Dr. Elaine Aron describes the characteristics of highly sensitive people in The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You and stresses how different they are from introverted personalities. There are some similarities between highly similar people and introverts – but being highly sensitive isn't a predisposition to introversion and vice versa.
Highly sensitive person are more attuned to their external and internal environments. They notice sounds, sights, and sensations that others don't. Highly sensitive people are more sensitive to stimulation and more easily aroused, but not necessarily introverted or extraverted.
Dr Aron found that 30% of highly sensitive people are socially extraverted.
Highly Sensitive People & Extraverts
"As an extravert, you have large circles of friends and tend to enjoy groups and strangers. Perhaps you were raised in a big, sociable, loving family or safe neighborhood and learned to see people as sources of safety rather than reasons to be on guard," says Dr Aron in The Highly Sensitive Person.
Highly extraverted people tend to enjoy small talk. Extraverts tend to seek agreement, look for similarities, and appear upbeat and outgoing. Extraverts get their energy from others (the opposite of introverts). They resonate with the phrase "a stranger is a friend I haven't met yet."
Highly sensitive people can be extraverted – but they may get quickly overwhelmed or overaroused by their surroundings. Then, they need to withdraw and take a break.
Highly Sensitive People & Introverts
Highly introverted people tend to be more serious, focused, and cautious. Introverts listen intently and give advice. Introverts get their energy from being alone (not from the company of others).
Introverts tend to prefer close relationships with a few people, and enjoy discussing life, struggles, philosophy, feelings.
Dr Aron states, "To be introverted is simply to turn inward, towards the subject, the self, rather than outward toward the object. Introversion arises from a need and preference to protect the inner, 'subjective' aspect of life, to value it more, and in particular not to allow it to be overwhelmed by the 'objective' world."
Highly sensitive people & social discomfort
Highly sensitive people may feel uncomfortable in social situations – especially if they have to give a speech or make a toast. In fact, extraverts and introverts may feel the same discomfort in certain situations.
Highly sensitive people aren't born shy, awkward, or introverted. Highly sensitive people are simply more sensitive to the environment – which leaves them free to express their natural personality style, whether it's extraverted or introverted.
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Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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