8 Signs You Might Be an Ambivert

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCharacteristics of Ambiverts8 Tell-tale Signs of AmbiversionBenefits of Being an AmbivertAmbiversion and Your RelationshipsDaily Life Tips for Ambiverts

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Characteristics of Ambiverts

8 Tell-tale Signs of Ambiversion

Benefits of Being an Ambivert

Ambiversion and Your Relationships

Daily Life Tips for Ambiverts

In a world ofpersonality tests,astrology, human design,enneagrams, and various other lenses through which we all attempt to understand why we are the way we are, you might find yourself returning to the classics: Introversion and extroversion.

Swiss psychiatristCarl Jung’s concepts of introversion and extroversion hinged on the idea that introverts tend to have a rich inner world that requires deep rest away from the external world while extroverts thrive off of the energy and vibrancy of the external world.

But what if you find yourself caught between the qualities of introversion or extroversion? Well, you might be an ambivert. According to the American Psychological Association, an ambivert is someone who presents with equal parts introversion and extroversion.Sometimes ambiverts are referred to as introverted extroverts. Feel familiar? Read on to learn if this is you.

Many ambiverts are gifted with the ability to be highly adaptable. While they need quiet time torecharge, they can also be the life of the party the night before. They’re a personality type of many dualities.

Below are some general characteristics of ambiverts:

Are You an Extroverted Introvert?

Do you recognize some of the ambivert characteristics in yourself? Then you might notice these eight signs of an ambivert ring particularly true to you.

Meet the Introverted Extrovert, the Often Forgotten Personality Type

While ambiversion as a personality type concept has been around since the 1920s, it was largely exempt from psychological discourse throughout the 20th century. Mosttherapistsfocused on the better-established opposing sides of the spectrum—introversion and extroversion—but this personality type should not be overlooked.

Ambiverts can be quite beloved due to their adaptable nature. Some find them easy to be around, knowing that they’re up for a good time but won’t wear out their welcome. Their willingness to take theleadas needed is refreshing, but their careful consideration to not constantly be the loudest voice in the room is welcome.

Another benefit of ambiversion is that those with this personality type can get along well with bothintrovertsand extroverts. This is because ambiverts have an equal share of introvert and extrovert traits.

If you’re an ambivert and you’re noticing friction in your relationships, consider if it has anything to do with how your innate needs arecommunicated. What you consider a simple case of getting much-needed solo time can feel like an affront and avoidance to an extroverted loved one.

Clear and concise communication about your personality type can be helpful in mitigating any misunderstandings that arise. According toResha Altai, associate clinical social worker based in Los Angeles, CA, the approach can be gentle. “Taking time to acknowledge the things you’ve enjoyed about being with others can be a positive segue into sharing that you’re at your limit and need downtime,” she suggests.

Embracing your ambiversion can also make you a belovedfriend, family member, partner, and colleague. Don’t be afraid to stand strong in your middle-of-the-road ways. The fact that you’re not keen to totally retreat inward like an introvert or have the energy of an extrovert can make you a safe space for many.

Here are a few of our favorite daily life tips for ambiverts:

How the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Works

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tuovinen S, Tang X, Salmela-Aro K.Introversion and social engagement: scale validation, their interaction, and positive association with self-esteem.Front Psychol.2020;11:590748. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.590748American Psychological Association.Ambiversion.Davidson IJ.The ambivert: A failed attempt at a normal personality.J History Behavioral Science. 2017;53(4):313-331. doi: 10.1002/jhbs.21868

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tuovinen S, Tang X, Salmela-Aro K.Introversion and social engagement: scale validation, their interaction, and positive association with self-esteem.Front Psychol.2020;11:590748. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.590748American Psychological Association.Ambiversion.Davidson IJ.The ambivert: A failed attempt at a normal personality.J History Behavioral Science. 2017;53(4):313-331. doi: 10.1002/jhbs.21868

Tuovinen S, Tang X, Salmela-Aro K.Introversion and social engagement: scale validation, their interaction, and positive association with self-esteem.Front Psychol.2020;11:590748. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.590748American Psychological Association.Ambiversion.Davidson IJ.The ambivert: A failed attempt at a normal personality.J History Behavioral Science. 2017;53(4):313-331. doi: 10.1002/jhbs.21868

American Psychological Association.Ambiversion.

Davidson IJ.The ambivert: A failed attempt at a normal personality.J History Behavioral Science. 2017;53(4):313-331. doi: 10.1002/jhbs.21868

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