What's The Deal With... Extroverts?

We’ve talked already about the key differences between extroverts and introverts in a previous blog. Today I wanted to share a bit more from an extrovert’s perspective. In thinking about where you fall on the spectrum of introversion and extroversion, remember that you need to pay more attention to what refuels you/drains your battery versus how you may present yourself in an engaging social setting.

With Spring in full swing, people traveling and going out and about more, the extroverts in your life are probably blowing up your phone to make plans and re-engage. Let’s break things down into a few key points on extroverts to help you understand their drive a bit better.

VIBE SPONGES

As an extrovert myself, I often self reflect and think about how I am a total sponge in social settings or when I am out experiencing the world. Being out with friends and family where things feel fun and vibrant feels like a dose of energy and a total mood booster. This isn’t to say that extroverts don’t like to spend quiet time at home or need to be at a wild party 24/7 to feel their absolute best. Or, on the other hand, that introverts can’t come out of their shell and engage socially. Think of it as introverts may drain a lot more energy showing up and being socially ON or may require deeper connections and a certain level of comfort in the environment to access that spark. So, my point here is that extroverts and introverts both can soak in the vibes in a social setting but extroverts bloom this way and introverts will likely need a bit of time away to recharge afterwards.

It has been interesting for me to reflect on myself in the process of preparing for this blog. I can be somewhat reserved and can actually be on the quiet side compared to other extroverts in my life, depending on the scenario. Once I am immersed in my environment, my personality truly shines and I soak it all in. I wanted to mention that observation because I feel as though people consider extroverts to be loud, engaging, and immediately comfortable in a social setting. Like introverts, extroverts may need time to transition into a new environment before fueling from the stimulation of it all.

STIMULATION NATION

Music, crowds, dancing, lights, conversation, laughter, food/drinks, the more the merrier! I find that for me being in an exciting environment feels so rejuvenating and fun. This can feel like too much of a good thing for introverts over an extended period of time, not to be confused with the idea that introverts don’t like any and all of these things in smaller doses. Similar to my previous point, extroverts soak all of these pieces in as fuel to take with them.

I find that I also love quiet environments, such as a museum or theater. Regardless of the activity, I find that having something different to look forward to that will stimulate my senses in some way gives me the motivation to stick to plans or find new things to do and fill my time with.

EXTROVERTS HAVE FEELINGS TOO

I wanted to touch on this point because I feel like extroverted people are often considered entirely confident, extremely happy, or always in a good mood or place in life or mindset wise, simply based on public perception. People tend to lean on extroverts to be the life of the party or the ones that help get everyone on the dance floor in a wedding. Similarly, people may assume a socially confident person or extroverted person may not have moments of low mood or the need for distance and boundaries. It is important to remember that no matter how someone presents themselves in a social setting, we all desire healthy connections, to be valued and loved, and enjoy unwind time.

That being said, this also requires that extroverts allow themselves to put their guard down and give permission to slow down and unplug as well.