Extroverts. The talkers. The social butterflies. The ones who just won't shut up. The label given socially and psychologically to those who are recharged by being around people.

I love being an extrovert. I have always been chatty, and somewhat pride myself in being able to hold a conversation with most anyone. Yes, I probably can with that tree over there too. Regardless, there are some things I have realized I want to communicate with everyone regarding what we extroverts are all about.

I realize not everything I say is indicative of every extrovert since we are all unique, but these are seven things I wish everyone would know:

1. We can actually be quiet sometimes.

Yes, sometimes we can be introverted too. *gasp* What a shocker, I know. Though we extroverts might be known as “the life of the party,” we too can be quiet and keep to ourselves. But the real kicker is: we can be quiet and everything will be okay. One struggle I have with being an extrovert is people assuming something is wrong just because I'm quiet. For the most part, that isn't the case at all. Having a big personality comes with the expectation of always being bubbly and chatty, but we won't, and can't, always maintain that. Sometimes we like quiet and silence too.

2. Being around people is a necessity, not just to hog the attention.

Something I wish people knew is that extroverts are actually energized by being around people. We need people to interact and engage with us. We crave company and conversation, but not in a controlling way, even though we recognize it may look that way. We don't want the attention on purpose (albeit some people do).

3. We over-exaggerate. A lot.

Extroverts always use hyperboles. We can't help we’re very excited and like to invite others along with us. If it was “THE best” experience we just had, we want to share our excitement make you feel like you were there too. We like to tell stories and paint pictures with our words, so being a little over-the-top is expected.

4. We don't always have to be the ones talking.

We actually get sick of hearing ourselves talk. We do realize that conversations actively involve at least two people, so listening and getting to know someone else is equally energizing. I've heard it said that giving another person attention by listening is like talking with your eyes. You can connect and be engaged with another person, even by simply listening.

5. Communication is incredibly important.

Let me say that again. Communication is incredibly important. That is a rule of life in general, but especially for an extrovert because all we thrive and rely on verbal communication. Though we recognize and respect that not everyone is as willing to jump into conversation or share something, note that an extrovert will need verbal communication with you. Even if it's mundane dinner plans, communicate to know what is happening and what to expect. You can never over-communicate with an extrovert.

6. Losing your voice is like getting the plague.

Honesty, it's absolutely awful. Recently, I completely lost my voice, and I have never felt so disabled based on volume and not from a language barrier. I felt hindered by not being able to communicate, and to have my attempting to do so make it sound like I was a whispery, raspy chain smoker of 50 years was downright embarrassing. I felt emotionally crippled by not being able to talk because I rely on it so much. Not only was I not able to contribute to the conversation—resulting in feeling a little excluded—I also couldn't navigate around in public and had to continually repeat myself because people didn't understand me. Needless to say, getting my voice back felt like a miracle.

7. We say a lot because we have a lot to say.

We're expressive. We have a lot of ideas. We openly share feelings and thoughts about the things we experience. We wear our heart on our sleeves. We celebrate the willingness to express one’s self. But ultimately, we want to feel included, supported and loved by sharing with those around us. I was talking to my sister, who is also an extrovert but with more introverted tendencies than I have, and she perfectly summed it up, “It's hard for us not to share a thought when a new one is around the corner.”

While there is no perfect cookie cutter extrovert, introvert, whatever, these are the things I have realized being an extrovert myself. It's wonderful to cherish the different personality types, and let others know from a personal perspective what to expect.