I am sure many, if not all of you know of the term introvert and extrovert. However, I have given a brief outline below.
An introvert is someone who prefers solidarity to spending time in large groups. They feel more energised after spending time alone.
An extrovert is someone who finds energy by interacting with others. They prefer to be in the company of others than be alone.
Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not necessarily shy or unassertive. If they are it is not a prequisite of this trait. Extroverts too may not be loud or even confident, they just thrive off of spending a lot of their time with others.
I am an introvert and always have been. As a child it would take me at least an hour or two to settle into a new environment. I recall my mother urging me to go and play with the other children when we attended parties. I preferred to stay on the outside observing from afar. My younger sister on the other hand would jump straight in!
I was content being an introvert as a child but felt it was a major hindrance once I hit my teenage years. I had one main friend in and out of school and did not desire more. I was friendly with a few peers but always avoided large groups. I felt uncomfortable being surrounded by a lot of people – almost as if I could not be myself. I was too self conscious and not at all confident which doubled with my introvert ways was rather crippling. I yearned to be outgoing and the life and soul of the party but it was just not part of my make up.
Looking back to my college and university years, I tended to have one friend and rarely hung out in groups. On occasions when my friend was absent, I would happily spend my break times alone. I did not mind as by this time I enjoyed my own company. Back in the early 1990’s I listened to music on my Walkman – who remembers these?
Even at my place of work, the majority of the time I take lunch breaks alone in an office or go for a walk. I use this time to recharge and gather my thoughts. I embrace the introvert in me and accept this is who I am.
Though I enjoy spending time alone, I am sociable when out at events or occasions. However, I can guarantee that I will spend at least an hour unwinding on returning home regardless of how late it is. My husband finds this most baffling!
Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, learn to accept yourself. There are advantages to both traits and in my opinion, one is not better than the other, just different. There is a need for both introverts and extroverts in friendship groups, families, organisations and businesses.
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
At what stage in life did you realise this?
What do you feel are the advantages?
organisedlady 
Great definitions! I’ve always known I’m an introvert—most bloggers are, I think!
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Thank you! I agree – we prefer to put our thoughts and feelings onto paper as oppose to verbalusing them.
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Hi Phoenicia – I always thought I was an extrovert because I do enjoy people. It was Patricia who informed me that I was in introvert and once I started thinking about it I realized she was right. I do enjoy people and having fun but I absolutely love – and need – my quiet time. Is there such a thing as an extroverted introvert? LOL
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Lenie- I believe extroverted introverts exist. A lot of people assume introverts are shy which of course they can be but not all are. I was definitely shy as a child and being told “you are so quiet” certainly made me conscious.
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Hi Phoenicia. Interesting post. I, too, have learned from Patricia re the differences between introverts and extroverts. I am an extrovert all the way, and really do get re-energized from being with people and sharing thoughts and experiences. But I certainly respect the needs and differences between extroverts and introverts and thank you for the discussion.
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Patricia’s articles give a real insight into the world of an introvert and extrovert.
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I’m both depending on the situation, however as a writer, my default is to prefer quiet, alone time. That recharges me the most.
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I absolutely love quiet time.
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Well said Phoenicia. However, I have to disagree with the notion that Introverts are frowned upon in today’s world, I think an Extrovert must have started that rumor. 🙂 Bill Gates, Stephen Spielberg, Mark Zuckerberg, and Nicole Kidman are all Introverts, and I seriously doubt anyone frowns on J.K. Rowling for being an Introvert. I enjoyed a successful career in sales for nearly 2 decades and I’m an Introvert of the extreme variety. From what I see a successful Introvert simply learns how to manage their energy and preferences without feeling the need to explain themselves to the rest of the world. Thanks for the great read!
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Thank you Marquita. In my experience being an introvert meant you played second fiddle to an extrovert. I am glad you had a better experience.
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My sister’s kids are both on the introverted side, and as they got frustrated at times growing up as they learned how they were shaping up as social creatures, my sister often reminded them that aunt Jeri does just fine and she’s an introvert 😉 It’s all a spectrum. I’m an introvert, but not necessarily shy. On the other hand, my love is a shy extrovert and I think that can be a harder combo than most at times.
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Introverts can become frustrated with themselves in a world that appears to embrace extroverts.
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So agree that we need to accept ourselves; introvert or extrovert. I grew up a introvert but as I reached maturity, I guess, a latent attribute surfaced: I became extroverted on occasion. And I found that whatever group I became involved in: I became a spokesman; a leader. When I would sit in a doctor’s waiting room for a long period of time, I would learn the stories of almost everyone there…”never meets a stranger” has been said…and I am the little introvert. When I was selected to be on the reengineering team of a large state organization, they gave the Myers-Briggs personality test…over the years with reengineering, I took the test several times and each time came out essentially as an introverted extrovert. sort of “a walking contradiction–.” I accept that.
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Thanks for commenting Marvin. I have heard of the introverted extrovert.
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I have learnt from Patricia Weber who is an expert on the subject that the vast majority of people are a combination of extrovert and introvert. Personally am mainly extrovert but also a bit introvert.
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Yes Patricia certainly is an expert on the subject of introvert and extrovert. I enjoy reading her posts!
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In today’s world being an introvert is frowned upon and seen as being anti social. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting solidarity. On the other hand I do like being in the company of others. I’m happy being an introvert. Thanks for sharing 👌
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I agree. No there is nothing wrong with being an introvert or extrovert, however I have always felt society embraces the extrovert and does not quite know what to do with the introvert.
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