What does introvert extrovert mean
20 Brilliant Ways to Know you're An Introverted Extrovert
Personality Handbook
Written By Yadirichi Oyibo
Photo by Karimah Adeola on Unsplash
Many people focus on the attributes of introverts and extroverts without realizing some fall outside these categories. If neither of these personalities resonates with you, you must be wondering how to identify yourself.
This stage is where the term 'introvert extrovert' becomes important. But before we explain the introverted extrovert definition, let’s take a look at the introvert and extrovert meaning.
Introvert and Extrovert Meaning:
Who is an extrovert? The extrovert meaning refers to a person stimulated by external affairs like physical activities and social situations. Contrariwise, the introvert meaning connotes finding comfort in inward activities and being more at ease in less-stimulating environments. What then is the introvert and extrovert meaning?
Introverted ‘Extrovert’ Meaning:
Unlike widespread knowledge, a person doesn't have to be either introverted or extroverted because these traits are like spectrums where anyone can fall within either end of the range. Think of the word 'introverted extrovert' as the middle ground of this scope. People in this category are introverted and extroverted—also known as a social introvert.
If you're wondering if you match the introvert and extrovert meaning, take a look at these brilliant signs.
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20 Signs You're an Introverted Extrovert
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You're not entirely an open book.
The personality type of an introvert and extrovert varies in how much information they reveal to people. You're in the middle of this spectrum if you're relatively secretive even though people think you're not. As an introverted extrovert, you can comfortably share information about yourself, but you know when to keep crucial details hidden.
2. Your environment sets the tone.
Introverts are reserved individuals that prefer to reveal their social sides when they're in their comfort zones. The difference between this introvert example and someone with extroverted traits is the stimulation they have irrespective of the environment's coziness. One of the prudent signs you're in the middle of this personality spectrum (an extroverted introvert) is when different moods determine how you relate with friends—even situations outside your comfort zone.
3. You're more vulnerable than people realize.
Being in touch with one's emotions is a common trait of introversion. Since an introvert is bound to live a reflective lifestyle, it's inevitable for them to pay attention to their feelings. If you're outgoing but can't deny your sense of vulnerability, it's one of the signs you have a mixed personality type as an extroverted introvert. People aren't aware that you're not as carefree as you let on.
4. You get exhausted with too many social activities.
It's easy to identify the introvert and extrovert meaning by the level of stimulation individuals feel in specific social settings. If you can go long hours communicating and socializing with others, but your energy level starts to drain when you reach a particular limit – for example, relating with twice the number of individuals you're used to – it proves you're an introverted extrovert or extroverted introvert.
5. You undoubtedly love spending time at home.
An extroverted person wouldn't miss an opportunity to spend time with friends. However, someone who also matches the introvert meaning would enjoy spending time at home when necessary. Whether it's to catch a good movie or merely to rest, you wouldn't pass on the opportunity to enjoy the coziness of your home. This example is one of the signs that you have a mixture of these personalities, and are an extroverted introvert.
6. Conversations can either drain or energize you.
The introvert meaning slightly differs from the extrovert definition. Extroverts are more outgoing and can stir up conversations on most topics. On the other hand, reserved individuals get their energy from discussions closely related to what they cherish. You're an introverted extrovert if you meet somewhere in the middle. You can either be energized or exhausted, depending on your mood and certain external factors.
Related: Am I Too Quiet? P.S. No, You’re Not. A How-To Guide to Using Your Introversion to Your Advantage
7. You enjoy talking but would avoid some calls.
If you have an extroverted personality type but with attributes of introversion, you'll notice how much you love talking to others. However, this doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes, you're excited to speak for hours and might even call everyone on your contact list to check up on them. Other times, you tend to avoid specific phone calls when you're not in the mood.
8. You're more in your head than people realize.
The reason why the personality of introverts is distinguishable is that they spend a lot of time thinking. One of the signs you're not entirely an introvert is that you can be outgoing but spend ample time in your thoughts. You can be social with your friends, but they don't even realize how much you're in your head, even during discussions.
9. You enjoy having company, but not all the time.
A sociable introvert might find energy in the company of friends, but not necessarily all the time. Sometimes, they want to be around others, but their personal space is also a priority. If you're an introverted extrovert or extroverted introvert, you'll notice how much you enjoy spending time alone rather than being in a crowd. However, you still enjoy hanging out with friends.
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10.
You need to recharge for activities mentally.The personality type of an extrovert and introvert varies, particularly in their need to reload for events. You can tell you're an extroverted introvert when you can engage in activities but still prioritize your need for alone time. Although you can conveniently brace through various social settings, you would rather prepare mentally first.
11. Other people, sometimes, have to convince you to go out.
One of the signs that you're partially extroverted or an extroverted introvert, is when others have to convince you to go out, but you still enjoy yourself nonetheless. You're an outgoing person but certainly not as motivated for some activities as most of your peers. Instead, you would choose a comfier setting—but this doesn't mean you wouldn't have fun at a social event.
12. People think you're quiet when you're not.
A prominent introversion example is being quiet in the midst of others. An introvert prefers to observe rather than take spontaneous actions. One of the signs you're displaying bits of introversion is a scenario where people assume you're the quiet type, even when you can alternatively be the life of the party. You have the attribute of a calm person, even when you're not entirely an introvert.
13. You come off as flirtatious to others.
People may find it hard to balance an introverted extrovert's social but reserved side, causing them to appear unnecessarily playful. Some might interpret this behavior as being flirtatious, even when their intentions are straightforward. If anyone has ever misinterpreted your actions, it's an easy way to tell that you're in the middle of the spectrum of these common personalities, or that you’re an extroverted introvert.
14. You take time to warm up to new environments.
The difference between the introverts and extroverts definition is the energy they display in different settings. These individuals are on the opposite ends of the spectrum and would behave relatively different in specific environments. One of the signs you have the personality of both sets of individuals, or you’re an extroverted introvert, is when you take your time to get accustomed to environments before blending in.
15. You want recognition but dread attention at the same time.
A person that's an introvert and extrovert will find it hard to balance their desire to be noticed. Their outgoing side would want to get people's attention, but their reserved natures will keep them away from the spotlight. People with this trait will always seem shy to others, even when they're not. An extroverted introvert can handle attention but would rather avoid it.
16. You have a love-hate relationship with small talk.
You can find the extrovert and introvert meaning in the way individuals handle small talk in social settings. Introverts dread small talk because they prefer to have honest, authentic discussions about what really matters. On the other hand, extroverts can handle almost any conversation. You have signs of introversion and extroversion if the mood sets the tone for engaging in small talk.
17. You're always torn between staying in and going out.
Feeling guilty for turning people down to stay indoors expresses the introvert extrovert meaning. Even though you're somewhat extroverted, you gain energy in the things an introvert enjoys doing. The only difference is that you're sad whenever you make such a decision. You'd want your time with others, but chilling at home sounds irresistibly great at that moment.
18. You don't try to prove yourself to others.
One of the signs you have the introvert and extrovert personality type is that you don't try to make an entrance or get noticed by others in any gathering. You also don't feel the need to reevaluate your importance. An introverted extrovert would take a subtle approach when mingling with others and doesn't crave to be the focus of attention.
19. People think you're extroverted.
A common misconception people will have about the extroverted introvert meaning is that it categorizes sociable individuals. However, the energy that an introvert or extrovert will display, varies from this set of individuals. If others think you're more outward-bound than what you know about yourself, it proves you fit perfectly in this spectrum.
20. You choose who you're jovial around.
An introvert extrovert is selectively sociable around people. Such a person has the introverts' personality but on a much larger scale, which means they tend to relate with plenty of people but not as much as extroverts. If you prefer to stay in your comfort zone when mingling with a crowd that exceeds your comfortable limit, you can identify with the category of extroverted introverts.
Still want to know your exact personality type? Take a personality test here at MyPersonality.net.
FAQs
What is an introverted extrovert?
An outgoing person who gains energy in people's company but still displays certain traits of introversion is an introverted extrovert. They can be social and mingle in a crowd, but they still crave solitude like an introvert.
Am I an introvert or extrovert?
You can determine whether you're an extrovert or introvert by the way you relate with people. Choosing to have a few friends is a sign of introversion, while conveniently building associations with a significant number of individuals shows you're extroverted.
Can you be introverted and extroverted?
It's indeed possible to be an extrovert and introvert at the same time. You can be a public introvert and private extrovert, or in other words, an introverted extrovert. It means you enjoy keeping a large pool of friends and having small talk, but not all the time.
What does extrovert and introvert mean?
The introverts and extroverts' meaning can be seen in the interaction of individuals with one another. Examples of introverts are people who are more reserved and spend most of their time in their thoughts. Examples of extroverts include people that are energized by outward activities with others.
What is an extroverted introvert?
The extroverted introvert definition is simply an introverted person with extroverted tendencies. This category of people meets in the middle of the spectrum between introverts and outgoing individuals. They can have many friends but still exhibit certain traits of an introvert.
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10 Signs That You're an 'Extroverted' Introvert
Sometimes, when you read about what introversion means, you feel like someone is spying on your life. Yes, you do love being alone. You hate making shallow small talk. And spending too much time around other people leaves you feeling drained, irritable, and sometimes even physically unwell.
Yet other aspects of introversion don’t resonate with you at all. You have plenty of friends. You enjoy meeting new people. And even though you prefer meaningful conversation, you’re actually pretty good at making light chitchat.
You’re starting to wonder if you’re really an introvert.
What Is an ‘Extroverted’ Introvert?
Enter the “extroverted” introvert.
The extroverted introvert is known by many names. Some call it an “outgoing introvert” or “social” introvert. Others argue that this is ambiversion.
So what does “extroverted introvert” really mean?
The thing to understand about introversion and extroversion is they are not all-or-nothing traits. Think of these two temperaments as being on a spectrum. Some people fall closer to the extreme ends, making them either very introverted or very extroverted. Most people are closer to the middle, which gives them qualities of both introversion and extroversion.
If you think of yourself as an extroverted introvert, it probably means you’re an introvert at heart — but you may be more outgoing than other introverts because your personality is more middle-of-the-spectrum.
Signs You’re an ‘Extroverted Introvert’
Are you an extroverted introvert? If so, you’ll recognize yourself in these 10 signs.
1. Your energy level is closely tied to your environment.
You’re sensitive to your surroundings. It matters how your environment looks, what kind of music is playing, how many people are present, and the noise level. The ambiance of a place can either energize or drain you, depending on if it fits your preferences. A loud rock concert in a crowded stadium might be overwhelming — but an up-close-and-personal acoustic set at your favorite club is soothing.
2. You find people to be both intriguing and exhausting.
People watching? Yes. Meeting new people and hearing their life stories? Fascinating. Spending almost every night hanging out with friends? Not a chance. Outgoing introverts enjoy meeting new people but can only endure so much socializing. After a busy weekend or a long day at work, you may feel the need to disappear and recharge by being alone or with just one other person.
3. Certain people and interactions drain you while others recharge you.
You have a few friends who you could hang out with for practically forever. It seems like you never run out of things to talk about. Being with them is easy. You actually feel better after spending time with them, not drained — and you act pretty outgoing around them. Other people tire or bore you and you need to get away. Being alone is better than settling for second-rate company.
4. You can be charming but also deeply introspective and reflective.
You make small talk when it’s expected of you because you know it can lead to deeper, more authentic conversation. People feel comfortable around you, and you easily get others talking and opening up about themselves. When you’re out with friends, you make sure everyone’s having a good time. However, most people don’t realize how “in your head” you really are. Although you appear easy-going, your mind is always running.
5. When you feel rested and recharged, you reach out to others.
Often, you’re the one who organizes social events for others. Playing the host is ideal for the extroverted introvert — it allows you to spend time with people on your own terms. But when you run out of energy, you’re out, and like a true introvert, all you want is a little hibernation at home.
6. You need time to warm up in social situations.
Your first impression belies your real personality. At first, you come across as quiet and reserved. But once you feel comfortable, you have no trouble chatting. You won’t spill your life story or divulge your insecurities to someone you’ve just met, but you will reveal intimate details once trust is built up. The better someone gets to know you, the more “extroverted” you seem.
7. It actually takes less energy to say what’s on your mind than to make small talk.
True extroverts rarely struggle with what to say. It’s easy from them to make chitchat — and talk with ease about virtually any topic. But not so for most introverts. Many introverts find it difficult to force small talk. They’d rather talk about big ideas or connect in an honest, authentic way. This is especially true of extroverted introverts. It’s far easier for them to say what’s on their mind than to fake a rousing discussion about the weather.
8. You’re selectively social.
Although you gain a lot of satisfaction from your relationships, unlike a true extrovert, you don’t have the energy to maintain a large social network. Plus, you don’t click with just anybody. So you make your limited “people” energy count by investing it into just a few close relationships.
9. You have no interest in trying to prove yourself in a crowd of strangers.
At networking events or parties, you’re not someone who “works the room.” Nor do you feel the need to draw a lot of attention to yourself in social situations. Yes, you see the value in making connections with others, and you especially love those rare moments when you meet a like-minded soul. But you’ll probably never be the most popular person in the room — and you’re okay with that.
10. You’re often confused for an extrovert.
Your friends and family don’t buy that you’re an introvert because you’re just so social. In fact, it may have taken you a while to realize that you’re an introvert — because you play the extrovert so well. Now you find yourself constantly having to explain your introversion and how you get your energy. Unfortunately, most people don’t get it.
Keep in mind that there’s no wrong way to do introversion — and we all act introverted at times and extroverted at others. You can be outgoing and still be an introvert. It’s all about understanding your needs and honoring your own style, even if that means being the life of the party one night and then binge watching Netflix alone the next.
You might like:
- 25 Illustrations That Perfectly Capture the Joy of Living Alone as an Introvert
- 12 Things Introverts Absolutely Need to Be Happy
- Why Introverts Absolutely Loathe Talking on the Phone
- 13 ‘Rules’ for Being Friends With an Introvert
- 15 Signs That You’re an Introvert With High-Functioning Anxiety
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Extrovert: who is it, signs, difference with introverts
Dividing people into extroverts and introverts began about 100 years ago. We tell you who an extrovert is, what are its disadvantages and advantages, and how such a person can succeed in a career
Who is an extrovert
An extrovert is a sociable, expressive person with an active social position. His experiences and interests are directed to the outside world. Extroverts meet most of their needs through interaction with people. So they replenish energy, receive information and rest.
Extraversion is one of the main personality parameters. This is evidenced by the five-factor model of personality - the "Big Five". According to this theory, personality consists of five main dimensions: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotionality, openness. Each of them has two poles. For example, extraversion is the opposite of introversion. Some people may lean towards one particular extreme, but most fall somewhere in between. In modern psychology, experts don't divide people into extroverts and introverts. According to research, each of us has traits of both personality types.
The history of the concept
The division of people into introverts and extroverts, as well as the terms "extroversion" and "introversion" was first proposed by the German scientist Carl Jung in the 1920s. According to Jung, extraversion is a behavioral type, and an extrovert person concentrates his interests on society. Introversion, on the contrary, is characterized by a concentration on one's own thoughts and feelings.
As early as 1923, Jung recognized the existence of a third type, ambiversion, but did not include it in his typology of intro-extraversion. Carl Jung typed people in the direction of their life energy - libido. So, for extroverts, attention and pleasure is directed to objects, and for introverts, personal experience and subjective experiences are of paramount importance.
Jung's research was subsequently developed by the German-British psychologist Hans Eysenck. He developed his own three-factor theory of personality, in which he singled out three main personality dimensions. One of them is "introversion-extroversion". Eysenck argued that a person directs energy inward or outward - on other people, which determines the type of personality.
It is generally accepted that there are more extroverts in the world than introverts, but there are no exact statistics. Psychologists suggest that extroverts are more often "in sight", hence the conclusion that there are more of them. But adapted introverts can easily behave like extroverts.
Barry Smith, director of the Human Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Maryland, says that 68% of the world's population are ambiverts. Such people combine the traits of extraversion and introversion.
Signs of an extravert
American psychologists identify such signs of extraversion as:
- the need to communicate regularly;
- love of public speaking;
- habit of speaking without thinking;
- feeling of discomfort in silence;
- love for noisy companies;
- pronounced leadership qualities;
- desire to please everyone;
- desire to always be in the spotlight;
- the pleasure of working in a team;
- the ability to talk about one's feelings;
- the presence of a wide circle of communication.
In 2015, American experts described two types of extroverts:
Agentive extroverts are persistent, purposeful, stubborn people. They care about career and personal success.
- At work . They occupy leadership positions. They take on maximum responsibility, but do not always rationally distribute forces. Such people are able to quickly navigate and make decisions, but rarely think through steps ahead. It lacks patience and perseverance.
- Alone . It is difficult for agentive extroverts to sit still, as their nature requires constant dynamics, new emotions and victories. It is important for such people to feel that something is happening around them.
- In the circle of close people. Openly share emotions and experiences.
- With strangers. Grab attention thanks to self-confidence. Becoming the leader of a group of strangers is a challenge for such people. An extrovert does not get tired of constantly being with someone, on the contrary, for him it is a comfortable environment.
Affiliative extroverts or "social butterflies". For these people, communication is the most important thing. Affiliative extroverts easily establish contact with people, they tend to have many friends and acquaintances. Among the main values for this type of people are warm relationships.
- At work. Team players. The best option for them is if the work is related to communication: many meetings and calls, business trips; responsibilities include organizational tasks and supervision of team members. For affiliative extroverts, the microclimate in the team is especially important.
- Alone with yourself. Feel discomfort. In this they are similar to agentive extroverts - they restore energy through communication with people.
- In the circle of close people. They try to build trusting relationships. Do not be afraid to talk about feelings and experiences. This is influenced by their main priority - high-quality communication.
- With strangers. Quickly find a common language due to openness and sociability.
Pros and cons of extraversion
Extraversion helps in building a career, but it also has a negative impact on everyday life and communication with people. This was found out by American researchers during a survey in 2012. They compiled a general list of the pros and cons of extraversion.
Pros
- Perseverance. The ability to achieve what you want even in difficult circumstances.
- Self-confidence. This quality helps to start a conversation with strangers or people of higher status.
- Flexible thinking. Quickly navigate and adapt to new circumstances - the routine of an extrovert. Without this, a person of this type can get bored.
- Ability to make quick decisions. But this advantage has a downside - the decision will be rash. A typical extrovert does not like to think about something for a long time, weigh the pros and cons and find the most suitable option. He just knows how to make decisions quickly.
- Openness.
- Ability to communicate.
- Potential for quality public speaking.
- The ability to switch quickly.
- Ability to grasp on the fly.
Cons
- Obsession. Excessive persistence can turn into a significant disadvantage.
- Selfishness turning into narcissism. An extrovert always wants to be the center of attention. He is interested in leading the process and eventually receiving praise. This can grow into hypertrophied vanity.
- Restlessness.
- Inability to plan.
- Tendency to not see things through to the end. The reverse side of the ability to quickly switch from one task to another.
- Forgetfulness.
- Distracted attention.
- Tendency to quickly change interests and priorities.
The difference between an extrovert and an introvert
An introvert is a person who tends to accumulate energy within himself. He chooses solitude and creation, concentrates on his own interests and intentions. Communication is not a priority for an introvert.
Colin DeYoung, a psychologist at the University of Minnesota, described the differences in the brains of extroverts and introverts. He found that extroverts have a more active dopamine reward system, so they need constant stimulation from the outside. That activity that brings pleasure to the extrovert and helps to satisfy the needs, the introvert irritates, and sometimes depresses. Differences in the work of the reward system lead to the fact that introverts are the least prone to sociability and an active lifestyle. But they have a more “quiet” neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, that works faster. He is responsible for all human movements. Acetylcholine brings the brain out of a state of rest when it is necessary to act, and vice versa, inhibits the transmission of impulses when it is time to concentrate.
Other American researchers use the term "adventurism gene". Extroverts are distinguished by the desire to get new experiences. For an introvert, on the contrary, interaction with people, activity, quickly turns into overexcitation and fatigue. Therefore, unlike extroverts, they are less prone to sociability and an active lifestyle.
To determine what type of personality you have, take the TED test (or this one in Russian, but you have to answer more than 200 questions). And with the help of the Myers-Briggs indicator, you can more specifically determine your personality type and strengths.
Can you change your personality type?
Susan Kane in the book Introverts. How to use the features of your character "writes:" Introversion and extraversion are formed in the first months of life or even during pregnancy. By the age of four months, a baby can most likely be assigned to one of two groups. Genetics play a significant role in determining personality, but people can become more or less extroverted.
To develop extraversion , researchers offer to participate in interest clubs or engage in favorite hobbies in a group. So it will be possible to expand the circle of communication and interests, make new acquaintances and improve communication skills with each lesson.
To reduce extraversion, scientists recommend practicing meditation to give yourself the opportunity to focus on your own thoughts and feelings. It pays to spend more time alone. Walk in nature, read, cook and eat alone, reflect. The bridge from extrovert to introvert is journaling. Writing allows you to better understand your own feelings.
How to raise an extroverted child?
Psychotherapist and communication trainer Ivan Pritulyak notes that extroverted teens are prone to aggressive behavior and disregard for social norms. This is accompanied by complex and strong emotions of the child. The expert recommends talking to children about how they feel and why they may behave aggressively. Every day a child experiences a full range of feelings. For the development of a healthy psyche, this entire spectrum must be recognized and experienced.
“It is highly likely that introverted parents will have an extroverted child. In this case, parents should try to maintain their peace of mind and not move away from the child, ”says Pritulyak.
Introverts are good listeners. It is important for extroverts to discuss what is in their hearts, to experience emotions. “An introverted parent is able to build a trusting and close relationship with an extroverted child by listening. The child will say everything himself, ”adds Pritulyak. He should be able to communicate when and with whom he wants - ask a stranger about something on the bus or say hello to neighbors. Such communication can confuse an introverted parent, but it is enough to ensure that communication does not threaten or harm the child. It is also important to provide extroverted children with regular physical activity. Such a child needs to expend energy, and not accumulate it in himself.
Where it is better for an extrovert to work
It is important for an extrovert to find a place where the hierarchy levels are clearly defined in order to methodically rise to a managerial position. According to Russian psychological studies of pedagogy, our social role depends, among other things, on the type of personality. The need for frequent communication directs the extrovert to work in areas where it is necessary to contact people.
Jobs for extroverts:
- HR specialist. For the typical extrovert, this is the perfect job. For a recruiting manager, every working day consists of communicating with dozens of job seekers.
- Journalist. The applicant must be, first of all, sociable. Extroverts have good potential for building social connections.
- Teacher. Being the center of attention is the most comfortable state for an extrovert. This is one of the tasks of the teacher - to keep the attention of students. And each lesson is a small public performance.
- Tour guide. He should become an interlocutor for a dozen tourists. In addition to the fact that you need to establish a dialogue with the group, the guide should be the center of attention throughout the tour, giving information about the sights. It's also a kind of public speaking.
- Sales manager. Its main task is to interest a potential buyer. This is not only the art of communication, but also the ability to convince.
- Event leader. Such work can leave a psychological trauma if a person is not ready for a long public speaking. In addition, the presenter must constantly stir up the interest of the audience and keep its attention on himself.
Find out if you can find a job and build a career according to your temperament and personality type, read here.
Is an extrovert a bad leader?
The leader must be sociable, self-confident, energetic and active. However, scientists from Harvard, Stanford and the University of Chicago found the opposite. Their research shows that introverts perform best in leadership positions because they:
- think over their words and decisions, which prevents them from taking rash actions;
- are good listeners. An extrovert often ignores opinion from the outside and makes a personal intuitive decision, because he is not able to concentrate and carefully think about anything. Due to the developed critical thinking and the habit of "digging deep" introverts have a good understanding of people, their actions and motives;
- is more effective than extroverts in leading the process in moments of crisis. Introverts do not sow panic, but approach problems rationally. This is good for the team.
The introvert's management style is called "servant leadership". Such a leader empowers employees, increases their areas of responsibility, boldly delegates and provides opportunities for growth. For an accurate understanding of the leadership style of extroverts and introverts, the researchers suggest comparing Barack Obama and Donald Trump - how they behave and how they act as the President of the United States. So, Obama is known for his thoughtfulness and accurate statements. He was often criticized for being arrogant and aloof. Such traits are characteristic of introverts. The American media talked about one of Obama's habits: after meetings and receptions in the evening, he closed himself in his office at the White House and sorted out papers alone.
The opposite political figure is Donald Trump. Expressive and sharp in performances, he plays with intonations and keeps the audience in suspense throughout his speech. American psychologists note that among Trump's prepared provocations was impromptu, a form of public speaking characteristic of an extrovert, which is born due to the strong expressiveness of the individual. Of the typical signs of an extrovert, Trump is characterized by perseverance, stubbornness and impulsiveness.
what are the personality types and how they differ, who are ambiverts
Many people think that an introvert and an extrovert are just two sides of the same coin. Will you stay at home on Friday night or meet up with friends? Will you be the center of attention or away from the spotlights? In fact, a person is not white or black, there are no pure types in psychology, experts assure. There are people, for example, very tall or short, but most strive for average values. So it is with extroversion. This is just one of the five main personality traits (openness to new things, conscientiousness, pleasantness, neuroticism), so it cannot completely determine our behavior. Let's take a closer look at what introvert and extrovert mean.
Vita Zorina
Tags:
Psychology
Psychology of communication
Introvert
extrovert
The famous psychiatrist Carl Jung at the beginning of the 20th century identified types of people - extroverts and introverts. In psychology, this distinction became convenient and popular, and over time began to be used to define a person in ordinary life. Knowing who you belong to, it is easier to understand yourself and choose a circle of friends. Sometimes it seems to us that the world is ruled and dominated by extroverts. Although in reality, they can simply make themselves louder, making more noise. But is the gap really that deep between an introvert and an extrovert? Do the former really need help and support in order to develop their own talents and not remain on the margins?
Everything is not as categorical as it seems at first glance. Yes, open and closed people exist. But there are many examples when an extrovert and an introvert behave in unexpected ways, because each person throughout life demonstrates flexibility and opens up from different angles. And in these categories there is a place for the golden mean. We will talk about it and the main opposites from the point of view of psychology below.
What does introverted personality type mean? The tendency to introversion is manifested if you like to spend time alone with yourself, your thoughts and ideas. If you do not know how to determine whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, try to find the following main features in yourself. They are characteristic of those who prefer to isolate themselves from the outside world more often.
- love of being alone;
- unwillingness to be the center of attention;
- one-on-one preference;
- first think, then do;
- recovery alone;
- work in a quiet independent environment;
- secrecy.
There is a big difference between introversion and shyness. Shy people are often also afraid of what others will think of them, while introverts do not have negative emotions and such fears.
Just because introverts don't like big groups doesn't mean they can't make friends and relationships. In this sense, they are almost no different from extroverts. In addition, they can make great careers simply by sticking to roles where loneliness is possible: accounting, engineering, writing, driving trucks, etc.
The main difference between an introvert and an extrovert is the desire to focus more often on their own feelings and thoughts . They are characterized by a greater concentration than representatives of the opposite camp. It is unfair to call them socially isolated, selfish or unhappy people.
Introverts also desire to communicate, show feelings, and care for others. But the difference is that an introvert will do all this with more restraint, "impartiality" than an extrovert. So the talk that people who are less generous with emotions love order too much, are sensitive to negativity, or are “on their own minds” are also groundless. These are already other characteristics, from the category of neuroticism.
How an extroverted personality type manifests itself
It is difficult to reproach someone for being passive or loving solitude, but this is an extrovert. He just needs to draw strength from external sources. To shine and find grateful listeners in the society is about them. Hence the significant differences: an extrovert knows how to present himself, and an introvert, no matter how smart and educated, is not always capable of this.
Such people direct their energy outward — to other people and the realization of their ideas. We have looked at personality types in which an introvert manifests itself, and you can compare the main traits with an extrovert.
- many acquaintances and friends;
- love of attention;
- fast decision making;
- getting energy from being among people;
- enthusiasm and positive attitude;
- work in a team or group.
Extroverts tend to get more support from other people when they find themselves in a difficult situation. And in general, there is a stereotype that society loves extroverts more, so they more often become leaders and choose sales, marketing, PR and other areas where communication with people is important.
It is important to remember that this is only one of the characteristics. And there is a big difference between a pleasant introvert and a rude extrovert.
By the way, it is often about introverts that they say that they are too sensitive people, unlike extroverts. The latter, they say, go through life easier and are not led to mental troubles. American psychologist and researcher Elaine Eyron has carefully studied the issue of sensitivity and came to curious conclusions. In particular, the writer noticed that Jung singled out in extroverts a love of risk, the ability to enter into a conversation without a shadow of a doubt and speak their mind. In his opinion, introverts are completely incapable of these feats.
And Elaine Ayron is sure that about a third of hypersensitive people can be called extroverts. She singled out the concept of "social extrovert", which differs from Jung's introvert in that the former easily make acquaintances and feel confident in crowded places. Otherwise, they are even similar.
The definition of introvert and extrovert can help leaders and managers when working with employees. In particular, when issuing orders. It will be more difficult for an extrovert to cope with a task that requires perseverance and attention to detail. And it is desirable to encourage the initiative of introverts, not allowing extroverts to become "irritants" in the team.
Despite the fact that the extrovert and introvert have significant differences, they are able to get along in the same unit of society. You probably noticed in the company a ringleader and a “quiet woman”, in a pair a more impulsive spouse and her “obedient” husband, and so on. They find compromises and interact with the whole world, and not just representatives of their "clan".
An introvert and an extrovert at the same time: an ambivert type
As soon as a friend refrains from a verbose conversation or wants to read a book alone on the weekend, you involuntarily begin to write him down as an introvert. Labels are always easier to attach. So there is a feeling that the person was able to “bite through”, which means it will be easier to build an appropriate relationship with him. But you should know that there are not only extrovert and introvert, but also other concepts.
Introverts and extroverts view pleasure differently. Their source for this is different. For one, this is a quiet rest, and for the other, being in the center of attention. But if after a noisy party there comes a desire to sit alone, this is the golden mean. The ambivert is the bridge between the introvert and the extrovert, containing the qualities of both. Psychologists believe that it is mixed personality types that prevail. Barry Smith, professor emeritus and director of the Laboratory of Human Psychophysiology at the University of Maryland, claims that ambiverts make up 68% of the total population.
Thanks to this view, we understand that not everything is so simple in the psychological portraits of people. Ambiver is the middle between the introvert and the extrovert, it has its features:
- Flexibility in communication
- The ability to appreciate the charms of loneliness
- The desire to be published (dosed)
- ability to adapt to situation
- A good listener and an speaker
They took the best from two fronts, combining the character of an introvert and an extrovert. According to psychologists, ambiverts become worthy managers because they show leadership qualities and remain reasonable, able to stop and delve into issues. They are equally comfortable shining in society and secluded from prying eyes.
Director of the Indiana State University Shyness Research Institute Bernardo Carducci believes that the prevalence of introversion and extraversion is strongly influenced by genetics. The cross between an extrovert and an introvert - ambiversion - is also a hereditary tendency, not an acquired one.
How to know if you are an introvert, extrovert or ambivert
Most people are in the middle of the extraversion scale. This means that an introvert and an extrovert in their absolute form are extremely rare. And this is very good. Everyone has their own temperament, which reveals our emotionality to one degree or another, reflects actions. But this is only one of the puzzles of the multifaceted nature of man.
Extroverts and introverts, whose characteristics should not be reduced to the peremptory "soul wide open" and "lone wolf", can actually make friends. To do this, it is enough to mark the boundaries and build a dialogue.
There are many tests to determine your type, but they are of little importance and should not determine your life as the ultimate truth. Experts believe that one cannot forcibly change one's personality by stepping on one's own throat. But with a signal to leave the comfort zone, everyone can show and develop the necessary qualities.