Extrovert-Introvert couples: recipe for disaster or bliss?

Some argue that dating an introvert is the best move an extrovert could make. Opposites attract, after all. If couples are meant to complement each other, then it can’t be bad that one partner likes to talk and the other likes to listen or that one likes being laid back and the other delights in being the centre of attention for both of them.

Introverts and extroverts can make compatible, dynamic couples, yet this is not always the case. This combination may however go wrong in a situation where the couples do not understand their unique needs.

Extroverts get charged up by being around people. They like to hang out with other people, which is how they recharge their mental and emotional batteries. Introvert, on the other hand, gets their energy from solitary.

Quiet and contemplative activities is what charges. And introvert may often need time to be alone regardless of how much they are crazy about you. They may not be excited about going to a party with you because large groups and active socializing can be draining for them.

For a relationship to work, the extrovert must understand this about their partner and be willing to give them some alone time. The introvert should be willing to do some of the social events with their partner even though they would rather not.

An Introvert may see their extrovert partner as insecure or needy for wanting to spend more time with them or around people. The need for an extrovert to have people around is not a clear sign of insecurity or neediness, they just enjoy spending time with others.

Being willing to consider your partner’s need will help you not to criticize, judge of dismiss their preferences. When your friends call him antisocial for wanting to stay home and you don’t make him feel like you understand him and go ahead to complain, you are inviting a fight.

Telling your girlfriend going to parties and other social gathering is a complete waste of time and you don’t get why she does it will upset or hurt her.

An introvert-extrovert relationship cannot survive without the willingness of both partners to compromise. My partner is an extrovert, when he enters a room, everyone notices him, he goes around to talk to everyone but when we go to a function together, he makes sure that he finds me a comfortable corner to hang out and often come back to my table to check how I am feeling.

When he sees that I have had enough, he take me home. This way, he satisfies he need for interaction and he supports me in my need to stay away from large groups of people.

Certainly, personality differences can complicate dating. But really, your differences are a barrier to a fulfilling relationship only if you allow them to be.

Get a good balance, if you understand that too much seclusion will make an extrovert get restless the same way too much socializing will exhaust the introvert, you both will find way to take care of your partner’s needs. An introvert-extrovert couple have the potential of bring out the best in each other.

Many successful couples are introvert-extrovert pairs but until you have understood your differences, you are going to waste a lot of time fighting.

By By Dormaa Yeboah