5 Signs That You Are an Extrovert

Extroverts are described as being sociable, talkative, friendly, enthusiastic, outgoing, and action-oriented. Although these characteristics are positive, sometimes, extroverts are also associated with negative impressions, such as being attention seekers, often distracted, and have a hard time spending alone. 

Below are some of the characteristics associated with extroverts:

• Having a variety of interests 
• Likes to communicate with other people through talking
• Enjoys being the center of attention
• Generally tends to act first before thinking
• Enjoys working in a group or team
• Feels isolated when spending too much time alone
• Loves to find ideas and inspirations from different sources
• Likes to talk about their feelings, thoughts, and issues

About three-quarters of the American population are extroverts and they come in all stripes. They seek novel experiences, look for leadership opportunities, and search for social connections. The core factor of this personality is extroversion, and modification of this personality is difficult and hard. Generally speaking, it is only the introverted members of the extrovert circle that are bothered by the extroverts' volubility and drive.

Extroverts love mixing and mingling with other people. They may even consider strangers as friends whom they may have not actually met before. They are thrill-seeking, but easily get bored. However, they can also find entertaining ways to fight off boredom. They easily make friends and are the first ones to strike up a conversation. They are also found to be high-spirited and cheerful.

Below are the top five signs seen in extroverts:

1. Loves to talk

Extroverts do not only enjoy talking with their co-workers, family members, and friends--they can also strike up a conversation with total strangers. They love to meet new people and love to know more about them and their lives. They tend to explore and organize their ideas and thoughts as they speak, unlike introverts, who mostly think before they speak.

Extroverts also have many friends. They are good at meeting new people, they genuinely enjoy other people's company, and love to strike up conversations with others. Consider the following when interacting with extroverts:

• They have a need to talk - Talking is a need and not a preference. They process externally and actually think while talking. The brain is able to make a connection with people and ideas when words come out of the mouth. To get to the point, extroverts need to be able to let their words come out.

• They need face time - It is easy to hide behind a computer due to an increased use of social media and online communication. However, extroverts often need to meet their friends in person. To make and confirm a connection, they need to talk to people face-to-face.

• They need a safe place to unload - As they process externally, they might say something weird, unusual, or nonsensical while talking. However, it does not necessarily signify that they mean or believe it--it is just a part of their thought process. While they are conversing, their ideas tend to lead from one thought to another. In order to unload, extroverts need a safe place. 

• They need catalysts - Since extroverts are energetic, it is easy to assume that they are great suppliers of energy. However, they are at the mercy of others to get energy when they need to refill themselves. It means that with extroverts, sometimes, conversations need to be initiated. Extroverts tend to quickly get ideas. They are the ones who may plan activities and come up with ideas, but they also need a break. To get their energy, they need a catalyst. 

2. Feels energized and inspired by socializing

After spending time with other people, extroverts feel recharged and inspired. They often gain their energy from social interactions. When they spend their time alone, they may begin to feel listless and uninspired. When given a choice whether they would want to spend time with others or would like to remain alone, extroverts usually prefer to spend their time with a group.

Extroverts also gain their energy from other people. In the 1960s, the difference between extroverts and introverts was proposed by Hans Eysenck. He stated that the different levels of arousal were the only difference between the two personality traits. According to Eysenck, extroverts have a lower basic rate of arousal. It means that to arouse their minds and bodies and bring it to the same normal state, they need to work harder. This state is reached quite easily by introverts.

Thus, extroverts tend to crave the company of others and seek novelty and adventure. Since introverts have a higher rate of arousal, this kind of stimulation can be overwhelming for them. Hence, they get stimulated very quickly and easily. Introverts may find it pleasant to spend time alone, have one-on-one conversations, and experience predictable situations, which are totally the opposite of what extroverts enjoy. 

They are not sensitive to external stimulation like introverts. By spending time with others, extroverts become revitalized and full of energy. They draw energy from the situation, even if they have no one to talk to. They can even talk to a group of strangers. On just any topic, they are quick to give their opinion and can be loud and boisterous.

They feel more comfortable when the crowd is bigger. They have many friends and acquaintances and love group conversations. However, most relationships developed by extroverts are not very strong and are often flighty. They may talk more and do not like to listen. They may also get distracted very easily and can be open to anyone. They crave for social recognition and getting the opinion of others.

3. Likes to solve problems through discussions

They prefer to discuss issues when they are facing a problem. They like to get other people's opinions on their issues. Extroverts are able to explore the issue in depth when they talk about it with others. Through discussions, they are able to get an idea about the best option for them. After having a hectic day at work, they love to talk with their family or friends. 

In the workplace, extroverts are passionate and enthusiastic about solving issues. To discuss their ideas and to help them to brainstorm, provide them ample time and space. During a meeting, you can ask extroverts to share their ideas first. To help them verbally process their ideas, give them a brainstorming session for 10-15 minutes.

4. Approachable and friendly

Some people find extroverts likable and easy to approach since extroverts often have a friendly personality. In a party, extroverts will probably be the first ones to start a conversation, go and talk to new guests, and make introductions. They are able to make new friends easily and meet new people. Extroverts never get bored and chances are less that they will not like a concert, party, or an event.

According to a research done based on neurological differences between introverts and extroverts, it was concluded that extroverts have a lot of enthusiasm. The reason being that with their current environment, they are more likely to associate pleasurable feelings. When it comes to friendship, extroverts are very informal and they can make each and every friend feel special. They love to be around their friends or other people. 

Extroverts generally enjoy the company of others. They are quite comfortable and appear to be confident when it is about striking up a conversation with others. Sometimes, extroverts can be misunderstood as flirty or becoming too friendly. 

5. Very open and easy to get to know

Typically, extroverts are very open, unlike introverts who are perceived to be closed-off and aloof. Extroverts are always willing to share their thoughts and feelings. Since they are so open, people find it easier know them. Moreover, extroverts may not value secrets just like how introverts do. If they feel that something is too silly to be a secret, they do not value it much.