Interpersonal conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goals.1 An example of interpersonal conflict is one between introverts and extroverts.

In school, students usually have to face the same peers on a daily basis. For some introverts this is a very demanding situation as they may struggle to establish conversation on a daily basis with their peers. Eventually, quiet students may be left out, gossiped about, or even bullied by their peers with a larger circle of friends, usually the extroverts.

There could be several misunderstandings between the 2 parties before a major conflict such as bullying occurs. For example, the body language of the introvert may not be very open.  He may not establish eye contact with classmates whom he meets in school. This withdrawn behaviour could be traced back to the inner thoughts on the mind of the student. They may not feel comfortable talking to their peers for fear of being rejected. They may feel their interests are different and hence appear as not interested in their peers. Their peers in turn may perceive these quiet students as weak and shy. They may feel superior to the quiet students.

There are several solutions to this problem. If talking to a large of group people seems threatening to the introverted student, he can talk to his classmates in small groups. The introverted student must strive to maintain rapport with his classmates. The entire class can be coached on introversion and extraversion. Being aware of the various different personalities could help the students better understand the behaviour of their classmates.

What do you think the quiet student can do to fit in better? 

1.http://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199827428/student/chapt11/outline/