Personality traits are different for everyone, because of this people often struggle to understand each other. Two common traits that lead to misunderstandings or conflict are introversion and extraversion. Both have their benefits, and both have their difficulties, but everyone can agree that both are very different. There are a number of other smaller categories that fit into these two broad personality categories, but the basic principles are what often make it difficult for one to understand the opposite. A little knowledge and understanding can go a long way to bridge the gap that these differing personality traits pose and bring recognition to the fact that they also have very complimentary traits that can lead to relationships that support each other rather than cause conflict.
The terms introversion and extraversion were used and made known by Carl Jung. They identified personality traits that not only include how you act, but also why you act certain ways, why you think certain ways, and how you fuel your energy source. Tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test for traits in order to help identify these personality predispositions. So what exactly are these personality types and what does it mean when someone says they are an introvert or extrovert? Here are a few basic personality traits that signify whether you or someone you know is an introvert or extrovert.
Introverts:
- Often described as quiet, reserved, retrospective, and solitary
- Tend to gain energy from self-reflection and solo activities such as reading or art
- May enjoy spending time in groups or even large groups, but finds them emotionally draining and requires time to recover from them
- Prefers small, close groups of friends
- Prefers deep meaningful conversation to small talk
- Tend to focus on one activity that they are good at and enjoy
- Have a tendency to observe before joining in
- Often choses to work in more solitary fields
- Sometimes likes the idea of things better than the real things
Extroverts:
- Often described as outgoing, talkative, and energetic
- Mostly seeks gratification from outside of ones self
- Gain energy from being social and around other people
- Prefer and enjoy activities in large groups of people
- Prefers to be actively involved in activities and have a variety of activities
- Prone to boredom when alone
- Tends to problem solve by talking out loud or talking out the problem
- Enjoys working in a group setting
- Have large social networks and a wide range of friends
- Sometimes impulsive and jumps into things before thinking
