Extrovert

What Is an Extrovert?

On the positive side, extroverts are often described as talkative, sociable, action-oriented, enthusiastic, friendly, and out-going. On the negative side, they are sometimes described as attention-seeking, easily distracted, and unable to spend time alone. Extroverts are also more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours, including risky health behaviours.

Some of the general characteristics associated with extroversion include:

• Enjoys being at the center of attention

• Enjoys group work

• Feels isolated by too much time spent alone

• Likes to communicate by talking

• Likes to talk about thoughts and feelings

• Looks to others and outside sources for ideas and inspiration

• Numerous, broad interests

• Tends to act first before thinking

Extroversion has been correlated with a number of different outcomes. Among the positive outcomes, extroverts tend to spend more time with other people, spend more time engaged in social activities, and tend to have more friends. Research has also suggested that extroverts tend to be happier than introverts as well as being less prone to certain psychological disorders.

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Common Traits of an Extrovert

Think you might be an extrovert? Check out our list of five of the key traits common to this type of personality.

You Love to Talk

You don't just enjoy talking to friends, family members, and co-workers; you love to strike up conversations with total strangers. You love to meet new people and learn about their lives. Unlike introverts who tend to think before they speak, extroverts tend to speak as a way to explore and organise their thoughts and ideas.

Extroverts also tend to have a wide circle of friends. Since you are so good at meeting new people, striking up conversations, and you genuinely enjoy the company of others, it probably is no surprise that making friends comes easily.

You're Inspired to Socialize

Do you tend to feel "charged up" and inspired after you've spent some time with other people? Extroverts tend to find such social interactions refreshing and they actually gain energy from such exchanges.

When extroverts have to spend a lot of time alone, they often begin to feel uninspired and listless. If given a choice between spending time alone and spending time with other people, an extrovert will almost always choose to spend time with a group.

You're Friendly and Approachable

Since people with this personality type love interacting with other people so much, others tend to find extroverts likable and easy to approach. At a party, an extrovert will probably be the first one to walk up to new guests and make introductions. It is for this reason that extroverts typically find it easy to meet new people and make new friends.

You Are Very Open

While introverts are sometimes perceived as closed-off and aloof, extroverts are typically very open and willing to share their thoughts and feelings. Because of this, other people generally find that extroverts are easier to get to know.