The definition of these two binaries doesn't always cut it. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Think Again Before You Label Yourself An Introvert Or An Extrovert

The definition of these two binaries doesn't always cut it.

440
Think Again Before You Label Yourself An Introvert Or An Extrovert
Jacqueline Krikorian

Introverts and extroverts, an age-old debate that divides us all. But, in reality, these labels wrongly try to define a completely gray area of human tendencies with a simple black and white approach.

Defined simply, introverts are individuals who tend to recharge by sending time alone. Extroverts, on the other hand, recharge in social situations when stimulated by others.

Psychology Today actually published an interesting article regarding the happiness of the two individuals. In American society, they estimate that 50-74 percent is made up of these extroverted "social butterflies". When thought of through a cultural lens, this actually makes sense. A culture prided on the ability to express ideas vocally, introverts are often viewed as less-dominant through all sections of society. Being shy and quiet are regarded as "weaknesses" while leadership and public-speaking embody strength. The article also draws a conclusion that the brains of the two types are wired a bit differently. Simply summarized, dopamine is released from stimulations of different parts of the brain.

I personally identify as an extroverted introvert. I don't believe that these binary titles encompass my traits. I love to go out and be social, but only when I know I will have time to sit in my own company shortly after. Socializing is hard work. Especially in college where you feel surrounded by opportunities and the idea of missing a good time haunts you. Often I find myself pushing to go out more or be around people simply because I don't want to be absent, rather than the desire to actually be there.

Maybe it's just my severe FOMO, but I think there is something to be said about the balance that people need. No matter if you identify as introvert or extrovert, you have traits of both, and it is important to recognize and exercise those. Time alone gives you a better idea of your internal values and morals, while social situations test your people-skills and offer comforting laughs. So, cheers to learning how to balance both of your sides without compromise. With a busy season approaching, I hope you can all learn sometimes a night in counts just as much as the night out your friends can't stop talking about.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
ross geller
YouTube

As college students, we are all familiar with the horror show that is course registration week. Whether you are an incoming freshman or selecting classes for your last semester, I am certain that you can relate to how traumatic this can be.

1. When course schedules are released and you have a conflict between two required classes.

Bonus points if it is more than two.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

12 Things I Learned my Freshmen Year of College

When your capability of "adulting" is put to the test

3991
friends

Whether you're commuting or dorming, your first year of college is a huge adjustment. The transition from living with parents to being on my own was an experience I couldn't have even imagined- both a good and a bad thing. Here's a personal archive of a few of the things I learned after going away for the first time.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Economic Benefits of Higher Wages

Nobody deserves to be living in poverty.

302805
Illistrated image of people crowded with banners to support a cause
StableDiffusion

Raising the minimum wage to a livable wage would not only benefit workers and their families, it would also have positive impacts on the economy and society. Studies have shown that by increasing the minimum wage, poverty and inequality can be reduced by enabling workers to meet their basic needs and reducing income disparities.

I come from a low-income family. A family, like many others in the United States, which has lived paycheck to paycheck. My family and other families in my community have been trying to make ends meet by living on the minimum wage. We are proof that it doesn't work.

Keep Reading...Show less
blank paper
Allena Tapia

As an English Major in college, I have a lot of writing and especially creative writing pieces that I work on throughout the semester and sometimes, I'll find it hard to get the motivation to type a few pages and the thought process that goes behind it. These are eleven thoughts that I have as a writer while writing my stories.

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate

Every college student knows and understands the struggle of forcing themselves to continue to care about school. Between the piles of homework, the hours of studying and the painfully long lectures, the desire to dropout is something that is constantly weighing on each and every one of us, but the glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel helps to keep us motivated. While we are somehow managing to stay enrolled and (semi) alert, that does not mean that our inner-demons aren't telling us otherwise, and who is better to explain inner-demons than the beloved April Ludgate herself? Because of her dark-spirit and lack of filter, April has successfully been able to describe the emotional roller-coaster that is college on at least 13 different occasions and here they are.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments