When it comes to relationships, there are more communication styles and personality differences than just "introvert" or "extrovert"
Introversion and extroversion don't really capture the nuance of how we approach socializing, solitude, and connection in our lives. From esearch and experiences there are four social styles that people generally fall under: butterfly, wallflower, firefly, and evergreen. Besides only looking at the quantity of connection a person craves, these styles also address the
"quality of connection that people prefer."
Here's what each style says about relationships — and why it's still good to push yourself out of your comfort zone, no matter where you fall.
Butterfly, happy with all kinds of talk
A nod to social butterfly, the butterfly personality style describes someone who likes a really high amount of interaction but is comfortable and happy with more casual connection. It doesn't mean that they only like small talk — butterflies are excited to get deep. They're just glad to be engaged in all types of conversations, and often.
Wallflower, content with some distance
As the name suggests, a wallflower is a bit more shy but really comfortable and happy with less frequent interaction. They can also be fine with more casual connections. Wallflowers often prefer staying out of the limelight, but that doesn't mean they enjoy feeling like floater friends. Like anyone else, they have the inner desire and ability to love and be loved.
Firefly, deep conversations with recharge time
Fireflies burn bright before disappearing into the night, describing someone who loves deeper interactions but also craves solitude. Firefly's love deep conversations with friends and family, whether one-on-one or in small groups. But also requires time to recharge alone.
Evergreen, a pro at opening up
Evergreen plants stay lush all year long, not just seasonally. Similarly, an evergreen is someone who likes a lot of frequent interaction, and also deeper. While they might look like butterflies at first glance, the kinds of conversations they have speak to their nature. Evergreens are the people who phone a best friend or parent every day.
Your social type should be flexible
There's no one perfect style, and each has pros and cons. That means there's value in stretching beyond what might be comfortable to explore what ultimately is best for each of us. For instance, more introverted styles like wallflowers and fireflies benefit from pushing themselves to socialize more. If you are a firefly, there may be times in your life when you feel most meaningfully connected are times when you socialize more than you would typically choose.
Meanwhile, if you're an extroverted style like an evergreen or butterfly, you should try to cultivate a connection with yourself and to prioritize some alone time as well. That way, you can go deep in the relationships that are most important.
Adapted from: Business Insider
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