Skip to main content

Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert?

At How to Understand People, few topics are explored as extensively as that of personality. I find it to be such a compelling subject that I base at least a couple of posts on it each month.

In case you missed some of my earlier posts on personality, here's a quick rundown of the chief differences between introverts and extroverts.

In general, introverts:

  • Direct their energy inward
  • Become overwhelmed by too much stimuli (noises, colors, etc.)
  • Become easily drained by heavy social interaction
  • Prefer small groups of people to large ones
  • Routinely need to recharge their batteries by being alone in a quiet setting
  • Enjoy reading, writing, and other solitary activities
  • Get put off by small talk
  • Like delving deeply into subjects of interest (history, politics, science, etc.)
  • Think carefully before they speak
  • Don't waste words
  • Are not confrontational
  • Are likely to pursue careers in the arts or that require working behind the scenes
In general, extroverts:
  • Are energized by social interaction
  • Don't usually like being alone
  • Prefer big groups to small ones
  • Enjoy small talk
  • Prefer breadth to depth 
  • Don't always think before speaking
  • Are boisterous and confrontational
  • Tend to be more assertive than introverts
  • Are likely to pursue careers that allow them to speak up and be front-and-center
Ambiverts, on the other hand, fall in the middle of the spectrum. These individuals have qualities of both introverts and extroverts; which ones come out in a given situation depends on a range of contextual elements including the people around them.

To a certain degree, we're all ambiverts. Most of us, for example, can be silly around our friends but clam up when forced to deliver a presentation before a large group.

However, we all tilt more heavily toward one end of the spectrum. As for me, I am an avowed introvert. Not only do I love immersing myself in books on a Friday night, but I loathe social gatherings, especially if they involve ample noise and a copious amount of people. 

Nonetheless, we should all embrace our personalities. If anyone tries to convince you to be more like an introvert or extrovert, tell them How to Understand People says they should mind their own business! 

Are you an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? Do you take pride in your personality?


Labels:

Comments

Anonymous said…
Introvert/convert
January 10, 2015 at 2:23 PM
Unknown said…
I'm such an Extrovert.
January 12, 2015 at 7:29 PM
Jeff Martinez, Writer & Proud Introvert said…
Such different personalities! Very interesting...
January 12, 2015 at 8:46 PM
Unknown said…
I'm an ambivert. I call it "situational extrovert/introvert". Like a chameleon, I adapt to my surroundings. Thanks for the insight!
July 3, 2017 at 8:36 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

No response from someone IS a response

Make no mistake about it: When you don't get a response from someone -- whether they fail to answer your texts or return your phone calls -- it is  still a response, and a powerful one at that. When a person fails to respond, it's a direct reflection of their interest -- or lack thereof -- in the relationship. Few things are more aggravating than having to hound a partner, friend, or relative for some sort of reply after we've reached out to them. Yes, we get busy from time to time, but that doesn't give anyone the right to leave the other person hanging. A terse text with something like "Been busy, will reach out soon" doesn't say much, but at least it shows some effort to bring the other person up to speed on why they've fallen off the radar. Failing to provide a response for weeks -- if not months -- communicates that you are just not a priority, and that you'll have to wait your turn to get this individual's attention. This is n...
6 comments
Read more

Do you have Isolophilia? Find out...

You're probably asking yourself, "What in the world does Isolophilia mean?" It sounds like it would be something negative, doesn't it?  After all, words that end in "philia" (e.g., pedophilia) tend to involve things we want nothing to do with. But Isolophilia isn't something all people deplore. In fact, introverts like me welcome it. Put simply, Isolophilia is defined as having a strong affinity for solitude. It describes a person who relishes being alone. While extroverts can only take so much solitude, we introverts find that it rejuvenates us. In order to recharge our batteries, we need to retreat to a quiet environment where we we're left alone to rest and/or gather our thoughts. Extroverts, on the other hand, become bored and drained when they're alone for a lengthy period of time. Social interaction is the fuel that drives them. So while an extrovert would probably do anything to avoid feelings of Isolophilia in most cases, an...
6 comments
Read more

This will spell the end of your relationship

When asked to think about the most common culprits for a relationship's going south, most people will point to cheating, complacency, and taking one's partner for granted. While these are all valid -- and documented in various posts on this blog -- there are certain habits on the part of partners that may not kill the relationship right away, but cause it to erode more gradually.  Among the most egregious of these is expecting your significant other to be perfect. They pick at your follies any chance they get. Nothing you do is ever good enough. In fact, you will never measure up to an ex, neighbor, or accomplished co-worker.  Perhaps this all sounds a bit familiar.  When you feel as though you're constantly being put under the microscope, it can inflict lasting damage on the relationship and your self-esteem. You're walking on eggshells all the time, praying you don't say or do something that's going to trigger your partner. This is no way to live, let alone ca...
Post a Comment
Read more