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Is there an in between introvert and extrovert


7 Signs You're An Ambivert, The Introvert-Extrovert Mix

What is an ambivert?

An ambivert is someone who has a balance of both introversion and extroversion, with the ability to lean more into one or the other depending on the context. For example, where introverts may prefer to listen while extroverts prefer to chat, an ambivert will likely have no trouble with either. They're flexible. An ambivert's propensity for introversion and extroversion can change depending on individual needs in any given moment or situation.

Psychiatrist Carl Jung was the first to come up with the concepts of "introvert" and "extrovert," though he didn't give a name for those in the middle of these two personality types—that was Kimball Young in the 1920s.

"Almost all of us are ambiverts to some degree," psychotherapist Ken Page, LCSW, tells mbg. All of us are located somewhere along the spectrum between introversion and extroversion, meaning we do have access to both sets of personality traits in varying degrees and forms. Even though you'll be assigned an "E" or "I" in your Myers-Briggs personality type, for example, everyone is actually somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.

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Signs you may be an ambivert:

1.

Neither "introvert" nor "extrovert" feel accurate for describing your personality.

If you've always struggled to pick between these two labels, that's a good sign you might be an ambivert. Ambiverts have introvert qualities like enjoying alone time, being a good listener, and being enthralled by human's internal worlds—but they also love spending time with others, have a lot of confidence, and have great social skills like extroverts.

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2.

You need your "me time" just as much as social time.

You get energized both by being around others (like extroverts) and by spending recharging time alone (like introverts). Perhaps you enjoy them both equally, or the one you enjoy the most fluctuates depending on what's going on in your life. Personalities change all the time. Perhaps you've had phases in your life when you needed a lot of alone time and periods of time when you were all about the social gatherings and social situations. It's all good stuff to you!

3.

You prefer a balance of both solo and group work.

Ambiverts are all about balance. They tend to see the value of both doing things on their own and doing things as a collective, and they prefer a mix of both.

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4.

Both too much alone time and too much time with others can feel draining.

Importantly, ambiversion is not the same as "anything goes." While ambiverts are flexible, they're not without needs. Often that means that lack of enough alone time or lack of enough quality time with others can feel exhausting. Again, the balance is the key.

5.

You appreciate good conversation but also value comfortable silence.

Extroverts tend to be talkers. Introverts tend to be listeners. Ambiverts can play both roles easily. They love a roaring conversation and being the life of the party, but they're not bothered when the conversation dies down or attention goes elsewhere.

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6.

Small talk doesn't bother you, though you also love deep conversations.

Introverts are notorious for hating small talk, aka more surface-level conversations about the weather and what you did today. They tend to prefer getting way deeper, having long and introspective conversations. Extroverts, on the other hand, tend to be chatty and love talking about everything under the sun without discrimination. Ambiverts love it all: the small talk, the big talk, the deep stuff, and the silly stuff.

7.

You have a lot of friends and a handful of close friends.

Extroverts tend to have a whole lot of friends, whereas introverts tend to have just a handful of close friends they spend time with. Ambiverts have both: a huge extended network of friends and folks they spend time with, as well as a smaller set of close friends they're really intimate with.

Where ambiverts thrive.

"It seems that ambiverts are fantastic for sales work—there's actually data on this—because they know how to listen, but they also know how to move toward the sale and engage in that kind of way," Page notes, referencing research by organizational psychologist Adam Grant on the so-called ambivert advantage. "Teachers are a good role too because you get that interpersonal connection, but it also involves planning and reflection that takes going inside. Similarly, ambiverts make good therapists because you do a lot of listening but also interacting and talking."

In general, a career that involved some degree of group work and collaboration, along with solo work, benefits ambiverts.

Socially, ambiverts can thrive both in social settings and by themselves. It will vary greatly depending on any given day and what you're in the mood for. As such, "finding people who give space to who you are, in our friendships and intimate relationships," is very important, according to Page. "We need to be with people who are not rubbed the wrong way by our personality and offer deep nourishment to these roots of our being."

The pros and cons of ambiversion.

While it may seem like there are only upsides to ambiversion—and there are plenty—this personality can come with its own set of challenges.

Ambiverts are very flexible and adaptable to different situations and people. They're great at knowing how to interact with different personalities because they can relate to lots of different people. Their balance of extroversion and introversion makes them less likely to experience the downsides of either, like missing out on interpersonal connections (introverts) or lacking an inner connection to themselves (extroverts).

However, this flexibility can make it difficult to pinpoint what they might want or need. Ever made plans when feeling extroverted, but then the day comes and your inner introvert pokes its head out? This is a common occurrence for ambiverts, as their mood and desires can and will change. It's a gift to have this balance, Page says, but that makes it all the more important to be connected to our feelings and what actually feels good for us in the moment. "It's a matter of following our feelings in a more subtle way," he explains.

Ambiversion requires a lot of self-awareness to honor your own feelings, whether that means reaching out to others or finding solace in our thoughts. As Page explains, it's worth our while to tune into ourselves and find out what nourishes us most, regardless of where we are on the spectrum.

What is an Ambivert? An In-Depth Definition and Guide

Ambivert definition:
An ambivert is someone who falls in the middle of the introvert/extrovert continuum. Ambiverts have a blend of traits from both introverts and extroverts, as well as their own unique strengths. 

Have you always struggled with the question, “Are you an introvert or an extrovert”? If so, there’s a good chance you’re an ambivert — someone who is a little of both. Ambiverts are fascinating individuals who can be excellent conversationalists as well as excellent listeners. But that’s only part of the story. In this guide, we’ll help you understand what ambiversion is, how to know if you’re an ambivert, and how to draw on your natural gifts. Read on and see if ambiversion sounds like you.

What Is Ambiversion?

Ambiversion is related to introversion and extroversion, the two different “temperaments” that people can have. A lot of us talk about these two traits as if they are either/or — you have to be one or the other. But that’s not quite right. The truth is that introversion and extroversion are on a spectrum, and nobody is 100% one or the other. Not even the quietest introvert or the chattiest extrovert.

As a result, lots of people are somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. If that’s you:

  • You might feel like you don’t really fit under either label
  • Or, you might feel like both labels resonate at different times
  • If someone asks whether you prefer to be around people, or have alone time, your answer is a simple, “It depends.

Ambiversion is a relatively recent term, but a growing number of people identify with it. It’s hard to say how many people are ambiverts. Psychologist Carl Jung didn’t use the exact term “ambivert,” but he believed that people who are neither highly introverted nor highly extroverted are in the majority. Some recent experts make a similar claim, suggesting that two thirds of all people are ambiverts.

However, these numbers can be misleading. The truth is that, even near the middle of the spectrum, most people lean one way or another.  Knowing which way you lean is important to understanding where you get your energy from — even if you’re a “soft” introvert or extrovert. True ambiverts may be relatively rare. Some estimates put them at 20% of the population or less.

11 Signs That You’re an Ambivert

So, how do you know if you’re truly an ambivert? Chance are, you already have a pretty good idea. While every ambivert is unique, there are common experiences that many of them share. If you relate to most of these signs, you might be an ambivert:

1. You don’t shy away from attention, but it depends on the context.

In a lot of situations, you’re happy just quietly observing.

2. You enjoy being at a crowd, party, or group event for hours…

…and then suddenly your energy is gone. When this happens, you just want to get out of there.

3. You prefer meaningful talk

Like extroverts, you enjoy conversation — but, like introverts, you hate small talk. (You can do it, you just find it a little less than sincere. )

4. There are limits to your social comfort zone

You’re comfortable socializing (usually), but asserting yourself can be difficult.

5. You’re very reserved in some situations

You present a very different persona to co-workers and casual acquaintances than you do to close friends. If you don’t know someone well, you tend to be much more reserved.

6. You like to have backup

You actually really enjoy meeting new people, but you prefer to have your friends around you when you do it. You’re unlikely to run up and introduce yourself to a complete stranger, at least on your own.

7. You don’t quite fit either label (but you kinda fit 

both)

When you take an introvert/extrovert quiz, you get different results depending on how you’re feeling. Descriptions of both temperaments resonate with you equally. And if you ask your friends if they think you’re an introvert or extrovert, they give conflicting answers.

8. You hang back

You’re excited to go to social events, but often start out just observing everyone around you.

9. You take alone time in small doses

You understand that you need and enjoy it, but one night to yourself is usually plenty. An entire weekend alone would leave you restless and wondering what you’re missing.

10. You (usually) think before you speak

You don’t have a problem putting your thoughts into words, like many introverts do. However, you’ll often wait to hear what others say first before you speak up.

11. You tend to “balance out” the people around you.

If someone’s a talker, you’ll be quieter and listen. If they’re quieter, you’ll talk more.

Ambiverts Have Natural Strengths

Ambiverts, like every temperament, have their own set of strengths that’s hard for other people to match. One of the core ambivert traits is adaptability, and that comes out in many of the ways ambiverts interact with the world. If you’re an ambivert, you may recognize many of these signs:

  • Ambiverts speak and listen well. Ambiverts tend to be comfortable speaking, but are also happy to let other people speak. That makes other people very comfortable around them, and leads to meaningful conversation that both people enjoy.
  • They build trust. Conversation and feeling listened to is one of the biggest ways that we build trust. At the same time, we’re more comfortable around people who seem friendly, funny and sociable. Since ambiverts are able to do both, people have an easy time being around them and tend to like and trust them.
  • They get along with everyone. Sometimes, extreme introverts and extreme extroverts have a hard time getting along — the introvert may feel steamrolled and exhausted while the extrovert may feel bored or put off. Ambiverts don’t (usually) have this problem. They can be comfortable talking with someone who’s more quiet, or with someone who’s a talker.
  • They can handle extremes. Unlike the other temperaments, ambiverts will be at their best in a variety of social settings — or solitude. While extreme introverts and extroverts really suffer outside their comfort zone, ambiverts can usually put up with a high or low level of stimulation, and don’t lose their energy as fast.
  • Ambiverts truly empathize with people. Given the other strengths above, it’s no surprise that ambiverts are able to build strong rapport and empathy with other people. They are good listeners, but not afraid to speak up. And their capacity to build trust helps people open up to them.

The Best Ambivert Careers

Because ambiverts are so adaptable, they can thrive in a variety of careers. However, there are some positions where ambiverts truly shine, and even outperform others.

Here are some of the top career fields for ambiverts:

  • Sales positions. There is strong data showing that ambiverts outperform both introverts and extroverts when it comes to sales. The reason is simple: they don’t talk too much and sound pushy (the classic extroverted salesperson), but they also don’t talk too little and lose the sale. And ambiverts are versatile. They can thrive in both consumer sales, and the research-heavy B2B market where introverts normally dominate.
  • Creative teams. Many creative occupations are, by their nature, solitary. It’s simply impossible to do the deep focused work of creativity without some level of solitude. However, creatives are widely used as part of teams at advertising companies, web development firms, and in large corporations. These creatives have to balance the need for collaboration (which can often spark ideas) with a need for focused quiet time. Creatively-inclined ambiverts can do both, and do well in a team environment.
  • Mediation or negotiation. Almost no one is better than ambiverts at negotiating difficult compromises. For the same reasons they are great at sales, ambiverts perform well in roles where they need to listen carefully to both sides but also guide and shape the conversation. However, mediation in the legal field may be more challenging — lawyers typically spend a majority of their time reading and researching, and the legal profession is dominated by introverts. That doesn’t mean ambiverts can’t be successful, but they may find themselves craving a more social role.
  • Management. In many ways, the ambivert is the ideal manager or supervisor, especially of larger teams. Ambiverts will make a point to listen to different points of view, and will often led meetings by letting everyone else speak first. This builds loyalty and trust, and allows ambiverts to make smart, considered decisions. At the same time, the ambivert is willing to speak up and take the lead wherever necessary. It’s a powerful mix.
  • Psychologists and therapists. Many career sites suggest counseling or therapy as a good fit for ambiverts, and it’s true that many ambiverts self-report working in this field. But ambiverts should be wary: actual psychotherapy sessions involve a lot of listening and one-on-one conversations, with very little social outlet. Ambiverts will still excel in private sessions, but may want to add group session to the mix wherever possible to get a stronger social element in their work.

Other Possible Explanations of Ambiversion

Although the most common definition of an ambivert is someone who falls near the middle of the introvert/extrovert spectrum, not everyone agrees. In fact, there are two other possible explanations that could apply to at least some ambiverts — and could help those ambiverts truly thrive and be happy. They are:

#1 — Ambiversion is a misnomer

Let’s start by getting this straight: you exist. People like you exist. And there are a whole lot of people who do like socializing, but also get drained if they do it for too long.

So what does that make you? Well… it could mean you’re a very normal introvert.

The problem is that many people misunderstand what introversion means. They think it’s the same thing as being shy or not liking social time, but that’s not true at all. While some introverts struggle with shyness, most don’t. And there are millions of true, dyed-in-the-wool introverts who honestly like socializing. They just get drained after a while.

That sounds pretty similar to ambiversion, right?

In other words, if you tend to need downtime after too much time around people, but you also love going out to parties or events, you might be an introvert after all. And that’s pretty cool.

#2 — Ambiverts are actually HSP extroverts

Some people have another personality trait that’s unrelated to introversion and extroversion, called high sensitivity. Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) doesn’t necessarily mean you’re super emotionally sensitive (although some HSPs are). Rather, it means your nervous system processes things more deeply than most people. That comes with a variety of advantages:

  • HSPs tend to pick up on things that others don’t notice
  • They make connections that others miss
  • They have a tremendous ability to pick up on subtle emotional cues
  • Many HSPs are highly creative

But there’s another trait HSPs have that really stands out: they get overstimulated easily.

Any highly stimulating environment drains them — whether it’s bright lights, loud noises, or large crowds of people. Too much social time can leave an HSP feeling totally frazzled. Even if they’re an extrovert. 

About 30% of HSPs are extroverted by nature, but they often get mislabeled as introverts. So, if you feel extroverted in general but still get worn out after going out too long, you might not be an ambivert at all. You could be a highly sensitive extrovert.

Why do these explanations matter?

It depends. If neither one of them resonates with you, even just a little, it might be safe to say you’re truly middle of the spectrum and move on. But, even though these theories may sound very different on the surface, they both get at something very important: understanding our personalities is one of the biggest ways to grow. 

For example:

  • If you think you’re an ambivert but you’re really more of an introvert, there’s a lot of power in realizing that. It’s when an introvert embraces their need for alone time that they truly come into their own. You’ll feel happier as a person, and be more creative, productive and successful. (You might want to read about outgoing or “extroverted” introverts.)
  • If you’re a highly sensitive extrovert, you can actually get all the social time you want as long as you do it in the right settings. Many HSPs are just fine in groups as long as they can control the setting a little — by choosing a quieter place to meet, or sitting with their back to the wall. You might also find that you never get overstimulated at all as long as you stick to small groups of 2 – 4 friends.

Understanding your personality is a powerful tool. The more you understand yourself and your needs, the more you’ll thrive as a person — whether you are an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert.

Are you an Ambivert?

Think you might be an ambivert? You might want to discover the rest of your personality, too — and there’s an easy way to do it. Try this free personality assessment from our partner Personality Hacker and see your personality type in minutes.

More Resources for Those “In the Middle”

  • 21 Contradicting Things About Being a Social Introvert
  • 15 Signs You Could Be an Introvert, Even Though People Say You’re Not
  • I’m an Introvert and I Actually Like Being in the Spotlight
  • Our Favorite Personality Test

Ambivert - between introvert and extrovert | What does ambivert mean

  1. General characteristics of ambivert
  2. Ambivert temperament type
  3. Features of ambivert
  4. Characteristics and features of the ambivert

If many people have at least a general idea about extroverts and introverts, then the term ambivert is not so well known. Actually, they began to use it in psychology relatively recently, although Jung himself, who worked on the theory of extraversion and introversion, noted that there is something in between these two polar points. This is an ambivert psychotype. We propose to understand, what does this word mean and what characterizes this type of personality .


General characteristics of the ambivert

The word "ambivert" is translated from Latin as "both", which reflects the main characteristic. An ambivert is a person who, depending on the situation, shows the features of both an introvert and an extrovert. Usually ambiverts successfully join new/large companies, have no problems communicating even with strangers, make and maintain social contacts.

Recall that, according to Eysenck, the main difference between these psychotypes is in the way of replenishing energy: extroverts are recharged from external impressions and social contacts, and introverts - from internal emotions and the opportunity to be alone. Accordingly, the definition of "ambivert" suggests that such people can replenish energy along both vectors .

In practice, this means that they are ready to both have fun in a big company, and spend a wonderful evening with a blanket, a book and a cup of tea. While the typical introvert and typical extrovert will choose only one of these options and be dismayed by the other, to the ambivert they are both equally attractive. It's is the most flexible psychotype , which adapts perfectly to the situation and can take advantage of both introverts and extroverts.

Type of temperament of the ambivert

The temperament of the ambivert in psychology depends on the values ​​on the scale of neuroticism. If the indicator is high, such a person may show the features of a choleric or melancholic, if it is low, a sanguine or phlegmatic person. If the test showed average values, most likely, in front of you is a tetravert, that is, a person in whom all types of temperament are expressed approximately the same. Such a person is characterized by even greater flexibility.

We offer two temperament tests: the EPI test will show the levels of psychotism and neuroticism, and the Belov formula will show the percentage of all types of temperament in your personality.

Features of an ambivert

It is worth noting that even bright extroverts have a need for silence and solitude, and bright introverts also need communication. Against this background, the main feature of the ambivert is that it easily switches between two types of behavior

- much easier than introverts and extroverts. If for them to act in an unusual role for themselves means to spend more energy than usual, then for an ambivert it means to adapt to the situation and recharge from what is.

On the other hand, a characteristic feature of ambiverts is that they cannot always be at one of the poles of extraversion/introversion : they need to change roles in one way or another , recharged either from communication or from contemplation of pictures. And since the behavior of an ambivert is largely dictated by the environment, different people can know representatives of this psychotype from completely different angles. If you work together, it may seem to you that he is more of an extrovert, and if you watch TV shows together in the evenings, that he is more of an introvert.

Characteristics and signs of an ambivert

Features of communication

Certain features of communication are manifested in ambiverts depending on the situation: with whom and how they communicate. Representatives of this type are not as intrusive and assertive as extroverts, and also do not treat social contacts so superficially. Like introverts, ambiverts listen to the feelings and emotions of others , try not to offend them (even by accident), not to embarrass them.

All this, combined with a greater predisposition to communication, makes representatives of this type very pleasant conversationalists and quite reliable friends .

In their work, this helps them to be successful where communication is required. Sometimes ambiverts are even more successful in this regard than extroverts, because they strive not only to speak, but also to listen, to feel the interlocutor. Often ambiverts have a wider social circle than introverts, at the same time they set more intimate contacts than extroverts, which automatically limits the number of really close friends.

Ambiverts are able to work productively both independently and in a team . However, in large companies, they are unlikely to want to take a leading position and may be more listening than talking. In communication with introverts, on the contrary, there may be those who more or less gently push them to communicate or go out. In such companies, ambiverts become active themselves.

Personal qualities

Among the characteristics of an ambivert, it is worth noting that can do monotonous work , although not for as long as introverts. However, they are easier to climb , more willing to take risks. Like extroverts, it is easier for ambiverts to move up the career ladder, as they communicate more often with clients and their management, speak at various events,

maintain contacts, can win over themselves - in a word, they are more noticeable.

At the same time, like introverts, when planning future actions or solving problems, ambiverts try to think over and analyze all aspects of in order to make an informed decision. Flexibility and adaptability helps them find ways out even from difficult situations. Many representatives of this type are not afraid of difficulties and do not succumb to failures and problems. Ambiverts are more laid back and generally don't show the same outbursts or even outbursts of emotion as extroverts.

As you can see, this psychotype is really very flexible and combines the advantages of introverts and extroverts. Therefore, for an ambivert, the most important thing is to timely use different aspects of his personality type . For some, this is obtained on a subconscious level, while others should work additionally in this direction. At the same time, natural flexibility will make such work very effective.

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Types of characters Extraversion / introversion

Many people think that an introvert and an extrovert are just two sides of the same coin. Will you stay at home on Friday night or meet up with friends? Will you be the center of attention or away from the spotlights? In fact, a person is not white or black, there are no pure types in psychology, experts assure. There are people, for example, very tall or short, but most strive for average values. So it is with extroversion. This is just one of the five main personality traits (openness to new things, conscientiousness, pleasantness, neuroticism), so it cannot completely determine our behavior. Let's take a closer look at what introvert and extrovert mean.

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Psychology

Psychology of communication

Introvert

extrovert

The famous psychiatrist Carl Jung at the beginning of the 20th century identified types of people - extroverts and introverts. In psychology, this distinction became convenient and popular, and over time began to be used to define a person in ordinary life. Knowing who you belong to, it is easier to understand yourself and choose a circle of friends. Sometimes it seems to us that the world is ruled and dominated by extroverts. Although in reality, they can simply make themselves louder, making more noise. But is the gap really that deep between an introvert and an extrovert? Do the former really need help and support in order to develop their own talents and not remain on the margins?

Everything is not as categorical as it seems at first glance. Yes, open and closed people exist. But there are many examples when an extrovert and an introvert behave in unexpected ways, because each person throughout life demonstrates flexibility and opens up from different angles. And in these categories there is a place for the golden mean. We will talk about it and the main opposites from the point of view of psychology below.

What does introverted personality type mean? The tendency to introversion is manifested if you like to spend time alone with yourself, your thoughts and ideas.

If you do not know how to determine whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, try to find the following main features in yourself. They are characteristic of those who prefer to isolate themselves from the outside world more often.

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  • love of being alone;
  • unwillingness to be the center of attention;
  • one-on-one preference;
  • first think, then do;
  • recovery alone;
  • work in a quiet independent environment;
  • secrecy.

There is a big difference between introversion and shyness. Shy people are often also afraid of what others will think of them, while introverts do not have negative emotions and such fears.

Just because introverts don't like big groups doesn't mean they can't make friends and have relationships. In this sense, they are almost no different from extroverts. In addition, they can make great careers simply by sticking to roles where loneliness is possible: accounting, engineering, writing, driving trucks, etc.

The main difference between an introvert and an extrovert is the desire to focus more often on their own feelings and thoughts . They are characterized by a greater concentration than representatives of the opposite camp. It is unfair to call them socially isolated, selfish or unhappy people.

Introverts also desire to communicate, show feelings and care for others. But the difference is that an introvert will do all this with more restraint, "impartiality" than an extrovert. So the talk that people who are less generous with emotions love order too much, are sensitive to negativity, or are “on their own minds” are also groundless. These are already other characteristics, from the category of neuroticism.

How an extroverted personality type manifests itself

It is difficult to blame someone for being passive or loving solitude, but this is an extrovert. He just needs to draw strength from external sources. To shine and find grateful listeners in the society is about them. Hence the significant differences: an extrovert knows how to present himself, and an introvert, no matter how smart and educated, is not always capable of this.

Such people direct their energy outward — to other people and the realization of their ideas. We have looked at personality types in which an introvert manifests itself, and you can compare the main traits with an extrovert.

  • many acquaintances and friends;
  • love of attention;
  • quick decision making;
  • getting energy from being among people;
  • enthusiasm and positive attitude;
  • work in a team or group.

Extroverts tend to get more support from other people when they find themselves in difficult situations. And in general, there is a stereotype that society loves extroverts more, so they more often become leaders and choose sales, marketing, PR and other areas where communication with people is important.

It is important to remember that this is only one of the characteristics. And there is a big difference between a pleasant introvert and a rude extrovert.

By the way, introverts are often referred to as overly sensitive people, unlike extroverts. The latter, they say, go through life easier and are not led to mental troubles. American psychologist and researcher Elaine Eyron has carefully studied the issue of sensitivity and came to curious conclusions. In particular, the writer noticed that Jung singled out in extroverts a love of risk, the ability to enter into a conversation without a shadow of a doubt and speak their mind. In his opinion, introverts are completely incapable of these feats.

And Elaine Ayron believes that about a third of highly sensitive people can be called extroverts. She singled out the concept of "social extrovert", which differs from Jung's introvert in that the former easily make acquaintances and feel confident in crowded places. Otherwise, they are even similar.

The definition of introvert and extrovert can help leaders and managers when working with employees. In particular, when issuing orders. It will be more difficult for an extrovert to cope with a task that requires perseverance and attention to detail. And it is desirable to encourage the initiative of introverts, not allowing extroverts to become "irritants" in the team.

Despite the fact that the extrovert and introvert have significant differences, they are able to get along in the same unit of society. You probably noticed in the company a ringleader and a “quiet woman”, in a pair a more impulsive spouse and her “obedient” husband, and so on. They find compromises and interact with the whole world, and not just representatives of their "clan".

An introvert and an extrovert at the same time: an ambivert type

As soon as a friend refrains from a verbose conversation or wants to read a book alone on the weekend, you involuntarily begin to write him down as an introvert. Labels are always easier to attach. So there is a feeling that the person was able to “bite through”, which means it will be easier to build an appropriate relationship with him. But you should know that there are not only extrovert and introvert, but also other concepts.

Introverts and extroverts view pleasure differently. Their source for this is different. For one, this is a quiet rest, and for the other, being in the center of attention. But if after a noisy party there comes a desire to sit alone, this is the golden mean. The ambivert is the bridge between the introvert and the extrovert, containing the qualities of both. Psychologists believe that it is mixed personality types that prevail. Barry Smith, professor emeritus and director of the Laboratory of Human Psychophysiology at the University of Maryland, claims that ambiverts make up 68% of the total population.

Thanks to this view, we understand that not everything is so simple in the psychological portraits of people. Ambiver is the middle between the introvert and extrovert, it has their features:

  • Flexibility in communication
  • The ability to value charms of loneliness
  • desire to be published (dosed)
  • ability to adapt to the situation
  • good listener and speaker

They took the best from two fronts, combining the character of an introvert and an extrovert. According to psychologists, ambiverts become worthy managers because they show leadership qualities and remain reasonable, able to stop and delve into issues. They are equally comfortable shining in society and secluded from prying eyes.

Indiana State University Shyness Research Institute Director Bernardo Carducci believes that the prevalence of introversion and extraversion is strongly influenced by genetics. The cross between an extrovert and an introvert - ambiversion - is also a hereditary tendency, not an acquired one.

How to know if you are an introvert, extrovert or ambivert

Most people are in the middle of the extroversion scale. This means that an introvert and an extrovert in their absolute form are extremely rare. And this is very good. Everyone has their own temperament, which reveals our emotionality to one degree or another, reflects actions. But this is only one of the puzzles of the multifaceted nature of man.

Extroverts and introverts, whose characteristics should not be reduced to the peremptory “open soul” and “lone wolf”, can actually make friends.

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