The Extrovert-Introvert Code of Living

Right from birth, each one of us has evolved into a set pattern of human traits; the major constituents being the variation in mind-set, opinion and behavior. These three elements blend together to lay the foundation of the personality type we possess and showcase in our daily lives. Just by observing the known and unknown people around us, it can be inferred that each person is born with a unique vibe. If their actions are in-tune with ours, there is a strong bond of compatibility formed. But in cases of disparity like the two extremes (introverts and extroverts) stumbling upon each other, major survival issues and acts of repulsion are observed. This happens because of their intolerance towards each other’s contrasting traits.

Most of us would have come across extroverts and introverts in our social circle. The outgoing person who is always found at the peak of liveliness when around large groups of people portrays the extrovert category. While the recluse who is thrilled when disconnected from social gatherings, constitutes the opposite type called the introvert. Whether we have a propensity to reach out to the world or cave in into our own, these traits are something which cannot be forced to change. The interaction of these two extremes is inevitable and thus by following a definite code of living they can learn to endure each other’s company without having any major clashes.

Code #1: Interruption Signal

For Introverts: From the point of view of an extrovert, when you spend leisure time alone carrying out your usual activities like reading books, writing or being lost in contemplation, the only assumption they make is that you may be feeling left out. And they’d rather do a favor by engaging with you. Most of the times, this assumption is wrong and is a cause of major interruption. In such cases, what needs to be done by you is to clearly indicate (visually/verbally) that you are unwilling to socialize at the moment.

For Extroverts: It is not necessary that the ones who are often found doing nothing are loners. There is a high possibility that these people are immersed in deep thinking and would not like to be interrupted by your socializing nature. The best way to figure out is by directly asking them if they are busy or look for signs that confirm their indifference. The least you extroverts could do is not be offended by their ‘leave-me-alone’ gestures, it’s how they naturally are.

Code #2: Thought Process

For Introverts: Your most discernible trait is that you don’t speak up until you are completely sure of what you would like to say. As a result, a lot of time is spent in thinking and processing ideas. While this is perfectly normal for you, the extrovert presumes you to be unresponsive. The only way you can turn this around is by practicing to think out loud or in other words verbalize those thoughts that are under-construction. If still you feel unsure, just politely indicate that you require more time to respond.

For Extroverts: Socializing and verbalizing your thoughts profoundly are your most highlighted traits. Often when you are on a chatting spree and don’t notice the other person being disconnected to your thoughts, stop for a while and ask them for feedback right away. You must make this move because introverts often get absorbed in processing thoughts and thus overlook the option to speak up instead.

Code #3: Interaction Degree

For Introverts: Being in a state of solitude suits you the best but don’t let this seclusion keep you trapped without having any connection from the external world. Experiencing the social world once in a while is not that terrible after all. Try to spare some time to socialize with people and let them recognize that concealed fun side of you.

For Extroverts: It is marvelous that you prefer the external world but sometimes you need to understand that introverts just cannot be the same. Their battery begins to get drained once they have been through an engaging conversation. You can enjoy their company as long as they are interested. Beyond that, you will have to set them free and find some quality time with other extroverts around.

Code #4: Constraint Realization

For Introverts: The only constant thought that should prevail at the back of your mind while spending time with an extrovert is that their need to be gregarious is equivalent to breathing. This is difficult to deal with because the conversation that acts as a morale boost to the extrovert has an opposite strenuous effect on the introvert. Now you can either opt to be patient enough to let the conversation end and then finally revitalize or be polite and cut it off early.

For Extroverts: Finding happiness in a solitary state is an absolute foreign concept for an extrovert and might take some time to fully understand it. The reason why introverts feel the need to withdraw back into their shells is because they hate the idea of socializing but not the concept of having fun. The wisest step to take would be to stop pushing them to hang out when they are reluctant.

Don’t let anyone tell you how to act because altering your individuality is the worst thing you could do. Break free from those defined notions and begin to accept these differences. Because now when you bump into someone portraying the opposite persona, you are prepared to accept the challenge.