If someone were to ask you, “Are you an introvert or an extrovert?” Do you have an immediate answer? Do you tend to ponder, even for a second, where you fall? Most individuals refer to introverts as quieter and more thoughtful, extroverts as louder and more outgoing and Ambiverts as somewhere in between the two extremes. However, there’s more to these names than eleven letters.
Traits
Before understanding more about these titles that reflect our personality, we need to know which category we may end up in.
Introverts
- Introverts prefer one-on-one conversations rather than a dynamic group discussion
- They tend to feel drained after a long day of socializing and need some time to recharge.
- They are more shy or socially awkward
- They don’t enjoy speaking up, are thoughtful listeners, and they can often be found overthinking things.
Extroverts
- Extroverts prefer talking through selective conflicts.
- They enjoy socializing and feel energized from it.
- They are constantly seeking new thrilling experiences.
- They prefer a larger social network group with variety, make decisions quickly and are more outgoing, confident and reckless.
Ambiverts
- Ambiverts do well in social settings and alone
- They are more decisive than impulsive,
- Active listening comes naturally for them,
- They can adapt well to new situations or experiences, be flexible when it comes to problem-solving and draw others out naturally.
Happiness Levels, Which One is Better?
There isn’t a spectrum for which is better because every sign has its strengths and weaknesses. The same applies to happiness rates. While many might think that introverts would be less happy or optimistic because they overthink everything and are always alone.
Extroverts, who are naturally attracted to socializing, feel utterly devastated when they are alone, even for a school project and feel the need to reach out to someone, causing low happiness rates when they are alone, and to live life, there are several times we are confined to solitude.
Ambiverts, on the other hand, might feel growing doubt that they aren’t enough, that they are too weird, or that they don’t fit in with any group, leading to a lack of self-confidence and joy.
Our Brain
Research shows that extroverted individuals may have higher levels of dopamine, which they are born with, experiencing more of a dopamine release when trying new things, socializing, or simply engaging in activities or surroundings, strengthening those extroverted traits.
The Line
Introverts and Extroverts are polar opposites, and being an ambivert means being somewhere in between. In a way, we are all ambiverts because to achieve a perfect introvert with not even an ounce of extroversion is truly rare and nearly impossible. This is because we don’t have a fixed personality and often grow into new molds that are equally unique; we all have differences which make us, well, us.
Nature vs Nurture
While you can grow into yourself, we are born with specific characteristics, one of them determining our introversion, extroversion, and ambiversion. In this context, nurturing our type may decrease the level of whatever type you are; however, it is ultimately our nature that shapes our introversion, extroversion and ambiversion.