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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?


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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
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