Introvert VS Extrovert

“Extroverts receive energy from being around people, and they tend to be drained of energy by being alone and isolated for long periods. Introverts gain energy by being home & alone and they are drained of any energy they have when in a large gathering or a lot of loud people.”

Knowledge is power…..

There are 4 diff types of introverts

Social introvert

-value solitude more than most people. They like being alone but aren't opposed to the occasional gathering of close friends and family.

Thinking introvert

-will often pause to cogitate before offering a response to a question. "Let me think about that"can be a very common response for the thinking-type introvert. Manly says introverts of this type are prone to getting lost in their thoughts and may actually mentally "disappear" from conversations due to a retreat into the mental world.

Anxious introvert

-often quiet and may appear on edge or nervous, says Manly.

This type of introvert shrinks away from people and settings that may further stimulate anxiety. The "anxious" introvert can be highly avoidant and even seem rude, yet the "turning inward" behavior is simply a protective, sheltering defense mechanism at work.

Restrained introvert

-also called the inhibited introvert, tends to be more reserved and can have their guards up around others until they get to know them. But rather than seeming shy or avoidant, they simply come off as thoughtful and grounded. 

There are 4 types of Extroverts

Extroverted Sensors

-it's all tied to interacting with the world around them. Driven by novelty and new experiences, extroverted sensors thrive on stimulation — whether that means going somewhere unfamiliar, trying exotic foods for the first time, or making new acquaintances

Extroverted feelers

-Their energy levels are connected to emotion, and they love to soak in waves of happiness from everyone around them, drawn to outings where the main event is conversation, such as a party or dinner with friends

Extroverted Intuitives

-have one eye planted firmly on the future, often preoccupied with speculation. While this very thought-driven personality might sound like it edges on introvert territory, extroverted intuitives need people around them to serve as collaborators and sounding boards. They love group projects or a good debate, even if the argument has no greater purpose than exploring a topic from every angle.

Extroverted Thinkers

-They get their energy from progress and social standing. These goal-oriented movers and shakers need to be around other people as a gauge of their own status. Natural leaders and decision-makers, extroverted thinkers like crossing tasks off their list and rallying the troops to get things done.

My late husband and I balanced each other out. He was a combination of “Extrovert Feeler and thinker” and I was a semi “social introvert” coupled with the other 3.. He told me one day that he was so thankful that I helped keep him grounded. I may have even converted him a little, because once we got married, pregnant, and had a baby, he liked to be at home way more. We spent 6 weeks together on maternity leave with minimal leaving. Not many couples can do that. He would often overfill his plate but I was there to help keep him from overkill. It is funny how it all works, because though I am an introvert, I didnt mind going and doing things with him because it was the perfect blend. Now, take me being an introvert and smother that in grief…. and now Im a supped up “Thinking, anxious, and restrained introvert ” :) Grief has sent my introvert self in overdrive. I’ve come to be okay with it too. Because like everything in this grief journey, I know when it is time to shift. One day, I will be ready to be out in the public eye more. For now, It is verrrrrry minimal.

Growing & Maturing in this life is fully grasping that we are all different. What works for me likely wont work for you and vice versa. For example: My Brother & his wife cannot stay at home and chill, even if they are deathly sick. Give them a day at home, bedbound, and that is about all they can stand. I’ve seen it happen a few times… Where as me, on the other hand, Now, I have to be convinced to leave the house when we are all in good health LOL You gotta sell the idea to me. My best friend and I are just alike. We talk every single day and see each other a handful of times a year because we like being at home. It’s a wonder we found each other when we did 10+ years ago.

If you took the time to read all of that, I hope you are enlightened and look at an Introvert or Extrovert in a new light.