Over the last few years, weve heard a lot about the critical differences between introverts and extroverts.
We all heaved a collective sigh as we read personality descriptions, thinking, thats me!
But like many personality stereotypes, these arent very useful for understanding ourselves.
The idea of introversion and extroversion has been a hot topic for years now.
The way most media frame it, youd think theres an ongoing war going on between the two groups.
Thesame goes for extroverts.
Yet, all this self-identification doesnt get us anywhere.
To many people, being an extrovert means youre outgoing, and being an introvert means youre shy.
Or maybe you see introverts as homebodies while extroverts are out chatting it up with strangers on the street.
Maybe you think introverts are sensitive while extroverts have a thick skin.
Introversion and extroversion are aspects of personalitycoined by Carl Jungin the early 20th century.
Since then, theyre often included as parts of personality scales like theMyers-Briggs throw in Indicator.
In fact, the differences are pretty simple:
Introvertsget exhausted by social interaction and need solitude to recharge.
Extrovertsget anxious when left alone and get energy from social interaction.
Theres nothing about shyness, being a homebody, or how adventurous you are.
Both types can be social, both can creative, both can be leaders, and so on.
Countless studies show differences between extroverts and introverts relating toclothing choice,sexual behavior, and more.
We still dont know exactly how that works.
For now,our friends over at io9have a great breakdown of many of these studies if youre interested.
People Dont Usually Fit Into an Introvert/Extrovert Binary
We love putting ourselves into categories.
If we can be identified with a label, we can rally behind that label.
As a result,countlesslisticlesandpersonality quizzesexist to peg us introverts or extroverts.
The problem is, most of us fall somewhere in the middle, displaying behaviors of both.
Jung calls people who dontfit into either extreme ambiverts.
It shouldnt come as a surprise to anyone that a binary scale of human behavior isnt completely accurate.
This isnt a video game, where we clearly fall into the category of good character or evil character.
Introversion and extroversion are part of a scale.
Justlike political affiliations, most of us dont fancy ourselves one extreme or the other.
That isnt to say people dont lean more toward introversion or extroversion, of course.
But personality science isnt exact.
There are a number ofdifferent factors that inform our personalities.
Personality throw in Isnt a Disorder or an Excuse
You dont fix introversion or extroversion.
A personality throw in is not a condition or a disorder for you to remedy.
Introversion is often equated with negatives like shyness, anxiety, or narcissism.
Extroverts are often called shallow, bad listeners, and overly energetic.
For the most part, none of these traits have anything to do with introversion and extroversion.
For example, its a common assumption thatintroverts hate peopleand that makes it okay.
That isnt introversion, its just being an asshole.
Extroverts can hate people too.
Imjust as guilty of this as anyone else.
Introversion and extroversion arent disorders that need fixing, but theyre also not crutches to lean on.
Introverts are not better than extroverts, or vice versa.
For example,theres an ongoing stereotypethat introverts are more level-headed, creative, intelligent, and refined.
If you fancy yourself more extroverted, youre probably pretty annoyed with these types of claims.
Dont worry:theres no real evidenceany are true or that theyrecausedby your personality bang out.
We all differ from each other in countless ways and it doesnt just come down to an extroversion-introversion spectrum.
it’s possible for you to be an extrovert who likes to daydream and reflect deeply on idea.
you could be an introvert who loves talking to people.
it’s possible for you to be an assertive, loud-talking introvert.
it’s possible for you to be a sensitive, socially awkward extrovert.
Illustration by Jim Cooke.
