Each person is special and unique. The characteristics of a human being define the unique essence of his person. Which the difference between introverts and extraverts? In this Psychology-Online article we delve into this issue. What are the common characteristics of an introverted person? What are the traits of someone extroverted? How do these differences manifest themselves? In this article we answer these questions.
Meaning of introvert
The definition of an introvert would be that he presents introversion. The introversion it’s a personality trait or one of the poles of the introversion-extraversion personality factor. The extreme of introversion would be defined as a person with a reserved character, who does not usually express his thoughts and emotions, quiet or uncommunicative, reserved, shy and inhibited. It consists of having an inclination for the inner world rather than the outer world, that is, the preference for spending time doing individual activities. Introverted people are not incapable of relating, but it is not their priority either.
Introversion is due to a increased sensitivity to stimulation, since the brain of an introvert has higher levels of arousal. That is, introverted people are more sensitive to stimuli, which is why they need fewer social interactions and spend more time alone.
There is still a popular belief that introversion is negative, but it is simply a tendency in a personality factor. Therefore, It is neither negative nor positive in itself.but it has both benefits and disadvantages.
5 Characteristics of introverted people
Each person is unique and different, but, in general, they include the following:
- Listen carefully. Many people find in the friendship of an introvert the discretion, trust and empathy of someone who stands out for their willingness to listen. Introverts also enjoy sharing information about themselves, but prefer the intimacy of small groups and trusted spaces. They don’t feel comfortable being the center of attention in a new place.
- Loneliness time. Every human being needs to spend time alone just as they interact with others. However, the relationship that a person maintains with loneliness is closely linked to the bond they establish with themselves. An introverted person finds a refuge of tranquility in those spaces of solitude. Someone who is introverted seeks these moments on their own initiative. An introverted person has a wide inner world full of nuances. An inner world that takes on a special role in those spaces of silence and solitude. Thanks to this, boredom is a rare consequence in those who have this positive disposition towards solitude.
- thoughtful people. The moments of loneliness described in the previous point are also a manifestation of inner reflection. A quality that in relationships with other people is manifested through words that nourish and contribute. A reflection that seeks the ability to observe beyond appearance and reach that which is beyond the surface.
- Find your place when in a group. When participating in a social event with a large number of attendees, the protagonist seeks his own comfort zone in an environment that, a priori, does not particularly motivate him. For example, he seeks the closeness of a friend with whom he feels good.
- Personal conversation topics. Introverts also enjoy sharing jokes and relaxed anecdotes. However, the main focus of their conversations is occupied by the most personal topics and most relevant questions that favor an enriching dialogue around a conversation plan with another friend.
Meaning of extrovert
The definition of an extrovert would be that he presents extraversion. The extraversion it’s a personality trait or one of the poles of the introversion-extraversion personality factor. The extreme of extraversion would be defined as a person of open, communicative character, who expresses his thoughts and emotions, confident and uninhibited. An extrovert tends to lean towards the outside world, prefers to spend time doing group activities and continually be in relationships with others. Extroverted people have a lower activation level and prefer to increase it through external stimuli such as social interactions.
In the West, extroverted people are more valued, since there is still a belief in society that extraversion is better. But no, just like introversion, it is simply a tendency in a personality factor and It is neither negative nor positive in itself.but it has both benefits and disadvantages.
5 Characteristics of extroverted people
Each person is unique and different, but, in general, they include the following:
- Adaptation to change. From a leisure point of view, they are people who integrate quickly into a new environment. They enjoy this situation as an opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences.
- Wide social circle. As a consequence of the previous point and other factors, an extroverted person also usually has a large social environment made up of people from different groups.
- Leadership. In groups of friends, it is possible for an extrovert to unite the group around a common goal. For example, scheduling a plan. In that case, you will love giving ideas, leading the process of specifying details and motivating others with the hope of being together.
- Search for novelty. If extroverts like to go outside their comfort zone in the area of leisure plans and personal relationships, it is because the search for novelty is an incentive that activates the surprise factor compared to routine.
- They feel comfortable when they are protagonists. In those moments in which the person focuses the attention of the conversation in a group, they usually feel comfortable and enjoy the moment. Just as it is important not to confuse shyness with being an introvert, it is also important not to confuse this characteristic of extroverts with a manifestation of the constant ego.
Differences between introverts and extroverts
How are introverts different from extroverts? First of all, introversion and extraversion are two extremes of the same factor or a continuum. Most people are not at either extreme, but rather in the middle of the line, towards one of the two extremes. Being an introvert or extrovert means that there is a stable tendency to behave in a way compatible with one of the two options. That does not mean that you always respond in a specific way, since a person’s way of behaving can fluctuate along the line and change depending on the moment and the situation.
One of the most visible differences between introverts and extroverts is the way of relating to others. From what has been said so far, it is possible to see how introverted and extroverted people equally enjoy social relationships, however, they do so differently. While an extrovert loves novelty and large groups, an introvert feels more comfortable in conversation with two or a few people. The difference is not in social skills, but in the motivation to relate.
Likewise, introverts and extroverts also have different ways of relating to your external and internal world. While introverts enjoy long periods of solitude, these moments being a reason for rest and tranquility, an extrovert seeks external stimuli. In the case of extroverts, they turn to others for stimulation, to keep their self-esteem high, and for comfort. On the other hand, introverts use their own thoughts and feelings as a source of inspiration.
Although an extrovert may have a larger social circle than an introvert, many of these ties are formed by a superficial relationship whose conversation topics They do not revolve around very personal issues. On the contrary, an introverted person prioritizes the relationship with their usual circle of intimacy.
Introversion is related to greater sensitivity to punishmentTherefore, introverted people tend to be more respectful of the rules. While extroverts are more reward sensitiveTherefore, extroverted people have a tendency to seek new experiences and take risks. Likewise, before the decision making, introverts are more likely to carefully weigh the consequences to choose an option thoughtfully. On the other hand, extroverted people have a tendency to behave more impulsively.
Various scientific studies have shown that the differences between the two poles of this personality factor They have biological bases. Anatomical and functional differences have been found in the , such as the ascending reticular activation system and the inhibitory system that includes the orbitofrontal cortex, the medial septum area and the hippocampus.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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