Party Girls and Bookworm Boys — The Trouble with Extraverts and Introverts

A lot is made about Extraverts liking parties and Introverts liking books and while there is some truth to this stereotype, the pull between going out or staying in can definitely pull at any relationship, regardless of gender.

But, the hardest conflict between Extraverts and Introverts has more to do with talking than with partying. Extraverts tend to think out loud. They talk out their problems, tell you their thoughts, speak their mind. And while this kind of communication can be good…the answer to, “Do you think these pants make me look fat?” should NEVER be, “Yes darling they are atrocious.” And Extraverts? They’re the ones guilty of creating this oft heard cliché.

Introverts might think, “Wow, yeah, you look enormous.” But they’re usually going to keep it to themselves. Extraverts? They’re often the ones with the foot in their mouth (although many Introverts have been known to morph into ‘Extraverts’ with an adult beverage or two in their system). Our favorite example of an Extravert, who will remain nameless because we love him, but who right after his wife delivered their first child asked the doctor out loud and in front of his wife, “When’s she was going to stop looking pregnant?” Yeah. I know. You just gasped. But seriously. Great guy, wonderful husband, just tends to be extraverted with some of his inner monologue. I THOUGHT the same thing about myself after having a kid. You look pregnant. It might be a sad reality, but it’s not something you can talk about within earshot of your beloved.

Also. Introverts often hate to make reservations or order food if there is someone else around to do it (also probably why Kelly adores Seamless Web so much.) It’s just a weird quirk. So Extraverts in love with an Introvert? Make up for your latest verbal gaffe and order the take-out or make the reservations for Valentine’s Day this year!

First published February 3, 2010