Are you a social butterfly, or do you shy away from crowds? Sociable people create lively conversation and adventuresome friendships. They always seem to be bubbly and ready to have fun. These folks have several traits that make them crowd lovers.
Extroversion is the need to relate to others best in a group situation. Introversion personalities are usually loners and only interact with others on an as-needed basis. You may see yourself in one personality or a mixture of traits.
First, you needn’t be ashamed if you’re an introvert. You’re still just as intelligent, gifted, and compassionate as a friendly person. Introverts need more solitude to recharge themselves.
According to an article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Carl Jung designated the introversion and extroversion personality types. However, Jung believed that most people were ambiverts, meaning they could be either.
Do you prefer to be friends with an introvert or an outgoing person? Which personality makes the best friend to have? The answer may surprise you. Either personality type could be your best friend.
It depends on understanding each other and someone’s outlook on life. If you want an outgoing, bubbly partner, then an extrovert might be for you. For one-on-one friendships, introverts might be better.
The Fifteen Key Traits of a People Person
How do you know if your personality is mainly sociable? Many of the traits are apparent, and some are a bit subtle. Here are fifteen characteristics that suggest that you are a social butterfly.
1. If You Are a People Person, You Shine Best in a Crowd
When you’re a people person, you don’t shy away from crowds. You’re at your best when you’re mingling in a group. Even if you don’t know anybody in the room, you’re not too shy to introduce yourself and interact naturally.
The only downside to being so people-oriented is that you often feel lonely. You usually don’t spend much time relaxing alone at home, even on the weekends. Being among a group of chatty pals revives your spirits and satisfies you.
2. You’re a Skilled Conversationalist
A valuable benefit from being an outgoing person is that you’ve honed your conversational skills. Your fascination with socializing probably began at a young age. Sociable children are often just as comfortable talking with adults as with their peers.
You’ve also discovered how essential it’s to have active listening skills. While you do have the gift of gab, you are genuinely interested in what others have to say. You maintain open body language, and others gravitate to your positive energy.
3. You Have Varied Interests
Since your best conversations are in a group, you can’t run out of subjects to discuss. Fortunately, you’re a people person who is probably a voracious reader and is well-traveled. Also, you glean knowledge from conversing with people from many walks of life.
While you may not be a walking encyclopedia, you can often discuss various subjects intelligently. You may have many hobbies and interests and are eager to learn more. You’re a student of life who will be perpetually in class.
4. You Know a Lot of People
Sociable people have an inept skill for networking, so you’re bound to know hundreds of people. You’re the person who addresses those who work in public by name. As the old saying goes, you never meet a stranger.
Ironically, many of your professional and social connections may be superficial. You have tons of acquaintances, and your social media friends list is overflowing. However, you may tend to have few close friends that you’ve had for years.
5. A People Person Likes to Take Risks
As a people person, you’re used to interacting with others, which boosts your esteem. You also pay particular attention to their stories and examples. If your friends can take risks successfully, you suppose that you can do it, too.
In an article published by Behavioral Brain Science, R. A. Depue and P. F. Collins discuss the link between extraversion and incentive motivation. They found that sociable people get a burst of dopamine when they take risks, perceiving this as a reward. So, these folks are more apt to be daring to get more pleasure and happiness.
6. You Adapt Well
If being around others is your passion, then you’ve learned to adapt early in life. You may have been the new kid in school, but you soon found your place. While introverted people may be overwhelmed with changes and unfamiliar faces, you take it in stride.
You are flexible and aren’t afraid to try new ideas and techniques. Although a set of principles and opinions guides you, you can respect other viewpoints. Sociable people can usually find a level of comfort in most situations with some adaptations.
7. You Are Usually Optimistic if You Are a People Person
Party poopers aren’t extremely popular in a crowd, but that’s not your issue. Another attractive trait of a people person is your positivity. While you still have the occasional blues, you tend to be upbeat, and it’s contagious.
Your genuine smile also displays your optimism. You don’t dwell in a fantasy world, but you generally see the best in people and situations. According to the law of attraction, your positive affirmations attract more positive things to you.
8. You Can Discuss Your Feelings
Whether you’re in a group of people or chatting with your best friend, you’re not afraid to share your feelings. Sociable people usually tune with their inner voice and don’t stifle emotions. Your gift of conversation helps you be genuine with others about your deepest thoughts and feelings.
9. You Don’t Need a Lot of Solitude
Introverted people are more comfortable when they’re spending time alone. A people person takes the occasional break from the world, but not often. Sometimes, a solo trip to the market or a solitary walk-in nature is all you need to recharge.
You find that your hobbies are even more enjoyable when you’re doing them with other people. When the solitude gets too much, you’re the first to grab your phone or jump on social media. There are times when you must be alone, but you refuse to be lonely.
10. You Are a Natural Leader
Since friendly people like you connect well with others, you probably have natural leadership qualities. You’re comfortable in a group, express yourself well, and want everyone involved. Friends and coworkers also consider your empathetic ear and willingness to find solutions.
11. Your Self-Confidence is High
When you reminisce about your high school prom, you recall two types of people. Sociable kids were laughing, dancing, and having a wonderful time. The shy “wallflowers” were on the sidelines who could only watch others having fun.
It’s not that the friendly ones were more attractive or were better dancers. They had more self-confidence because of their interactive skills. If you were one of those fun-loving dancers, your confidence probably followed you into adulthood.
12. You Don’t Have Problems Finding Dates
Although some people find a bashful date alluring, they are few. Most folks are attracted to vibrant personalities who are excellent conversationalists. If this is you, you’ve probably never had many problems finding potential love interests?
13. Others Don’t Have To Guess What a People Person Is Thinking
It’s hard to have a professional or personal relationship with people who can’t or won’t communicate. It’s a perpetual game of “guess what I’m thinking,” which only builds frustration. When you’re a people person, you don’t have problems conveying your thoughts and opinions.
However, this positive attribute can have negative consequences when you reveal too much. Some of your past experiences and opinions are best kept to yourself. It takes discretion and tact to be open without being blatant.
14. You Probably Have Better Job Opportunities
Another benefit of being a people person is your knack for networking. It usually doesn’t take long to develop a good rapport with coworkers, bosses, and clients. You can articulate your skills and experience well, which can help with promotions or other job opportunities.
15. You Work Best in People-Oriented Careers
Working with others is what makes friendly folks thrive in their careers. While most introverted people enjoy solitary jobs, you would dread such work. Instead, friendly people like you gravitate toward people-oriented careers.
You would excel in any job where the focus was people. It could be helping careers like medicine, law, education, or counseling. You’d also be a natural success in sales, customer service, or training.
Final Thoughts on the Traits of a People Person
It takes a variety of personalities for the world to function, both introverts and extroverts. If you are your best in a crowd, you have natural gifts to help you professionally and personally. You’ll never be without a friend or a meaningful conversation.