What Does It Really Mean To Be an Extrovert?

Sometimes, extroverts can be easy to spot.

They’re the ones doing most of the talking. The ones throwing the parties. The ones who thrive in the limelight.

Or at least that’s how it may seem.

Extroverts seek stimulation from the outside world. But that doesn’t have to mean they’re always the center of attention. Even if that’s what others may expect of them.

We talked with psychologist Darrielle Allen, PhD, about extroversion — what does it mean to be an extrovert? And what do people misunderstand about the extroverts in their lives?

What’s an extrovert?

Extroversion is a personality type that describes people who are energized by outside stimuli. Unlike introverts, who retreat inward to charge their batteries, extroverts come most alive when interacting with people, places and things around them.

“Extroverts are individuals who feel energized and alive when interacting with others or engaging with their external environment,” Dr. Allen explains. “For extroverts, social settings are often energizing rather than draining.”

That doesn’t mean extroverts are “on” every moment of every day.

“Extroverts can also enjoy quiet moments. But generally, they thrive in environments where they can connect, collaborate and engage actively,” she continues.

Often, people will use words like “extroverted,” “outgoing” and “sociable” interchangeably. But that’s not necessarily the case.

Things like “outgoingness” or “social ability” are characteristics and skills that anyone can have (or grow to have).

Extroversion isn’t about your ability to form relationships or your openness to new things. It’s about whether you gain energy from being with people and if you’re stimulated by the environment around you.

Introverts can also be friendly, outgoing and up for trying new things. It’s just that those experiences aren’t what energize them most.

Six types of extroverts

Personality types lie on a continuum. At one side are extroverts. Introverts are on the opposite end. In the middle are ambiverts.

And on the extroverted side of the scale, there are a number of stops along the way.

That’s to say, there’s a range of extroversion.

Some people are uber-extroverted. They’re motivated to be around others and to seek opportunities to engage continually.

Others lean toward extroversion, but not as intensely. They prefer to interact. But they can be comfortable on their own, too.

What’s more, extroversion can show up differently from one person to the next. Psychology researchers commonly describe six types of extroverts:

1. Extroverted sensors tend to focus on the tangible, concrete aspects of the world. They rely more on their senses to gather information rather than seeking patterns or analyzing abstract concepts.
2. Extroverted feelers lead with empathy and emotional connection. They’re drawn to social situations, with an eye toward engaging with others in a meaningful way.
3. Extroverted thinkers value ideas, logic and intellectual engagement. They may enjoy a good debate and deep, meaningful conversation.
4. Agentic extroverts are ambitious and driven. “They’re often seen as leaders,” Dr. Allen shares.
5. Affiliative extroverts focus on group harmony and relationships. They can be the first ones to introduce people to each other at a party and to look to build consensus in a group discussion.
6. Quiet extroverts tend to be social and outgoing but may be subtler and less obvious in their interactions than other extroverts.

Extrovert personality traits

Humans are complex creatures. And while there are some ways that extroverted tendencies typically present themselves, again, it’s not to say that all extroverts show up in the same way.

“Personality is deeply individualized and can be situational,” Dr. Allen notes. “It’s as much about internal feelings — where someone gains energy or what brings them fulfillment — as it is about outward behaviors. And our external behaviors don’t always reflect our inner tendencies.”

For example, after a long week at work, you may choose to skip a night out with friends and stay home instead. That doesn’t mean you’re not an extrovert. It just means you’re making a choice between your competing needs for rest and social interaction. And, this time, rest won out.

That said, there are certain signs that you or someone you know may be an extrovert. Dr. Allen shares some of the most common extrovert traits.

Thriving in social settings

Extroverts tend to be at the top of their game in group settings. They may be more comfortable asking (and answering) those ice-breaker questions. Working on team projects. And just generally being around people. Even new people.

At a networking event or party with people who are loosely affiliated, extroverts can often start conversation easily and leave feeling more energized than when they arrived.

Processing out loud

Extroverts are usually comfortable speaking up, even before knowing exactly what they’re about to say. Compare that to introverts, who often will think through their responses and ready their arguments before sharing them out loud.

“Extroverts tend to think best when they’re talking things through,” Dr. Allen reinforces. “They might be the ones that get the ball rolling at brainstorming meetings. Or who suggest studying together before a test.”

That’s not to say that extroverts can’t sit quietly with their thoughts. It just doesn’t come as naturally.

“A frequent misunderstanding about extroverts is that they’re superficial. But extroverts can be just as introspective and thoughtful as introverts. They simply approach things differently,” she adds.

Seeking stimulation

New people, new places and new experiences are an extrovert’s cup of tea.

While some people thrive on routine and tradition, extroverts are usually happy to try that new restaurant or to suggest vacationing in a new city.

They’re also more likely to readily introduce themselves to newcomers. That can lead to extroverts having wide social networks.

Can you become more extroverted?

Some people may tell you that extroversion is a strength. And it can be. Especially in career fields that require skills like customer service or public speaking.

So, it can be natural for some people to think that becoming more extroverted should be their goal.

Dr. Allen cautions that fundamentally changing your personality type probably won’t happen. But it’s absolutely possible for people to gain skills and learn new behaviors that maybe aren’t perfectly aligned with their preferences.

“People can develop extroverted behaviors through practice and exposure,” she says. “For instance, someone naturally introverted might learn to speak up in meetings, approach new people or engage in group activities.”

And on the flip side, extroverts can learn to find comfort in moments of reflection and quiet. And that can be a boon for their personal lives and professional advancement as well.

So, before you assume someone is an extrovert because they grabbed the mic at karaoke that night, remember that a person’s outward behavior doesn’t always reflect their inner preferences.

“You can’t always tell someone’s personality type just by observing them,” Dr. Allen emphasizes. “It’s also important to recognize that people adapt to their environment. That’s why it’s important not to label or make assumptions about someone based purely on one-off experiences.”