Why Opposites Make the Best Friendships

My best friend is the party planner, the girls' weekend organizer. Every holiday, her house is covered in festive decorations. She actually invites people to her house to celebrate. Her fun-loving personality, vivacious laugh and irresistible charm puts her on center stage, no matter the venue. Where I, on the other hand prefer a quiet conversation in the corner that includes self-reflection, the contemplation of the meaning of life or the scientific explanation for the necessity of a spider's existence. One thing is for sure- while her head is thrown back and her eyes are closed and her most contagious laugh is filling the room, I've already found my seat next to the other introvert and I've planned the escape route, in case things get dicey. My friend wakes up bounding with energy and ready to conquer the world with her list of things to do. She wears cute outfits every day and puts on her makeup. Her hair is always perfect. At any given moment, she is ready to actually go somewhere or talk to people on FaceTime or even (gasp!) face-to face. Meanwhile, I have a "silence" rule the first hour of my day. Don't approach me until I've figured out how I'm feeling. If you must engage me in conversation, please do so in whispered tones. My daily attire consists of yoga pants or shorts, a t-shirt or a sweatshirt. I refuse to wear makeup most days because it suffocates my skin. My hair is usually unbrushed and pulled back in a not-so-cute messy bun. Don't get me wrong. We both care about humanity. We both love people. I just don't like talking to them.

And just like Farrah and Corrina's personalities were so different in the novel, 'Mixed', the same goes with ours. Every unique characteristic that would seem to make us incompatible has actually created a powerful bond that has endured for over thirty-five years.

We've Got all the Bases Covered.

I worry about everything. She worries about nothing. She reminds me to chill and to laugh at my own mistakes. I remind her to get that spot on her arm checked that she's been mentioning for the past two years. She urges me to get out and interact with people. I remind her to take some quiet time when she's tired from being everything to everyone. She loves Hallmark movies and vampire series. I can't stand to spend time on anything that isn't based in reality. But what I've learned about my extroverted friend, is that even she needs an escape every once in a while. When we travel together, she puts together the perfectly packed suitcase with the cutest outfit for every occasion. I throw everything I own in a bag so I can decide what I want to wear based on my unpredictable mood, but I know where we're going and how we'll get there. I make sure she stays safe and doesn't get lost. She believes everything she reads online. She's so pure in heart, she couldn't imagine why or how someone would tell a lie. I am suspicious of everything I read. I am the researcher, the analyst and I refuse to accept anything as truth until I've verified it using multiple, reputable sources.

Expanding Horizons

Friendships are often a catalyst for personal growth. An extrovert's zest for life can lead to exciting outings, while an introvert adds depth and reflection to these experiences. Together, they create opportunities for diverse adventures. Friendships between extroverts and introverts cultivate empathy. As they learn from each other's approaches to life, extroverts become more sensitive to the needs and feelings of introverts.

This mutual respect fosters deeper connections not just between these two types but across all personality spectrums. By understanding the value of both loud and quiet moments, they pave the way for a more compassionate world. In a diverse world, diverse friendships lead to richer experiences. The unique blend of extroversion and introversion can create a perfect harmony. Extroverts gain the gift of empathy and deeper listening skills, while introverts benefit from adventure and spontaneity.

So, extroverts, go find yourself an introvert and discover the benefits of a quiet space, self-reflection and a friend who will find the deeper meaning in every experience you share together. Introverts, take hold of that extroverted friend with the vivacious personality and never let go. She'll keep you you connected to the world. She'll keep you laughing until you can't breathe. She'll remind you not to take life too seriously.