Differences Between Extroverts and Introverts
Extroverts tend to be confident, dominant, and have a high need for stimulation, whereas introverts are more understated, and need more “down time.” This means that introverts may more often shy away from making plans with others as they may not know in advance if they will have enough energy that day. They may also leave social events earlier and be less engaged while at an event; most introverts prefer to talk to one person or a small group rather than holding the attention of a crowd. Introverts may be less likely to instigate plans than their extroverted counterparts, and they may be more likely to cancel plans with others, even if they enjoy other people’s company. They are more likely to thoroughly think things through before sharing their thoughts with others, where extroverts may process their thoughts and ideas aloud. They are often more affected by the moods of others, which can lead to “contagious” stress reactions. With all of this, introverts still love people, care deeply for their friends, and need connection as much as extroverts; they just may get more out of a quiet night in with a friend than a loud party with a big crowd. And that’s OK.
Potential Pitfalls for Introverts
Unfortunately for introverts, there is an observed tendency for them to report lower levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Researchers who study the “Big Five” personality traits have found that those higher in introversion versus extroversion may have to work harder at stress management and happiness in general, where it may come more naturally to extroverts.
Why This Matters
Because introverts and extroverts may experience life somewhat differently (and our society tends to be more geared toward extroverts), introverts can benefit from some stress management strategies geared specifically to their more quiet nature. If you are an introvert (or if you love one), it’s important to understand some of the needs and traits that come with a more introverted nature. In fact, those higher in extroversion tend to be less stressed as parents. This could be because extroverts are more energized than drained by the group activity that comes with parenting, or it could be due to other factors. Either way, less stressed parents may raise less stressed children, so it is important for introverts to find effective ways to manage stress.
What Can Be Done?
There are many strategies that can help introverts to manage the stress that comes with living in a way that works best for them. The following sections can help introverts counteract some of the sensitivities that come with being introverted, such as a decreased tendency to seek out human interaction, even though strong social support is associated with higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Finally, read the following sections to the end to learn some of the advantages of being an introvert—there are several!
Tips Specific to Introverts
Introverts can practice every stress management technique that extroverts practice, of course, but certain techniques may be more appealing to introverts. Other techniques are more suited to introverts. Finally, some strategies are important to counteract a natural tendency to miss out on some of the activities that may benefit you, that may come naturally to extroverts. Here are some ideas to consider. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts
The Good News
Introverts are less prone to hide negative emotions—and are less stressed because of it. One study examined 404 Israeli participants and their patterns of faking and hiding their emotions. This study examined the effects of hiding negative emotions and faking positive ones, noting the effects on both relationship satisfaction and physical health. Introverts were less likely to hide negative emotions in their relationships and less likely to suffer as a result. Extroverts were both more likely to hide negative emotions in their relationships, and more likely to experience lower relationship satisfaction and negative effects on their health, and this effect was more pronounced than the consequences for faking positive emotions. In fact, faking positive emotions did not bring the same negative consequences at all, demonstrating that the “fake it until you make it” approach to happiness in relationships may be a better approach. This in itself is important to know, but it’s also nice for introverts to know that their natural tendency to talk things out brings health benefits and a more satisfying relationship in the long run. There are many other benefits to introversion, so in focusing on your strengths instead of your weaknesses, and balancing things out with the right stress management techniques, introverts can be quiet, resilient, and very happy.
