8 Key Differences Between Introverted and Extroverted People That You Should Know

You may have heard someone describe you as an introvert or an extrovert, which is referred to as “social” in psychology. However, you probably didn’t wonder about the exact difference between these two personality types.

Through the Myers-Briggs personality test, many people discover their personality type, and they start studying what their personality traits mean. This test divides personalities into 16 different types, and each personality is expressed by four letters.

The first letter describes the area on which you focus. Each personality could either begin with the letter “I”, which indicates introversion, or the letter “E”, which indicates extroversion. The second and third letters indicate the means upon which the personality relies in acquiring knowledge, while the fourth letter indicates lifestyle choices.

The 8 introverted personality types:

Introverts are often portrayed in television, books, and movies as withdrawn, antisocial individuals, bookworms, and people who are obsessed with a hobby or a project. While this is an exaggeration, the image is derived from some introverted personality traits.

In reality, introverted people need time alone to recharge their energy. They are often very creative, and they are passionate about many hobbies and fields. Social relationships drain their energy, and make them need to self-isolate to regain this energy.

As mentioned above, the personalities in the “Myers-Briggs” test are categorized under two basic types, which are the introverted type, indicated by the letter “I”, and the extroverted type, indicated by the letter “E”.

There are 8 subtypes of the introverted personality, which are described as follows:

1. INTJ, which stands for Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Judging.
2. INTP, which stands for Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Perceiving.
3. INFJ, which stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging.
4. INFP, which stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceiving.
5. ISTJ, which stands for Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging.
6. ISTP, which stands for Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.
7. ISFP, which stands for Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.
8. ISFJ, which stands for Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging. 

The 8 extroverted personality types:

Introverts tend to be isolated, while extroverts are quite the opposite because they need social interactions in order to obtain energy and inspiration to implement their plans and projects. When an extroverted person spends too much time alone, they become frustrated, and they suffer from a lack of enthusiasm. As mentioned above, the first letter of each personality type indicates the area on which the personality focuses.

Extroverts shift their focus outwards, while introverts shift their focus towards themselves, or inwards. Personality classification in social situations also depends on the amount of social interaction with the surrounding people. Extroverts obviously like to always be in the company of others.

There are also 8 subtypes of the extroverted personality, which are:

1. ENTJ, which stands for Extroversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Judging.
2. ENTP, which stands for Extroversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Perceiving.
3. ENFJ, which stands for Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging.
4. ENFP, which stands for Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceiving.
5. ESTJ, which stands for Extroversion, Feeling, Thinking, and Judging.
6. ESTP, which stands for Extroversion, Feeling, Thinking, and Perceiving.
7. ESFP, which stands for Extroversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.
8. ESFJ, which stands for Extroversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging. 

Is it better to be introverted or extroverted?

Before we answer this question, we will explain how being extroverted does not necessarily mean that you will automatically become a good person, and the same applies for being introverted. They are two sides of the same coin, and each style has its advantages and disadvantages. Introversion and extroversion refer to the area on which we focus our energy and thinking, whether it’s the outside or the inside.

Extroverts tend to direct their attention to society because of their tendency to direct their energy and focus towards the outside world, and the positive feeling they get from focusing on the external environment. Meanwhile, introverts direct their energy inward, which makes them seem reserved and withdrawn.

Many artists and intellectual figures in the world tend to be more introverted than extroverted. Their introverted personality traits have helped them devote themselves to their ideas and pursue them in their solitude to achieve amazing things. This intellectual abundance is one of the important benefits of introversion. Since extroverted people often have difficulty spending a great deal of time alone, their chances of achieving what introverts do through solitude are much lower.

You will often find an extroverted person in the center of attention at any social event, since extroverted people are highly socially active, and they become the center of attention in groups and discussions in which a large number of people participate. Their extroverted personalities make them likable and charming to all the people around them.

There is growing evidence that extroverted people seek attention because it brings them many benefits. Research has shown a relationship between the extroverted personality, and the desire to draw attention and to view this result as a gain. While it is not possible to say that one of the two types is superior to the other, extroverted personalities are distinguished by their ability to attract attention in society. 

8 key differences between the introverted and extroverted personalities:

Extroversion and introversion are descriptions of two different personality types that explain the way we interact with the world. The two types can meet in one personality, as in being shy and friendly, but one type may overshadow the other.

These are the eight key differences between these two types:

1. The way they regain their energy:

Introverts regain their energy by spending some time alone with their thoughts. The time they spend alone is valuable to them, and it helps them appear lively in social situations. They often need this time after social events, especially big ones before they regain the energy needed for social interaction again.

In contrast, extroverts rely on social interaction to regain their energy. Many extroverts have difficulty concentrating when they spend a lot of time alone, so they go out and socialize to recharge and refresh their minds again.

2. The way they are seen:

It is very easy to distinguish introverts from extroverts in a crowd. Quiet people who just watch are often introverts, while those who actively interact with others and chat with several people are often extroverts. You will often consider introverts shy or quiet, while you will find extroverts open and socially active.

3. Where they focus their attention:

What most distinguishes each of these two types is the field on which they focus their attention. Introverts focus their attention on the inside, and most of the time, they study their thoughts, and try to explore them and explore themselves independently of the external environment.

The ideal day for an introverted person is the day when they can focus most of their attention on their own thoughts. Thus, it is not an exaggeration to say that the isolation of introverts and their solitude with their thoughts is what brings them the greatest sense of inner peace.

On the other hand, extroverts focus their attention on the outside. They draw their distinctive ideas from the external environment. Therefore, spending a long time alone could put a stop to their creativity and freeze their ideas. They need to go out and do social activities to get their ideas flowing.

4. The way they communicate:

Extroverts like to talk about their thoughts and feelings and to express them to others. Communication is one of the things which gives them energy. Because they enjoy being the center of attention, they talk a lot with many people. Many extroverts tend to put their thoughts and feelings into action by talking about them with others. On the other hand, introverts are less inclined to talk to others, and it is often difficult for an introvert to speak genuinely, especially with new people. It is rare to find them chatting except with people they know well.

5. The extent of their social relationships:

Another essential difference between introverts and extroverts is the extent of their social relationships. It goes without saying that introverts do not have many social relationships, while extroverts have a very wide social circle. The reason is that introverts tend to be genuine with only a few people they choose carefully, and their social circle remains narrow and rarely expands. In contrast, extroverts want to get to know new people and form new relationships whenever the opportunity arises. Openness to new relationships is natural in the context of their desire to expand their social circle.

6. The way they focus on their tasks:

Focus depends on other personality traits, but there is a relationship between increased focus and introversion. Introverts like to be alone, and unite with their thoughts without being interrupted by anyone. This helps them increase their ability to focus. Since extroverts tend to sharpen their ideas and creativity through external sources, they find it difficult to focus for long periods. They need to go out and interact with other people in order to keep their enthusiasm. They often require regular breaks when they are on a task, so they can take a break from focusing.

7. The way they spend their time:

If you are an introvert, or know someone with this personality type, you likely have an idea on the amount of time an introvert spends alone. Isolation gives introverts a sense of safety and comfort, while social activities drain their energy and make them exhausted.

Most introverts spend most of their time practicing hobbies or pursuing different interests. Obviously, extroverts spend most of their time with friends and family, and their calendar is often packed with events attended by a large number of people. They gain energy through social interaction, and they try to interact with as many people as possible at every opportunity.

8. How good they are at listening to others:

As aforementioned, extroverts put their thoughts and feelings into action by talking about them with other people. This is a great way to process things, and that’s the reason why extroverts talk more than they listen. On the other hand, introverts tend to listen and observe more than to take part in social events and conversations. This makes introverts great listeners. You can find an extrovert who is very adept at listening, but this is rarely a natural trait in their personality unlike introverts.

In conclusion:

Personality types are an interesting way to get to know ourselves by analyzing our behavioral patterns. Despite the fundamental differences between introverts and extroverts, it cannot be said that one of the two patterns is better than the other. It is worth noting that many introverts and extroverts become close friends despite their differences. Opposites attract in many ways, and every person has their own strengths and weaknesses. However, it remains necessary to note the balance between introvert and extrovert personalities.