In this article let us look at what constitutes being an extrovert or an introvert.
C. G. Jung is the first one to coin the terms of extraversion and introversion. The literal meaning of these two words that one could get from a dictionary is different from the way C.G. Jung has defined them in the world of psychology.
He has classified people into these two categories of being extrovert or introvert on the basis of what they pay attention to in their life and how they expend their energy. C.G. Jung has said that extraversion is something where one likes to spend his or her time in the outer world of people and things. Whereas introversion is something where one would pay attention to and spend their energy on the ideas, thoughts and images that are in once inner world.
As mentioned above the dictionary meaning of introversion and extraversion doesn't apply in the world of psychology. For instance, introversion can be look at as shyness or reclusiveness when you consult the dictionary. But that is not how it is interpreted by C.G. Jung in the psychology space.
Also as I mentioned in other articles about Sensing or intuition, thinking or feeling, Judging or perceiving it should not be expected that one remains being an extrovert or an introvert all through their life. One could be an introvert on some occasions in his life and be an extrovert in some other occasions.
Extraversion
Extraverts feel alive and excited when there are around people. They like to make things happen and like to be part of the action when the do so. Excited and feel at home in the world of people, in the company of others. They draw their energy from in-person, active participation in events. They like to be part of a lot of different activities. They value and feel good about interacting with a lot of different people, including new people. They enjoy energizing other people. They can comprehend situation better if they can talk about it out & loud and also get to hear others’ perspective on the same. They are often perceived as outgoing personalities. They feel alive when they work in groups. They like to keep having many friends and seem to know a lot of people. Sometimes they appear to you as having to not spend enough time to understand an activity before jumping into it.
Introversion
Introverts are often seen as being reflective or as being reserved. Contrary to extrovert introvert prefers to know just a few people. They like to draw their energy from the thoughts, images and memories that are residing inside their own head, in their own inner world. They could be misunderstood as a loner. In fact, they prefer to work on things alone. Interact with one or two people who they are very comfortable with. Unlike an extrovert, an introvert doesn't quickly jump onto a task. They take their own time to think through so that they have a very clear idea of what needs to be done when they decide to you actually start working on a task. They prefer/value thoughts or ideas about something even when compared to the real thing. Often extraverts are seen to forget to consult with the external world of people to validate their ideas.
please take the quiz : are you an introvert or an extrovert.