“Get your shoes on, we’re heading out! You can’t hide forever!”
My best friend, Sam, shouted from the hallway. I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. The idea of going out to yet another social gathering was the last thing I wanted after a long week.
Sam and I had been friends since college, and while I appreciated his outgoing nature, sometimes it felt like too much. He knew I preferred staying in with a good book or watching Netflix, but somehow, he always managed to convince me to tag along on his adventures.
At first, I dreaded it. Socializing drained me, and I wasn’t exactly the life of the party. But over time, something changed. Sam’s persistence pulled me out of my shell in ways I didn’t expect.
I found myself connecting with people more easily, feeling less anxious in social settings, and, dare I say it, enjoying these outings. Sam’s extroverted energy brought me a sense of balance that I never realized I needed.
Having an extroverted best friend is a true blessing because they can help you become more social and expand your network in ways you might not achieve on your own.
Well, today I will discuss 7 reasons why you should have extroverted best friends.
1.Balancing Social Energy
Introverts tend to recharge by spending time alone, while extroverts gain energy from social interactions. This difference can actually create a harmonious balance in a friendship.
While I would happily spend hours in solitude, he would always be ready for the next social gathering. At first, I resisted, but over time, his enthusiasm rubbed off on me.
I found that after spending time with people, even though it was draining at times, I felt more positive and energized. Having an extroverted best friend creates a balance. Extroverts love getting out there and meeting people, while introverts like us prefer the quiet. However, this balance is key.
Research published in the Journal of Research in Personality (2020) showed that introverts who occasionally “acted extroverted” reported feeling happier afterward. Essentially, stepping out of your comfort zone for brief periods can boost your mood and having an extroverted friend is the perfect way to make that happen.
Your extroverted friend can push you just enough to help you enjoy social interactions without feeling overwhelmed. They balance out your energy by encouraging you to embrace social situations when you wouldn’t naturally choose to.
2.Improved Communication Skills
Introverts are great listeners, but sometimes we struggle to express our thoughts in larger groups. I’ve always found it easier to listen than to speak up in group settings.
Sam, on the other hand, is the kind of person who can walk into a room and start a conversation with anyone. Over time, being around him taught me how to express myself more confidently. I’d watch him navigate conversations with ease, and before long, I started adopting some of those skills myself.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that introverts in leadership positions improved their communication skills after spending time with extroverted colleagues.
By observing how extroverts naturally express their thoughts, introverts can learn to communicate more effectively without feeling pressured. Having an extroverted friend allows you to pick up on communication strategies that help you speak more confidently, whether it’s in a social setting or a professional one.
You’ll become more comfortable expressing your thoughts and ideas openly.
3.Building Social Confidence
I used to feel a wave of anxiety whenever Sam invited me to a party or social event.
The idea of walking into a room full of strangers was enough to make me want to stay home. But Sam never let me hide for long. He’d always convince me to come along, and little by little, I started feeling more at ease in these situations.
It’s like a muscle—you build social confidence by exercising it. This ties into the psychological concept of “Exposure Therapy.” The more you expose yourself to anxiety-inducing situations, like social gatherings, the less intimidating they become over time.
Sam was my exposure therapy in human form who always gently pushed me into social situations until they started feeling less overwhelming.
With your extroverted best friend by your side, you’ll gradually build the social confidence you need to feel more comfortable in a variety of situations, from parties to work meetings.
They’ll help you navigate these events in a way that feels less stressful over time.
4.Expanding Your Social Network
As an introvert, I’ve always been content with a small circle of close friends. I value deep connections, and I’m not one for large social circles.
But extroverts are natural connectors. They love meeting new people and expanding their social networks, and having an extroverted best friend means you’ll automatically get introduced to more people than you would on your own.
Research from Harvard University found that people with larger, more diverse social networks are 58% more likely to succeed in their careers.
Networking is crucial in today’s world, whether you’re looking for new job opportunities or just trying to grow personally. Sam introduced me to people I never would have met on my own, some of whom became close friends and even professional connections.
Your extroverted friend can open doors to new relationships, from friendships to professional networks. Having access to a wider range of people can benefit you socially and in your career.
5.Emotional Growth and Adaptability
As introverts, we tend to internalize our emotions, reflecting on our feelings quietly. Extroverts, on the other hand, are more likely to express their emotions openly.
This difference can help introverts like us grow emotionally. I learned this firsthand with Sam when he’d encourage me to talk about what was on my mind, even when I preferred to keep things to myself.
Over time, I became more comfortable sharing my feelings and opening up in ways I hadn’t before.
Carl Jung’s psychological theory of introversion and extroversion explains that these two personality types need each other to achieve balance. While introverts reflect deeply, extroverts express their emotions outwardly, creating a harmonious blend that fosters emotional growth and adaptability.
An extroverted best friend helps you break out of your emotional bubble, encouraging you to share and process your feelings. This leads to emotional growth and a better ability to handle challenges.
6.Exposure to New Experiences
Before Sam came along, my weekends were pretty predictable— staying in, reading, and maybe watching a movie or two. But Sam is the kind of person who lives for adventure.
He’d drag me out for spontaneous road trips, try new restaurants, or even suggest random activities like kayaking. At first, I resisted. But looking back, some of the best experiences of my life came from Sam’s insistence on trying something new.
A 2018 study in Personality and Individual Differences found that even introverts feel satisfaction from engaging in new experiences. While we might approach them differently, stepping out of routine can bring joy and personal growth, even for the most introverted among us.
Your extroverted friend will push you to embrace new experiences that you might have otherwise missed. These opportunities can stimulate creativity, bring you joy, and help you grow in unexpected ways.
7.Better Problem-Solving
Sam and I approach problems completely differently. I like to take my time, analyze every detail, and think things through.
Sam, on the other hand, is quick to act and come up with creative solutions on the spot. At first, this difference felt like a clash. But I soon realized that our opposite approaches actually complement each other. He’d come up with a creative idea, and I’d refine it with careful thinking.
Research from the University of California, Berkeley, shows that diverse perspectives in problem-solving, like those between introverts and extroverts, lead to a 30% improvement in group performance.
Our different ways of thinking ended up creating a better outcome than if I’d approached problems on my own. Your extroverted best friend will offer quick, creative solutions while you bring deep reflection to the table.
Together, you’ll find balanced, well-rounded answers to life’s challenges.
