Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)- introvert v’s Extrovert
In recent times a lot more awareness has been raised about the differences between introverts and extroverts.
Being an introvert or extrovert can be a sliding scale and not a black and white tenancy leaning one way or the other.
Although for some on either end of the spectrum, it may be obvious which way you lean.
The main difference between the two is how someone is energised or recharges their energy.
Introvert’s recharge and energise in alone time whereas extroverts are energised by being with others and thrive in connection.
Jung used the term extrovert as someone who preferred to engage with things outside of themselves whereas introverts focus was more inward.
The traits described that a Highly Sensitive Person experience may lead you to assume all HSP are introverts.
But this is not the case.
One in five people are thought to be Highly Sensitive.
Of those, 70% of HSP identify with being introverts and 30% of HSP are extroverts.
Which means if you are a HSP (found in 20-30% of the population) and also are extrovert; preferring to be around people, then you equate to roughly 6% of the population.
It is easy to see how in such a small group that many haven’t heard about an HSP extrovert or identify as one.
The traits of a HSP extrovert are:
- Having all the traits of HSP- highly empathetic and heightened awareness of self and others, deeper of processing of information than most, pick up subtilties of changes in the environment, atmosphere and other peoples emotions, low tolerance for distressing stories or scenes on TV, gets stressed under time pressure more quickly.
- Prefer to be with others and get lonely and lower mood when left on your own for long periods of time.
- Love being with others but then find yourself ‘hitting a wall’ and becoming overwhelmed. You will need to take some time out to calm your overstimulated nervous system on your own.
- The people you are with need to be ‘the right’ type of person. As you are sensitive to other people’s energy and emotions, people who are stressed, angry or pessimistic drain you quickly. You need to remove yourself from their presence to recharge.
- You love being around people and may know lots of people, but you have a trusted, close-knit friendship group who you spend most of your time with.
- You like depth and dislike small talk but also thrive on variety and new experiences.
- You may have identified more with being an ambivert, having both introvert and extrovert qualities.
Being someone who both loves connection with people but also having sensory-processing sensitivity can lead to a push pull dynamic within you.
It is a fine line of balancing connection and avoiding overwhelm.
Just like introverted HSP, it is important to have a clear understanding of what drains or energises you so you can make sure you have some alone time to recharge and calm your stimulated nervous system. This self-care is important for your overall wellbeing.