There Are 4 Types Of Extroverts. Which One Are You?

In 2012, Susan Cain’s book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” came out, and the world hasn’t stopped talking about introverts since.

“For a long time, introversion was misunderstood, but Cain’s bestseller helped give it the recognition it deserves,” said Amelia Kelley, a therapist in Carly, North Carolina.

Introverts ― who gain their energy by spending time alone ― are rightfully celebrated, but extroverts ― who recharge their batteries by spending time with others ― bring a lot to the table, too.

“One could argue that some extroverts who may just be burned out or over stimulating are identifying as introverts, when sometimes they may not be, because introversion is associated with being thoughtful, deep, or grounded,” Kelley said.

If you’re an extrovert, your energy is a gift.

“Extroverts bring the spark that gets conversations rolling, the person who invites others in and connects people, and often the catalyst for taking internal ideas and getting them out into the world,” Kelley said. “We need extroverts just as much as we need introverts.”

Of course, not everyone is a straight extrovert or straight introvert. These personality types are a spectrum, and a lot of people see themselves as an ambivert ― exhibiting characteristics of both introversion and extroversion.

If you do primarily identify as an extrovert, though, it’s interesting to note that there are actually four types of extroverts.

Below, we asked therapists to delve into what each type looks like. (If you’re more of a introvert, you’ll be interested to know there are four types of introversion, too, which you can read about here.)

Think of an extroverted sensor like a sponge: They’re in the moment, inspired by everything and everyone around them.

“Extroverted sensors thrive on physical activity ― doing ― and are highly responsive to their environment,” said Marcus Berley, a counselor and the clinical director of Self Space, a group therapy practice with two offices in the Seattle area.

An extroverted sensor comes alive through direct experience, he said. “They’re grounded in the here and now, quick to act, and attuned to the world through movement, sensation and real-time feedback.”

On the more negative side, extroverted sensors can sometimes make snap judgments based on what’s happening in those singular moments, Berley said. They’re also prone to get bored or restless easily without external stimulation.

If you’re a live-in-the-moment extrovert, your homework is to get comfortable with slowing down, especially where your emotions are concerned, Berley said. If you’re over-the-moon happy, really savor that moment rather than chasing the next time. When you’re feeling crummy and sad, let yourself feel crummy and sad for a bit.

“Notice avoidance patterns especially if you tend to distract yourself from discomfort by staying busy or stimulated,” Berley said. “You might start by checking your emotional temperature. If you’re unsure, try using a feelings wheel: Are you angry, sad, afraid or happy? An emotion doesn’t have to be big to count.”

“An extroverted feeler is someone who lights up when others feel seen, understood and emotionally safe,” Kelley said. “They’re expressive, warm and likely the ‘glue’ or connector in their communities.”

These emotionally in-tune types adapt to social dynamics quickly, intuitively track other people’s emotional states and strive for perfect harmony in the group, Kelley explained.

The problem is, they often think it is their responsibility (and their responsibility alone) to make sure everyone is getting along and feels seen ― sometimes to their own detriment.

“The feeler extrovert often struggles with people-pleasing, especially when constantly scanning for how others feel,” Kelley said.

For feelers, the goal is to stay connected to your feelings; what you need matters equally as much as what others need, Kelley said.

“Practice checking in with your inner voice — especially before saying ‘yes,’” she said. “Remember that setting a boundary isn’t unkind; instead, look at it as a form of compassion for yourself and a sign of respect for the relationship.”

The extroverted intuitive is the avant-garde of the extrovert spectrum: They’re quick to brainstorm, innovate or imagine alternatives, Berley said. They enjoy open-ended questions and jumping around from topic to seemingly unrelated topic. (“Seemingly” because if you give them a little time, they’ll connect the dots for you.)

“Whilst extroverted intuitives like to talk, it’s about big things,” said Rhea Freeman, a business coach and author of “You’ve Got This.” “They love a deep conversation and exploring options and the potential of situations. And they enjoy doing this with others, too.”

All that jumping around from one idea to to the next can leave a lot of unfinished thoughts, though.

“They’re so easily inspired, sometimes, it’s to the point of overwhelm,” Berley said.

The homework for the extroverted intuitive is to work on following through with tasks and goals. Starting something new can be exciting, but seeing the same idea through and really sticking the landing can give you a thrill, too.

“A good practice would be to establish a structure and deadlines for the tasks at the start of a project when energy is most high,” Berley said. “Then, allow your brainstorming nature to unfold naturally.”

Extroverted thinkers are the “fixers” of their personal and professional circles: They lead with logic and efficiency and are driven to organize the world around them through clear decisions, structure and action, Berley said.

“They’re focused on results over emotions or process, so they’re often seen as natural leaders or problem-solvers,” he said.

On the down side, in their search for solutions, extroverted thinkers can be a bit blunt or direct when communicating what they think is best.

“Extroverted thinker types can sometimes be seen as ‘too direct’ or come off as dismissive of emotions due to their hyperlogical nature,” Kelley said.

While your clarity is a strength, it’s also important to make room for complexity and openness, Kelley said.

“Learning to ‘hear’ as opposed to listening to ‘respond’ can help, since people might not need a fix; they might just need presence, or a little bit of empathy before the action plan,” she said.

It could help in your personal relationships to do a bit more asking, rather than telling, Berley said. Relationships are a two-way street and “slowing down can deepen relationships, not weaken them,” he said.