MBTI 101: Introversion-Extraversion
When you first find out your MBTI type it's most likely just a four-letter combination. What do they mean? What's the difference between between F and T? Does it even matter?
So, the first letter in each type is either I or E with I for Introversion and E for Extraversion (or extroversion). You've probably heard about that before in the context of "He's so introverted" about someone who's shy or "I can't stand being alone. I'm such an extravert". While there might be some truth in these statements it's not quite that simple. Extraversion and introversion are just words for people who either gain or drain energy on interacting with the outside world.
Introverts have a low threshold for stimulation. This is because they process impressions and information they gather on a very deep level and therefore can't handle much of it at the same time. (Like HQ pictures on your computer. They look amazing but they take up lots of memory) Not only does this generally make them very creative due to a vivid inner world, but also quiet, seemingly dull, reclusive and socially awkward to the people around them. Introverts usually aren't very social and prefer to have a few close relationships rather than loads of acquaintances. When find someone they connect with, it can last a life time.
Extraverts have a high stimulation threshold, As they handle information without the depth of introverts, it makes the whole process a lot faster. (Sticking with the picture metaphor, it's like decent-looking photos that you can just pile up) This lets them be more expressive and more exciting than introverts but also a lot more prone to boredom and loneliness. Often extraverts have tons of friends and acquaintances and feel "The more, the merrier".
These are of course stereotypes. Like most things in life, introversion-extraversion is a spectrum; you have the hermits and the party animals, but also a lot in between. Some extraverts are shy and some introverts love to hang out and that has nothing to do with whether they're an I or an E. Just because you're right-handed doesn't mean your left hand is just a slab of meat attached to your arm, am I right?