Who's who in the relationship

Last update: February 13, 2008 - 4:54 PM

YOU SAY POTATO

No one is a complete extrovert or introvert. We all take up residence somewhere along the spectrum and most of us are perfectly capable of playing the other side when we must. But here are some common traits of each.

EXTROVERTS

• 60 to 70 percent of the population.

• Crave excitement, activity, socializing.

• Tend to act before they think.

• Use facial expressions, speak loudly, interrupt.

• Consider lots of people their friends.

• Common myth: That extroverts never need downtime. Even super-extroverts crave quiet time on occasion to refuel.

INTROVERTS

• 20 to 30 percent of the population.

• Crave solitude; too much socializing drains them.

• Tend to think before they act.

• Use a soft voice, pause frequently, may sound hesitant.

• Have one or two good friends.

• Common myth: That introverts don't like people. Not true. They just prefer them one-on-one, especially if complex thinking and problem-solving is involved.

GAIL ROSENBLUM

Sources: Ed Diener, University of Illinois; Marti Olsen Laney and Michael Laney, co-authors of "The Introvert & Extrovert in Love."

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TASTE OF MINNESOTA - February 13, 2008

TASTE OF MINNESOTA - Food, music and "Kid Zone," with dancing, face painting and more (open 1 p.m.-9 p.m.). Fireworks start at 10 p.m. Event is open noon-10:40 p.m. Admission: After 3 p.m. daily, visitors 12-54 years old will need to pay a $10 admission fee and in return will be given $10 worth of food/drink tickets. Those older than 54 will pay $5 and get $5 in food/drink tickets, and kids 11 and younger are free with a paying adult. Harriet Island, Plato and Justus Ohage Boulevards, St. Paul. www.tasteofmn.com. More