Extrovert in a Relationship with Introvert: 5 Tips

If you’re an extrovert-introvert couple, you may find some difficulty in navigating the relationship to appease both partners’ needs. (You can discover your personality type using the Myers Briggs Personality Test.)

A person with an extroverted personality gains their energy from and may feel the most comfortable in social situations. Social situations and interacting with other people provides extroverts emotional and mental stability. The absence of social interaction, on the other hand, can lead to irritability, depression, and an increased sense of loneliness.

A person with an introverted personality gains their energy and may feel the most comfortable when alone. Time spent with themselves allows introverts a sense of emotional and mental stability, as well as peace. When an introvert is in social situations, they may find this draining which could lead to anxiety, exhaustion, and irritability.

With such opposing methods of achieving comfort within a relationship, it can be difficult to handle without one of the partners feeling left out or unheard.

Here are some tips specifically for extroverts in relationships with introverts.

Be Respectful of an Introvert’s Need to Recharge

An introverted person may need time to charge their mental and emotional battery after socializing for long periods of time. So, if you and your partner are planning on going out, try to make plans for after for your partner to have some alone time. 

Maybe you suggest they spend some time watching their favorite show, or reading a book. Respect their space after a social event. For a period of time, to allow them to regain their connection to themselves and the energy they had expunged while around other people.

Discuss Boundaries – Extroverts Have Fewer!

As with every other healthy relationship, a relationship between an introvert and extrovert requires open and honest communication regarding individual and relationship boundaries. Spend time discussing with your partner how long they would feel comfortable in social situations or their comfort levels on you spending time with friends or going out without them. You may even consider developing a signal between you and your partner to be used if they begin feeling overwhelmed in social situations, without making them feel guilty for expressing their needs.

Be Supportive

Being supportive of your partner’s needs does not mean you need to diminish your own. Instead of participating in highly-social activities, work with your partner to find activities that you can do together. This could include going to wine tastings together, maybe a painting or cooking class, or other activities that involve the two of you interacting outside of your home. 

Not only can this help an extroverted individual gain the social experiences necessary for themselves, but it can also be a pleasant experience for an introvert. He/She will be comfortable not having to worry about the draining interactions present at large gatherings that require speaking and being around an abundance of people.

Don’t Judge the Introvert

Sometimes being in a social situation for an extended amount of time can be overwhelming for the introvert in your life. They may start to retreat from talking to other people, become increasingly quiet and ask to leave. Try to not judge your partner or pressure them to change to be more extroverted. 

Though compromise is incredibly important in relationships, attempting to change the essence of a person, or pressuring them to push past their limits can spell trouble for your relationship. Instead, be accepting for their needs and compromise, so both of your needs can be met.

Embracing Silence May Be New for an Extrovert

Since introverts need alone time to “recharge” this may mean that they also need time to not talk and focus on their own company. This does not mean that they don’t want you–they just need some time for introspection. They may just need to watch TV in silence, play a game on their phone, or read a book. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the silence together though. Enjoy spending time with your loved one while doing things separately in the same room. While they’re reading, you could be too. Watch TV or a movie together. Embracing these moments together can lead to a stronger bond. Enjoy the silence!

Compromise is Key to Any Good Relationship

Romantic relationships between introverted and extroverted personalities can be difficult to navigate in the beginning. But if you learn to compromise, listen to each other’s needs, and become supportive of your partner, these relationships can be a beautiful thing.

Extroverts and introverts can find that perfect balance between one another and create a happy, healthy, and fulfilling future together.