Are You Introverted or Extroverted?

What kind of creature are you?

Do you consider yourself to be an introvert, an extrovert, or an ambivert? If you're unsure, you can do this quick and free online test to find out (http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp)

Did you know?

Did you know that one third to one half of people are introverted? If you are among these introverts, then you know how it can sometimes be challenging to "fit in" a world that often favours, rewards and encourages extroverted behaviours.

The Introvert-Extrovert War

What's wrong with introverts, anyway? Why are they so shy, so antisocial and awkward? Why can't they just "snap out of it" and come out of their shell? This is how many extroverts see introverts, who, in return, might see extroverts as being loud, pushy, insensitive show-offs!

Different Brains

Science now tells us that extroverts and introverts are actually wired differently. Our neuropathways are different, the way we process information is different, and how we respond to certain neurotransmitters -such as dopamine and acetylcholine, for instance - is also very different. For example, extroverts are less sensitive to dopamine (the pleasure chemical) and therefore require larger amounts of it, whereas too much of this neurotransmitter will cause anxiety and overstimulation in introverts.

A Playground For Extroverts

I am an introvert, and I think it's a good thing that both introverts and extroverts co-exist. If everyone was extroverted, everybody would want to talk and nobody would be there to listen! And if we were all introverts? Things might get a little too quiet. But let's be honest, our institutions (schools, universities and workplaces) put a lot of pressure on introverts to thrive in the same kinds of environments as extroverts. Introverts are often creative, abstract-thinkers and problem-solvers who require a little more space and calm. Given the right conditions, they are capable of genius, but if they are placed in what they consider to be a stressful environment, they can become completely incapacitated.

The Awkwardness of Introverts Explained

That being said, introverts are generally misunderstood (by extroverts!). They are not boring, they are not always shy, and they don't HATE people! Very often, they are extremely sensitive to their surroundings. Introverts are always processing sensory information from the people and environments around them, and it's this constant processing that easily drains their energy. This is especially intense when they are around unfamiliar people or places. Such high-stimulation environments quickly overload introverts, causing them to shut down.

I Can Relate!

I know this feeling all too well! I enjoy being with close friends, and I like meeting new people -in small groups and small doses! After I'm around a bunch of new acquaintances, I need to take some time to recharge -alone! It usually takes me awhile to integrate and assimilate all the new information my senses have absorbed - from verbal communication, to body language, tone of voice, energy and the more subtle cues I might intuit from people.

Introvert Secrets

Introverts are great listeners -they pay attention to details, ask deep questions and become very loving and loyal friends with the people they trust. Introverts usually choose a few close friends who don't judge them and who don't threaten their intensily empathic and sensitive nature. 

Embracing Your Introversion

It's only in the past few years that I finally acknowledged and embraced my introverted nature. To be honest, I thought maybe something was wrong with me -I was just too sensitive or something. It was truly liberating to discovered that SO many other people share the same sensitivities! This is almost a taboo suject, because from a very young age, most of us are told to just "fit in" and be like everyone else. But we're not all extroverts, and that's ok. It's beautiful, actually.

Any thoughts? Thanks for reading!

Kind regards,

Lise
www.lisevilleneuve.com