INTROVERSION AND EXTROVERSION

The terms introversion and extroversion are often misunderstood because of the tendency to stereotyping extroversion. Extroversion is the extend to which a person has a deep-seated need to receave ago enhancement and self-esteem from other people. That´s why extroverts need other people in order to feel good. Introversion, on the other hand, is the extend to which a person has a sense of wholeness and fulfillment apart from the reflections from other people.

We tend to view an extrovert person as a gregarious, “life of a party” person. Introverts, on the contrary, are thought of as quiet and reserved, with tendency toward reclusiveness. Western society values the stereotypical extrovert. In the classroom, for example, teachers admires the talkative, outgoing student who participate freely in classroom discussions. Introverts, on the other hand, are somtimes thought of as not being as bright  as extroverts. Such view is misleading. Contrary to our stereotypes, introverts can have an inner strength of character that extroverts do not have.

There are some aspects that we  should know:

• Introversion is not the same thing as shyness. Shy people are afraid of interacting with other people, probably due to a lack of self-confidence and comfort, but at the same time they crave love and affection. Introverts aren't afraid of interacting with other people and they aren't afraid to speak their mind when needed. As a general tendency, however, introverts tend to prefer small groups.

• Introverts are not all alike. Extroverts are not all alike. It's possible to have a mix of introverted and extroverted personality traits. It's possible to have a slight tendency towards one or the other. It's also possible to be strongly oriented toward introversion or extroversion.

Introvert-Extrovert Characteristics

Introverts	Introverts	Extroverts	Extroverts
Can be happy alone	Reserved, quiet and deliberate	Are social-need people	Establish multiple fluid relationships
Dislike attending parties	Form a few deep attachments	Demonstrate high energy and noise	Engage in lots of activities
Need time alone to recharge	Concentrate well and deeply	Communicate with excitement	Have many best friends and talk to them often
Prefer non-group work	Communicate best one-on-one	Draw energy from people-loves parties	Prefer face-to-face communications
Cautious in meeting people	Think carefully before speaking	Lonely and restless when not with people	Respond quickly