The Major Differences Between Introverts and Extroverts

Whether you think of yourself as more of an introvert or an extrovert, there are differences between these two personality types that can help you find out for sure. Those differences range from chemical makeup, psychological factors, and even genetics.

The ideas behind what makes an introvert or an extrovert are fairly simplistic. If you’re outgoing and like to be the center of attention, you’re an extrovert. If you’re shy and keep to yourself, you’re an introvert. Those descriptions don’t match what it’s really like to be either though. When you ask a real introvert what they like, it can vary considerably, and the same goes for extroverts. Instead of fitting a specific description, it’s more like each person has a custom description with a mix of introverted and extroverted behaviors and preferences.

The main requirement most people associate with introverts is being shy.

How Introverts + Extroverts Recharge

Instead of introverts loving their alone time and extroverts hating it, you could say it’s all about energy. For those who like to isolate sometimes or even need it in their relationships, they tend to recharge when they’re alone. It’s not that they can’t be social butterflies, it’s just that they are alright with also being alone. The more that they feel the need to isolate after a certain amount of socializing, the more likely they are introverted.

Extroverts are more likely to enjoy consistent interaction. In the same way that introverts feel a pull to be alone to recuperate, extroverts crave time with others and feel excited to be around them. Think of it like a battery. Introverts tend to feel weary over time and eventually, they deplete their capacity for being around someone else. Extroverts can also feel drained over time when in “social mode” but it probably takes them a lot longer and it isn’t the worst thing that could happen to them.

Extroverts tend to have a larger social circle made up of close friends, friends, acquaintances, and relatives.

The Size of Their Social Circle

Since introverts tend to like being alone or at least not mind it and extroverts are more likely to seek other people out and enjoy socializing, their social circles tend to differ. Extroverts likely have a larger group of connections that might be a mix of close friends, family, and acquaintances. Introverts, on the other hand, will likely have a smaller circle since they don’t typically go looking for relationships, but still establish strong bonds with most of its members.

Another difference when it comes to relationships is that introverts prefer to interact on a one-on-one basis, while extroverts don’t mind as much. The reason is based on how these two personalities like to interact. A conversation with an introvert might get deep and they like it that way! Introverts spend a lot of time reflecting or lost in their own minds, so it’s no wonder that they would rather have meaningful discussions rather than superficial ones or making small talk (especially if it’s for a long period of time or constant).

Introverts can enjoy a mix of solitary and social activities, but it’s ideally a balance and on their terms.

Their Favorite Hobbies or Pastimes

When you think about the types of hobbies introverts or extroverts have, you can’t really narrow it down to a list. Regardless of personality, you could have all sorts of hobbies that may not match your character. An introvert can still enjoy performing or sports and any other activities traditionally associated with extroverts, but what they instinctively enjoy are more sedentary tasks or pursuits, like reading, drawing, taking walks alone, or being alone in general when doing things.

For an extrovert, they are more open to activities that include other people. A few common ones are board games, attending social gatherings (parties or a Meetup event), volunteering, and other activities that open them up to opportunities to socialize. Extroverts also like their alone time, but it may not be as solitary as introvert standards, since they can still be interacting with something; like animals, browsing social media, rock climbing, etc. Which are acts that are generally still in a social environment to some degree.


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Hana Othman

Hana Othman is the founder of SimpleHermit.com and identifies as an INFJ. Most days you can find her typing away or reading a book. Beyond that, she keeps busy as a dog and cat mom.