Difference Between Introvert and Extrovert

Main Difference – Introvert vs Extrovert

Introvert and extrovert are two words that describe people with opposing qualities. An introvert is a shy and reticent person whereas an extrovert is an outgoing and overtly expressive person. This difference in personalities is the main difference between introvert and extrovert.

This article explores, 

1. Who is an Introvert?
     – Definition, Qualities, Characteristics

2. Who is an Extrovert?
     – Definition, Qualities, Characteristics

3. What is the difference between Introvert and Extrovert?

Who is an Introvert

An introvert is a shy and reserved person. An introvert may keep his thoughts to himself and rarely express his opinions and ideas. He or she is also more concerned with his or her own thoughts and feelings rather than external things.  So an introvert may display reserved and solitary behavior. They would be interested in solitary activities such as reading, writing, using computers, fishing, and hiking.

Introverts are unlikely to enjoy spending time with large groups of people although they do enjoy being with close friends. They may also find it difficult and mentally draining to befriend new people. Most writers, artists, sculptors, composers, inventors, and other professions that mainly involve solitary work are usually highly introverted people.

Some psychologists have claimed that introverts’ energy expands during reflection and dwindles during interactions. Introverts usually prefer to attempt one activity at a time and like to observe situations before they participate. They are also more likely to think well before they speak. Introverts also do not like sudden changes since they like plans and set goals.

Who is an Extrovert

An extrovert is an outgoing and overtly expressive person. Extroverts tend to be talkative, outgoing, assertive, unreserved and friendly. They may have no problem communicating their thoughts and ideas to everyone. They enjoy being around other people and become energized by social interactions. Thus, extroverts take pleasure in participating in large social gatherings such as parties, public demonstrations, and community activities. Extroverts are likely to enjoy spending time with other people and may find being alone boring. Therefore, they usually prefer teamwork, rather than solitary work.

Extroverts may also have many friends, and find it very easy to make new friends. They would not analytically think before speaking like introverts. Unlike introverts, they may find sudden changes adventurous and challenging and accept them without any difficulty. 

Difference Between Introvert and Extrovert

Qualities

Introvert: Introverts are reserved, reticent and appear shy.

Extrovert: Extroverts are outgoing, talkative, assertive and friendly.

Mental vs External

Introvert: Introverts are more concerned with ideas and thoughts than external things.

Extrovert: Extroverts are more concerned with external things.

Solitary Environment

Introvert: Introverts may prefer to spend time alone.

Extrovert: Extroverts may find it boring to spend time alone.

Social Outings

Introvert: Introverts may find it mentally draining to be with large groups of people.

Extrovert: Extroverts may find it energizing to be with large groups of people.

Friends

Introvert: Introverts may have few friends and will find it difficult to make new friends.

Extrovert: Extroverts usually have many friends and have no problem befriending strangers.

Changes

Introvert: Introverts may find sudden changes disconcerting.

Extrovert: Extroverts find changes challenging and adventurous; they also adjust easily.

Expressing

Introvert: Introverts openly communicate about themselves with those they know and trust.

Extrovert: Extroverts talk about themselves freely and openly.

Actions

Introvert: Introverts always think twice before speaking.

Extrovert: Extroverts may talk as they think.

Image Courtesy: PEXELS