3 Things Extroverts Need to Know About Introverts

What happens when an introvert and an extrovert fall in love?

Introverts replenish their energy by spending time alone. Extroverts replenish their energy by having social interaction and connecting with people. No one is 100% an introvert or 100% an extrovert, rather we all fall somewhere on a continuum between the two. If you're over on the extroverted side of the continuum, and your partner is over on the introverted side, it helps to have some tools and some understanding about your partner.

As with any big difference in your relationship, like a difference of personality, culture or preferences, your goal is to honor the needs and values of both people.

Here are three things for extroverts to keep in mind about introverts

1. Don't take your partner's need for alone time personally. An introvert's need for alone time is totally unrelated to how attached to you he or she is of you. In the beginning of a relationship, sometimes an introvert needs less time alone, and that is just part of falling in love. Over the long term, an introvert is wired to thrive on alone time.

2. Get some of your needs for interaction met elsewhere. Introvert/extrovert couples who succeed over the long term are able to do some things separately. Don't hold back from doing things regularly without your partner.

3. Embrace your inner introvert. We live in an extroverted culture. See if there are times when you can enjoy more quiet or alone time yourself. Some extroverts find that living with an introvert inspires them to get more comfortable with quiet and introspection.

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