So I've been thinking lately, and I've decided that it's about time I had a blog post about introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts. (I bet you've never heard about that last one. Well. What else am I here for?) If only because I am an introvert, and the matter has been keeping my attention lately.
And so: a friendly PSA.
#1: Introverts
Introverts are, quite simply, people who draw energy from being alone. Like most things, this is a spectrum; some introverts absolutely hate to be around other people; others don't mind social interaction, and might even like it, but will need a recharge period afterward.
Introverts are often misunderstood or misconstrued as snobs, 'weirdos', or recluses. The reality is we like people as much as the next; we just run out of energy and need to recharge by being alone.
Notes: I am an introvert. I've been known to have trouble interacting with people, because I'd often rather read or write something than talk to someone. Awkward chatting situations abound for me. I have been known to ecstatically dance around the house after visitors leave--not because I'm glad they're gone, but because the house is finally quiet and I can go read something now.
#2: Extroverts
Extroverts are people who draw energy and recharge by being around people. Again, there is a spectrum here, and it varies.
Extroverts tend to be better-liked than introverts, at least initially, because most extroverts can actually carry on a conversation with people they don't know.
Notes: I'm... not exactly sure what to say here, since I'm not an extrovert. So I'll just point out that neither extroverts nor introverts are more important or better. They both have things to contribute.
#3: Ambiverts
Ah, yes. Ambiverts. This side of the spectrum is the side that's almost never talked about, and I'm not sure why. It's very interesting.
Ambiverts are people who display traits of both introverts and extroverts. They enjoy social interaction, much more than most introverts do, but they need a solitary recharge period as well. Because they display traits of both, they may sometimes be pidgeon-holed into one of the other categories.
Notes: My sister is most likely an ambivert, leaning toward the introvert side of the spectrum. She loves spending time with her friends, but doesn't like spending time with people she doesn't know well. And sometimes, she just wants to be on her own.
And Now: A Conversation Between an Introvert, an Extrovert, and an Ambivert
Extrovert: Hi! How are you doing?
Introvert: Um... hi. I'm good.
[Silence.]
Introvert: Oh, um, how are you doing?
Extrovert: Good. What are you reading there?
Introvert: Oh, um, Lord of the Rings. [Looks back down at book.] It's really good...
Extrovert: Hi there, Ambivert!
Ambivert: Hi! Did you like the school assignments this week?
Extrovert: Not really, but I...
Introvert: [Quietly gets up and walks away]
[10-15 minutes later]
Ambivert: [Walks over and sits down next to Introvert]
[Silence]
...And that (hopefully) sums up the differences between introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts. Of course, I'm far from an authority on the subject. If you'd like to know more, I'd encourage you to research it. It's really a fascinating subject.
Questions? Comments? Critiques? Feel free to leave a comment in the comments section.
And that's all for now!
No comments:
Post a Comment