Without further ado, here we are:
1) Logical Extroversion (outwardly expressing your logical determinations)
You might find that some people who profess to be introverts are oddly outspoken about their opinions regarding efficiency and rationalization. Politics and religion are usually favorite topics of theirs, and they don't really care a whole lot if it's "inappropriate", or at least they feel like they shouldn't have to care. Extroverts can tap into this aspect of an introvert best by discussing or accomplishing something important and practical. They will most appreciate an environment that is open and friendly, but also honest enough to disagree out loud. It is rare to find one who doesn't like reading nonfiction.
In MBTI, this is called Te, or Extroverted Thinking, and the personality types who normally relate most would be anything ending in TJ: INTJ, ENTJ, ISTJ, ESTJ. Types ending in FP might also relate to a lesser degree.
2) Emotional Extroversion (outwardly expressing your emotional determinations)
Some introverts are uniquely excited about spending lots of time with people who are important to them. An extrovert can relate simply by being friendly, open and kind. Any kind of negativity can make it hard for this introvert to want to be around you. They want to be a pleasure to those they are around, and are willing to put on a smile even when tired, so try not to overwhelm them with activities. They will usually enjoy discussing anything relating to people, and many are open to talking about their feelings.
In MBTI, this is called Fe, or Extroverted Feeling, and the personality types who normally relate most would be anything ending in FJ: INFJ, ENFJ, ISFJ, ESFJ. Types ending in TP might also relate to a lesser degree.
3) Experiential Extroversion
The introvert who utilizes this form of extroversion is probably the least talkative, however, they can still be confused for an extrovert when it comes to how active they are. I don't mean that they have to be fit, but their brains are at their healthiest when they get to experience new sensory stimulation, whether that's crafts, shopping, or a ride on a new BMX bike. The best way to engage one of these people is to go do an activity with them, rather than trying to engage them in a lot of conversation.
In MBTI, this is called Se, or Extroverted Sensing, and the personality types who normally relate most would be anything ending in SP: ISTP, ESTP, ISFP, ESFP. Types with the letters NJ might also relate to a lesser degree.
4) Pondering Extroversion
These are those people who tell you they're an introvert, and then they talk your ear off about it (or any topic they like). This is because some introverts (like myself) are wired to share their ideas and ponderings out loud. It's very likely they aren't going to be interested in going out and doing anything, but you want to hang out and talk? Awesome! Especially if the introvert doesn't have to leave the house. They will gladly talk you to death at their own house, but as long as the environment isn't too wild, they'll be more than happy to talk about whatever the two of you can get going. Watch out for long text messages or other rambling forms of written communication if you open yourself up to them. Often confused with ADD, but um... I actually do have that too.
In MBTI, this is called Ne, or Extroverted iNtuition, and the personality types who normally relate most would be anything ending in NP: INTP, ENTP, INFP, ENFP. Types with the letters SJ might also relate to a lesser degree.
Now you know there's a way to engage us in the world after all. If you know which of these your introverted friend or family member most relates to, it can help you to build your relationship with them, just don't expect it to work 100% of the time - we are still introverts and we still need room for the introverted parts of our brains to be nourished... and so do you, so next time is yours for the reading, Four (or Five) Ways an Extrovert Can Be Introverted.
