If you are born and raised in the good ole USA you are supposed to be an Extravert!
That is what I said, and really that statement is a very natural misunderstanding.
According to the data collected by the Myers-Briggs practitioners and researchers of the world most humans are naturally “extraverted” (more on what “extraverted” means in a minute).
So it is a rather natural error to assume that everyone is naturally extraverted or “outgoing” for lack of a better phrase simply because there are many more of them! It really is that simple!
Specifically, about 70-75% of the world’s population is estimated by the experts to be “extraverted”; “aha” but that means that 25-30% of everyone else is not extraverted and they would mean they are the introverts of the world (among which I am proudly one!).
Well, I’m proud of being an introvert now that I know what that really means!
You see because most of the world is estimated to be “extraverted” there is a strong, natural bias sometimes even discrimination against “introversion” in most cultures and you guessed it….America is no exception.
Let us understand the difference, at least from the Myers-Briggs perspective.
Extraversion is a natural and instinctively imprinted preference for becoming energized from other people. And that from a functional point of view is the long and the short of it for extraversion!
Introversion is a natural and instinctively imprinted preference for becoming energized from one’s own self. That’s right, the very thoughts, ideas, reactions, reflections, feelings/emotions of some of us give us energy.
The introvert is NOT energized from being with people and this is a natural, instinctive, very healthy reality!!
But you see, the introversion is self-generated and internal, so the introverts of the world are more withdrawn, less social, not nearly as talkative, more private, naturally reserved in their behaviors, more reflective, more cautious and hesitant often shunning the limelight, have a tendency to think first than speak (maybe, maybe not!) and a host of other “introversion” traits that clearly set them apart.
I’m writing this article not only because I am an introvert; but, largely because most introverts, if they are honest with themselves and you my dear reader, at some point in their lives thought there was something wrong with them!!
Yes, remember others who were/are extraverted probably laid it on the introvert that they “should” be more outgoing, more friendly, more talkative; and of course the inference is that since they are not naturally wanting to do all those things there is something wrong with you buddy!! Come on, get out of your shell, open up, expand your horizons, get out of your comfort zone…..etc, etc.
So, if and when the “introvert” and the “extravert” can understand that this is an instinctive, pre-birth, result of an in-the-womb imprinted preference for getting energy than a better understanding of this energy difference may take place.
Perhaps the “introverted” person won’t think poorly of themselves, perhaps they may understand that they are being literally “drained” of energy whenever they are with others and after a while this draining of energy actually becomes a stressor and no one likes to be stressed for too long.
So it becomes natural for the introvert to desire to be alone…”I want to be alone!” may be a nice “line” from an old movie…but may also be the battle cry of the desperate “introvert” trying to survive and understand themselves in an “extraverted” world!
You will see this exhibited literally everywhere there are people, the naturally outgoing and the naturally reserved individuals side by side….the extravert labeling the introvert, etc.
The difference is natural, supposed to be that way, even very healthy and can be used as a strong communication tool, career identification tool, skill building tool….and a real friendship maker (among other things) when understood and not looked down upon.
So, the next time you are pretty darn sure you are dealing with an “introversion” situation, a “introvert” is in the house, just let it be, don’t be concerned for them, as they are self-energizing and doing what God intended them to do!
Remember the knowledge of Myers-Briggs Personality Type is as Solid as the Rock!!
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Kenneth L. Meyer
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