Seven (7) Traits of extroverts

The extrovert stands out in a crowd

I have seen parents struggling with understanding their children’s personality. They have called some children swegbe, fool, dundie, and all kinds of derogatory names because they didn’t know that their children have God-given variations. Even twin children born through the same coital activity still differ, sometimes remarkably.

We’re made differently

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5

As God spoke to Jeremiah, it is obvious that this prophet had a different purpose for coming into the world. He was brought to speak truth to power but not all of his siblings are so inclined.

An appreciation of this basic fact will prevent the damage done to the psyche of children by their ignorant parents. Therefore understanding the differences between introverts and extroverted children may be the beginning of understanding the differences we see in our children.

1. Extroverted children are famously known to be “loud and bubbly” but not all extroverts fit into this mold. Extroversion is more than being loud or talkative.
2. At a party or public event, an extrovert is probably the first one to walk up to strangers and introduce themselves. This is why they tend to find it easy to meet new people and acquire new friends.
3. Did you know that extroversion is more genetic than environmental? Studies on twin births suggest that genetics contribute up to 40% – 60% of the variation between extroversion and introversion.
4. Extroverts may feel isolated and lonely by being alone. They come alive in group work and enjoy leisure time with friends than alone.
5. Because they are more expressive, extroverts are more likely to be happier. They place their feelings out in the open and care less about people being judgmental. The more friends they have, the happier they tend to be
6. The urge to be with friends exposes extroverts to risky and more towards unhealthy relationships because they always want to belong
7. Because they are popular, they are very good at presentation. They can present any thing well be it in a positive or negative way.

The Washington Post had an article on the problem of extroversion. The following excerpt shows how ambivalent it can be to be extroverted.

‘Last month, my wife told our 5-year-old daughter, Anna, that because we’d be out of town on an upcoming weekend, Anna would have to decline an invitation she’d gotten. It was a birthday party for a boy I’ll call Ben.

“Oh, can’t we please stay home?” Anna implored. “I really want to go to Ben’s party.”

“But Anna,” my wife said, “you don’t like Ben.”

Anna looked at her, perplexed. “That’s true,” she said. “But I like parties!”’

Here is a child that loves parties because it provides the crowd that energizes her but hates the host nevertheless. How do you reconcile that? That's the dilemma of an extroverted child. 

Conclusion

A child may be extroverted but may not be adept at identifying dangers because her superior aversion towards the group ethos. Parents with extroverted children should watch out for this weakness.