What is an Extravert? 10 Signs You May Be One

Clinically Reviewed bySteven Melendy, PsyD.on November 03, 2021

Do you have a feeling you might be an Extravert but you’re not sure what exactly that means? Let’s take a look at what an Extravert is and how to tell if you fit the profile.

What is an Extravert?

Extraverts are known for being extra sociable and are often talkative. They tend to say what they think and are outspoken or open about their thoughts and feelings. They usually thrive off of spending time with other people and get a buzz from big groups and gatherings.

The reason these behaviors are happening is because an Extravert gets their energy from involvement with people, activities and events. This is the opposite of Introverts, who get their energy from regular periods of quiet time alone.

让我们在我们继续下去之前,解释一件事we’re spelling Extravert with an ‘a’ instead of with an ‘o’ (Extrovert) because that’s how Jung spelled it. And since theMyers and Briggs personality systemis based on Jung’s theories, using the word extraversion shows that we’re specifically referring to the personality psychology definition of the word.

Now we’ve cleared that up, read on to find out more about what is an Extravert and 10 signs to look out for — including how you like to socialize, how you work through problems and what your friends (secretly) think of you.

1. You always get chatting to total strangers

Do you find yourself striking up a conversation with the person next to you no matter where you are? Food shopping, getting your car fixed, doctors appointments — to you these are all opportunities to make a new friend. You never know who you might meet wherever you go and you’re always ready with a cheery opener to get the conversation flowing.

如果你想知道究竟什么是一个外向的人,ask yourself if you’re the kind of person who’s never without a friend to talk to. You’re definitely an Extravert if you’re always keen to pass the time chatting, no matter who it is or where you are!

2. You can’t resist an invitation

When your phone pings with a new invitation to head out, you know you have to say yes. It doesn’t matter that you’ve already been socializing for three days straight, or that you have a to-do list as long as your arm. The surest sign of exactly what is an Extravert and if you are one is whether or not you can resist an invitation. If you’ve already replied to say you’re on your way, you know you’re an Extravert.

3. You have 10 new BFFs after a party

When it comes to knowing what is an Extravert and what is not, you just need to look at your party habits. If you always leave with new numbers in your phone or new followers on social media, you know you’re an Extravert.

Extraverts draw people towards them and make everyone their friend. They’re approachable, fun and when the night is over, they aren’t afraid to ask someone to hang out again next week.

4. You love when your house is full of people

If you’re the kind of person who gets excited by the idea of holding incredible parties and gathering all your friends together, you’re probably an Extravert. After all, what is an Extravert if not the perfect host?

Whether you’re known as the epic NYE host, the girls’ night queen or the go-to party planner for every event in your friend group, you’re definitely an Extravert if you love a house full of people.

5. You believe a problem shared is a problem halved

What is an Extravert? It’s a person who needs help from others when they’re in a dilemma. If you tend to gather your friends or family together to chat through challenging situations then you’re probably an Extravert. Extraverts like to use other people as a sounding board for their ideas and opinions and absorb their advice like a sponge.

6. Your friends know every detail of your life

If you’re still wondering if you’re an Extravert, try asking your friends. True Extraverts have at least a few friends, if not more, who know everything there is to know about them.

Your friends know your worst fears, your long-term goals, your saddest stories and your happiest moments. They know how you like to sleep, who you’re sleeping next to, what you do when you first wake up and what time you go to bed. Extraverts aren’t afraid to share and with their best friends, they share everything!

7. You’re always elected to be the spokesperson

Extraverts aren’t phased by public speaking, making complaints and any situations where they need to get their point across. Whether at work, when you’re out with friends, or whenever you have to do anything official, if you’re an Extravert you’re probably pushed forward as the one doing the talking. That means you often speak up for others who aren’t so comfortable speaking up. If this sounds familiar, it’s a pretty good sign you’re an Extravert.

8. People know you as the fun one

A test for whether or not you’re an Extravert is to think about what people expect from you. If you’ve ever been described as a joker, the fun one, a chatterbox or a laugh, you’re probably an Extravert. Extraverts come across as extra friendly and likeable and they’re always expected to be fun to hang around with.

9. You can be a bit of a flirt

When it comes to your love life, you might be known as a bit of a flirt. If you’re trying to find examples of Extraverts, think about the people who are always charming their way through life, who can’t resist using their words and their smile to get what they want.

If this rings a bell, you’re probably an Extravert — or you know a few! Extraverts can often come across as flirty, especially to new people. They don’t always mean it like that, they just can’t help themselves!

10. You sometimes wish you were a ‘quiet person’

Do you ever catch yourself wishing you were talking a little bit less? That’s a classic Extravert trait. If you've ever wanted to switch places with an introvert, or you find yourself dreaming of being an aloof and mysterious personality type who doesn’t always reveal quite as much, you’re probably an Extravert.

Are you an Extravert?

These are some of the signs that you might be an Extravert. Everyone is different of course, and you may not recognize yourself in all of these descriptions. But the chances are, you’ll resonate with quite a few of them!

If you’re still not sure what is an Extravert and whether or not you are one, take theTypefinder testto find out!

Elizabeth Harris

Elizabeth is a freelance writer and ghostwriter. She’s an anthropologist at heart and loves using social theory to get deeper into the topics she writes about. Born in the UK, Elizabeth has lived in Copenhagen, Frankfurt and Dubai before moving most recently to Budapest, Hungary. She’s an ENTJ with ENFJ leanings. Find out more about her work at bethharris.com

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About the Clinical Reviewer

Steven Melendy, PsyD., is a Clinical Psychologist who received his doctorate from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. He specializes in using evidence-based approaches in his work with individuals and groups. Steve has worked with diverse populations and in variety of a settings, from community clinics to SF General Hospital. He believes strongly in the importance of self-care, good friendships, and humor whenever possible.

Comments

Lauren Lively (not verified)says...

Hello,

I found this article illuminating. I am curious about he term/classification "performing extravert". People close to me have used this term to describe me as I do enjoy public speaking, small talk with strangers and want to be part of the action and contribute during activities/meetings. However, There are several extravert characteristics that do not apply to me,; I do not like to have lots of people in my house, I prefer to solve a problem on my own rather than wait for others, and I still need my quiet time and can feel drained after socially too much.
这将是我ry interesting to learn more about hybrid of the two: intravert and extravert.
Sincerely,

Lauren Lively

JoT (not verified)says...

I describe myself as an introverted extravert - I get a lot of energy from certain social interactions, including presenting, taking part in meetings and networking. But I also have an energy crash afterwards - a bit like a sugar high/crash, where I then need 'alone time' to build up my energy for the next high.

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