Busting Common Myths About Extroverts

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

When people hear that someone is an extrovert, different things come to mind. They might assume that they’re loud, that they’re shallow, or that they’re going to talk over everyone in a social situation. These stereotypes can be hurtful, and they often just aren’t true. We’ve broken down some of the most common misconceptions about extroverts to help set the record straight once and for all.

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:
Myth: Extroverts are afraid to spend time alone.

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Fact: Extroverts need alone time, too. While it’s true that extroverts usually get energy from hanging out with others, they still need to take a break every now and then. Relaxing on your own is a great way to rest and recharge, and that’s true for introverts and extroverts.^{[1]
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- Extroverts are also sometimes labeled as being scared of their own thoughts or uncomfortable with themselves. This stereotype isn’t true, either.
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Method 2

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Myth: Extroverts are bad listeners.

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Fact: Extroverts are often great conversationalists. Spending time with a lot of people makes them able to listen and talk to just about anyone. If they don’t listen, they wouldn’t be able to have fun, lively conversations with the people that they meet.^{[2]
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- A lot of extroverts have the ability to keep a conversation going with open-ended questions and active listening.

Method 3

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Myth: Extroverts are super confident.

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Fact: Confidence has nothing to do with introversion or extroversion. Not every extrovert is super confident, just like not every introvert is extremely shy. While extroverts often appear like they have high self-esteem, it varies from person to person.^{[3]
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- There are even extroverts out there with social anxiety!
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Method 4

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Myth: Extroverts are shallow.

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Fact: Talking a lot doesn’t mean someone lacks substance. The idea that extroverts are all noise and nothing else is pretty hurtful, especially to someone who’s just trying to start a conversation or make new friends. It’s true that extroverts like to talk, but they’re probably just excited about getting out there and being social.^{[4]
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- A lot of extroverts are really good at having back and forth conversations. If someone you meet isn’t, it’s not necessarily because of extroversion. People sometimes talk too much because of anxiety or fear of meeting new people.

Method 5

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Myth: Extroverts are not as creative as introverts.

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Fact: Many extroverts express their creativity often. This is another one that really has nothing to do with introversion vs. extroversion. While it’s often stereotyped that creativity has to happen alone in a room by yourself, it can really happen anywhere at any time. Extroverts can be great artists, too.^{[5]
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- Stimulating your brain by interacting with others can actually give you more inspiration.
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Method 6

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Myth: Extroverts do better in the workplace than introverts.

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Fact: Both introverts and extroverts can thrive in the workplace. Many people believe that you have to be super outgoing and extroverted to be a leader, but that’s simply not the case. Anyone who’s good at their job and who can lead a team can work well in a management position.^{[6]
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- Being extroverted can certainly help you in the workplace, but it’s not everything.

Method 7

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Myth: Extroverts are happier than introverts.

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Fact: Introverts and extroverts show their happiness in different ways. When an extrovert is happy, they might be upbeat and high-energy. When introverts are happy, they might be a little more tranquil and relaxed. This doesn’t mean that one person is happier than the other—it just means they’re expressing themselves differently.^{[7]
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Method 8

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Myth: You’re either introverted or extroverted.

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Fact: Everything exists on a spectrum. What’s true of one extrovert might not be true for you. You might go through phases—sometimes spending days on end with other people is great, while other times it’s too much. Try not to define yourself as 100% of anything, and just focus on what makes you happy.^{[8]
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- There’s even a new label that came out a few years ago called an ambivert. This is a mixture between an introvert and an extrovert, and it rings true for a lot of people.