How Can an Introvert and Extrovert Have a Great Relationship?

You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not.
― Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper

According to popular belief, introverts are those who are shy, nervous, apprehensive, and basically loners. But that's not really true, because they are the types who feel happiest when they are with themselves.

Rumors about how they hate company and are antisocial is utter hogwash! They enjoy company just like extroverts do; it's just that they take time to open up to people.

Extroverts, on the other hand, love company. They get energized when they are around people.

It's like they thrive on getting and giving attention to others. I am not saying this is a bad way at all, because this exact quality of theirs draws people to them, making them loved by everyone around them.

Opposites attract, and this theory is absolutely personified in the case of an introvert-extrovert relationship. The chemistry and dynamics in this relationship is phenomenal, making the kinship very enjoyable. The following points may help in giving you a broader aspect on how to make such a relationship work.

Every time any serious issue pops up, do you have the tendency to shut yourself up from your better half? Do you do your own introspection, but keep him/her out of the loop? That's the first thing that extroverts find annoying.

They have this need to be told about things that are happening in your life. By shutting yourself up, all you are doing is just making matters worse. Open out to your special someone, share your problems, discuss things, 'cause you never know, you might just get the best solution to your problem by doing so!

Being the extrovert in the relationship, it's in your basic nature to be very open and vociferous about your thoughts, and you usually do that with your friends. Well buddy, that's where you go wrong. Even though introverts are in their own world most of the time, either reading or thinking, they feel special if you talk to only them about your problems.

They need someone to share things with them, so that they can reciprocate it. Confronting your partner is another big no-no; instead be calm and have a nice chat with them regarding whatever issue you are facing. Being an extrovert is wonderful because you have the power to bring your introvert partner out of their shell.

The best thing to do here for introverts as well as extroverts (to avoid conflict) is to make a small compromise. The introvert can open themselves out a little and host a few gatherings of a small group of people, and the extrovert can help out wherever he/she can to make the other more comfortable.

Instead of having a party every week, you can limit the frequency to every alternate week instead. Try not to overload your introvert partner with too many social obligations; instead ease them into the whole social scene.

The extrovert can also suggest small romantic dinners or outings, just so that the introvert feels special (introverts love romantic and cozy scenes).

Show the introvert the joy of going out and letting their hair down once in a while! On the other hand, the introvert can also do a few things like showing and explaining to the extrovert the good aspects of having some time alone.

After a hard day's work, most introverts just love coming home and spending at least an hour with themselves, to cool down and gather their thoughts. In such cases, the extroverts can run their partner a nice bath, or keep a cup of tea or coffee ready for them. These are small gestures, but they never go unnoticed.

But sometimes, especially with younger couples, the introvert comes home, expecting some peace and quietness, but the extrovert ends up bombarding him/her with questions about their day.

Even though this is done in good spirits, it just ends up leading to the infamous 'silent treatment' or a fight. Instead, give your partner his space, and things will always be good that way.

Instead of flaring up if you come home to someone asking you too many questions, you could just come home, try to clear your thoughts, gather your energy, and then be ready with arms wide open for all the inquisitions.

Introvert-extrovert relationships also cover friendships. They make amazing and long-lasting friends. How? Extroverts help bring the introverts out of their cocoon, by making them open up. They introduce them to people, make them comfortable around others, and show them a different way of living, by making them have fun in life.

The introvert, on the other hand, influences the extrovert in such a way that he becomes more focused, grounded, and serious about what he wants out of life.

Where the extrovert shows the introvert a broader aspect of life and how to enjoy being around people, the introvert shows the extrovert how small things in life are important. Both influence each other in a way that both personalities get balanced, and each flourish in their professional and personal life because of it.

The bottom line is that if you love your partner or friend, you will always see the good in your relationship. It does not matter, who the introvert or extrovert is in your relationship; all that matters is that you'll care about each other and are willing to do anything to put a smile on your partner's face.