#studypeople #compassion #eq
- Introverts: tend to expend energy in social situations.
- Extroverts: tend to draw energy from social interactions.
- Ambiverts: slip in and out of either mode.
Up to 2/3 of the entire world population is “ambiverted” leaving as little as 1/3 true introverts or extroverts. Consider that extroverts often end up being the most “visible” people around us because by definition they are more often speaking up in crowds or putting themselves on social media, movies, TV, etc. Because we happen to experience them more often in roles we deem “successful” we might mistakenly assume their traits are “more successful” and thus “more desirable”. Or at least I did for much of my life.
Understanding and accepting the nature of the people you interact with is an important skill to learn. However you personally identify, it would be helpful for you to spend some time understanding this “dimension” of humanity so that you can be more aware and sensitive to the needs of those around you.
There is no “right” way to be. There are advantages and disadvantages to every personality type. Expecting someone to act in one certain way is an incredibly limiting worldview. If social situations are draining and challenging for you, that is perfectly fine. Extroverts have their own challenges.
Though many introverts do prefer to avoid or limit social interaction, others embrace it as a strength. There are many examples of successful leaders who happen to be introverts. Just because it might be challenging doesn’t mean it is a handicap… it actually can be leveraged as an advantage.
In order to understand and thus empathize…
- Try googling Introvert v Extrovert and Advantages of Introvert
- Take the Myers Briggs test to understand yourself better. Know that you will change as you grow and mature.
- Read the book Quiet by Susan Caine and visit her site Quiet Revolution
- Watch her TED talk:
Personally, I grew up as an introvert but unfortunately didn’t accept that this was “ok”. I was petrified of social interaction whether with an individual or group and I hated myself for it.
Over time, I taught myself techniques that helped me interact with others. I continued to collect more life experiences and ideas to discuss. I also realized that it’s ok to not be an extrovert. Things got less scary and I now embrace that I’m an ambivert who often looks forward to social interaction. I also embrace that it’s perfectly fine for social situations to be draining for myself and others.
For some of us, truly appreciating ourselves and others is a lifelong journey!
hope our kids read this! 
A friend pointed out that the concept of “advantages and disadvantages of each personality type” could be altered to exclude the judgment of “better or worse”. I agree. There’s no need to point out the relative “good” or “bad” related to how a person behaves and thus serves to smear us all with a little bit of shame for having faults and deficiencies. I like changing our language so that we are careful not to judge. Perhaps we can say that each personality type simply changes how we act, and react, in the world. No judgement. It is what it is. And knowing about these types, and trying to understand the person across from us at any given moment will help us to not only understand and accept them but even allow them to be more of who they are and want to be. That seems more peaceful and accepting.