What is the difference between these personality types, and what behaviour is typical for them?
No one in this world is less alike than an extrovert and an introvert. Contrasting, like day and night, they divide the world into calm creators and impulsive doers.
How are these mysterious personalities made? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
People do not become introverts and extroverts; they are born so. Introverted individuals are susceptible to external stimuli. A large crowd of people, loud exclamations, and the bustle of life quickly exhaust them. Introvert simply needs time alone to ponder the day and sort out their thoughts, staring thoughtfully at the ceiling. An introvert is also distinguished by high activity in the frontal lobe of the brain. As we know, this particular part of the brain is responsible for concentration, memory, and learning. Therefore, introverted people are very focused on their internal processes. They often need minutes of silence to calmly sort out everything in their head.
The situation is quite different with extroverts. Extraverted individuals are very active in processing sensory impressions. They need human communication and constant exchange of information. They draw beliefs and energy and feel better and even more actively exchange information. That is why extroverts are adept at small talk. They fascinate others with their euphoria and enthusiasm and find inspiring moments in everyday conversations.
On the other hand, introverts are not very respectful of small talk. They prefer long, philosophical conversations, thoughtful pauses, and brooding poses. Their strength lies in their ability to listen very carefully and patiently to their interlocutor’s hour-long monologues. This allows them to be excellent observers. Therefore, introverts quickly notice the slightest changes in the interlocutor’s mood, anticipating further developments.
The strong side of extroverts lies in their talent to present themselves well and competently: interviews, public speaking, spontaneous deals – it is difficult to find someone who could do this better than an extrovert. Persistence and well-chosen words turn this personality type into an active and successful doer.
However, the impulsiveness and thirst for communication inherent in extroverts can confuse the introverted interlocutor in their interaction. An introvert who is somewhat passive and slow in making decisions may be disturbed by the extrovert’s over-vigour.
As we can see, both personality types are incredibly different from each other. There is a vast gulf between them, which can only be overcome by the third type of personality, the so-called ambivert.
Ambivert combines the traits of both an energetic extrovert and a calm introvert. Steadiness, together with persistence, sociability – with non-conflict are the main features of this personality type. As a mediator between introverts and extroverts, ambiverts can interact with both effectively. Perhaps this personality type maintains harmony in the contrasting world of extroverts and introverts.