'She never stops talking': Unknowingly, extroverts can annoy fellow travelers.

On the seventh day of our family vacation, my husband, a brooding New Yorker known for his politeness and tolerance, unexpectedly snapped.

“She doesn't stop talking,” he said.

My mother, a bubbly Midwesterner, can effortlessly engage with strangers in any setting, including church picnics and crowded elevators.

Some individuals find solace in silence and derive energy from it, according to John Hackston, head of thought leadership at The Myers-Briggs Company.

Traveling with companions who are opposite in introversion-extroversion can pose problems, such as spouses, best friends, or acquaintances. Long stretches of time together can make it difficult to find a balance.

Over a decade of introversion advocacy, fueled by Susan Cain's "Quiet," has helped many introverts embrace and promote their unique qualities.

Hackston stated that the same level of reflection hasn't occurred with extroverts.

Hackston stated that Western society often views extroversion as the correct way to behave, which has led to less focus on introverts' self-understanding.

As a result, many are unaware of how they can impact those around them.

Missed cues

Hackston stated that personality-based issues can arise during the vacation planning process.

Vacations that offer social interaction and excitement, such as cruises or island trips with lively nightlife, tend to appeal to extroverts, he stated.

Hackston pointed out that extroverts often assume others share their thoughts and emotions, leading to behaviors such as excessive small talk and over-scheduling during vacations.

He stated that if others don't want to continue partying, they might feel pressured to keep going, which can make introverts feel like they should join in.

The result is a “spiral of dysfunction," he said.

Not-so-chatty airplane seatmates may drop hints that extroverts can miss due to misplaced assumptions.

Introverts are often misinterpreted by extroverts as uninterested or inviting to speak more due to their slower response times.

Introverts tend to pause before responding, while extroverts tend to respond immediately.

Without realizing it, introverts are often left out of conversations because extroverts continue talking, repeating questions and speaking louder, without giving introverts a chance to respond.

Cultural layers

Hackston stated that some cultures are viewed as more outgoing, which can make interactions more complex when traveling.

In the United States, it's commonly assumed that if you engage in conversation with someone, they will respond. However, this is not the case in all cultures. For instance, this is particularly true in the United Kingdom, and it's even less likely to happen in cultures like Japan.

He pointed out that southern Italians are often perceived as more extroverted, while Northern Europeans, particularly some Scandinavian nations, are commonly considered more introverted.

Finnish extroverts can be easily distinguished by Finns, even if they appear introverted to outsiders.

Developing self-awareness

To better understand one another, Hackston advises travelers and their families to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment.

He stated that it reveals the truth, although it is often considered foolish to say so, that individuals originate from diverse backgrounds.

"If your spouse, partner, or family members are looking to do things differently than you, it's not because they're trying to annoy you, but because that's genuinely where they're coming from," he stated.

The Myers-Brigg Type Indicator evaluates other aspects of people's personalities, such as their preference for being organized, according to Hackston.

An extrovert who is a "judger" will prefer a structured day with planned activities, while an extrovert who is a "perceiver" will want an unplanned day full of spontaneous action. This difference can result in significant conflicts during holidays, as he pointed out.

"Sometimes it's not just extroverts versus introverts, but rather extroverts working together," he stated.

These travelers could learn to plan their future trips with structured itineraries that include periods of free time.

"To collaborate effectively, it's essential to understand your identity, theirs, and devise a plan that accommodates both perspectives," he stated.

Emma Morrell, a family travel blogger, has successfully avoided common personality pitfalls that ruin trips by being selective about her travel companions.

It's essential to be aware of yourself and your travel companions, as she pointed out.

"Although my friends are dear to me, we wouldn't go on trips together," she stated. "Being good friends doesn't necessarily make you good travelers."