Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Health Wellness

What it Means to be An Introvert or an Extrovert

It's probably not what you think it is.

Haley Jahn

Jul 17, 2018

Florida State University

254

Pexels

I've heard the phrase, "she's very introverted," as a classification of being shy, and "he's so extroverted" as one that is outgoing and social.

One of my very favorite things to talk about is personality traits, and how these traits impact our relationships. I've realized that one of the most important ones is how we rejuvenate- alone or around people. As you can probably guess, introverts require alone time in order to feel energized again, especially after being around people. On the other hand, extroverts are fueled by human interaction, and they hardly become tired after being around a lot of people.

I've said it before, I'll say it again: my mom is the saving grace of our household. Out of our family of 6, half are introverts and half are extroverts. Because my mom was able to recognize which of us were extroverts when we were really little, she spent a lot of time with us, explaining that we need a lot of interaction to feel energized. This caused a few issues when she explained that the other half of the family needed a lot of alone time for their sanity. Of course, me being the sensitive extrovert, I took that personally when I was 6. Over the years, she's reiterated that it has nothing to do with me, it's just in their personality to need that solitude, and that allowing them to be alone without guilting them will lead to a better relationship.

Ding, ding, ding. Mom's right again.

Understanding this about the people I love has allowed me to recognize the signs that an introvert needs a little time to themselves, and pulling back when that time comes. It helped me realize that most problems in relationships really are just a matter of understanding what the other person needs (including the love languages, which you can read about here.)

Reflect on your relationships this week, and consider how this trait influences you. Here's a link to a great personality test so that you can better determine your traits!

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Student Life

25 Thoughts Everyone Has When Registering For Classes

May the odds be ever in your favor.

University of Nebraska Omaha

461

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less

class registration

Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

University of Kentucky

1035

pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less

senior year

Entertainment

17 Times "Friends" Accurately Described Life

You can't say that no one told you life was gonna be this way.

Western New England University

227

In the 12 years since it went off the air, "Friends" continues to be adored by millions. The show that gave generations unrealistic expectations about love (or should I say lobsters?) and New York City apartments had a charming cast of characters that everyone could relate to at some point or another. Here are 17 times Ross, Monica, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe and Rachel accurately described life.

Keep Reading...Show less

friends

Entertainment

11 Times Aubrey Plaza Described Sophomore Year

"I don't want to do things. I want to do not things."

Denison University

577

Flickr Creative Commons

Aubrey Plaza is one of my favorite humans in Hollywood. She's honest, blunt, unapologetic, and hilarious. I just started my sophomore year of college, and found that some of her best moments can accurately describe the start of the school year.