Posted on Thursday, 12th July 2018

Do you know the difference between introverts and extroverts? They are often words which are used a lot, but there can be some common misconceptions about the two. Here are some myths surrounding extroverts and introverts:

Extroverts are loud

Extroverts often process their thoughts by speaking out loud and working through things by talking them out.

This does not mean they have to be loud and attention grabbing. An extrovert can speak quietly and considerately working through their thoughts and carefully select whom they speak to about things.

Introverts are shy

Introverts will often process their thoughts internally by themselves, before speaking out loud and sharing them. This doesn’t mean they don’t like talking to people, but rather prefer to think things through by themselves before sharing their thoughts with others.

‘Shyness’ is an uncomfortable or unpleasant feeling people experience. Introverts can be perfectly happy with their own thoughts, without any trace of awkwardness.

Extroverts love going on nights out

Extroverts do get their energy from others and therefore enjoy being around other people. However, this could take many forms. Being around other people does not have to mean going on lots of nights out.

Introverts hate going out

Introverts find that being around other people can drain their energy. This does not mean they avoid going out, it just means that afterwards they need to spend some time alone to recharge their batteries. Introverts may love a night out, but perhaps they leave earlier than others, or perhaps they plan to have the day to themselves the next day.

Communicating with Introverts and Extroverts

Hopefully these myth busting bits of information will be helpful to anyone wondering about the best way to communication with an extrovert or introvert.

If you know someone is an introvert and you feel that they are not being very communicative, consider that they may just be processing their thoughts before feeling able to share them with you.

If you are spending a lot of time with an extravert and are feeling as if they always want the attention, consider that talking out loud is their way of processing things, and if they have chosen you to do that with you are valued to them.

Further reading: Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking by Susan Cain