New research shows extroverts and introverts have this one HUGE thing in common
When it comes to introverts and extroverts, many see these two personality groups as being polar opposites. Introverts are those who need to recharge after spending time with others and that’s something extroverts just don’t understand, right? Well, according to a new study, that may not be the case.
According to The Atlantic, researchers had 48 Finnish university students report their behavior and feelings five times a day. They did this for 12 days via a phone survey and at the end, the participants took a test measuring where they fit on the scale of the Big Five personality traits: neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion. What they found has given new meaning to the introvert/extrovert divide.
The results: Whether they were introverts or extroverts, participants consistently felt the need to recharge after socializing. In other words, when someone took part in extroverted behavior, they ended up feeling happier in the moment, but were ultimately tired three hours later. The same thing happened when the students did things like study or work.
Yes, extroverts may be more eager to socialize than introverts, but that doesn’t change the fact that being around others makes them tired. The study explains,
“For those who do feel depleted after social interaction … it may be pleasant to learn that such a reaction is quite normal (and does not imply that one is an introvert or that one is lazy).”
Though this is one study, others do point out that extroverted behavior can make many different types of people happy. Plus, whether someone is an introvert or extrovert, they can exhibit different behavior depending on the day, mood, or situation.
Ultimately, while it is fun to learn more about our personalities, it’s also important to remember that nothing is set in stone. Each one of us is constantly evolving and, because of this, we shouldn’t feel as though we’re boxed in by labels such as introvert or extrovert.
