Being extroverted

LAST week, I spoke about how being introverted can be beneficial. This week I will focus on the benefits of being extroverted (the opposite) as this column isn’t about getting people to change who they are but rather to accept it without lowering your self-worth. Also, I can effectively argue any side of a dispute – really could have also been a lawyer.
Whether you are already an extrovert or an introvert wanting to expand your comfort zone, below are some undeniable benefits of this personality trait.

Also known as ‘social’ or ‘outgoing’, extroverts are those that thrive in social situations that others may find overwhelming or nerve-wracking; they typically become energetic and excited when in these situations. Not unlike introverts, extroverts are often widely misunderstood and often branded as too hyper or attention seeking.

There is much research which outlines the advantages of being extroverted.

It is not difficult to determine that those who are more comfortable interacting with strangers, speaking up in public, take on leadership roles or have no issue standing up for themselves are more likely to be successful in personal relationships as well as professional positions. This genuine enjoyment of socialising as well as the wider network it comes with, allows for higher than normal levels of self-esteem, self-confidence and overall self-worth. Even further, this personality trait results in a likeliness to thrive under pressure and a comfort in the spotlight that many envy.

There are also many things I’ve noticed (and envied) about extroverts. There isn’t necessarily any scientific data to back these points up as they are my (and probably been yours) observations.

Extroverts or common socialisers have a wealth of knowledge and information – both useful and useless. When you socialise often, with a wide variety of people, you learn the most random and often interesting things. They typically call this ‘rum shop gaff’ and it honestly has no limit- you guys know what I’m talking about.
They have advanced social skills and there are rarely any gaps or awkward pauses during their conversations. I’m not one for small talk and so I love when my extroverted friends are around. I’m always so impressed by the way they allow for flowing conversation.
They are easily adaptable; my extroverted friends seem to fit in with any group, in any environment, at any time. Those who are more introverted tend to have clear-cut comfort zones while these individuals seem to consistently expand theirs.
Extroverted individuals are more open to and even favour new experiences, they typically have a wide variety of interests and just as many hobbies. They also have the YOLO – you only live once- mentality which means that are more likely than others to have crazy and exciting adventures.
Extroverts tend to be more emotionally open than most; they aren’t afraid or embarrassed to share their genuine feelings and opinions. Many people have a fear of doing this because of judgement or stigma but extroverts rarely hide their feelings. This is especially beneficial as a genuine expression of feelings has been known to drastically lower stress. It also doesn’t hurt that these open confessions help the silent sufferers around know that they are not alone in their experiences.

Like any other personality trait, there are some downfalls. It is important to acknowledge these so that the extroverts currently feeling this way know that they are not alone. Extroverts often feel pressure to be fun and energetic even when they are in a low mood- which of course happens as they are human. As they are typically aware of their position and how they are viewed, they feel like they have ‘failed’ in the interactions where they did not live up to others unrealistic expectations. It also must be difficult to regularly experience what we apparently now call FOMO- Fear of missing out. It is a facetious term to explain that certain people (mainly extroverts) consistently and mainly want to go out simply because they are afraid of not being around when anything interesting or exciting happens. This must actually be quite difficult as many of us go out a lot- how often does something actually worthwhile happen?

To be clear, there is no scientific evidence which supports that either being introverted/extroverted makes the individual happier than the opposite trait; it is simply two different personality types and people are happy once they have accepted which they are. However, if you feel like you would be happier making a change, that’s okay too.
Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

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