What Is an Extrovert?
Each person is unique, with different likes, tastes, and personalities. Some people are generally quite reserved, choosing to keep themselves to themselves and avoiding drawing attention to themselves as much as possible. Others, however, are more outgoing and quite happy to make themselves noticed, even in the presence of strangers.
Extroverts are people that fall firmly into the second category. Extroverts are generally very outgoing people, and those that you are more likely to notice. There are positives and negatives to being an extrovert, and we have listed some of the most typical characteristics that an extrovert will possess.
1. Friendly
It is generally good to be around friendly people. It helps you to feel more comfortable, and friendly people tend to make you feel more welcome when you are around them. If you do know of somebody that is particularly friendly, it could be that they are an extrovert. Bear in mind that just because somebody is not outgoingly friendly, that does not mean to say that they have a problem with you. It’s just that some people are more reserved by nature. Regardless, it is still good to try and be friendly to other people as much as you feel comfortable with.
2. Like to Socialize
Human beings are sociable animals; we need to be around other people at least some of the time. If not, then we can begin to feel down and, in severe cases, our mental health may even be affected. While it is necessary for us to be around others, some people prefer to socialize more than others.
Extroverts just love to be around other people. Whether it is inviting people to their home or meeting them at a venue outside - pretty much any opportunity to be with other people will be taken. Whereas other people might look to have the occasional quiet night in, the extrovert is more likely to want to be socializing every chance they get.
3. Lots of Interests
There is so much going on in the world with so much to get involved in. What interests we do have are largely personal preferences, while we are also likely to develop interests from personal experiences and influences from other people around us. Extroverts are more likely than other people to develop interests.
They are more likely to meet new people and this can lead to more experiences, which develop into pursuits and passions. If you want to encourage another person to get involved with your interests, an extrovert is the best type of person to ask.
4. Easy to Know
It will often take some time to really get to know someone. It can take time to learn their likes and dislikes, their hopes and fears, and generally just what makes them tick. In some instances, no matter of time will be enough to get to know and understand certain people.
When it comes to extroverts, however, it is generally a lot easier to get to know them. They are usually more than happy to open up and let you know all about themselves even when you barely know them. This can also have the effect of encouraging other people around them to open up about themselves.
5. Look to Others for Inspiration
Life will often present us with challenges and it can be difficult to know how to overcome them. Nobody can be expected to think up everything on their own, however. In such instances, it can be a good idea to look for others for the solution, but some people find this harder to do than others.
Extroverts will generally have less of a problem looking for solutions to problems from other people. They are likely to be more open to suggestions offered, and also more likely to ask other people for their thoughts and ideas. It can mean that they are more likely to deal with the issue at hand, whereas others may continue to struggle.
6. Feel Isolated When Alone
Some of us quite like to be alone. When we’re alone, it tends to be very quiet and peaceful, and quiet is craved by a lot of people, particularly people that have otherwise very busy lives. It is a chance to read a book, listen to some music, or maybe even just gather your thoughts. Extroverts, however, tend not to be so comfortable with being alone.
Being without the company of other people can cause extroverts to feel isolated from everybody else. Such is the discomfort that they just have to get out to see other people, no matter what they might end up doing.
7. Energized in Other’s Company
We all have different energy levels; some people are simply a lot livelier than others are. A person’s energy levels can also be down to the environment they are in at the time. Extroverts are generally known to be quite lively and energetic, but that may not be the case all of the time.
While other peoples’ company may energize an extrovert, the opposite can be true when they are alone. The extrovert can feel lifeless and lacking enthusiasm when they are alone, almost the opposite character of their other self. It’s one reason why extroverts will nearly always be out and about somewhere.
8. Good Communicators
It is important to talk. It is necessary for us to be able to share our thoughts and our emotions, bottling them up is not at all good for us and can even lead to mental health problems. This is rarely a problem for people that are extroverts, however. Extroverts tend to be very good at communicating their feelings with other people.
Not only is it beneficial for the extrovert, but it can also be beneficial for the people around them. Communicating well overall can help people to understand each other, and this can be very important when it comes to maintaining relationships.
9. Exhibitionists
Most of us tend to prefer to keep ourselves to ourselves without drawing too much attention. Indeed, a lot of us will feel quite uncomfortable if too many people are focusing on us, but others prefer to have it that way. Many exhibitionists will fall under this category. Exhibitionists tend to find it easier to shrug off any inhibitions and act in a manner that will make them the center of attention.
This can mean telling jokes, singing or performing in other ways, or just doing whatever it might take to entertain people around them. Exhibitionists are also more likely to be confident when in situations such as job interviews.
10. Compulsive
It often pays to think things through properly before making any decisions. Thinking things through can help you to identify potential problems that you hadn’t thought of, preventing you from getting into awkward situations, or worse. Extroverts, however, are often less likely to think things through than other people are.
An extrovert’s compulsive behavior can often be a lot of fun, leading them on some wild adventures. It can also get them into trouble occasionally, perhaps even putting them in harm’s way. Some extroverts are more compulsive than others, and it is something that can encourage other people to keep their distance.
