People are no doubt too complex to categorize definitively in a binary way. Why have psychologists latched onto the extrovert/introvert idea? Why does this classification keep rising to the surface of my thoughts?
extrovert: an outgoing, overtly expressive person
introvert: a shy, reticent, typically self-centered person
(Source: New Oxford American Dictionary)
Extroverts make up between 60 to 70 percent of society and introverts account for 20 to 30 percent, according to Dr. Ed Diener from the University of Illinois.
(Source: http://www.marshallparthenon.com/2.13764/extrovert-vs-introvert-1.1899491)
The majority count as extroverts, which fits the definitions.
What correlates with the extroversion-introversion split? Citing two sources, Wikipedia says, “More extraverted people tend to report higher levels of happiness than introverts.” Beyond that the article identifies a number of traits that strike me as inherent in the definition, like introverts being more at ease studying stuff and extroverts being more at home in sales.
Another correlation that seems inherent in the definition could be preferences for synchronous vs. asynchronous communication. Diane told me I should talk more with her mother, especially around Valentine’s Day. According to Diane, I was too normal, but should be more than normal. I asked her what that meant and she replied, “About 12 1/2.”
Anyway, here’s the key correlation. It seems that, “Introverts salivate more than extraverts in response to a drop of lemon juice.” (Source: Wikipedia ibid.) Plus, it’s all in your horoscope.
Figments of a lack of imagination