It appears the world has a liking for labels and putting people in boxes. As regards one’s personality, there’s the extrovert, the introvert, and those who do not fall in either boxes – like they are hanging in limbo somewhere in between. Well, there’s a new name for such personalities – they are aptly called ambiverts. Let’s take our dissecting knife to this new term.
Who or What is an Ambivert?
While the origin of this term began in the 1920s, it’s only in the last few years that they have been distinctly identified.
And while true introverts and extroverts are easy to identify, the ambivert is more difficult because this personality type shares characteristics of both. You might feel very introverted in a social situation (at school for example) where you feel overwhelmed, and yet a little lonely when you are all alone at home.
The Benefits of Being an Ambivert
Ambiverts generally get along well in society because they can adapt to different situations and personality types. This is because the ambivert instinctively knows when to get up their extroverted side and when to tune in to more introverted traits like listening. You may call them social chameleons if you like!
Downsides of Being an Ambivert
Since ambiverts are not limited in the way they respond to people (like extreme introverts or extroverts are), they can become exhausted by choosing how to relate at times.
Understanding Ambiverts
As you might guess, very few people are totally introverted or extroverted, so ambiverts will likely make up the majority of your friendship groups.
Besides that, people often get confused using the terms extrovert and introvert because they feel they are too limiting in describing an individual’s personality. Some introverts can get up in front of people and speak without issue, but then need alone time later to recharge. Some extroverts enjoy reading and intellectual pursuits, even though they also enjoy hanging out with friends.
It is these variations that has caused much confusion between people who believe they are on one end of the spectrum, only to have society tell them something else. It should be noted that you shouldn’t try and “pin” a personality type on someone.
It is much better to get to know them and talk to them about what they feel they gravitate to more. Once you know what end of the spectrum your friends tend toward, you can accommodate your interactions with them so you are both more comfortable in your friendship.
