The introvert and extrovert personality archetypes are vastly different from one another. That being said, can an introvert become an extrovert? If so, are there are repercussions for doing so?
Can an Introvert Become an Extrovert?
So the short answer is… yes, to some extent.
Even if you are an introvert, social interaction is necessary for your survival. An introvert can change themselves according to their environments to fit in. Although it is really difficult and not every introvert can transition into it flawlessly.
There is no such thing as a pure introvert or extrovert. Such a person would be in the lunatic asylum.
– Carl Jung
Extroverts might have introverted personality traits like shyness and anxiety and self confidence issues while introverts might display extroverted traits like being talkative, recharging among good company and having adventures.
If in the early stages of your life, you started off having introverted traits, they become a part of you. Down the line you might pick up the ability to be extroverted in most situations as well, but the core of you will never change.
You can suppress that core for a while and act out differently, but soon your battery will wear out. You might develop a capacity for extroverted behavior. But you will still need to recharge your battery after getting home, grabbing a slice of pizza and then reading a good book.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Bother Switching
There is a chance you are researching this question is because you want to become an extrovert right? Let me tell you why you should not bother to.
1. It is Too Much for Too Little
Changing your whole personality is a difficult thing to do. You are not just changing the way you interact but your core as well. You will need to attend more social events, cold approach people, have a talk and be constantly on energy so people don’t see through your ruse. Although deep down you will always be an introvert.
2. Ask Yourself Why
Answer these questions. Why do you want to be an Extrovert? Is it worth it? Does the thing you want to be an extrovert for worth changing your whole personality? These are some good questions to start with.
Spend time in your head, which you can afford to, to see if it is worth changing yourself for in the long run. It might not be worth it because you will always be a little uncomfortable being out of your element.
3. You Will Not Have Time for Things You Love Doing
If you are an introvert, chances are you love writing, reading or being engaged in fiction in some way. Being social is going to cost you engaging in that activity 9 out of 10 times. Ask yourself if you would rather sit down with a good book or partake in clubs or social events when given the option to.
Being an extrovert will take time out of your day to spend on your favorite activities and it can be a huge problem no matter where you stand.
The History of the Introverts and Extroverts
The concept of Introverts and Extroverts originated in 1920s during the Carl Jung era. Then came the Myer Briggs Personality Types. Back then, the definitions of introverts and extroverts was pretty one sided. Introverts are anti-social while extroverts are party animals and recharge their battery by interaction.
However, it is a little bit different today. An introvert isn’t necessarily shy while an extrovert does not have to always be socially adept. They might have interchangeable traits too. Society nowadays is built on an extroverted foundation. Going out to parties, networking, sales, marketing and so on have a clear preference for the extroverted site.
Does that mean the introverts can never thrive? Not necessarily. There are fields for Introverts out there and it is not like they cannot interact with people, they just choose not to.
Final Words
Of course we have just scratched the surface of the iceberg which is the introvert and extrovert personality archetypes. The summary is that an introvert might love doing extroverted things and vice versa. Therefore putting a label on it can complicate things.
That being said, changing your personality to an extrovert’s is not something I recommend doing because your whole body including your nervous system and your brain are wired to suit the needs of being a (mostly) introverted being. Check this article out by Bustle that provides a more psychological explanation for the same.