Have you ever heard the terms “extrovert” and “introvert?” You probably have at some point, usually describing an outgoing person as an extrovert and someone who is shy as an introvert. But what do these labels really mean and which one are you?

Extroverts

Are you the type of person that loves to be around people and find yourself bored alone? Do you find solitary activities dull and instead find yourself energized by spending time with friends and regularly meeting new people? When you’re sad and depressed do you call up a friend and go out to a social event to get your mind off of things? If this generally describes you then you are an extrovert.

Introverts

Would you rather spend your time working on a creative project? Do you find yourself exhausted after a social function, feeling drained even if you had a good time? When you’re upset do you need your alone time to sort out your feelings and regroup? If this sounds like you, then you are an introvert.

What if I’m a Little of Both?

You are an ambivert. However, most people will lean more towards being an extrovert or an introvert, with a few traits of the other. For example, you could be 30% introvert and 70% extrovert. Few people actually find themselves split 50/50 down the middle.

The Energy Factor

Obviously, the biggest difference between extroverts and introverts are their social preferences. What you may not realize is that these preferences are due to where a person derives their mental and emotional energy.

Carl Jung developed the theory of introversion and extroversion. He observed that people either derive their mental and emotional energy from outside sources or inner sources. Extroverts thrive on social interaction because they are energized by people. Introverts need time alone to think, to feel, to reflect, and to create in order to gain energy. On the other hand, extroverts tire of solitary activities and find these a drain on their energy. Introverts spend their energy when interacting with people, even if the interactions are pleasant. They need time alone to recharge.

Myth!

It is a misconception that every social person is an extrovert and every shy person in an introvert. The truth is many introverts have excellent people skills and perform brilliantly in social situations, but an introvert will return home from such an event in need of recharging through alone time. Plenty of extroverts love people but can actually be socially inept, acting overly impetuous and not fitting in. These will continue to reach out again and again because despite the rejection they still draw greater strength from being with people than being alone.

Which is Better?

Both and neither. The truth is it takes all kinds of people to make this world function. We all have different talents and abilities. The trick is recognizing for yourself what your natural tendencies are and using them to your advantage. For example, if you are more of an introvert you’d be more effective at work having a job where you complete your tasks alone and work on creative projects. If you are an extrovert, you’d thrive on meeting new people and maintaining a large social network of clients. Even in your personal life, if you’re an introvert you may want to plan smaller social gatherings where you can enjoy the company of just a few close friends so you will get your social fix without feeling drained. Whereas if you’re an extrovert, plan the big party, encouraging your friends to bring their friends so you can feel energized by the excitement of making new social connections.

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(Original photo by Katie Laird, used under Creative Commons license.)