How to act like an extrovert

(without really trying)

Buddy up

You don’t have to change your personality in order to benefit from the health rewards of extroversion. ‘Having people around you who possess qualities you lack can be really useful,’ says Dr Roberts. ‘The solution to my low conscientiousness was surrounding myself with detail-oriented people. I’m also married to an introvert; I have to drag her to parties but once she’s there, she doesn’t want to leave because she’s having a wonderful time.’

Exercise your social fitness

‘If you want to see an improvement in your fitness, you have to keep going to the gym,’ says Dr Lyubomirsky. ‘The same is true of social behaviour.’ She suggests that you plan your social interactions for the week in much the same way that you might plan your workouts or meals. The key is to stick with it until it’s become a habit.

Take it slow

Sudden movements are the antithesis of sustainable change, says Dr Lyubomirsky. ‘We know from the literature on habits that when people first start doing something new it can feel inauthentic. But over time, it can feel part of their new self. Make small changes over time and you’ll feel more like yourself.’