Many people are confused about the difference between introverts and extroverts. In this essay, I’d like to explain the difference and then give a few illuminating examples.
Understand that being an introvert or an extrovert has nothing to do with how friendly you are. Introverts are not generally unfriendly, and they can be just as friendly as extroverts. The difference is in how we get our energy, or how we recharge. Extroverts get their energy from being around people. You leave an extrovert in a room by himself, and he’ll probably get depressed. Introverts, on the other hand, gain energy by being on their own. They often dislike being around large groups of people for too long, because it will burn them out. That’s not to say that we don’t like people, although that can be the case sometimes. I should also point out that extroverts need their alone time too. They just happen to need significantly less of it.
To provide a examples of the differences between introverts and extroverts, I’ll talk about some of my experiences. I’ve been going to a lot of scholarship competitions lately. I usually go to them with either my dad, an extrovert, or my mom, an introvert like me. These trips provide fantastic insight into the differences between introverts and extroverts.
What I’ve noticed when I go on these scholarship trips with my mom is that we’re both very tired by the end of it. She’ll quiz me for a minute or two, but then we’ll just not talk for a while, especially if we have to drive home the same day. For those long car rides home, I tend to sleep almost half of the trip. My mom is curious about my experiences for the day, but she understands that I need to rest. She’s tired too. My dad is almost the complete opposite.
After I finish a day of chatting with deans and politely asking questions of students, my dad and I get in the car to go home. And the interrogation begins. While I’m exhausted, my dad is energized. He wants to know all about my day right now. What did the interviewers ask? How did you like the food? What was your overall impression of the school? How do you think it compares to the others you’re looking at? And on and on and on. He turns into a chatter box the moment we pass through the gates of the college. Me? I’m just leaning the chair back, lowering my hat over my eyes, and praying he gets the message.
My sister is an extrovert like my dad. She’s always wanting to have parties, and I’ve found that these also neatly illustrate the differences between introverts and extroverts. Before the party, my mom and I complain the whole time about our house being invaded, and my dad will stand in the living room chatting it up with my sister and my friends as they show up. That’s not to say that my mom and I are party poopers. We’re usually just as friendly as the rest of my family. However, the difference shows up after it all ends. After the party is over, my mom and I will go to bed or to play on a computer, and my dad and sister will lurk around enthusing over the success of the party.
So, extroverts, remember that the introverts are not unfriendly, but they will need more alone time than you will. Also understand that, if you bug them too much when they’re tired and burned out, they’ll get upset. Likewise, introverts, remember to be tolerant of your more extroverted friends. They aren’t trying to get up in your face; they just need to be around people to recharge. If everyone on both ends of the spectrum can remember this, then maybe introverts and extroverts can learn to work well side by side.
Understand that being an introvert or an extrovert has nothing to do with how friendly you are. Introverts are not generally unfriendly, and they can be just as friendly as extroverts. The difference is in how we get our energy, or how we recharge. Extroverts get their energy from being around people. You leave an extrovert in a room by himself, and he’ll probably get depressed. Introverts, on the other hand, gain energy by being on their own. They often dislike being around large groups of people for too long, because it will burn them out. That’s not to say that we don’t like people, although that can be the case sometimes. I should also point out that extroverts need their alone time too. They just happen to need significantly less of it.
To provide a examples of the differences between introverts and extroverts, I’ll talk about some of my experiences. I’ve been going to a lot of scholarship competitions lately. I usually go to them with either my dad, an extrovert, or my mom, an introvert like me. These trips provide fantastic insight into the differences between introverts and extroverts.
What I’ve noticed when I go on these scholarship trips with my mom is that we’re both very tired by the end of it. She’ll quiz me for a minute or two, but then we’ll just not talk for a while, especially if we have to drive home the same day. For those long car rides home, I tend to sleep almost half of the trip. My mom is curious about my experiences for the day, but she understands that I need to rest. She’s tired too. My dad is almost the complete opposite.
After I finish a day of chatting with deans and politely asking questions of students, my dad and I get in the car to go home. And the interrogation begins. While I’m exhausted, my dad is energized. He wants to know all about my day right now. What did the interviewers ask? How did you like the food? What was your overall impression of the school? How do you think it compares to the others you’re looking at? And on and on and on. He turns into a chatter box the moment we pass through the gates of the college. Me? I’m just leaning the chair back, lowering my hat over my eyes, and praying he gets the message.
My sister is an extrovert like my dad. She’s always wanting to have parties, and I’ve found that these also neatly illustrate the differences between introverts and extroverts. Before the party, my mom and I complain the whole time about our house being invaded, and my dad will stand in the living room chatting it up with my sister and my friends as they show up. That’s not to say that my mom and I are party poopers. We’re usually just as friendly as the rest of my family. However, the difference shows up after it all ends. After the party is over, my mom and I will go to bed or to play on a computer, and my dad and sister will lurk around enthusing over the success of the party.
So, extroverts, remember that the introverts are not unfriendly, but they will need more alone time than you will. Also understand that, if you bug them too much when they’re tired and burned out, they’ll get upset. Likewise, introverts, remember to be tolerant of your more extroverted friends. They aren’t trying to get up in your face; they just need to be around people to recharge. If everyone on both ends of the spectrum can remember this, then maybe introverts and extroverts can learn to work well side by side.