Am I an introvert or an extrovert?

What this means

Carl Jung defined introversion and extroversion based on where people direct their energy and how they recharge.

Introverts direct energy inward. They recharge alone. They process internally before speaking. Large groups drain them. They function fine socially but need time by themselves to recover.

Extroverts direct energy outward. They recharge around people. They process by talking things out. Alone time drains them. They need social interaction to feel energized.

This has nothing to do with shyness, confidence, or social skill. You can be an introverted person who’s excellent at public speaking. You can be an extroverted person who’s anxious around strangers.

Find out which you are

Remember: introversion and extroversion exist on a spectrum. You might be ambiverted, equally comfortable alone or with people. You might also shift depending on context or who you’re with. This questionnaire shows where you naturally fall, but it’s not fixed. You are not condemned to be either one for the rest of your life.

Introvert traits

• You prefer one-on-one conversations over group settings
• You need alone time to recharge, even if you enjoyed the social event
• You think before you speak
• You’re more comfortable in familiar settings with familiar people
• You don’t need constant stimulation or activity
• You notice details others miss
• You have a smaller circle of close friends
• Large crowds exhaust you

Extrovert traits

• You gain energy from being around people
• You prefer group settings to one-on-one conversations
• You think out loud and process by talking
• You get bored easily without activity or social interaction
• You like meeting new people
• You’re comfortable being the center of attention
• You have a wide network of acquaintances
• You feel energized by crowds and stimulation