Extroverts are more attuned to social rewards, so they are more likely to flash a smile for effect. A notable exception are introverts - like me - whom I call "socially accessible" introverts. We have been trained well to smile and nod, which can place a burden on our processing efforts.
Laurie HelgoeIntroverts like being introverts. We are drawn to ideas, we are passionate observers, and for us, solitude is rich and generative.
Laurie HelgoeWhatever kind of introvert you are, some people will find you 'too much' in some ways and 'not enough' in others.
Laurie HelgoeSome findings reveal extroverts as more adept at reading nonverbal cues, and attribute this to the extrovert's greater interest and experience with social interactions. Another line of research using subliminal images of facial emotion found introverts to be more sensitive to the differences, and hypothesized that this may be why introverts regulate the amount of incoming social information.
Laurie HelgoeIntrovert conversations are like jazz. Each player gets to solo for a nice stretch before the other player comes in and does his solo.
Laurie HelgoeWhen an introvert is quiet, don't assume he is depressed, snobbish or socially deficient.
Laurie HelgoeAs an introvert, you can be your own best friend or your worst enemy. The good news is we generally like our own company, a quality that extroverts often envy. We find comfort in solitude and know how to soothe ourselves. Even our willingness to look at ourselves critically is often helpful.But, we can go too far. We can hoard responsibility and overlook the role others play. We can kick ourselves when we're down. How many times have you felt lousy about something, only to get mad at yourself for feeling lousy?
Laurie Helgoe