Extroverted HSPs – characteristics and consequences
Don't feel like reading? Here you can watch the post as a video.
Especially extroverted, highly sensitive people are often unsure whether they are truly highly sensitive. The common descriptions only ever partially apply to them. In this article, you will learn how to recognize whether you are an extroverted, highly sensitive person and what the specific challenges are. .
On research about extroverted, highly sensitive people
According to Aron, the developer of the model of High Sensitivity , 30 percent of the highly sensitive are extroverted . Very little can be found in specialized books about extroverted highly sensitive people.
In the following, you will learn typical characteristics in which extroversion manifests itself and how these affect life.
For better understanding, in several places I contrast the behavior of extroverted and introverted highly sensitive people, because this makes it clearer what challenges arise due to extroversion.
Extroverted highly sensitive people are outgoing
They are open towards people and find it easy to connect. While small talk is not the ultimate fulfillment for them, it is still not difficult for them either. They use it to transition into deeper conversations. While introverted highly sensitive people prefer to be with one to two people, extroverted ones appreciate HSP being together with larger groups as well. There, they actively get involved and potentially take on leadership roles. They like being the center of attention and enjoy the spotlight, though they only find this pleasant to a limited extent. They perceive being together in groups as extroverted highly sensitive people as inspiring.
The batteries of extroverted HSPs last longer
Compared to introverted HSPs, they can energetically enjoy being together for longer periods and feel comfortable at social events as well. Due to their high sensitivity, however, they also need times when they can withdraw alone.
Most extroverted, highly sensitive people have a higher tolerance for many impressions and larger crowds.
Extroverted Highly Sensitive Persons and Friendships
While introverts can usually count their friends on one hand, extroverted HSPs usually have several acquaintances in addition to selected friends, with whom contact is more superficial. Often these contacts are very diverse and thus cover different needs. Because of this, they appear rather introverted to some friends and acquaintances, and rather extroverted to others.
The strong impulsive power of extroverted highly sensitive people
Extroverted highly sensitive people are characterized by a strong impulse force. This manifests itself in various areas. While introverted HSPs first think, weigh, and reflect before taking action, extroverts act in the exact opposite way. That is why they are also very spontaneous and enthusiastic. Through their outwardly expressed enthusiasm, they sweep others along with them. Extroverted HSPs are often good motivators.
You make decisions quickly and are also willing to take risks. These are subsequently reflected upon and, if necessary, corrected or discarded.
While introverted HSPs think first before they say something, extroverted, highly sensitive people also show this impulse power here. They often say what they think without thinking and wear their heart on their sleeve. Paired with the ability inherent to most highly sensitive people to observe and assess people very well, they hit the nail on the head with their statements in conflicts, which does not always make them friends.
Extroverted highly sensitive people are practically minded
Their impulsive drive also ensures that they roll up their sleeves when there is something to do. They tend to be the practitioners. This is also reflected in the fact that they only read instruction manuals when they get stuck.
Extroverted HSPs learn through "trial and error." They act, then reflect on the effects, and return to action accordingly.
Extroverted, highly sensitive people are very good at focusing their attention. At the same time, however, they are also easily distracted. Most of the time, though, they return to their original task.
Great versatility
They like to talk and think out loud. Due to their high sensitivity, however, they are also good listeners. In general, highly sensitive people think on multiple levels at the same time. Thinking is a great strength of highly sensitive people.
In extroverted HSPs, this thinking can be very intricately nested. They are experts at thinking outside the box. Sometimes this seems very confusing and is hard to follow. However, if you ask more closely, there is a very sophisticated logic behind it.
The creativity of extroverted, highly sensitive people
Highly sensitive people are usually very creative. While introverts are very creative in optimizing existing things, the strength of extroverts lies in creating new things.
Desire for something new
In addition, they love new things. New activities, new people, new places, etc. ...
They are, so to speak, curious in the literal sense. Mundane routine is very tiring for them, variety is inspiring and invigorating. That is why you can also find many scanner personalities among the extroverted highly sensitive people. Scanner personalities love impulses. It is important for them to learn new things, gladly also things where they have no prior experience at all.
Actually, all extroverted HSPs are ambiverted
Strictly speaking, all extroverted highly sensitive people are ambiverted because they carry both an introverted AND an extroverted part within them. Therefore, introverted traits apply to them just as much. This is a wonderful combination because the strengths from both areas are available to them. To make the most of these advantages, good self-perception and social awareness are very important. If these skills are not yet sufficiently developed, there is a possibility that we might use our introverted skills in situations where extroverted behavior would be more sensible, and vice versa.
An example:
Let us take the ambiversated, highly sensitive Claudia as an example. She works at MediaMarkt in the computer department. When she uses her skills helpfully, as an extroverted HSP she approaches her customer warmly and openly, and you can sense her enthusiasm for the products and her work. This gives the customer a positive basic feeling. Then Claudia uses her introverted skills. She listens attentively and empathetically, allowing her to recommend a product that matches the customer's needs. For this, Claudia blends her abilities. She reflects the customer's needs and explains, warmly and with conviction, how the product precisely satisfies the customer's needs. The customer goes home with a suitable product and the feeling of having been well advised.
Ambiversion has great advantages
This might sound trivial now. However, if Claudia does not use her ambiverted skills to suit the situation, the situation will likely develop quite differently.
If she were to act only introverted, she would rather wait until the customer approaches her. Not every customer does that on their own. And then there might not even be a consultation.
If she only uses her extroverted skills, contact is made, but Claudia then fails to address the customer's needs. She will likely recommend a product that suits herself. The probability that the customer ultimately does not buy, or regrets the purchase afterwards, is significantly higher.
Many of my extroverted, highly sensitive clients work very successfully in sales; thanks to their skills, they are great sales talents.
Are you using your skills appropriately?
What I observe more frequently in my work with extroverted highly sensitive people, however, is that they sometimes use their abilities in opposing ways. This happens when we have difficulties in self-perception and perception of others.
If you are highly sensitive and extroverted, I invite you to scan your behavior and see to what extent you manage to use your introverted and extroverted skills appropriately. If you notice that it is not always easy for you to use them helpfully, scan your behavior several times a day. This can help you use your skills more consciously.
High-sensation-seeking has nothing to do with high sensitivity
If damage to the nervous system has occurred as a result of developmental trauma, another phenomenon may develop. Disrupted biochemical processes can lead to a kind of addiction to new experiences, combined with very intense emotions. These individuals are called High Sensation Seekers, also known as HSS. High Sensation Seekers love "action" and need variety. They are always on the lookout for the next thrill. Unlike the scanner personalities mentioned earlier, here the intense, emotional thrill is the driving force.
What it takes:
When we are ambiverted, it is wonderful that we can enjoy both the introverted and the extroverted advantages. It is easier for us to adapt to situations, and we can achieve a lot through our variety of skills. The introverted, highly sensitive part ensures that we develop things that are well-founded, socially and ethically reflected, and well-thought-out, which we then actually put into action through our extroverted impulse power.
Provided we pay attention to our needs and give both the introverted and the extroverted part of us enough space.
Are you unsure if this applies to you? My Test for high sensitivity gives you an initial orientation.
