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."