Sometimes extroverted personality traits can be seen a mile away; other times, it's less obvious. Here are four ways to tell if you're an extrovert or an introvert.
Though most of us are either extroverts or introverts, we all display both extroverted and introverted personality traits depending on the situation. You could be outgoing and friendly (an extrovert's personality traits) at work where you're comfortable, and quiet and reflective (an introvert's personality traits) at a White House dinner because you feel out of your element. But, overall you probably lean more towards being either an extrovert or an introvert.
How do you know if you're an extrovert? A big clue is your source of energy.
Why Extroverts Love Crowds
Extroverts are very comfortable in groups, and may be even happier as the center of attention. Traditional extroverts' personality traits are self-confident, enthusiastic, gregarious, friendly, and outgoing. Extroverts love crowds: the more people around, the better life is! Extroverts like public demonstrations, community events, and other large social gatherings.
Extroverts are highly receptive and tuned-in with their environment, and are naturally responsive with people. Extroverts' personality traits steer them towards jobs that are people-oriented, such as sales or leadership positions. Extroverts can be easier to get to know than introverts because they're more open with their thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
Energy Source of Extroverts
Extroverts are interested in what's happening outside themselves: their surroundings, people, noises. Extroverts don't tend to enjoy spending time alone, and they get their energy from other people. A significant extroverted personality trait is that energy flows outward (not inward like the introvert).
Extroverted Personality Traits in North American Culture
Western culture seems to favor extroverts. Indeed, extroverts seem to always be having a great time! One study found a positive correlation between extroverts and happiness (extroverts appear to be happier than introverts). Extroverts may also have higher self-esteem. Extroverts seem to have a positive and enthusiastic approach to most activities in life, and can have good communications kills.
A circular effect may occur: extroverts communicate well and enjoy being with people, which leads them to seek social situations. Extroverts' personality traits include honing their social skills, which leads to more enjoyment of group activities! The opposite effect may happen with introverts who may not have strong communication skills, making them uncomfortable with people. Thus introverts avoid social situations.
Extroverts are Physiologically Different
Extroverts have more brain activity in the posterior thalamus and posterior insula. These parts of the brain are associated with sensory input. Touch, smell, sight, taste, and sounds seem to have more impact on extroverts than introverts.
Carl Jung was the Swiss psychiatrist who coined the terms "extrovert" and "introvert". He also formulated theories about the collective unconscious, archetypes, and dreams.
Whether you're an extrovert or introvert, accepting and enjoying your dominant personality traits can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life!
If you enjoyed reading The Extrovert's Personality Traits, you may also like:
The copyright of the article Extroverted Personality Traits in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish Extroverted Personality Traits in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Im doing a paper on my personality results from a website and I visited
many sites to figure out what an extrovert personality meant and none of
the sites were useful but this one was. =)
Oct 23, 2008 9:45 AM
Guest :
i think im an introvert in a way and an extrovert in a way too
Nov 6, 2008 2:21 AM
Guest :
Goodness me.. I always thought I was an extrovert untill I read these
articles. I am a social butterfly but can only take so much and im
completely in my element when im by myself. Strange how the one trade is
stronger than the ohter...
Nov 11, 2008 8:08 AM
Guest :
Extroverts Rock!!! :D
Nov 26, 2008 8:11 AM
Guest :
Can a person be both extrovert and introvert?? I find I am naturauly
introverted [artistic and comfortable with solitude - need it to replenish-
have few close freinds - cautious about blurting things out] but then I
have somehwere along the line learned -or acquired a deeply rewarding
interest and enjoyment of people - I am a good salesperson, leader, I
like nurturing and drawing poeple out- getting them to relax and
express,although I am very wary of crowds because they represent an
entirely different energy which I find too 'herd like' and too risky- as a
'crowd mentality' can be dangerous. I've always been pegged as an
extrovert- but after reading this- I would say that part of me is a learned
effect- while I am truly an introverted person in general. Very intersting!
more reading to do on this I guess!
Dec 4, 2008 6:36 AM
Guest :
i'm biploar.
Dec 6, 2008 2:57 PM
Guest :
Many of my friends and aquaintances that are introverts are not particulary
happy people
Dec 10, 2008 9:19 PM
Kwan :
As introverts we think more that's all. when you think about it...what's
there to be so happy about? for me, an introvert, my chances of being in
solitude are rapidly decreasing due to overfriendly and loud persons.
Dec 14, 2008 12:32 AM
Guest :
I am definitly an introvert. I didn't know personality was divided into two
until today and I can't stop researching about it. I dont believe that
introverts are unhappier than extroverts. By what I have found, introverts
are most at peace when they are alone but could also have a good time with
a crowd which balances out. Also, we may only have a few friends, but those
friends are our close friends which gives us that support system that some
extroverts may lack even though they know a lot more people and are
surrounded by more people. Extroverts are happiest when they are with a
crowd, so those lonely couple of nights that come around really gets them
down. Also, you have to take into concideration what happiness really is.
It is something that can't be measured just by viewing and what is
preceived on our faces isn't always what we feel inside. I really enjoy
being around other people, but it does tire me out-a lot. Which just proves
that people might preceive my tireness into unhappiness which isn't the
case at all. I also believe introverts are more honest people since we are
not out to impress and dont need approval from others. Apparently
introverts make up 60% of the gifted population and only 25-40% of the
general population.
