An Introverts Guide to Interacting With An Extrovert

By Stephanie W.

Okay, bear with me. This may be a bit of an adventure. And I would love any corrections or advice you have when you are finished reading this! 

I want to begin by saying that I am a work in progress, and that I don't have years of study in the fields of human behavior to back me up, so take what I say here tonight with a grain of salt.

But here are some things I find make it easier to get along with my extroverted friends.

Honestly, first and foremost, I think we introverts can be a little bit snobbish. So to you extroverts reading this, I humbly beg your pardon. 

But, snobbish? Well, yes! Think about it. We get upset when our exuberant friend doesn't understand that we just want to stay at home this Saturday night. And they keep wanting to introduce us to new people, twenty at a time!! Because, yaay, it's fun! (See, there I go, sarcastically judging them...)  

But when have we tried to understand them? There are numerous things like this out there

  

Yeah... and many more... but there are only a few charts for extroverts.  Except the ones that compare introversion to extroversion. 

Why is this? Because we think that others should conform to us, rather then the other way around. I think we should compromise. Because we can't change ourselves and be extroverted and they can't change and be completely introverted. So how do we do this?

First, be patient. Humble yourself a little bit. Know that for some it is very hard to understand that not everyone in the world likes to spend every waking moment in the spotlight.

So, patiently explain that you are tired and the only way you know how to recharge is by being alone.

Second, when they ask if you want to hang out and you know that you just aren't up to it this time, try to make plans for the not so near future. This helps them understand that it's not them personally, and it helps you determine how to plan out your week so you will have time and energy to be social next time.

 That's all I've got for you, but if you have any suggestions or corrections please comment!