8 Signs You Might Be an Ambivert

In a world of personality 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 psychiatrist Carl 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. 

Characteristics of Ambiverts

Many ambiverts are gifted with the ability to be highly adaptable. While they need quiet time to recharge, 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:

• You find yourself alternating between feeling introverted and extroverted, however, these feelings aren’t necessarily situation-dependent. Instead, they’re just part of your natural traits. 
• You don’t mind the spotlight. Whether it's leading a major project at work or singing off-pitch at the karaoke bar, you’re up for the moment as long as you’re feeling adequately recharged.
• You need complete solitude after a major hangout. Note that this is someone who needs both things, not just solitude or a major hangout. 
• IRL hangouts are always best for you—you’re likely to let texts and phone calls go unanswered for a while when you’re getting your alone time in.

8 Tell-tale Signs of Ambiversion

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. 

1. Your social battery can be recharged quickly. Just a quick bout of downtime can have you feeling rebooted for the evening’s social gathering. 
2. Speaking of, you love your alone time, just not too much of it. Sometimes it isn’t even a matter of needing alone time as it is simply appreciating it. However, you’ll crave human contact after a bit of solo time. 
3. Long activities may not be your speed. Chatting and socializing all day can feel exhausting, but a nice few hours might be just the perfect fit. 
4. Intimate hangs are deeply satisfying for you. But, you can feel overwhelmed with lots of impersonal back-and-forth communication, like texts and emails. 
5. You can be a team player at work, but you can take the lead when needed. In fact, your employer and colleagues may applaud you for being adaptable. 
6. You don’t have the overwhelming urge to always have your voice heard. Quietly listening in a lively conversation and occasionally chiming in can be all the interaction you need. 
7. After a long day of socializing, you might find yourself needing a calm space with low sensory activity. For example, cozying up in your bed with dim lighting to listen to a podcast after a friend’s BBQ may sound heavenly to you.
8. Making friends isn’t necessarily hard for you. You likely have a core crew of friends you’ve held onto throughout the years and then a wide variety of acquaintances. 
   

Benefits of Being an Ambivert

While ambiversion as a personality type concept has been around since the 1920s, it was largely exempt from psychological discourse throughout the 20th century. Most therapists focused 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 the lead as 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 both introverts and extroverts. This is because ambiverts have an equal share of introvert and extrovert traits.

Ambiversion and Your Relationships

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 are communicated. 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 to Resha 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 beloved friend, 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. 

Daily Life Tips for Ambiverts

While you may feel fine with your identity as an ambivert, it helps to figure out how you can use these traits most advantageously. "Taking time to tune into yourself will help clarify what kind of stimulation you're needing," explains Altai. She continued by normalizing the reality that sometimes you may need more social interaction and other days you'll need to be with yourself. "Allowing both to be valid is necessary and you'll likely be better company when you've had that alone time," she continues.

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

• When scheduling out your days, be sure to leave lots of breathing room on days when you’ll have tons of socializing to do. 
• If you’re invited to an all-day hangout, consider staying in the night before so you have plenty of energy to keep up. 
• Communication is key in any relationship, but especially for ambiverts. Let your loved ones know that you’re going to need some time alone. Reassure them that you may be slow to respond to their text messages.
• According to Altai, engaging the five senses to guide what feels good to you can be a game changer. She recommends taking an epsom salt bath, doing some gentle yoga, unwinding with a puzzle, playing with a pet, or mindfully enjoying a cup of tea.