8 signs you are an Ambivert, According to Psychology

Nowadays, exploring your personality types has become quite a trend. Generally, personality types categorise people as introverts or extroverts, but what if you oscillate between the two? You might be reserved in some situations and thrivingly social in others. Do you ever wonder what this blend of traits is called? A person who exhibits traits of both introversion and extroversion is an ambivert. They appreciate solitude but also enjoy social gatherings when they feel like it. Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist was the first to propose the concept of introversion and extroversion. Ambiverts fall somewhere between the categories. Here are eight signs that might mean you are an ambivert,

1. You like Controlled Social Situations

You don’t like to open up to people or hear about other’s lives. You just need some time to warm up, and a quieter gathering is a good balance between your outgoing and introverted nature. Unlike introverts who avoid any type of social situation and extroverts who love every kind of social situation, if you are an ambivert you are social only when you want to be. You selectively choose people you want to interact with, and if you are not in the mood, you go completely antisocial.

Read More: Life of an Ambivert  

2. Your need for Alone Time Fluctuates

Like introverts, you like alone time but you can also thrive in lively environments when an occasion calls for it. Unlike extroverts, who are always energized by social interaction, you might require alone time to recharge, especially after a long period of socializing. You might feel the need for alone time some days, while in others you are perfectly fine with being around people. However, interruptions to your alone time don’t affect you as much as it would do for introverts, nor do you feel the constant urge to energize through socializing as extroverts do.

3. Different people have different Perceptions of you

Everyone has a different perception of you. Some might see you as a shy, timid person while others view you as lively and outgoing. This might confuse you about your actual self. Yet all these facets of your personality are authentically you, even if you feel like you change depending upon the situation. This unique identity makes you an ambivert.

Read More: The Psychology of Self-Perception

4. You relate being an outgoing Introvert and a reserved Extrovert

When you’re around introverts, you tend to become social and lively, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. However, when you are in a group of extroverts, you might become more reserved and want to withdraw from the situation. Sometimes, you might feel energized from quiet conversations with introverts while other times high energy from extroverts can be overwhelming and exhaust you based on your mood/preferences at that time.

5. People both Intrigue and Exhaust you

Hearing about other people’s lives can often be intriguing. Their experiences captivate your attention, sparking curiosity. Yet, at times, those same conversations can feel draining. You’re always ready to listen when others share, but when it’s your turn to open up, the focus shifts back to them, making it difficult to express yourself. This leaves you feeling unheard and exhausted. In such moments, you naturally pull back, seeking your own space, preferring to recharge in solitude.

6. People easily open up to you but you can’t

You are an outgoing introvert who makes people feel safe and comfortable to open up anything with you. Your outgoing nature helps them share things they might not tell anyone else because all of a sudden you become a great listener & a good guide. However, when you feel low, you find it difficult to share your struggles. You might talk about the lighter topics but not the deeper ones that affect you. Nevertheless, you can still tell people you suffer as well, but not share the specific details like how they do.

Read More: Importance Of Being a Good Listener in A Relationship

7. You have friends

You have a good number of friends. Making friends isn’t necessarily difficult or overly easy for you. You’re not like the introverts who struggle to find friends, nor the extroverts who are surrounded by many. Instead, you confidently choose the people you want to be with, creating meaningful connections on your terms. You have certain friends for life with whom you can be entirely yourself, while you also have some friends with whom you don’t feel comfortable being fully extroverted. As an ambivert, your social experiences reflect a variety of dynamics.

8. Decision-making can be agonizing

Here comes the challenging part. You often find yourself in a dilemma for making any decision. This is because you can easily talk about trivial things with others, but when it comes to sharing about yourself, you retreat to introversion. You spend a lot of time self-reflecting and struggling to explain your feelings like others do. Your extroverted side craves adventure and enjoying life, while your introverted side questions everything. This raises the question: “Can I truly be outgoing in those moments?.” You want to make decisions for yourself, but your introverted side brings up family and other factors, complicating the process. As a result, you often feel stuck in this ongoing dilemma for life.

Conclusion

Psychologist Dan Pink introduced the term “ambivert advantage” to highlight the benefits of being an ambivert. This means you can tap into the strengths of both introverts and extroverts. For instance, you know when to be assertive and confident, while also being friendly and approachable. It’s a win-win situation! Now you have a label you can use to describe yourself better. Many of us fall into the ambivert category, so if this resonates with you, then you are likely an ambivert too. Embrace your ambivert advantage and use it to your benefit. Wishing you all the best!

FAQs

1. Who is an Ambivert?

An ambivert is a person who possesses both introversion and extroversion. They value solitude as much as they can enjoy socializing and interacting. They are able to balance both.

2. Are ambiverts more introverted or extroverted?

Ambiverts often can balance both. When they are with close friends or engaging in activities they enjoy, they become more extroverted however when doing reflective tasks they are more introverted.

3. Can ambiverts change their behavior based on situations?

Yes, ambiverts are known best for their adaptability. They can adapt to socializing when needed and also appreciate solitude as a time for reflection and recharge.

4. Are ambiverts misunderstood?

Yes, frequently. The way people perceive ambiverts differs. As a result, those who think they are always outgoing misinterpret them and expect them to perform tasks that extroverts perform even when they are in an introverted state, and vice versa.