Melody Jacob

Introverts and extroverts are often viewed in terms of two extreme opposites, but the truth is that most people lie somewhere in the middle.

An introvert is someone who prefers calm, minimally stimulating environments. Introverts tend to feel drained after socializing and regain their energy by spending time alone. This is largely because 

introverts’ brains respond to dopamine differently than extroverts’ brains. In other words, if you’re an introvert, you were likely born that way.

Being an introvert is perfectly normal. Despite what your peers, teachers, and even parents may have told you, being an introvert doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you—and it’s not even that uncommon. Studies suggest that 30 to 50 percent of the U.S. population are introverts. That’s one out of every two or three people you know.

extroverts are often described as talkative, sociable, action-oriented, enthusiastic, friendly, and out-going. On the negative side, they are sometimes described as attention-seeking, easily distracted, and unable to spend time alone.

Some of the general characteristics associated with extroversion include:

Numerous, broad interests

Likes to communicate by talking

Enjoys being at the center of attention

Tends to act first before thinking

Enjoys group work

Feels isolated by too much time spent alone

Looks to others and outside sources for ideas and inspiration

Likes to talk about thoughts and feelings.

Extroversion has been correlated with a number of different outcomes. Among the positive outcomes, extroverts tend to spend more time with other people, spend more time engaged in social activities, and tend to have more friends. Research has also suggested that extroverts tend to be happier than introverts as well as being less prone to certain psychological disorders.