after they’ve spent a significant amount of time recharging on their own.

Introverted Extroverts vs. Ambiverts & Omniverts

1. Introverted extroverts are a type of ambivert. Ambiverts are people with both introverted extroverted traits, which can include both introverted extroverts and extroverted introverts. Someone may identify as one or the other depending on whether they’re more extroverted or introverted at their core. Ambiverts often have a higher sense of self-awareness and possess other traits such as:^[26]
   
   • Being neither overly reserved nor overly outgoing.
   • Adaptability when situations or plans change.
   • A capacity to work alone just as well as they work in groups.
   • Equal appreciation of social engagements and alone time.
   • Being thoughtful in weighing out options but able to decide quickly when the moment calls for it.
2. Omniverts switch between being either total introverts or total extroverts. People with omnivert personalities oscillate between extreme levels of introversion and extroversion based on their mood and environment. This differs from introverted extroverts, who balance their extroverted core with introverted traits rather than swinging from one side of the spectrum to the other.^[27]
   
   • Unlike introverted extroverts and other ambiverts, omniverts often struggle to manage the two sides of their personality.

MBTI Personality Type for Introverted Extroverts

1. Introverted extroverts are most similar to the ENFJ Myers-Brigg type. The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) determines personality type based on four indicators, the most major of which is extroversion (E) vs. introversion (I). The ENFJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging) is similar to the introverted extrovert because they are both energized by socialization.^[28]
   
   • ENFJs also value ideas and concepts over hard logic and factual information. They tend to make decisions based on gut feeling rather than well-laid plans.
   • Similar to the introverted extrovert, ENFJs balance their energy, empathy, and introspection to make an extroverted personality that still lets the introvert shine through.

Video

Tips

• Even true extroverts can be shy, have social anxiety, or even have weak interpersonal skills. Keep in mind that while we often use introversion and shyness interchangeably, any personality type can possess any trait.
• Extroverts can’t just wake up one day and become more introverted, and the same is true for the reverse. Personality traits like introversion and extroversion, or falling somewhere along the spectrum, are believed to be an innate part of who we are—and may even be linked to our DNA.^[29]
• It’s not very rare to be an introverted extrovert. In fact, nearly 70% of people don’t identify strongly with extroversion or introversion. Most people consider themselves ambiverts, or a blend of the two sides of the spectrum.^[30]
• If you’re unsure about your personality type, start by taking this Introvert or Extrovert Quiz.

References

1. ↑ https://www.personalitopia.com/introverted-extrovert-extroverted-introvert/
2. ↑ https://icd.umn.edu/news/introvert-extrovert-or-other
3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/introvert-vs-extrovert
4. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
5. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
6. ↑ https://www.goalcast.com/introverted-extrovert/
7. ↑ https://www.lifesorted.com/7-signs-youre-an-introverted-extrovert/
8. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
9. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/ambivert/
10. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
11. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
12. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
13. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
14. ↑ [v161551_b01].Wednesday, September 16, 2020
15. ↑ [v161551_b01].Wednesday, September 16, 2020
16. ↑ [v161551_b01].Wednesday, September 16, 2020
17. ↑ [v161551_b01].Wednesday, September 16, 2020
18. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
19. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/ambivert/
20. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20130717-what-makes-someone-an-extrovert
21. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
22. ↑ https://faculty.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Grant_PsychScience2013.pdf
23. ↑ [v161315_b01]. 27 March 2020.
24. ↑ [v161315_b01]. 27 March 2020.
25. ↑ https://www.personalitopia.com/introverted-extrovert-extroverted-introvert/
26. ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ambivert/
27. ↑ https://www.truity.com/blog/whats-difference-between-ambivert-and-omnivert
28. ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/enfj-personality
29. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27918536/
30. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797612463706

How to Write Funny Stories

Humor is an important part of everyday life. People use humor to help ease tense situations, relieve stress and sadness, and bond with others over a good laugh. If you have a great sense of humor and you're interested in writing, you may be wondering how to combine your talents. Writing a funny story is not as hard as you might think, so get started on your manuscript and let your comedic tales bring laughter to others.

Steps

Funny Story Help

Sample Funny Anecdotes

Sample Funny Anecdotes

Funny Story Ideas

Funny Story Ideas

Planning Your Story

1. Identify your style of humor. When you sit down to write a funny story, you need to be aware of your personal style of humor. If you're trying to write in a style that doesn't fit your strengths as a comedian or storyteller, then your story may not be as strong as it could be. There are many different types/styles of humor. Some of the most popular include^[1]:
   
   • Observational humor involves pointing out humorous or mundane situations in everyday life, as well as poking fun at others, often in a playful manner.
   • Anecdotal humor focuses on humorous personal stories, which may be slightly embellished for comedic effect.
   • Burlesque involves caricature and imitation, often with exaggerated characteristics.
   • Dark (or gallows) humor involves death and other types of misfortune, often with a comically pessimistic viewpoint.
   • Dry (or deadpan) humor uses a lack of emotion or expression to deliver funny material.
   • Farcical (or screwball) humor uses skits or satire involving highly improbable circumstances, often with exaggerated reactions and frantic movements.
   • High (or highbrow) humor involves cultured or intelligent topics/themes.
   • Hyperbolic humor uses excess and exaggeration for comedic effect.
   • Ironic humor involves either a split from normalcy or a situation in which the audience knows more than the characters know.
   • Satirical humor points out a person's or society's weaknesses and downfalls with comedic effect.
   • Self-deprecating humor features the comedian or storyteller making fun of themself.
   • Situational humor employs some elements of farce, screwball, or slapstick comedy to make fun of everyday situations.
   • Slapstick involves acting out mock violence or bodily harm through physical comedy.
2. Decide what your story is about. Before you can write a funny story, you need to have some idea about the story itself. It's not enough to have jokes or a funny scenario; the story needs to be strong so that it can support the humorous elements.^[2]
   
   • Brainstorm ideas. If you're stuck, try watching funny movies and reading funny stories for inspiration.
   • Write down strange or funny situations you've experienced in the past. Don't worry about making them funny right now. Just write out what you can remember about the experience and why you found it humorous.
   • Choose a vivid setting that your audience will be able to imagine. They'll be better able to understand the humor if they can imagine the setting. The setting itself doesn't have to be funny (though it can be), but it should make sense for the characters and plot you're creating.
   • Think about what you ultimately want your story to say. What will the overarching point of your story be? Is it a story about overcoming adversity? Is it a commentary on modern society?
3. Create a conflict and tension. Ideally, the tension and its resolution in your story should illustrate some aspect of human nature. Once you create your story's conflict, tell your readers the stakes facing your characters if they don't resolve it. Your readers will find the events of your story more interesting if you create conflict and tension that move your plot forward.
   
   • Your story's conflict should create tension. Because it's a funny story, that tension may be funny itself, or the circumstances around it (how it builds, or how it is resolved) could be humorous. Most commonly, the way you resolve the tension in a comedic story will provide much of the humor.
   • Additionally, always create some kind of stakes. A good story has some outcome on the line for the characters, which may be funny or tragic (but needs to be realistic).
   • Sketch out the rising action, climax, and falling action. The climax is typically the high point of tension, and the rising and falling actions build up and relieve that tension (respectively).
   • In the Chris Farley movie Tommy Boy, for example, the conflict is the risk that Tommy's evil mother-in-law and her secret husband will sell the business and get away with it. The tension arises from that conflict as the narrative builds to a point where everything must be resolved.
4. Choose a point of view. Choosing a story's point of view requires you to decide who would tell the story best, and how that information should be delivered. The main options at your disposal are first person, second person, and third person. There is no objectively right or wrong choice, because it all depends on what you think works best for your story.^[3]
   
   • First person - this is where a story is told using "I," "me," and "mine." It's one character's subjective take on the events of your story, and the narrator is usually either the protagonist (the main character) or a close secondary character telling the protagonist's story.
   • Second person - a story told in second person is told directly to "you" (without any "I," except in dialogue). The reader imagines herself as being part of the plot, with the action written in the following manner: "You follow him down the stairs, and you're surprised at what you see."
   • Third person omniscient - this is where an omniscient (all-seeing and all-knowing) narrator delivers the story, without ever referring to an "I" or addressing the reader as "you." The reader comes to understand the events, thoughts, and motivations each character experiences.
   • Third person limited - while told in a similar narrative style as third person omniscient, third person limited only offers insights into the thoughts/feelings of one character. The narrative follows the protagonist and delivers the world as he/she experiences it.
5. Set up funny situations. Choose an initial funny setting or incident, then build the rest of your story's plot off of that idea. For example, an inappropriate or unusual setting or event can make great comedy. As another option, use a classic comedic situation, like having a mistaken identity, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or inserting a character or object into a situation where it doesn't belong.^[4]
   
   • Let's say your story is about a man who is invited out to lunch. He shows up to lunch wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops, plus he brought his dog. However, the restaurant turns out to be an upscale 5-star eatery with a dress code. Although the situation itself might not seem funny, it's a great source of humor because it flips your expectations. By contrasting the classy restaurant with the man's casual attire, you can set the scene for readers and help them relate to the character's funny situation.
6. Create funny characters. Good characters are vital to any story, and funny stories are no different. It may be more difficult to make a character well-written and funny, but it's not impossible. Focus on making the characters funny in their own way, whether it's because of the way they look, the way the talk/behave, or the situations that they find themselves in.^[5]
   
   • Remember that there are many different kinds of humor. Your characters might be sarcastic, dumb, observant, and so on.
   • The Three Stooges program offers a great example of funny characters. Their style of humor was predominantly slapstick, but much of the humor arises from their personalities, quirks, and reactions to both situations and each other.
   • Let each character's humor arise from his or her personality, and be consistent with that character's traits.
   • Don't worry about crafting the character's entire backstory yet (though you will have to do this once you begin the actual writing process). For now, focus on getting a clear idea in your head about what the characters look like and how they behave.

Writing the Story

1. Write an engaging first paragraph. By the end of the first paragraph, many readers will decide whether to continue reading the story or to give up and set it aside. A strong, engaging beginning is vital, then, if you want your readers to continue through the rest of your story.^[6]
   
   • A good first paragraph should hook your reader's attention and interest.
   • Don't worry about making the beginning funny; you can always insert humor during the revision process. Focus on engaging the reader by evoking the scene or situation.
   • Try incorporating something unusual, something unexpected, a striking action, or an interesting conflict in the first paragraph. This creates tension and a sense of urgency, and the reader will want to continue.
2. Develop your characters. Any story, whether it's fiction or nonfiction, needs well-developed, three-dimensional characters. Don't settle for flat stock characters that everyone has seen before. Give your characters some personality, and if you're writing about real people you know make sure you bring them to life by describing their appearance, mannerisms, and other facets of their personalities.^[7]
   
   • Always know more about a character than you'll ever actually use in the story. Flesh out the character in your head before you begin writing so that he or she will feel real to you and to the reader.
   • Brainstorm what makes this character unique. Consider what he looks like, his hobbies, temperament, phobias, faults, strengths, secrets, defining moments/memories, etc.
   • Make sure you convey four main characteristics to your readers: a character's appearance, actions, speech, and thoughts. Any other details can support those characteristics, but without those four your character may not come to life for a reader.
3. Work in funny anecdotes. Anecdotes are short, personal stories that convey something funny or meaningful. An anecdote is the short personal experience you tell your friends about over coffee or cocktails. Some of the best anecdotes are pithy, punchy, and interesting.
   
   • Many people find that humorous stories/anecdotes are funnier than an actual joke. Jokes can elicit a laugh, but they're short lived and generally less memorable than a true story of embarrassment or mistaken identity.
   • Don't just stop at your own personal anecdotes. Mine your previous conversations with friends, family, and coworkers, and try to incorporate their moments of humor.
   • David Sedaris is a great comedic writer who uses personal anecdotes as a jumping off point to talk about the comedic (and at times tragic) aspects of human nature and experience. Try reading his essays online or pick up one of his many books for inspiration and examples.
4. Show, don't tell. You may have heard the old adage, "Show, don't tell." It means that there is more power and strength in describing a situation or setting to the reader, rather than simply telling the reader what's happening. For example, instead of using the old line, "It was a dark and stormy night" to tell the reader that it was raining outside, you might describe the sound of the raindrops hitting your roof, the squeak your car's wiper blades make, and the way a flash of lightning lit up the hillside as though it were daylight.
   
   • Use specific details that illustrate the point you're trying to make. Instead of telling the reader a character is sad, show him crying and running off to be alone.
   • Let the reader assemble the pieces of the scene or event on her own. This will help the reader feel your emotions more genuinely.
   • Be specific and use concrete descriptions. Avoid the abstract or intangible, and instead focus on something the reader can imagine seeing, hearing, touching, or feeling.

Revising Your Story to Make It Funnier

1. Try incorporating comedic descriptions. Descriptions can be funny in themselves, and they can also set the scene for a funny action sequence. Your comedic descriptions may detail two things that shouldn't normally go together, or you might focus on describing the absurdity of the way a person, place, or thing appears.
   
   • Find a new and interesting way to say something familiar. This can be very funny, and it also keeps your readers on their toes.^[8]
   • Try using funny adjectives in your descriptions. Again, the focus should be on saying something in a way that surprises or delights the reader.
   • Many comedians find that words with a hard "k" sound (like "car" or "quintuplet") simply sound funnier. The same is true for words with a hard "g" sound (like "guacamole" or "garrulous")
2. Write funny comparisons. A good comedic comparison should describe how two things are related, but it might do so in a funny or unexpected way. A comparison joke should still make the point you're trying to make, but it does so in a way that makes the reader laugh.
   
   • Use similes and metaphors that evoke familiar images.^[9] For example, you might say something like, "Making it through this week will be about as easy as painting an elephant's toenails; I hope I make it out alive."
   • A simile is a comparison that uses "like" or "as". An example of a simile would be, "Your love is like a flower."
   • A metaphor is a comparison that describes something as though it were actually something else. An example of a metaphor would be, "My heart is a pounding drum."
   • A humorous comparison might be something like, "He danced like a horse drunk on wine...but he was still a better dance partner than I was."
   • Try out different comparisons until you find one that is effective and makes you laugh, then test it out on someone else to see if they find it funny.
3. Make fun of yourself. If you're writing about how everyone in your family or your workplace is dumb and ugly, your readers will probably think you're mean and unfairly critical. However, if you make yourself the butt of your jokes, your readers will understand that you're exaggerating or singling out yourself for comedic effect, and it won't come off as mean or judgmental.^[10]
   
   • It's okay to poke fun at others close to you (your friends, family, etc.). But if you just hammer on them without taking a jab at yourself it may come across as mean or arrogant.
   • Worrying about offending others can stifle your comedy.^[11] Making fun of yourself lets readers know it's okay to laugh along with you, since no one else is being unfairly targeted.
   • Talk about personal experiences, things that have happened to your friends/family/coworkers, and any other aspects of your life that have brought you funny stories - just be sure to bring the mockery down on yourself at least as much as you make fun of others.
4. Never tell a reader that something is funny. You wouldn't tell a joke and then explain, "That was supposed to be funny" - or at least you wouldn't need to explain it if your audience found it funny. The same is true when you're writing a funny story. If you have to tell your readers that something is funny, the joke probably flopped.^[12]
   
   • Let your readers discover the humor of your situation on their own. That will make for stronger storytelling, and it will let your jokes land better for the reader.
   • This ties in with the "show, don't tell" rule. Just as you showed your reader a scene or a character with skillful description, you should likewise show your reader the funny description or action sequence without saying it was funny.
5. Remember the rule of three. A lot of written comedy relies on setting up the reader's expectations (perhaps by establishing a pattern, for example) and then subverting those expectations. The reader will realize that the story did not go the way she expected it to, often with comedic results. One way to set up this type of humorous outcome is by using the rule of threes.
   
   • The rule of threes relies on pairing two similar ideas/events/people together so that the reader recognizes a pattern forming.
   • Once the reader expects the pattern to continue, you deliver a third idea/event/person that goes in a direction the reader did not expect.
   • This works best with groups of three because it's a low enough number that most people will easily remember each item, but it's also just enough items that the reader will come to see a pattern and expect it to continue.
   • As an example of the rule of three, you might say something like, "I don't know what's wrong with my dog; I've taken him to obedience classes, I learned how to discipline him, but he still hasn't helped me meet anyone at the dog park."
6. Practice using comedic timing. Comedic timing may mean setting up a series of events to unfold at a certain time and place, but it also means letting a joke, funny word/phrase, or punch line land in a humorous way. It's all about delivery and how you set up the joke or story.^[13]
   
   • Comedic timing may involve an element of surprise, misdirection, or simply building suspense in order to let a funny line land at the best possible moment.
   • An example of comedic timing might involve writing something like, "This dating tip always works and it will drive your partner crazy...except for when it fails."
7. Don't overdo the humor. If you're writing comedy for the first time, you may be tempted to pack in as many jokes, funny descriptions, and comedic situations as possible. But sometimes, too many humorous elements can be overkill, and it ends up detracting from the story's strengths. Try to balance the humor, and make sure it's relevant and serves your story (instead of your story serving the humor).
   
   • Don't lose focus of what your story is actually about. It can be a very funny story, but it needs to be a strongly-written story first.
   • Try to limit the use of humor throughout the story. That way, when a funny line really lands well, it will be memorable and exceptionally funny.
8. Edit your story. As you make revisions, like inserting more comedy (or scaling back the comedic elements), remember to do a thorough edit. Editing a story like this will require you to comb through each line and look for typos, run-on sentences, sentence fragments, weak descriptions, cliches, and other problems in your manuscript.
   
   • It may be helpful to set your story aside for a few days before approaching it to edit and revise. When you look at your story with a fresh pair of eyes, you're more likely to catch the mistakes that you might otherwise have missed.
   • Consider having a friend read your story, and ask for feedback. You should also ask your friend to circle or underline any typos, grammatical/syntactical errors, and weak or unresolved segments of the plot.

Video

Tips

• Remember, ideas won't come to you on your own. You need to be patient and find your own inspiration.
• Consider writing a parody. Parodies can be very funny, and it might be easier because you start with an existing storyline.
• Make your stories unpredictable. Always try to predict your readers' expectations and deliver something totally unexpected.
• Make sure that your story makes sense and that the problem in the story is solved (if there is one). Focus on writing a strong story first, and making it funny after it's already a good story.

Warnings

• Don't overdo your humor. Too many funny parts crammed into a single story might overwhelm or even bore a reader. It's better to make a few funny parts count, and they'll be more memorable and draw more laughs.

Things You'll Need

• A journal
• Pen/pencil

Related wikiHows

• Be Funny
• Write a Song Parody

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.dailywritingtips.com/20-types-and-forms-of-humor/
2. ↑ http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative1/shortstory/
3. ↑ http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative1/shortstory/
4. ↑ http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-write-funny-dialogue-what-i-learned-writing-storming/
5. ↑ http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-write-funny-dialogue-what-i-learned-writing-storming/
6. ↑ http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative1/shortstory/
7. ↑ http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative1/shortstory/
8. ↑ http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/may02/seven-steps-to-better-writing-humor-5026
9. ↑ http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/may02/seven-steps-to-better-writing-humor-5026
10. ↑ http://writetodone.com/how-to-write-funny/
11. ↑ https://thewritepractice.com/four-commandments-to-writing-funny/
12. ↑ http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/may02/seven-steps-to-better-writing-humor-5026
13. ↑ http://writetodone.com/how-to-write-funny/

How to Tell if Gold Is Real

How do you tell if gold is real, gold plated, or fake? By most international standards, anything with less than 41.7% or 10 karats of gold is considered fake. To test your jewelry or gold at home, you can perform a few easy tests–mostly with items you already have, like water, vinegar, and magnets. You don’t have to be a certified jeweler to get a good idea of whether or not your gold is real, and we’ll give you step-by-step instructions to test your gold right now.

Steps

Testing Gold with Household Items

1. Drop the gold into a jug of water to see if it sinks. Get a container big enough to hold both the water and the gold you’d like to test. The water temperature you use doesn’t really matter, so lukewarm water is fine. Real gold is a dense metal, so it falls directly to the bottom of the jug. Imitation gold is much lighter and floats.^[1]
   
   • Real gold also doesn’t rust or tarnish when wet, so if you see a discoloration, you probably have plated gold.
2. Put a few drops of vinegar on the gold. Set your jewelry or gold piece onto a flat surface. Use an eyedropper to apply a bit of vinegar and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Real gold won’t change color, but fake gold will.
   
   • You can also submerge the gold in a glass container with vinegar for 15 minutes. This is a slightly riskier method because vinegar might damage semi-precious stones on gold jewelry.
3. Find any noticeable discolorations where the gold has worn away. Gold is pretty soft for a metal, so plated gold often rubs away over time. The best places to check are around the edges of jewelry and coins. These spots often rub up against your skin and clothing throughout the day. If you see a different metal underneath the gold, you know your item is plated and not considered real gold.^[2]
   
   • For example, a silver coloring might indicate silver or titanium. A red coloring could mean copper or brass.
4. Note any discolorations on your skin from wearing or holding the gold. Pure gold doesn’t react with sweat or oil from your skin, so if you see black or green marks, they are from other metals. Silver leaves behind black marks and copper leaves behind green marks. If you see a lot of these marks on your skin, your gold may be less pure than you expect.^[3]
   
   • Keep in mind that most gold items are blends of gold and other metals. Even something like a 14K piece of jewelry, 58.3% gold, can leave these marks. Use other tests as well to ensure your gold is authentic.
5. Hold a strong magnet up to see if the gold sticks to it. For this test, you need a strong magnet capable of pulling even metal blends. Move the magnet over the gold and observe how it reacts. Gold isn’t magnetic, so don’t be fooled by anything that sticks. If the magnet pulls the gold toward it, your item is either impure or a fake.^[4]
   
   • Regular kitchen magnets might not be strong enough. For better accuracy, buy a powerful neodymium magnet from a home improvement store.
   • The magnet test isn’t foolproof, since counterfeit gold can be made with non-magnetic metal like stainless steel. Also, some genuine gold items are made with magnetic metals such as iron.
6. Rub the gold on unglazed ceramic to see if it leaves a streak. Make sure you’re using an unglazed piece of ceramic since anything with a glaze could affect the test results. Drag your item across the plate until you see some fragments coming off the gold. If you see a black streak, that means your gold is not real. A gold streak usually indicates authentic gold.^[5]
   
   • Try getting an unglazed ceramic tile or a plate online or from your local home improvement store.
   • This test scratches the gold a little bit but doesn’t typically leave much noticeable damage. It is much safer than other tests involving scratches or acid.
   • Another way to do this is by spreading some cosmetic foundation on your skin and dragging the gold across it after it dries. Fake gold usually reacts with the foundation, leaving a green or black streak in it.

Checking Manufacturer Markings

1. Look for an official number marking on the gold. The marking, or hallmark, tells you the percentage of gold in an item. The hallmark is often printed on jewelry clasps or the inner bands of rings. It is usually visible on the surface of coins and bullion. The stamp is a number from 1 to 999 or 0K to 24K depending on what kind of grading system was used.^[6]
   
   • Use a magnifying glass to help you identify the hallmark. It can be tough to make out by eye, especially on smaller pieces of gold such as rings.
   • Older pieces of jewelry may not have visible hallmarks. Sometimes the hallmark wears off over time, while in other cases the jewelry never got a stamp. Hallmarking became common in the 1950s in some areas, but in India for instance, it only became mandatory in the year 2000.^[7]
2. Use the number marking to determine how much gold is in your piece. Most coins and jewelry are not pure gold, so they have other metals mixed in. There are 2 different scales used to indicate this through the hallmark. The number rating system used in Europe runs from 1 to 999 with 999 meaning pure gold. The U.S. uses a scale from 0 to 24K, where 24K is pure gold.^[8]
   
   • The number rating system is easier to read than the karat rating system. For example, a rating of 375 means your item consists of 37.5% gold.
   • What number means gold depends on the country you are in. In the U.S., for example, anything 9K and under is not considered to be gold, even though a 9K bracelet consists of 37.5% gold.
   • Counterfeit pieces may have markings making them look authentic, so don’t go solely on the hallmark unless you’re certain you are holding gold.
3. Check for a letter marking indicating that the gold isn’t pure. Some of the common letters you may see are GP, GF, and GEP. These letters indicate that your gold piece is plated, which means the maker put a thin layer of gold over another metal, such as copper or silver. Your item has some gold in it, but it isn’t considered real gold.^[9]
   
   • GP stands for gold plated, GF means gold filled, and GEP means gold electroplate.
   • The markings vary a little depending on where the gold is from. For instance, gold from India contains a small triangle symbol indicating the government council responsible for the rating system. It then has a number rating and a letter code, such as K, for the jeweler.

Performing a Density Test

1. Weigh your piece of gold on a scale. If you have a decent kitchen scale, place the gold on it. Otherwise, jewelers and appraisers often can do it for you for free. Call around to different jewelry or appraisal stores to see which ones offer this service. Make sure you get the weight in grams rather than ounces.^[10]
   
   • You need the weight in grams to use in a calculation later. If the weight is in ounces, you won’t get an accurate result.
2. Fill a graduated cylinder halfway full with water. Choose a cylinder that is big enough to hold the gold. It needs to have measurement markings in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cc). If you don’t have a regular graduated cylinder, you could try using a kitchen measuring cup.^[11]
   
   • Vials with frequent millimeter markings on the side are useful for getting a more accurate measurement during the test.
   • The amount of water you use doesn’t matter that much as long as you leave plenty of space for the gold. If you fill the vial to the top, dropping the gold into it causes the water to spill.
3. Read the starting water level in the cylinder. Look at the markings on the cylinder, then record the water level. This measurement is very important for the test, so write it down. Make sure you have the vial on a flat, level surface in order to get as accurate a reading as possible.^[12]
   
   • Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter if your vial is marked in milliliters or cubic centimeters. They are the same measurement, so either unit can be used in the test.
4. Drop the gold into the vial and record the new water level. Gently lower the gold into the cylinder to avoid losing any of the water. Let go of it right above the water to prevent splashing or getting your fingers wet. Then, read the markings again to get the second measurement.^[13]
   
   • Write the second measurement down on a piece of paper. Note that this is the second measurement, not the initial one.
5. Subtract the measurements to find the difference in the water level. To figure out how much water the gold displaced, subtract the initial measurement (the smaller number) from the final measurement. This gives you an answer in milliliters or cubic centimeters, depending on what measurement your vial lists.^[14]
   
   • For example, if you started with of water that rose to , that leaves a difference.
6. Divide the gold’s weight by the difference in the water level. The density of the gold equals its mass divided by its volume. After calculating the density, compare the result to the standard density of gold, which is 19.3 g/mL. If your number is way off, chances are you have a fake. Keep in mind, though, that some combinations of metals in fake gold can have a density similar to real gold.^[15]
   
   • For instance, you have a gold item that weighs and displaces of water. Divide 38 by 2 to get 19 g/mL, which is very close to the density of gold.
   • The standard density differs a little depending on the type of gold you have. For 14k yellow gold, it’s about 12.9 to 13.6 g/mL. For 14K white gold, it’s around 14 g/mL.
   • A piece of 18K yellow gold has an average density from 15.2 to 15.9 g/mL. A piece of 18K white gold has a density from 14.7 to 16.9 g/mL.
   • Any 22K piece of gold has a density around 17.7 to 17.8 g/mL.

Using a Nitric Acid Test

1. Purchase a gold-testing kit to get the acid you need for the test. Testing kits include various bottles of nitric acid for different types of gold. Some tests also include a flat rock called a touchstone you can use to scratch off some of the gold on your item. You may also see needles with samples of yellow and white gold to use as a comparison to your item.^[16]
   
   • Testing kits are available online. Also, check with local jewelry stores. Most jewelers use this test for its accuracy.
2. Create a small scratch on the gold using a sharp tool. Choose an inconspicuous location on the jewelry to make the scratch, such as underneath a clasp or an inner band. Then, use a sharp tool such as a jewelry engraver to dig into the gold. Scratch until you get underneath the top layer of gold. Expose a fresh layer of gold or any other metal underneath it.^[17]
   
   • Nitric acid tests require you to scratch your piece of gold. If the gold has personal value to you or you plan on keeping it, take it to a professional jeweler instead of doing the test yourself.
3. Add a drop of nitric acid to the scratch. Put on latex gloves and work in a well-ventilated room to avoid any issues with the dangerous acid. When you’re ready, look for the bottle of acid labeled for 18K gold. After setting the gold in a stainless steel container, place a drop of the acid directly on the scratch you made, then watch for it to turn a shade of green. If it turns green, you know right away your gold is fake.^[18]
   
   • Regular gold does not react to the acid, so your item might be gold plated or a low-purity blend of metals.
   • A milk-colored reaction usually indicates gold-plated sterling silver. If the acid turns gold, you have gold-plated brass.
4. Scratch the gold on a touchstone to test its purity. If you think you might have real gold, rub it along the touchstone to create a streak of gold flakes. Add a drop of 12K, 14K, 18K, and 22K nitric acid to different parts of the streak. Check back after 20 to 40 seconds. Find the spot where the acid doesn’t dissolve the gold to figure out what karat rating your item is.^[19]
   
   • The acids all increase in strength, so the acid used for 22K is stronger than the 12K one. If the 18K acid dissolves the gold but the 14K one doesn’t, you know your item is probably around 14K.

Tips

• Most gold tests are imperfect, so you may need to go through several tests in order to decide if your item is authentic.
• You may have heard of the bite test where gold is real if your teeth leave a mark on it. Since most gold items consist of blends of harder metals, avoid the bite test to protect your teeth.
• When jewelers say that gold is 24K, they mean that the gold is 99.9% pure with minimal traces of other metals. A piece of gold that is 22K is 22 parts gold and 2 parts another metal.^[20]
• In items that are less than 24K in quality, the other metals give the gold its hardness and color. Gold on its own is very soft, so metals like silver and copper are added to make gold items more durable.
• Jewelry made with white gold, yellow gold, red gold, and rose gold are all combinations of gold and other metals.
• If you ever need help determining whether gold is real, take your item to a professional jeweler or appraiser.

Warnings

• Nitric acid is strong and can burn your skin in addition to damaging a valuable piece of gold. If you’re worried about this, you can do a home test with vinegar, which is a milder acid, or you can let a professional jeweler or appraiser handle the nitric acid test.

Things You'll Need

Testing Gold with Household Items

• Gold
• Jug
• Water
• Vinegar
• Eyedropper
• Neodymium magnet
• Unglazed ceramic plate or tile

Checking for Markings and Hallmarks

• Gold
• Magnifying glass

Performing a Density Test

• Gold
• Scale
• Graduated cylinder or measuring cup
• Calculator

Using a Nitric Acid Test

• Gold
• Gold-testing kit
• Nitric acid
• Stainless steel container
• Touchstone
• Latex gloves

Related wikiHows

• Measure the Density of Metals
• Test Water Purity
• Buy Gold
• Calculate the Value of Scrap Gold
• Tell if Jade Is Real
• Tell if a Diamond is Real
• Tell if an Opal Is Fake
• Pawn Jewelry
• Spot Fake Gold

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.dumblittleman.com/how-to-tell-if-its-real-gold/
2. ↑ https://sciencing.com/causes-gold-discoloration-6158003.html
3. ↑ https://sciencenotes.org/why-do-rings-turn-your-finger-green-or-black/
4. ↑ https://terpconnect.umd.edu/~wbreslyn/magnets/is-gold-magnetic.html
5. ↑ https://geology.com/gold/fools-gold/
6. ↑ https://www.gold.org/about-gold/about-gold-jewellery/gold-hallmarks
7. ↑ https://www.bis.gov.in/hallmarking-overview/
8. ↑ https://theassayoffice.com/anatomy-of-a-hallmark
9. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/568906/hallmarking-guidance-notes-october-2016.pdf
10. ↑ https://www.gold.org/about-gold/about-gold-jewellery
11. ↑ https://sciencing.com/tell-pure-using-water-displacement-8109592.html
12. ↑ https://sciencing.com/much-gold-10-karat-ring-6866358.html
13. ↑ https://sciencing.com/tell-pure-using-water-displacement-8109592.html
14. ↑ https://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/how-to-test-for-real-gold/
15. ↑ https://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/how-to-test-for-real-gold/
16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC5NK4cB-Nc&feature=youtu.be&t=23
17. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INrJuXPzaH4&feature=youtu.be&t=193
18. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThLxTG7Wg24&feature=youtu.be&t=225
19. ↑ https://thesciencegeek.org/2014/05/12/the-acid-test/
20. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-24k-gold-pure/