10 Ways Introverts Interact Differently With The World

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/07/physical-behavior-of-introverts_n_6069438.html

By Alena Hall
Nov. 7, 2014

Introverts and extraverts may seem the same on the surface, but if you look at the way they respond to life's everyday occurrences, differences begin to emerge.

Last month, for example, Science of Us writer Melissa Dahl reported on findings from psychologist Brian Little's latest book on personality science, Me, Myself, and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being, which showed that introverts are better off avoiding caffeine before a big meeting or important event.

Little cites the theory of extraversion by Hans Eysenck and research by William Revelle of Northwestern University, explaining that introverts and extraverts naturally differ when it comes to their alertness and responsiveness to a given environment. A substance or scene that overstimulates the central nervous system of an introvert (which doesn't take much) might cause him or her to feel overwhelmed and exhausted, rather than excited and engaged.

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Coffee jitters aside, here are 10 ways introverts physically interact with the world around them differently than extraverts.

They withdraw in crowds. •••••

Small talk stresses them out, while deeper conversations make them feel alive. •••••

They succeed on stage -- just not in the chit-chat afterwards. •••••

They get distracted easily, but rarely feel bored. •••••

They are naturally drawn to more creative, detail-oriented and solitary careers. •••••

When surrounded by people, they locate themselves close to an exit. •••••

They think before they speak. •••••

They don't take on the mood of their environment like extraverts do. •••••

They physically can't stand talking on the phone. •••••

They literally shut down when it's time to be alone. •••••