In the modern phenomenon of introvert vs. extrovert dynamics, the ambivert is mostly overlooked. “What is an ambivert?” you ask? Well, my friends, that is exactly why I am making this post—to speak out for my fellow ambiverts everywhere who are always left out of the conversation.
Technically, an ambivert is simply a person whose personality has a balance of introvert and extrovert features. Not so simply, this means that an ambivert personality cannot be truly described, as we are wild cards.
Now, just so that we’re all on the same page, I’m going to clear up some definitions. An introvert is not simply somebody who is shy. Popular culture has already cried out at this classification, but I want to state it one more time. Introversion is the tendency for one to focus on oneself and be more involved in one’s own thoughts rather than outward social interactions. Introverts will often feel tired or drained after being around lots of people, enjoy being in solitude, can feel overwhelmed or distracted with too much stimulus, and generally have a small group of close friends.
On the other end, we have extroverts. Again, an extrovert is not simply someone who is outgoing. Extroverts may seek out the company of others more than introverts because they gain energy, or charge, from being around people. Extroverts love to talk, about their feelings or just to include other people in conversations, and work out problems by discussing them with people. Extroverts can also be easier to make friends with because they are more open with themselves.
Notice how I said at the other end, because introversion and extroversion does exist on a spectrum. All personalities exist on a spectrum because it’s impossible for the entire world to be one hundred percent of something or another.
Now that I’m a bit versed (but by no means an expert) on the subject, it annoys me greatly when people misuse the terms “introvert” and “extrovert” and thus classify themselves and others wrongly. I also roll my eyes quite a bit when people think introversion and extroversion exist as polar opposites, rather than the spectrum it’s supposed to be. The next time you catch someone in their mistake, be sure to point them in the right direction (in the most friendly manner possible, of course).
Before doing some more research into the topic, I was always slightly confused when I couldn’t identify with the “10 Signs You’re An Introvert” or “15 Things All Extroverts Can Relate To” posts I was seeing on the internet. That’s because I am an ambivert, a little mix of both worlds. Sometimes, I enjoy being the life of the party and other times I would rather watch others have fun. Sometimes, I hang out with friends every single day and other times I just want to avoid any human interaction whatsoever.
In fact, most people are probably ambiverts, or lie somewhere between the two commonly discussed sides, and haven’t been able to find their group, either. Well, you can rejoice, for now you have found your people!
Check out this Buzzed article entitled “21 Signs You Might Actually Be An Ambivert“. If you find yourself relating more to this post, then go ahead and grab yourself an honorary ambivert badge.
FTC: This is not a sponsored post, and all opinions are completely genuine. ♥