Introversion and Behavior…..3 According to estimates, …….. Instead , both introverts and extraverts should strive to understand each other's differences and similarities. Jobs that require a great deal of social interaction usually hold little appeal to people high in introversion. On the other hand, careers that involve working independently are often a great choice for introverts . For example, an introvert my enjoy working as a writer, accountant, computer programmer , graphic designer , pharmacist or artist . 5 Signs You Are an Introvert Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation. While introverts and extroverts are often viewed in terms of two extreme opposites, the truth is that most people lie somewhere in the middle of the extroversion-introversion continuum. Do you assume that you know who is an introvert and who isn't? While you might think of an introvert as a shy wallflower who prefers to stay home alone instead of socialize, introverts can actually come in many types with a wide variety characteristics. There are certainly plenty of introverts who are socially reserved and who would prefer to stay home and read a book rather than go to a big party, but there are also plenty of introverts who enjoy socializing. You might even be surprised to learn that many people who you think of as "social butterflies" might actually be quite introverted. The following are just a few of the signs that you (or someone you know) might be an introvert. 1. Being Around Lots of People Drains Your Energy Do you ever feel exhausted after spending time with a lot of people? After a day interacting with others, do you often need to retreat to a quiet place and have an extended amount of time all to yourself? One of the major characteristics of this personality type is that introverts have to expend energy in social situations, unlike extroverts who gain energy from such interactions. That doesn't meant that all introverts avoid social events altogether. Many introverts actually enjoy spending time around others, with one key caveat – introverts tend to prefer the company of close friends . While an extrovert might go to a party with the goal to meet new people, an introvert goes with the intent of spending quality time talking to good friends. 2. You Enjoy Solitude As an introvert, your idea of a good time is a quiet afternoon to yourself to enjoy your hobbies and interests. A few hours alone with a good book, a peaceful nature walk or your favorite television program are great ways to help you feel recharged and energized. This does not mean that the average introvert wants to be alone all the time. Many introverts love spending time with friends and interacting with familiar people in social situations . They key thing to remember is that after a long day of social activity, an introvert will probably want to retreat to a quiet place to think, reflect and recharge. One of the major characteristics of this personality type is that introverts have to expend energy in social situations, unlike extroverts who gain energy from such interactions. That doesn't meant that all introverts avoid social events altogether. Many introverts actually enjoy spending time around others, with one key caveat – introverts tend to prefer the company of close friends. While an extrovert might go to a party with the goal to meet new people, an introvert goes with the intent of spending quality time talking to good friends. If having a few hours to be along sounds like your idea of a good time, you just might be an introvert. 3. You Have a Small Group of Close Friends One common misconception about introverts is that they don't like people. While introverts typically do not enjoy a great deal of socializing, they do enjoy having a small group of friends to whom they are particularly close. Instead of having a large social circle of people they know only on a superficial level, introverts prefer to stick to deep, long-lasting relationships marked by a great deal of closeness and intimacy. If your social circle tends to be small but very close, there's a pretty good chance you are an introvert. 4. People Often Describe You as Quiet and May Find It Difficult to Get to Know You Introverts are often described as quiet, reserved, mellow and are sometimes mistaken for being shy . While some introverts certainly are shy, people certainly should not mistake an introvert's reserve for timidity . In many cases, people with this personality type simply prefer to choose their words carefully and not waste time or energy on needless chit-chat. If you are the quiet type and a little bit reserved, you probably are an introvert. 5. Too Much Stimulation Leaves You Feeling Distracted and Unfocused When introverts have to spend time in activities or environments that are very hectic, they can end up feeling unfocused and overwhelmed . Extroverts, on the other hand, tend to thrive in situations where there is a lot of activity and few chances of becoming bored. According to at least one study, researchers have found that introverts tend to be more easily distracted than extroverts, which is part of the reason why introverts tend to prefer quieter, less harried settings. If you tend to feel overwhelmed in busy social situations, you probably tend to be an introvert. Final Thoughts Remember, introversion is not an all-or-nothing characteristic. People can be what you might call introverts with a capital I (aka "very introverted") or they might be outgoing in some situations with some introverted tendencies. Introversion exists on a continuum with extroversion, and most people tend to lie somewhere between the two. One type isn't "better" than the other . Each tendency can have benefits and drawbacks depending upon the situation . By better understanding your personality, however, you can learn how to play to your strengths. What Is Extroversion? In the big 5 theory of personality, extroversion (often known as extraversion) is one of the five core traits believed to make up human personality. Extroversion is characterized by sociability, talkativeness, assertiveness and excitability. People who are high in extroversion tend to seek out social stimulation and opportunities to engage with others. These individuals are often described as being full of life, energy and positivity . In group situations, extroverts (extraverts) are likely to talk often and assert themselves. Introverts, on the other hand, are people who are low in extroversion. They tend to be quiet, reserved and less involved in social situations . It is important to note that introversion and shyness are not the same thing. People low in extroversion are not afraid of social situations, they simply prefer to spend more time alone and do not need as much social stimulation. Extroverts are often unfairly pegged as overly-talkative or attention-seeking. In reality, they simply gain energy from engaging in social interaction. People who are high in extroversion need social stimulation to feel energized. They gain inspiration and excitement from talking and discussing ideas with other people. Common Extroversion Traits Extroversion is often marked by a number of different sub-traits. Some of these include: Warmth Seeking novelty and excitement Gregariousness Assertiveness Cheerfulness Talkativeness Enjoys being the center of attention Action-oriented Friendly Engaging What Causes Extroversion? The exact reason why people tend to be more extroverted or more introverted has been the subject of considerable debate and research in psychology. As with many such debates, the question tend to boil down to two key contributors: nature or nurture . Extroversion clearly has a strong genetic component . Twin studies suggest that genetics contribute somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of the variance between extroversion and introversion. Environment can also have an impact . Sibling studies have suggested that individual experience carry greater weight than do shared experiences in families. Some researchers including Hans Eysenck have suggested that the variability in this trait might be linked to differences in cortical arousal. Extroverts tend to need more external stimulation, while introverts tend to become stimulated very easily. Extroversion and Behavior How does extroversion impact our behavior? Researchers have found that being high in this personality trait is linked to a number of different tendencies . In addition to contributing to our personalities, this trait may also play a role in the type of career that we end up choosing. According to researchers, extroversion is associated with leadership behavior. Since extroverts are more likely to assert themselves in groups, it makes sense that these individuals often take on leadership roles when working with other people. Research has also shown that extroverts are less likely to experience anxiety over negative feedback. Those high in extroversion are often described as having a very positive outlook on life as well as being friendly, energetic and highly adaptable . All of these tendencies can serve a person well, particularly in certain social situations. As you might imagine, high levels of extroversion can be particularly well suited to jobs that require a great deal of interaction with other people . Teaching , sales, marketing, public relations , and politics are all jobs in which an extrovert might to well. Introverts prefer less social interaction so jobs that require lots of independent work are often ideal. Writing , computer programming, engineering and accounting are all jobs that might appeal to a person low in extroversion. How Common Is Extroversion? While it might seem like everyone in your circle of friends and acquaintances is more extroverted that you, recent research actually indicates that extroversion is less common than previously thought. In a study published in Psychological Science, researchers found that extroverts tend to be overrepresented in social networks . Because outgoing, popular people tend to have a lot of friends, they are disproportionately represented in social networks. “If you’re more extraverted, you may really have a skewed view of how extraverted other people are in general,” explained researcher Daniel C. Feiler of Darmouth University. “ If you’re very introverted you might actually have a pretty accurate idea.” The researchers also suggested that there are two key factors that determine who people become friends with . Extroverts tend to be very sociable, making them more likely to form new friendships than introverts. People also tend to form friendships with people with similar levels of extroversion as themselves. While extroverts are more likely to become friends with other extroverts, introverts tend to forge relationships with both introverts and extroverts. To extroverts, it seems like most people are also extroverted because that personality trait is overrepresented among their group of friends and acquaintances. Introverts , however, might have a better grasp on the true structure of social networks. References Feiler , D.C., & Kleinbaum , A.M. (2015). Popularity, similarity, and the network extraversion bias. Psychological Science, 26(5), 593-603. doi : 10.1177/0956797615569580. Fremont, T., Means, G. H., & Means, R. S. (1970). Anxiety as a function of task performance feedback and extraversionintroversion . Psychological Reports ,27,455-458. Hogan, R., Johnson, J. & Briggs, S. (Eds.) (1997). Handbook of personality psychology. California: Academic Press. Tellegen , A., Lykken , D.T., Bouchard, T.J., Wilcox, K.J., Segal, N.L., & Rich, S (1988). Personality similarity in twins reared apart and together. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54(6), 1031–9. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.54.6.1031 5 Signs You Are an Extrovert Do you love meeting new people? Does a big social event leave you feeling energized and renewed? If you can answer yes to these questions, then there is a possibility that you might just be an extrovert. What exactly is an extrovert? On the positive side, extroverts are often described as talkative, sociable, action-oriented, enthusiastic, friendly, and out-going . On the negative side, they are sometimes described as attention-seeking, easily distracted, and unable to spend time alone. Some of the general characteristics associated with extroversion include: Numerous, broad interests Likes to communicate by talking Enjoys being at the center of attention Tends to act first before thinking Enjoys group work Feels isolated by too much time spent alone Looks to others and outside sources for ideas and inspiration Likes to talk about thoughts and feelings Think you might be an extrovert? Check out our list of five of the key traits common to this type of personality. You Love to Talk You don't just enjoy talking to friends, family members, and co-workers; you love to strike up conversations with total strangers. You love to meet new people and learn about their lives. Unlike introverts who tend to think before they speak, extroverts tend to speak as a way to explore and organize their thoughts and ideas. Extroverts also tend to have a wide circle of friends. Since you are so good at meeting new people, striking up conversations, and you genuinely enjoy the company of others, it probably is no surprise that making friends comes easily. Socializing Helps You Feel Energized and Inspired Do you tend to feel "charged up" and inspired after you've spent some time with other people? Extroverts tend to find such social interactions refreshing and they actually gain energy from such exchanges. When extroverts have to spend a lot of time alone, they often begin to feel uninspired and listless. If given a choice between spending time alone and spending time with other people, an extrovert will almost always choose to spend time with a group. You Like to Solve Problems by Discussing Them When you are facing a problem, you prefer to discuss the issues and various options with others. Talking about it helps you explore the issue in depth and figure out which option might work the best. After a difficult day at work or school, talking about it with friends or family can help you feel less stressed out. Introverts on the other hand, prefer to think about problems and spend time alone after a trying day. People Often Describe You as Friendly and Approachable Since people with this personality type love interacting with other people so much, others tend to find extroverts likable and easy to approach. At a party, an extrovert will probably be the first one to walk up to new guests and make introductions. It is for this reason that extroverts typically find it easy to meet new people and make new friends. You Are Very Open and People Find It Easy to Get to Know You While introverts are sometimes perceived as closed-off and aloof, extroverts are typically very open and willing to share their thoughts and feelings. Because of this, other people generally find that extroverts are easier to get to know. Final Thoughts Remember that extroversion isn't an all or nothing trait; it's actually a continuum and some people might be very extroverted while others are less so. Extroversion is more common than introversion and is often valued since extroverts tend to be skilled at interacting with others. This does not mean, however, that one personality type is 'better' than another. Each type has its own pluses and minuses, and you may even find that you are extroverted in some situations and more introverted in others.