5 popular myths about introverts and extroverts

1. Introverts don't enjoy activities

They prefer to spend time alone and tire more quickly from external stimuli than extroverts. But this does not mean that they do not like the events at all. It's just that the introvert will probably go home earlier. According to the research The Relationship between Extraversion and Happiness, both types of people get the same pleasure in the process of communication.

Even the claim that introverts feel empty after events is not entirely true. Are both experiencing Happy Now, Tired Later? Extraverted and Conscientious Behavior Are Related to Immediate Mood Gains, but to Later Fatigue happiness in the moment of communication and fatigue after. It takes effort to communicate, and fatigue is inevitable. This is not about introversion or extraversion, but about human nature.

2. Introverts are always shy, and extroverts are uninhibited

Shy people feel anxious, fearful, or uncomfortable in society. Introverts just don't like noisy parties, but they are quite capable of feeling comfortable when communicating. And extroverts may strive for it, but experience difficulties due to shyness.

Introversion and shyness only partially intersect, and scientists do not yet know the exact answer to the question of why this happens.

Perhaps introverts have a more active amygdala, the area of the brain that is responsible for fear. Therefore, anxiety in social situations turns into insecurity and shyness.

But there is also another explanation. Because introverts are less likely to socialize, they have less socializing experience. As a result, they feel insecure when communicating. But that doesn't apply to everyone.

Whatever personality type you are, confidence can always be developed. To do this, develop social skills and practice regularly.

3. Introverts don't need intimacy and relationships as much as extroverts

Introverts need to spend more time alone. But this does not mean at all that they have no need for close contacts. The only difference is in the number and nature of these relationships.

Extroverts enjoy meeting a large number of people and having a wide range of acquaintances. Introverts prefer small groups of people, they just need to have a few close friends.

Nevertheless, communication is necessary for everyone. In Mental health and social relationships research, intimate relationships are very important for health and peace of mind.

4. Introverts do not need to engage in small talk because they hate it

According to some reports, extroverts exercise more often than introverts because they enjoy it better. But after all, no one will say that introverts in this case can not play sports. Sport is essential for physical and mental health, and everyone needs to exercise.

There is also a need for small talk. Without them, you can't get to the serious topics that introverts love so much.

You cannot approach a stranger and immediately ask his opinion about Nietzsche's ideas. It is small talk that will help establish communication.

5. Communication does not deliver labor to extroverts

Due to the fact that extroverts need more communication, everyone for some reason believes that this need literally pushes them out of the house. And if suddenly such a person decided not to go anywhere, but to lie on the couch and watch TV shows, then he begins to wonder if he really is an introvert.

But we all prefer the path of least resistance. The urge to sit back doesn't make you an introvert. Any person needs to make an effort - get ready, go somewhere. Sometimes you just don't want to. And everyone experiences fatigue after meetings, because communication requires efforts from any person.