i人还是e人

Hello everyone! Welcome to Simply Natural Chinese!

Hello everyone, I'm Ajie.

I'm Tiantian! Today we're going to talk about something super interesting — Introverts and Extroverts!

Yeah, this topic has been really popular lately.

Right! I've noticed a lot of people talking about whether they're introverts or extroverts. Ajie, which one do you think you are?

Well... I'd say I'm an introvert, but not someone who completely dislikes socializing.

Oh right, you're more in the middle? Then I'm a typical extrovert! Every time I go out with friends, I'm especially happy!

I can tell — you seem really energetic when you talk.

Thanks, haha! So today let's really dig into what makes introverts and extroverts different.

Sure, I'd also like to hear how others see this.

First, let's explain what introverts and extroverts are. Actually, this comes from the MBTI personality test.

Right, I stands for Introvert, the inward-focused type; E stands for Extrovert, the outward-focused type.

Simply put, extroverts get energy from being with others, while introverts recharge when they're alone.

Right, after work I love just being home alone. That feeling is so relaxing.

Really? The last thing I want after work is to be alone! I'd be so bored.

So you're a typical extrovert.

Exactly! My roommate says I'm a "social butterfly" — the more people, the happier I am, haha.

"Social butterfly"... I hardly ever hear that expression anymore.

It means the more people around, the more excited you get! You're not like that?

Totally the opposite. When there are lots of people, I get a bit nervous and don't know what to say.

So what do you usually do after work?

Usually I go home, cook, read, or play games.

Alone? You don't go out to meet friends?

Sometimes, but not every day. Honestly, going out once or twice a week is enough.

Oh my god, I have to go out every single day! Otherwise I'd suffocate!

Haha, really? Every day?

Yeah! Yesterday I went for milk tea with classmates, the day before I went to the library, the day before that I played basketball...

Your schedule is way busier than mine.

Because I feel like being alone is a waste of time!

But I think being alone gives you time to think properly, or do things you enjoy.

That's true... Sometimes when I'm out all the time, I don't have time to think about what I actually want.

Right, being alone is actually really good for you.

Hmm, I kind of get what you're saying. Do you ever feel lonely?

Loneliness and being alone are different. I choose to be alone, not because I don't have friends.

Oh! That's a really important distinction!

A lot of people think introverts have no friends, but that's not true. We just don't need people around us all the time.

Exactly! I have a friend who's really introverted, but her friendships are incredibly high quality.

Right, introverts usually have fewer friends, but the bonds are deeper.

It's different for extroverts — I know a lot of people, but... some relationships are more superficial.

That's not a bad thing either — every kind of relationship has its own meaning.

Ajie, how do you feel at gatherings?

It depends. If it's friends I know well, it's fine. If there are a lot of strangers... it gets a bit tiring.

Tired? How can socializing make you tired?

For introverts, socializing consumes energy.

But for me, socializing is recharging! The more I chat, the more energized I feel.

So our energy sources are completely different.

That's really fascinating. What do you do after a gathering?

I need to rest, spend a few hours alone before I feel recovered.

After a gathering, I'll still be texting and chatting with friends! haha.

You don't need to recover?

Nope! When I get home I still want to keep chatting, but nobody's there to talk to — kind of a bummer.

So extroverts really need stimulation and interaction.

Exactly! Quiet is actually a kind of pressure for me.

Ha, for me quiet is a pleasure.

That's our difference! Really interesting. How do you interact with colleagues at work?

I prefer one-on-one conversations or small group discussions. I don't really like speaking up in big meetings.

But I love speaking up in class! Whenever the teacher asks a question, I raise my hand.

I prefer to have my thoughts clear first, and by then sometimes the opportunity is gone.

Yeah, sometimes you might have great ideas but nobody knows.

Right, that's a weakness of introverts. But over time I've learned — important things still get said.

So how do you make new friends?

Mostly through work, or introduced by old friends.

You don't take the initiative to meet strangers?

Not really... unless there's a specific reason, like a shared interest.

It's different for me! I can make friends even while standing in line.

In line? haha, really?

Yeah! Last time I went to buy a limited edition milk tea, I waited in line for two hours, started talking to the girl in front of me, and we're still in touch now.

That's... probably not something I could do.

Why? Do you feel uncomfortable talking to strangers?

It's not uncomfortable, I just don't know where to start.

It's simple! Just say "Are you here for this too?" and you're off!

You make it sound easy, but I'd probably overthink it.

Think about what?

Like, does this person even want to chat? Will they think I'm weird?

Wow, introverts really overthink a lot!

Yeah, we have a lot of "inner drama" going on in our heads.

Honestly, most people don't think it's weird. Chatting is nice!

Yeah, you're right. Maybe I need more practice.

When you work, do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?

I prefer working alone — I can focus and it's harder to get interrupted.

But I like working with others! Doing things together feels more energetic.

Teamwork sometimes wastes time for me because coordinating lots of people takes effort.

But there's strength in numbers! Brainstorming together produces more ideas.

That's true, brainstorming might work better for extroverts.

Right! Things I can't figure out alone, I just talk through with a friend and get inspired.

For me, I get more ideas when I'm quietly alone.

So introverts can work from home fine, but extroverts would find it really tough!

Haha, I really am suited for remote work.

I took online classes from home for a whole semester and nearly had a breakdown.

Oh? Why?

It was too quiet! Without classmates around, I felt like I had no motivation to study.

I found online classes really convenient — no commute, more freedom with my time.

You're really an introvert! haha. So do you prefer studying at the library or at home?

At home — quiet, comfortable, coffee. Perfect.

I like going to cafés! People walking around, background music — it feels more lively.

Cafés are too noisy for me — I can't concentrate.

That buzz and activity is what makes me feel comfortable!

Everyone just needs to find what works for them.

When you travel, how do you like to do it?

I like solo travel or small trips with just two or three people — slow and unhurried.

I like going with a big group! The more the merrier.

Traveling with a big group... must be hard to coordinate, right?

It is a bit of a hassle, but super fun! We take photos together, eat together.

I prefer deciding where to go on my own — go when I want, stop when I want.

Don't you get bored? Traveling alone?

Not at all. Solo travel is actually really freeing, and you can really observe your surroundings.

Oh, I never thought of it that way.

When you travel with others, everyone chats the whole time, so you actually don't have time to soak in the local atmosphere.

Hmm... you're right. But I just love having company!

Both types of travel have their merits — it depends on what you want at the time.

Right! Sometimes I want to wander quietly alone too, but I can't last too long.

Can't last how long?

About half a day, and then I need to talk to someone!

Haha, I can happily be alone for days.

You're impressive! I can't do that. Don't you want to share what you see?

I do, but I just take photos and share them with friends later.

I post to my social media right there! Real-time sharing!

Ha, that's also an extrovert trait — enjoying instant interaction.

So what do you do when you're stressed?

Usually I deal with it myself — maybe go for a run or listen to music, I don't really like venting to others.