Did you ever consider that perhaps you are neither an extrovert nor an introvert but an ambivert, someone having characteristics of both?

 

“Am I an introvert or an extrovert?” I’m sure you’ve asked yourself this question. It is a struggle to determine it at times and chances are you are an ambivert--someone who’s a little bit of both. An ambivert, by definition, is someone who has a blend of traits of both introverts and extroverts, as well as their own unique strengths. 

Ambiverts are individuals who can be excellent at conversations and be excellent listeners at the same time. You can guess why it causes the struggle and confusion but that’s merely the tip of the iceberg.

What is Ambiversion?
Amidst the “either this or that” talks of having to be one or the other, ambiversion is the one side that everyone forgets. If you look carefully, no one is 100% one or the other; not even the quietest introvert or the loudest extrovert. Here’s where the confusion actually kicks in. If you look at it in a spectrum, introverts are on the left, extroverts on the right with ambiverts in the middle of the two and that comes with questions. So if that’s you:

  • You might feel like you don’t exactly fit into either label,
  • You might feel both those sides resonate at different times
  • The most common answer you have is, “It depends,” in response to whether you like being around people or being alone.

People don’t really focus on the concept of ambiversion and usually see themselves and others as either being an introvert or an extrovert. But the majority of people are not highly introvert nor highly extrovert. 

What are the traits of an ambivert?

  • You like attention, depending on the context. In most situations, you’re quietly happily observing.
  • You enjoy being in a crowd, party or in a group for some time and suddenly lose all your energy. Then all you want to do is get out of there.
  • You enjoy meaningful talks. Like extroverts, you enjoy conversation but like introverts, you hate small talk. You find small talk less than sincere.
  • There are limits to your social comfort zone. You’re usually comfortable socializing,  but asserting yourself can be tough, 
  • You present a different persona to co-workers and acquaintances than to close friends. You tend to more reserved with someone you don’t know well. 
  • You prefer to have backups. You enjoy meeting new people, but its best when you have your friends around you. You don’t see yourself introducing yourself to a complete stranger on your own.
  • Your friends can’t decide whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. They know your temperaments but can’t quite place which you are. 
  • Social events are exciting but you start out by hanging back and observing everyone.
  • You enjoy your alone time but too much of that can make you feel unproductive and restless. 
  • You think before you speak. Usually. You’re bound to say stupid things more often than most.
  • You know how to balance out the people around you. If someone is quieter than you, you talk more. If they talk more, you quietly listen.

One of the best things about being an ambivert is that adaptability comes naturally. Interacting with the world is so much easier when you understand that everyone has their own temperaments and their own strengths. That trait usually is visible and noticeable and you can find it out yourself. 

Ambiverts speak and listen well
Along with being comfortable speaking, you’re more than happy to let other people speak. It makes you more comfortable around them and that usually means having meaningful conversations that both people enjoy.

They build trust and it is important
You’re more comfortable around people who seem friendly, funny and sociable and you believe that conversation and feeling listened to are some of the biggest ways you build trust. People have an easy time being around ambiverts.

They can handle extremes
Unlike others, ambiverts will be at their best in various social settings or solitude. While extreme introverts and extroverts suffer outside their comfort zones, ambiverts can usually put up with such stimulations, and don’t lose energy as fast. 

Ambiverts truly empathize with people
I don’t think it’s much of a surprise that ambiverts are able to build strong rapport and empathy with other people. Their capacity to build trust helps people open up to them, and being good listeners with the ability to speak up really helps.

If you are still thinking whether you are an ambivert or not, why not take one of those “Are you an Introvert, Extrovert or Ambivert?” tests on the internet. They’re fun and most of then can be quite accurate. I figure reflecting on yourself after merely reading the signs isn’t going to do much, so go ahead and look for one of those tests. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert or even an ambivert, there is no reason to doubt your own temperaments. Embrace them.