If you belong to the first category, you like the presence of other people, parties, social gatherings and action. If you are an introverted person though, even thinking about all those things makes you anxious. You prefer spending time alone doing your hobby, or just being with yourself.

Both types of personality have their advantages and disadvantages. We should never judge people on the basis of their personality. The fact that some people prefer the company of extroverts, and others feel more at ease with introverts, does not mean that any people are more valuable than others. It’s good that there is a mixture of personality types in society.

Extroverted people tend to have busy and active lives. Because they need other people to flourish, they make arrangements and push things forward. There’s always a big group of people around them. They also seem to make friends easily. It’s not a challenge for them to approach strangers and start conversations with them.

Extroverted people are more likely to try new things, even if they are risky. Statistically, extroverted people more often go on a foreign trip with a group of friends, or to try their hand in new sports. As a result, extroverted people seem to have bigger collections of exciting memories.

Being introverted is often perceived as a disadvantage. There are many self‑help books and magazine articles that give people advice on how to be more social or open up to the world. Although many people want to be more extroverted, it must be remembered that being introverted is not a flaw of character.

Because extroverted people need other people around them at all times, they don’t usually do well on their own. It’s hard for them to be happy when they are away from their family and friends. It’s also harder to concentrate in places where they have to be alone and quiet, for example in a university library.

Introverts can cope very well on their own. They can live alone and only meet others once in a while. They can spend whole days in their rooms, playing games, studying, reading and going out to see their families only when they really have to. They enjoy travelling alone. It must be remembered that they don’t usually feel lonely.

It’s hard to say that you have a happy life when all you can post on social media is another picture of yourself in your room doing your thing … again. However, the fact that you can’t show that you’re surrounded by many people doesn’t mean that you can’t be happy. Introverts just don’t need the company of a lot of people to be happy.

Introverted people don’t need other people to thrive. They can organise their time and happiness. They travel and consume less, which is better for the planet. They also deal better with situations that include social isolation, like solo‑travelling, lockdown, and remote work.

As a society we need people to push new ideas and brainstorm topics with others. But we also have to let them focus on themselves and work independently. You are a valuable person no matter if you’re extro- or introverted! Remember that!