Have you ever wondered if you feel happier when you're around friends or when you’re alone? Some people are called 'introverts' because they love quiet time by themselves, while others are called 'extroverts' because they enjoy being with lots of people. But these words are not just about being shy or loud, they are more about what makes us feel good inside. In this article, let’s learn what these words really mean, how they affect our daily lives, and why knowing the difference is important!

What does it mean to be an introvert?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an introvert is “: a person whose personality is characterized by introversion: a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone”. In real, simple terms, it means that introverts are shy people who like to be alone and think a lot. It’s estimated that introverts make up anywhere from 20% to 40% of the population, with many tell-tale signs if someone is one. Some signs include enjoying solitude, having only a small circle of friends, becoming easily overstimulated, preferring independence, and being self-aware. When people think of introverts, they usually imagine someone who is shy or quiet. But not all introverts are the same. Some like being with a few close friends instead of big groups. Others spend a lot of time thinking and using their imagination. Some introverts feel nervous around people, and some like to think carefully before they speak or make decisions. Everyone is different, even if they are all called introverts.

What does it mean to be an extrovert?

Again, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary refers to an extrovert as, “: a person whose personality is characterized by extroversion : a typically gregarious and unreserved person who enjoys and seeks out social interaction”. This essentially means that extroverts are people who are naturally outgoing and friendly. They love to meet and talk to many people and enjoy being social. Extroverts are people who enjoy being around others and often feel happiest when they’re in busy, fun places. They like talking, making new friends, working in groups, and sharing their thoughts and feelings out loud. Extroverts usually have lots of different hobbies and interests, and they often get ideas and energy from the people around them. They like to be part of the action and are usually comfortable being the center of attention. But sometimes, people see extroverts in a more negative way. Because they enjoy being social and busy, they can seem like they always want attention or have trouble focusing. Some extroverts also find it hard to spend time alone and might act quickly without thinking first. This can lead them to take risks or make fast decisions that aren’t always safe or smart.

Is there an in-between?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an ambivert is “a person having characteristics of both extroverts and introverts.” In simpler terms, an ambivert is someone who has a mix of both personality types, they sometimes enjoy being around people, and other times they like to be alone. Ambiverts are flexible and can adapt to different situations depending on how they feel. For example, they might enjoy going to a party and being social one day, but prefer staying home and reading a book the next. They’re often comfortable talking to new people, but they also value quiet time to think and recharge. Ambiverts can work well in teams but also like to work independently when needed. Because they aren’t strongly one way or the other, they’re usually good at balancing conversations, understanding others’ feelings, and knowing when to speak up or listen. Many people fall somewhere in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum, which means most of us are ambiverts without even realizing it!

Everyone has traits of being shy or outgoing. Understanding this helps us get along better!!