An extrovert is someone who gains energy from being around other people and tends to feel most alive in social situations. While everyone enjoys friendship and connection, extroverts especially thrive when they're talking, playing, or working with others. After a busy day with friends, an extrovert usually feels energized and happy rather than drained.

You can often spot extroverts by how they approach the world. They typically enjoy meeting new people, speak up readily in class discussions, and prefer group projects to working alone. An extrovert might bounce back from a disappointing test by immediately calling a friend to talk about it, while someone less extroverted might need quiet time alone first.

The opposite of an extrovert is an introvert, someone who recharges their batteries through solitude and quiet reflection. Most people aren't completely one or the other but fall somewhere in between (sometimes called ambiverts). An extrovert isn't necessarily louder or more confident than anyone else. Rather, they simply feel more comfortable and energetic when they're surrounded by others. Understanding whether you lean toward being an extrovert or introvert can help you figure out what kinds of situations make you feel your best.