Introvert…..Ambivert……Extrovert: What Are the Differences?
Have you noticed that people often use the terms ‘introvert’ and ‘extrovert’ to imply shyness and nerdiness for introverts and loud and aggressive for extroverts? Neither of these is entirely true, so let’s get to the real definitions and understanding of what this personality spectrum or continuum of:
Introvert…….Ambivert…….Extrovert, really is.
Here are some of the DIFFERENCES:
Introverts and extroverts seek energy in different ways. Introverts get their energy from being in their own company, having time to ‘recharge’ on their own. They require fewer stimuli, reflect in quiet, and prefer one-on-one friendships. They may appear to be withdrawn and shy, although this is not always true.
Extroverts enjoy more stimulation and can boost dopamine by reflecting outwardly when processing feelings, spending time with others, and meeting new people in large groups.
It’s a lot about how you get your energy and some of the behaviors and habits you’re more likely to see because of this.
Let’s be clear; one is not better than the other; they’re just different. Most of us don’t lie at one extreme of this spectrum or another.
INTROVERTS:
If you’re not sure where you sit on this spectrum of introvert….ambivert….extrovert, then you can take a test to get an idea of which category best suits your personality.
There are several books about this subject and the 16 personality types. They certainly helped me to see and understand how different personalities saw and understood the world.
As a parent or a partner or a work colleague or a friend, it’s important to understand these differences.
Introverts make up approximately 25-40% of the population but there are still many misconceptions about this personality type. Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you’re shy or socially anxious.
Forgive my generalizing here……
Introverts may typically prefer taking part in less (outwardly) stimulating activities and get pleasure from reading, writing, painting, doing research……….in individual activities. They may like to concentrate on a single activity, analyze situations carefully and take time to think before they speak.
The above traits make them good and thoughtful leaders and can also give the impression of them being aloof or superior (not true).
Introverts recharge when they have time and space for introspection. They like to engage in the internal world, reflecting on their own thoughts, feelings and emotions. This wouldn’t hurt for the rest of our society; a little individual introspection would go a long way.
Typically, introverts have a small group of close friends and they value quality time alone. They are quite comfortable in solitude (refer to the previous blog post about Being Happy Being Alone (Solitude)).
SIGNS that you may be an INTROVERT: (SimplyPsychology)
- thoughtful
-energized by being alone
-enjoy solitude
-quiet and reserved in large groups or around strangers
-tends to keep emotions private
-process their thoughts in their head rather than talk them out
-learn well through observation
-feel drained by lots of people, and need privacy
-more sociable and gregarious around people they know well.
EXTROVERTS:
Extroverts get their energy from being around other people. They may be talkative and seem popular among peers (at least in the USA).
They tend to seek out as much social interaction as possible; this is how they get more energy. They often have larger circles of friends. They enjoy talking with others, expressing themselves verbally, and engaging with the outside world.
It seems that extroverts outnumber introverts by around 3:1.
SIGNS that you may be an EXTROVERT: (SimplyPsychology)
-energized by being with others
-enjoy social settings
-seek attention
-have many friends
-sociable
-outgoing
-prefer talking over writing
-enjoy group/team work
What’s an AMBIVERT? (SimplyPsychology)
Many people look at introversion and extroversion as two opposing categories, but research shows that it’s more likely that these are on a scale.
An ambivert is a person who shows characteristics of both introversion and extroversion. In other words, they fall somewhere in the middle of this continuum.
An ambivert changes their behavior based on the situation they’re in. For example, they may be quite introverted and reserved around strangers, but will be more energetic and extroverted around close friends and family.
Their place, somewhere in the middle of the personality spectrum, makes them highly adaptable in their daily scenarios. Ambiverts’ flexibility can also help to balance social environments that may be overcrowded with a particular personality type.
Ambiverts understand their own behavior well and can read when a situation might call for them to act more introverted or extroverted. This self-awareness helps them in different areas of their lives.
Again…..one personality type is not better than the other; they’re different and this makes life and people interesting; doesn’t it?
It really helps to understand these different types, personally and professionally.
In this way, you’ll understand that when an introvert is, at first, quiet, it’s not that they’re being aloof or snooty, it’s that they check things and people out first before chiming in. And if you meet an extroverted person, who’s gregarious and fun in a group, it doesn’t mean that they’re aggressive or want all of the attention.
There’s more to these personality types and in the next blog post, we’ll get into the differences in various aspects of life, cultural differences and give you examples of well-known people who have these different traits. We’ll also see why, as we age, we tend to go from extroversion to introversion.
Understanding where you and your loved ones, work colleagues, friends and others are on this scale can really change how to communicate better with them.
It will also help you to see where you are on this spectrum. It may help you to understand yourself better!
With smiles and love,
Dr Gigi
PS: If you’re interested in learning more about these personality types and where you are on the scale and how it affects your life, be in touch @drgigiarnaud on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook
Change your Thoughts, Change your Mind, Change your World