The introvert vs extrovert debate will last a lifetime. It’s either you’re an introvert or you’re an extrovert, right? Wrong. There’s this fine line where being an ambivert comes in.
In reality, some people aren’t fully introverted, neither are they fully extroverted. So, as you can see, it’s a little more complicated than an “either or” situation.
Two ends of a spectrum gives way for something in-between. Here, we’ll talk about the differences and possibly similarities between an introvert and an extrovert.
A very huge misconception about introverts is that they are antisocial and shy while extroverts are fearless and outgoing. However, did you know even extroverts can be shy and antisocial? And introverts can be fearless and own their world?
Extroverts are usually considered loud and aggressive. Introverts, on the other hand, are seen as timid and more withdrawn. All these myths build up the general misconceptions many people have come to know.
First, let’s talk about introverts vs extroverts and break down with it means to be an introvert and an extrovert.
Who Are Introverts?
Generally, introverts are said to be shy, antisocial, socially awkward and terrible leaders. All these puts introverts inside one box. Introverts can indeed be good leaders and aren’t necessarily shy amongst other things.
People who exhibit the aforementioned characteristics do not necessarily have to be introverts. More concern should be on the individual. Being an introvert is a lot more than that.
Here are a few characteristics of introverts.
Introvert a Extrovert-You Require Your Personal Time
If there’s one important thing anyone should know about introverts, it’s their need for personal space. Introverts aren’t antisocial. They are just selectively social. When all the socializing is done, they will want to withdraw into their space to recharge.
People might wonder why this is the case. They might think that their introvert friend or partner suddenly hates them and wants to be left alone. However, it has absolutely nothing to do with you, but them.
Without this recharge time, introverts tend to be a shadow of themselves. For introverts to be the best version of themselves, they require their space.
This also doesn’t mean they are antisocial. Introverts are far from antisocial. They prefer their own small social circle. Antisocial Personality Disorder is a completely clinical disorder on its own and has no linkage to being introverted.
You Think About Things Carefully
Although introversion comes in different ways, introverts generally prefer thinking things out carefully. This involves getting a new job, a new place, and much more. As long as it’s a big decision, and sometimes even little decisions like what to eat, introverts think.
If you’re an introvert, chances are you spend a lot of time thinking because you don’t want to make a wrong decision. You think about how it will affect your life and if you’re ready for that kind of change yet.
Only when you have mentally checked out those boxes do you proceed. There are introverts, however, who don’t take as much time in doing so compared to other introverts. Again, even in the world of introverts, there are differences.
Introvert vs Extrovert-You’re A Good Listener
A common trait people acknowledge about their introverted friend is how much of a good listener they are. They’ll rather sit down with you and listen to things you have to say than spend time in a draining social event.
Sometimes they offer really practical and straightforward advice. Some introverts are not good at sugar coating and tend to say things just as they are. They like to observe their environment and provide solutions when needed.
Although introverts avoid small talk like their lives depend on it, they’re also willing to listen to you and know what goes on in your mind. They want to know how you think and what you’re capable of.
You Avoid Conflict and Confrontation
A very common trait about introverts is their complete hate for conflict and confrontations. They barely talk to people outside their comfort zone. It makes total sense. Sometimes talking to people they don’t know does not come as easy.
An introvert can sit in comfortable silence with people they like. Talking makes it awkward. They only ever think of talking so the other party doesn’t feel they did anything wrong.
Introverts can be sensitive and sometimes do not want other people feeling bad about their actions. They also spend a lot of time alone, giving room for internal dialogue and all-round reflection. They think about what they said, did and what the other party said and did as well.
You’re Pretty Much a Creative
Extroverts can be creative, no doubt. Introverts, on the other hand, spend a lot of time in their heads. This gives them a chance at seeing the world a way no one else can. Introverts practically live in their own world.
With vivid imaginations and attention to detail, it’s no surprise that they are good at creating and visualizing things. Sometimes you might say things that get other people confused and very much interested. That’s the beauty of introversion amongst other things.
Lots of introverts tend to be writers, artists, and illustrators as it helps them bring their imagination to life. The fact they work alone makes it even better. They work very well on their own. What could be better?
Who Are Extroverts?
The most important thing you should know about extroverts is that they draw their energy from the world. They crave interactions and socializing.
Extroverts enjoy people around them. This is one of the reasons they are classified as outgoing and people never think shy extroverts can exist. There’s more to extroversion than meets the eye.
Here are a few traits of an extrovert you can’t miss.
You Do Not Like Spending Time Alone
Unlike the introverts who social activities drain, the extrovert is completely different. Spending time alone can completely drain them. They recharge their best when they are in the company of other people. That’s really how they thrive.
If after a long day, you find yourself craving the company of other people to get you pumped, chances are you are more extroverted. When you spend a lot of time on your own, you start being a shadow of yourself.
You Do Not Enjoy Working Alone
Although some extroverts may enjoy carrying out tasks on their own, they want to do it around people. Generally, they enjoy working with other people on different tasks and assignments.
It makes them feel energized having to be around a group and having it run smoothly. Chances are they want to be leaders as much as they can. This could be a reason why people see them as natural leaders compared to introverts.
It pushes them to give their best. Unlike the introvert who functions better carrying a task alone, the extrovert carries everyone along.
Extroverts Find It Easier to Express Themselves
Extroverts do it effortlessly. They don’t shy away from confrontations and conflict. Unlike the introvert who might avoid this, you welcome it instead of shying away from it. This is another reason people think you are fearless.
Extroverted people make good partners because they know exactly how to say what they feel. And they don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it over and over again.
You express your feelings so well and that’s very admirable. Introverts usually do better with actions than words. However, people sometimes just need to hear these words.
You Make Friends Easily
Extroverts tend to be very sociable and this makes it easier for them to make friends. You know you’re extroverted when you enjoy meeting new people. You also don’t mind having a large circle of friends neither do you mind engaging in conversation with strangers.
In the introvert vs extrovert debate, extroverts might not be the best listeners but they listen anyway. They listen to everyone irrespective of who they are or their social status.
They aren’t completely reserved and enjoy getting to know someone as much as they can. This is why they are classified as confident and outgoing. They enjoy trying new things and enjoying the thrill.
Introvert vs Extrovert-You Are Quite the Optimist
Extroverts usually have higher optimism levels and even when they get sad, they try to cheer themselves up. Of course, this doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain and never get sad. They absolutely do.
They have days when they feel completely down. However, they tend to find a silver lining in different situations. Extroverts try not to let it weigh them down too much and they move on as soon as they can. They don’t dwell on what makes them sad. They always try to find the good in every situation.
Again, even in the world of extroverts, there are differences and this doesn’t necessary apply to every extrovert.
Introvert Vs Extrovert: The In-betweens
There are people who do well both alone and in social settings. They exhibit but introverted and extroverted characteristics and can easily be mistaken for one or another. These people adapt easily to new situations and generally are just a perfect blend.
They are referred to as ambiverts. If you’re an ambivert, you identify with both extroverted and introverted personality traits. Ambiverts are closer to the middle of the spectrum than the end of each side.
Introvert vs Extrovert: How Can You Tell?
One way to tell if you’re an introvert or an extrovert is by taking a personality test. Taking a personality test is a good way to be sure of your personality type. Knowing your personality type helps you make good life choices.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being an introvert, extrovert, or even an ambivert. Every personality type has their strengths and weaknesses, because in the end we are just humans.
So why not take the personality test and find out?
