It’s not new news that we’re all unique individuals with different needs. Our life experiences, personalities, and perspectives can all impact how we view the world and what type of environment we thrive in. 

One aspect of who we are that plays a role in the types of spaces and communities we prefer is whether we’re an introvert or an extrovert.

Knowing if you’re extroverted or introverted can help you better understand who you are and what makes you tick. This can be helpful in countless ways—including if you’re planning to attend a retreat (like mine!), host friends, decide what type of job you’d like, and more! 

I am an empathetic extrovert—and knowing this allows me to better understand how I respond to others, when I feel most comfortable, and what type of situations I like to put myself in.

It’s always helpful to understand yourself, and this should also help you better understand those around you.

Who are introverts?

Well, according to Merriam Webster, an introvert is defined as “a person whose personality is characterized by introversion: a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone.” Though I think this definition is helpful, I also believe that it can be a bit unhelpful.

Being introverted can be perceived as shy and timid (which is 1000% okay if someone is shy and timid), but introverts can also have other overlooked traits. I believe there’s a misconception that introverts are always quiet people, and though this can be the case—it feels a bit stereotypical. Many introverts can be reserved and quiet, and many introverts can be loud.

Some of the amazing characteristics that introverts can have:

• Being reflective

• Being self-ware

• Create close friendships

• Imaginative 

This makes sense, but it can be hard to help you understand who you are if you’re unsure which side you’re on. 

One question that I find helpful is asking, “Do you recharge when you’re with people or when you’re alone?” This question can help you narrow down if you’re introverted or extroverted by helping you to better understand your needs.

Introverts can love spending time with people, but they’ll need alone time to thrive. Meanwhile, extroverts can enjoy their own company, but they find that they need interaction with humans to feel their best. 

How can we create spaces and communities that honor all personalities, perspectives, and people?

We need introverts and extroverts to create a balanced world. Both types of people offer brilliant insight and perspective, and it’s important to create spaces and communities that honor all personalities and perspectives. 

One thing that I’ve found incredibly helpful in creating spaces and communities is to research and learn about the difference between introverts and extroverts and what both types of people need to feel their best. 

If I want to create an inclusive environment, I need to be willing to research, receive feedback, and learn from my mistakes. I find it important to create opportunities where all types of people can thrive, and the best way to do this is to be open to learning.

Through my experiences, I have learned how to create a space and community that honors all personalities and perspectives by being open to hearing stories, by creating environments where people can share (or not share, and just be), and by doing my best to intentionally see and listen to people rather than projecting my own views of the world on them.

If you’re interested in joining a community that warmly welcomes and accepts people with all types of personalities, I invite you to visit my website, where you can learn more about the community I’m building and the impact I’m creating.