Take the Teen Breathe introvert or extrovert test to find out…
SOMEWHERE INBETWEEN AN INTROVERT AND EXTROVERT
No one is a pure introvert or a pure extrovert. Rather, people fall somewhere along the line between the two (often called ambiverts), showing more of certain traits depending on how they respond to social situations. So what does it feel like if you tend towards the introvert end of the spectrum?
THE POWER OF SILENCE
Have you ever wondered why some people dislike silence while others crave it? Yearning for quiet might mean you feel the intensity of the outside world more strongly, so you need to refuel and restore in a peaceful environment. It may seem inconceivable to extroverts, but time alone is crucial for introverts to quiet their mind and regain energy.
QUIET BUT NOT SHY
If you’re an introvert you may be quiet because you prefer to be on your own, not because you are shy (extroverts can be shy too) or because people scare you – but because they tire you. Introverts find that when they are by themselves they are recharging their energy, whereas when they are in highly stimulating environments they are being drained.
BEHIND THE MASK
It’s not always easy to find solitude with such busy lives. So without realising it, many introverts cope by putting up a wall to conserve their energy. In busy social situations they might instinctively put on a mask to disengage, conveying a go-away attitude (maybe looking bored or cold). But this is simply a defence mechanism to enjoy some peace and quiet.
AMAZING TRAITS
Nowadays being an extrovert is thought of as great because it means you’re more likely to be chatty, charming and self-assured. But don’t think that extroversion is a superior personality type. Society needs to remember that being thoughtful and quietly well-informed has lots going for it. Some of the personality traits an introvert might think are embarrassing – preferring to hide at parties or being the last to put your hand up in class – are indicators that you also have some amazing qualities.
DID YOU KNOW INTROVERTS ARE…
- More independent and creative: Even though working together with others is undeniably enriching, solitude generally makes people more productive as they can concentrate intensely for a long period of time, allowing a deeper analysis of ideas and abilities, boosting imagination and creativity.
- Good decision makers: Introverts like to think carefully before making a decision. Some may call it hesitancy, but it’s more about being cautious. As well as a natural ability for introspection, they are also observant, making their advice most valuable.
- Deep thinkers: Chit-chat with strangers is generally a no-no – small talk is seen as meaningless and boring. On the other hand, introverts relish and enjoy deep conversations with friends and family as a way to understand more about themselves and others.
- Good judges of character: Through acute observation and meaningful conversations, introverts also gain a better understanding of other people. Being able to recognise the subtle messages others convey via body language and facial expressions means they are good at reading emotions.
- Better writers than speakers: All that thinking and overstimulation can mean introverts sometimes find it tricky to express themselves verbally. On screen or paper, however, they have the ability to write with depth and clarity, thanks to those superior observation skills, which often give them a 360-degree view of things.
TEST: ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT?
Which traits best describe you?
Introverts are more likely to:
- Be reserved and cautious
- Enjoy a calm environment
- Listen more than talk
- Think then act
- Feel comfortable being alone
- Prefer to be in the background
- Have good concentration
- Prefer to focus on one thing at a time
Extroverts are more likely to:
- Be outgoing and confident
- Enjoy a vibrant environment
- Talk more than listen
- Act then think
- Feel alive being around people
- Prefer to be in the spotlight
- Be easily distracted
- Prefer to do many things at once
