The differences between introverts and extroverts can often be subtle and there are a lot of misconceptions about what either of them is “supposed” to look like. Not all introverts are shy, quiet or socially awkward people and not all extroverts are always social and the life of the party 24/7. Introverts can seem extroverted at times and extroverts can seem introverted at times since we all need a balance of alone time and time with other people but depending on which type you are determines how that balance looks for you. Let’s debunk these misconceptions and explore, shall we?
Something important to note here is that there is such thing as an ambivert which is a person who has attributes of both introversion and extroversion, however, I do believe that we all lean in one direction more than the other and it’s a pretty easy thing to determine whether you may be introvert or extrovert dominant. What best defines whether you’re introverted or extroverted is how you recharge best and what makes you feel most rejuvenated.
Introverts recharge by spending time completely alone, quieting their mind and having space. They tend to need more solitude and downtime to read, watch movies/shows, meditate, be in nature, listen to their favourite music, journal and reflect. Introverts tend to need to recharge after a lot of time being social like a cellphone after a day of heavy usage. They strongly value space to themselves.
On the other hand, extroverts recharge by spending time with people and being social. Being around other people is what actually brings them energy and makes them feel more whole. They thrive in social situations and feed on the energy of others, to replenish and flourish their energy. Extroverts spend a lot of their time socializing and connecting with people.
This does not mean introverts can’t sometimes recharge with people and that extroverts don’t need alone time. Sometimes extroverted people need to spend time in solitude and sometimes introverts can be the life of the party. It just means that how they recharge most often determines whether they are introverted or extroverted!
With all of this in mind where do you lean? Introvert or extrovert?