▲Introverts tend to despise small talk, which can make them seem shy, but it's usually just that they have much more to say on interesting topics once the conversation gets deeper. Extroverts are obviously interesting too, but tend to keep things on the light, fun side.

▲While introverts tend to avoid huge social events, they often prefer smaller gatherings of close friends because they enjoy developing more meaningful connections with others. Organizing more events like this can greatly improve your friendships.

▲Whether it’s a task at work or going to dinner, doing things on your own is the best way to establish a healthy sense of independence.

▲Livestrong spoke to various experts on the matter, many of whom say introverts are often misunderstood as shy, apathetic, or lesser than extroverts. Some of the world’s most talented people are introverts. So here are some lessons we can learn...

▲Introverts get energy by spending time alone instead of being with other people. While extroverts might be bored at first, they too can benefit greatly from unplugging from reality for a while.

▲Extroverts tend to move quickly and can forget to set aside time to take care of themselves, so they can take a page from introverts who are quite good at listening to their bodies and spending Friday night doing some self-care.

▲In general, introverts make better listeners, often simply because they talk less. Listening fosters better relationships and teaches you more about the world.

▲Learning to listen without simply waiting for a point to interject with your own anecdote or idea is a more difficult skill than many think.

▲Introverts almost always think before they speak, whether it’s running over their order at a restaurant or contemplating a suggestion they have at work. Extroverts tend to think as they speak, but sorting things out beforehand can lead to better results, from work to relationships, and even to food orders.

▲As extroverts tend to live more in the outside world, they may not pay as much attention to the inner worlds of others, missing feelings and social cues. We could all benefit from paying closer attention.

▲From taking social cues to noticing certain things that can be of use later, being more observant can improve nearly every part of your life.

▲Psychiatrist Taliba M. Foster describes introverts as deliberate people who often make thought-out and researched decisions "as opposed to chatting with a fellow subway commuter for health advice." When it comes to health especially, research is important.

▲As introverts aren’t likely to go up to strangers and strike up a conversation, they tend to take their time before making any moves. This usually means they understand the milieu better and avoid any potential social faux pas.

▲Introverts with rich inner worlds and a love of research tend to ask more questions and are usually more open to hearing answers that are different to what they expected.

▲Since introverts don’t tend to mind being secluded for a while, they have an advantage when it comes to hitting tough deadlines that require extended isolation and focus to achieve.

▲As introverts are less likely to get caught up in gossip, social angst, or personal problems at work, they’re often seen as more dependable and trustworthy professionals, says psychiatrist Taliba M. Foster.

▲This takes time and can take many forms, but it's one of the surest ways to grow as a person and get the most out of your experiences. This is the time where you can make goals and allow new parts of yourself to flourish.

▲As most introverts enjoy exploring their thoughts and feelings, they're often able to access a higher level of creativity, particularly when it comes to problem-solving, says Simon Rego, director of psychology at Montefiore Medical Center.

▲Sometimes spending time in nature can re-energize and revitalize in a more pronounced way than spending time in social situations can. Introverts tend to reap the most of this reward.

▲Introverts have a much easier time slowing down and appreciating the little things, a process from which everyone with a fast-paced attention can benefit.

▲The idea of making a mark externally instead of focusing on inward growth not only adds unnecessary pressure to your life, but it can be rooted in an unhealthy ego charged with competition, and it can lead to unnecessary disappointment.

▲Many extroverts may find that people turn out to not be who they’d expected, but most introverts take the time to decode people, observing, listening, and comparing them to past experiences, so they’re often less surprised.

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Not that all extroverts are tattles, but introverts are especially good at keeping secrets of others, and therefore they’re often privy to more information.

▲While extroverts tend to talk about everything with a grandiose flair, psychiatrist Taliba M. Foster explains, introverts speak more concisely and deliver more information in fewer words, allowing them to reach resolutions quicker.

▲You already know that we’re addicted to our phones, but putting them away can be especially difficult for social extroverts. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to be more comfortable with going off the grid, which is key in being fully present.

▲When constantly with other people who can help you out, it's easy to forget the abilities you have. Introverts tend to find solutions themselves before asking others, so they’re more in tune with their ability, which offers a fantastic confidence.

▲When an introvert has plans canceled it’s an opportunity, as opposed to when an extrovert has plans canceled and it’s usually a rush to make other plans.

▲Extroverts will often go out even if they’re tired to avoid what the kids call "FOMO," or the “fear of missing out.” Introverts tend not to have this fear and rather enjoy missing out, which erases unnecessary stress.

▲These are the things you do for yourself, and often by yourself. Not only do they help you become more independent, but they also develop an interesting and different part of your life, which can ultimately give extroverts more to talk about in social situations.

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These days it’s easier than ever to keep yourself constantly distracted, but learning to spend time with yourself and to actually enjoy your own company can do wonders for your mental clarity, self-awareness, and long-term happiness.

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Introverts are often told that they need to be more extroverted, that their natural way of being is not conducive to a successful or a fulfilling life—just look at the countless guides trying to "help." But the implication there is that being introverted is a problem that needs to be solved, which can sometimes be all too convincing in a world that seems to reward self-promotion over quiet reflection.

The real difference between introverts and extroverts relates mostly to how they recharge. The people who gain energy from being alone happen to have a lot of really valuable and underappreciated traits which go a long way in relationships, work, and the general quality of one's life.

Click through to see, for a change, what extroverts can learn from introverts.