Personality refers to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.

Personality can be classified in Introversion and Extroversion. Let’s look at both of them to understand each one.

What is Extraversion?

Extrovert people are the ones who love socializing, being around people and tend to gain energy being around social situation. They like being centre of attraction, generally have wide circle of friends and acquaintances, find it easy to make new friends, say things before thinking them.

Now, let’s see what is Introversion?

Introvert people are the ones who generally don’t love socializing, they may not enjoy being around a lot of people, they prefer solitude and spending time with small set of people who they are comfortable with. They generally find it difficult to start conversations, generally dislike making small talk, usually think carefully before speaking, don’t generally prefer being centre of attraction.

Now let’s see certain misconceptions surrounding introversion

· While an introverted person does not typically relish interacting in large groups and may prefer to spend more time alone or in the company of a small number, introversion is not a negative trait and does not indicate antisocial behaviour. It is simply a personality trait characterized by introspection. Introversion is also often thought to be synonymous with shyness, but the two are not necessarily linked. A shy person may be extroverted or introverted.

· Extremely introverted people are often less likely to seek out novel experiences and tend to have restricted outward emotional expression; but this does not mean they are depressed or unhappy. Depression is sometimes associated with feelings of isolation, and so people who spend a lot of time alone may frequently be regarded as depressed in an extroverted world, but solitude is not a sign of depression. In fact, an introverted person may experience feelings of lowness, stress, or anxiety when he or she is pressured or required to interact with others or when it is difficult or impossible to find time alone.

Introversion, Extroversion as a Spectrum

Most people are not purely introverted or purely extroverted. They fall somewhere in the middle with characteristics of both. Some characteristics may be stronger, which is why people may self-identify as an introvert or extrovert.

Your genes may play a significant role in determining where you will fall on the personality continuum. Research shows that people who are extroverted respond differently to dopamine, a chemical in the reward circuitry of your brain. Extroverts get a jolt of satisfaction or energy from social interactions because of the chemical. Introverts feel overstimulated.

Your life experiences can significantly affect your personality, too. It’s possible to change or slide slightly on the spectrum throughout your life. You may learn to interact with others differently and reap rewards differently as an adult.

There is no need to change or alter your personality. No matter what, your personality is a wonderful part of who you are.