Are you an introvert or an extrovert? And what does it mean?
You may have heard the terms introvert and extrovert before. And you may already know which term best describes you. But if all this is sounding very confusing to you - don’t worry! Here at Bitesize, we’ve created a handy guide that explains exactly what these terms mean. We’ll also help you figure out which category you fall into, and how to find a nice balance between the two!
1. What is an introvert?
Put simply, an introvert is someone who prefers an inner world of their own thoughts and feelings, rather than external social stimulation. People may say an introvert is a “quiet” person and they might prefer being alone, or in small groups rather than large social circles. If they do spend time at busy, louder events, they may need some time alone afterwards to “recharge”. They might prefer solo work and hobbies that they can do in their own time, and they are more likely to think about something before they speak and may prefer written communication.
Just because you might fall into the introvert category does not mean you are shy or lack in confidence. But check out this handy guide for some great tips on how to negotiate and talk to other if you are an introvert.
2. What is an extrovert?
An extrovert is the opposite of an introvert. They prefer external social interaction rather than focusing deeply on internal thoughts and feelings. People around them might say they are outgoing or confident in situations with others – whether they know them or not.
They are often talkative and enthusiastic and get their energy from socialising, rather than spending time alone. Extroverts might also thrive in group or team-based work and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts to others in these settings.
3. What does FOMO stand for?
Most of us have heard of FOMO – which stands for the ‘fear of missing out’. Did you know that the term was actually first used as far back as 2004, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Its official definition is “fear of missing out, anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website”.
If you’re an extrovert, and you enjoy being out and about with friends, family or even meeting new people the second you have any spare time, you have probably encountered FOMO. It can be difficult not to compare your life to someone else’s, especially if you’ve ever scrolled through social media and felt that other people are doing things in their day that look more exciting than your own. It’s normal to feel anxious or upset that you might be missing out on something.
Remember, if you’re experiencing these feelings, you’re not alone. It’s important to keep in mind that people only tend to post the highlights of their days on Instagram or TikTok, but that’s not likely to be an accurate picture of what’s going on.
Check out some other TikTok phrases you need to know.
4. What does JOMO stand for?
Ever been unable to attend an event you’ve been invited to and instead of feeling upset about missing it, you’ve actually felt… happy? Well, that’s JOMO, also known as the ‘joy of missing out’. And it’s basically the opposite of FOMO!
You might see people on social media out at gigs, shopping, trying new restaurants, or heading to the cinema with friends, and while it might look like fun, you wouldn’t swap it for a night at home, tucked up under a blanket on the sofa. And that’s completely fine! Creating some time where you have no plans, to spend on your own or with your family is important. It might mean you have time to do an activity – like arts and crafts, or maybe you can indulge in a bit of self-care, listen to music or read a book. And while some of your joy might come from scrolling on your phone, remember to mix in other things too. Take our quiz to see if you're spending too much time on your devices.
5. Hang on, what does ROMO stand for?
ROMO has been coined most recently by none other than Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy, and if we’re honest, it’s quite similar to JOMO, with a little twist. When asked about whether he had FOMO because he had not been involved in the latest film, The Odyssey, from director Christopher Nolan (who Murphy has worked with several times over the years), Murphy came up with a brand new acronym.
“No, I have ROMO – relief of missing out,” he told a journalist.
So, which term suits you best? Remember, you might not fit in just one category - and it might just depend on the day as to how sociable you're feeling! If you've found a balance, good for you! If you would like to know more about finding that balance in life, we've got some articles you can check out!
