Introvert vs Extrovert

We all have attended some kind of get together or party at one time or another in our lives. We may have been to some parties where we do not know a soul and feel uncomfortable. Then there are other crowds that when we are around we feel like we are the life of the party. Why do some individuals feel more confident while others are shy, what makes the difference? It may the in the personality type. There are two basic personality or attitude types: an Extrovert and an Introvert. Most people utilize elements of both introversion and extroversion in their daily lives, not just at parties. However, there is usually a dominant personality trait that reflects how the person prefers to work or deal with the environment, especially when that person is under stress.

Let’s start with taking a deeper look into the extrovert’s personality traits. Most people believe an extrovert is someone who is outgoing and friendly. That, however, is not the true definition. An extrovert is a person who is energized by being around other people. This is the opposite of an introvert, whom is energized by being alone. An extrovert is also a person who may think in a way the centers around an object, being a task or a person. Extroverts enjoy social situations more than introverts. Extroverts seem to have more of an interest and concern with the external world. Extroverts are believed to make up 60 to 70 percent of society. Extrovert behavior seems to be the standard in American society, which means that other behavior is judged against the ways an extrovert would behave.

So far, one comparison was made of extrovert and the introvert type; being being alone energizes the introvert. There are many more aspects to this personality as well. The meaning of an introvert comes from Carl Jung, in the 1920’s. Introverts are not necessarily shy, not a form of being anti-social or depression, but a need for time alone to restore themselves. As stated, an introvert may need many hours alone everyday. Introverts tend to be quiet, low-key, and relatively less engaged in social situations, Introverts may love quiet conversations about feelings or ideas but may seem awkward in groups or small talk. This is a similar trait of the person that we see in the corner at the party. This type of person may be seen as too serious or perhaps upset. Introverts are possibly the most misunderstood groups in America.

With more information out there on the two personality types, there is more to know about a person. There is no right or wrong personality trait. These variations of individual differences may also have an underlying cause other than just the type of person they are, but also there is a science behind the traits. Science has shown that introverts process information differently than other people, or extroverts. New tests and findings have shown that introverts have more activity in the frontal lobes of the brain and in the front thalamus as the extroverts show more activity in the posterior thalamus. There are tests available to find out what type of trait a person has just by answering a few questions. It may be an important aspect to consider in the way we interact with others, such as work, relationships, and friendships. It is important to know what type of person to marry, or parent a child. These traits being known might also help with communication gaps between people. There are some extreme differences between the two, but some basic traits anyone might acquire with little effort, if desired.