10 Things Extroverts Want You To Know

10 Things EXTROVERTS Want You To Know!

The biggest difference between introverts and extroverts is how they gain energy. Extroverts gain energy from being around other people, as opposed to introverts, who gain energy from being alone. If you’re an extrovert, you’re likely known as a social butterfly. But, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re always the center of attention. If you’re an introvert, you should know a thing or two about extroverts, so that you’re better aware of how they operate and what their intentions actually are. So here are a few things extroverts want you to know!

Number 1 - They Value Friendships Too Do you feel insulted when your extroverted friend is always inviting others along whenever you make plans? You might think they just don’t want to hang with you on your own, because they don’t like you that much. But, that’s not it. Extroverts just really love to be surrounded by people, and for them, it’s the more the merrier, no matter what. Extroverts will invite other people because it’s fun for them, so don’t take it personally. Just because they have a lot of friends, doesn't mean that they value any of their friendships less.

Number 2 - They Do Enjoy Alone Time Extroverts are usually stereotyped as being loud, party-going people who need to be surrounded by others 24/7, and simply have no time to sit down, relax and maybe read a book or something. While extroverts do love crowds and being with all of their friends, that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate alone time. Extroverts also need time and space to collect their thoughts and relax. They might not need it as much as introverts, but they too, crave some space from time to time.

Number 3 - They Don’t Love Small Talk Here’s the thing: no one really enjoys small talk - it’s awkward and uncomfortable. And extroverts don’t particularly love it either! They just don’t like silence, so they make small talk. That said, do know that not all extroverts want to talk about the weather and traffic. Small talk is pretty average for everyone, but it can be a means to more interesting conversation. Sure, extroverts can overshare and talk too much. But they are perfectly capable of following basic social cues as well, like knowing when to listen.

Number 4 - They Want You To Be Direct It’s important to remember that extroverts are not subtle. They say what they think, and they expect others to be as clear and direct as they are. If you want to let an extrovert know about something, it’s far better to be clear and direct than it is to drop hints, be passive aggressive or attempt to subtly communicate things. Extroverts have trouble picking up on subtle hints or cues, and they don’t like mind games. They just want you to be totally honest.

Number 5 - They Need Variety Extroverts love dynamic surroundings and they tend to constantly seek new experiences. As a result, they develop many new interests. They love interacting with and learning about others. Hearing about different things, gives them inspiration to try new things. Extroverts also like spontaneity, and don’t mind if you stop by unannounced, or throw them a surprise party. They actually love it!

Number 6 - They Can Still Be Shy Being extroverted doesn’t necessarily mean having an abundance of self-confidence. Sure, extroverts like being around people, and they feel comfortable speaking to strangers, but this doesn’t automatically mean that they are always 100% confident in themselves and their actions. Just like every other person, extroverts have their self-doubts from time to time. They just come off very confident about their skills, so it’s hard for other people to imagine that they have insecurities - but they actually do. Extroversion is not synonymous with confidence…

Number 7 - They Process By Talking Extroverts need to talk through issues before they can fully understand them. That being said, don’t be offended if an extrovert continues to seek advice from others, after you’ve already talked to them. And recognize that extroverts sometimes put their feet in their mouth by speaking before they think. Yeah, it might be rude at times, but it’s probably not intentional. So be kind and understanding.

Number 8 - They’re Not Always Flirting Many extroverts get a reputation for flirting with everyone, but that’s not always what they’re doing. Since extroverts love contact with other people, their friendliness and desire to get to know others can easily be mistaken as flirtation. Just because someone smiles, engages, and talks with zest, does not mean they’re romantically interested in their conversational partner. Imagine how frustrating and potentially disheartening it can be to have your friendliness misinterpreted as something more - especially when the person you are talking to gets offended that you are not, in fact, hitting on them.

Number 9 - They Like Public Recognition While introverts often dislike attention and shy away from it, extra attention makes extroverts feel important and cared for. If you’re looking to make an extrovert friend, family member or partner feel good about themselves, make sure you compliment them when there’s an audience. Words of affirmation; it’s called a love language for a reason.

Number 10 - They’re Not Trying To Change You For an extrovert, being social comes naturally. They can’t really wrap their heads around the idea that some people don’t enjoy it - at all. Because they don’t always fully understand this, extroverts will often try to persuade you to be more extroverted. The one thing to understand is that extroverts aren’t doing this because they don’t like who you are.

They are just trying to get you out of your shell! So, don’t take it personally… and try to see their good intentions. In reality, introverts get frustrated with extroverts, and vice versa. Not so much because they don't understand the other person, but because they themselves feel misunderstood. It’s not about getting the other person to be like you, but to find a mutually acceptable place where you can coexist peacefully. What do you think? Share your thoughts, comments and experiences below!