Quiet Extroversion

Whether you are an extrovert or introvert, it is a term many of us are getting too familiar these days!

What about if you are not 100% convinced if you are either OR you feel like an extrovert yet there are times you want to be alone (signs of an introvert). Likewise you have no doubt you are an introvert but there are times you do love the noise, the crowd!

Extroversion is a personality trait typically characterized by outgoingness, high energy, and/or talkativeness. In general, the term refers to a state of being where someone “recharges,” or draws energy, from being with other people; the opposite—drawing energy from being alone—is known as introversion.?

Both are a central trait dimension in human personality theory. The terms were introduced into psychology by Carl Jung,where he defined introversion as an "attitude-type characterised by orientation in life through subjective psychic contents", and extraversion as "an attitude-type characterised by concentration of interest on the external object".

Extraversion and introversion are typically viewed as a single continuum, so to be higher in one necessitates being lower in the other.?

Yet in the cacophony of personalities that populate this world, there exists a paradoxical creature known as the quiet extrovert.? As Jung suggested, everyone has both an extraverted side and an introverted side, with one being more dominant than the other.? ?

In accordance to DISC personality traits, there is the “intensity” level of our introversion or extroversion ie how extrovert or introvert you are for example on the scale of said 1-5 and for most people this intensity also shifts with age.?

In other word, this enigmatic individual navigates the social landscape with a delicate balance of introspection and outward expression, embodying the duality of solitude and sociability.?

At first glance, the quiet extrovert may appear as an anomaly—a contradiction in terms. After all, how can one be both introverted and extroverted simultaneously? Yet, upon closer inspection, their complexity reveals itself in subtle nuances and contradictions.?

In social settings, the quiet extrovert is often mistaken for a wallflower, blending seamlessly into the background as they observe the ebb and flow of conversation. They possess an innate ability to listen deeply, attuned to the unspoken nuances of human interaction, while quietly absorbing the energy of the room.?

But beneath the surface lies a reservoir of untapped vitality, waiting to be unleashed in moments of connection and camaraderie. When the opportunity arises, the quiet extrovert emerges from their shell with a quiet confidence, their words carrying weight and substance born from introspection and reflection.?

Unlike their more boisterous counterparts, the quiet extrovert finds solace in solitude, cherishing moments of quiet contemplation amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. They are not afraid to venture into the depths of their own minds, exploring the intricacies of their thoughts and emotions with a sense of curiosity and wonder.?

Personality traits have always been an area of fascination to me, I don’t know when this interest took root in me. Perhaps it sparked around three decades ago when I first did the DISC assessment, revealing my personality type as "I".?

I Personality Types are basically spontaneous communicators. They are intuitive and agreeable, and very motivating when in a team or group. They deal with change well and respond well to the unexpected, often putting a positive spin on any negative factors.? They are therefore classed as one with strong socialisation skills due to their outgoing nature.?

Yet i have a hard time accepting the description – on one hand I recognised some of the traits on the other hand,? I was very uncomfortable with the rest of the descriptions.?

I never for a moment thought I thrive in a crowd,? like many,? I tend to go to a corner, find a familiar face when I am in a party or a big group.? I much prefer a one-to-one than a big crowd although I do love the attention especially when I am hosting an event.? I simply love to mingle around the crowd as I generate so much energy, and I get ‘high’ without the alcohol.?

So how does one decide he/she is an introvert or extrovert?? OR do we change with age or situation?

Called it aging or wisdom as I noticed that I am encountering more and more people that is no longer an either extrovert or introvert, rather a chameleon ie processing both traits!?

They enjoyed the social connection yet it is clear that they thrive in their own company. Drawing energy from the dynamic interplay of personalities and perspectives, they relish in the exchange of ideas and experiences, forging meaningful connections that enrich their lives in ways both profound and enduring.?

Many of us are a made up of multiple traits due to our upbringing that incorporates our values, beliefs, culture and our unique personality.? We are never either this or that rather a mixture of our everything including our very life experiences that mount us.?

In a world that appeared to value extroversion over introversion, the quiet extrovert offers a gentle reminder that strength lies not in the volume of one's voice, but in the depth of one's character. They embody the delicate balance between solitude and sociability, carving out a space for themselves in a world that celebrates both the loud and the quiet.?

For both traits have their strengths and weaknesses, it is always how we play to it when we realised and learn how best to show up.

So let us celebrate the quiet extroverts among us, for they are the silent catalysts of change, the unsung heroes of connection and community. In their quietude lies a power that transcends words—a power born from the depth of their souls and the richness of their inner world!

If this is you, love to hear about your experiences; how have you notice? OR you are still on the wondering what am I?