I have no idea how many times I have been called an introvert, and I’m surely not alone. The rise in popularity of personality tests, awareness surrounding personality disorders, and the salient point that the English language contains over 2818 adjectives describing personality have led to a widespread “understanding” of personality in simple trait terms.
Don’t get me wrong; the more people who understand the complex world of personality traits–the better; however, many miss the nuance of personality as a continuum; after all, who doesn’t like a nice and easy, black and white, crystal clear categorization. The truth is that a continuum, spectrum, or whatever you want to call it is a far more apt descriptor of human personality traits.
Luckily, the nuance is not lost on everyone, and hence, we get to the ambivert: a mix of introverts and extroverts, sometimes called outgoing or social introverts. These people can be introverted at times, extroverted at others, enjoying social activities and the company of others while also needing time alone to recharge.
Introversion, Extroversion, and the Inbetween
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t have at least a rough idea of what these two traits look like; however, understanding each trait’s intricacies and how they coexist (or don’t) gives us a better picture of the ambivert.
1. Introversion
Introversion is often misunderstood and wrongly categorized as shyness or antisocial behavior. In reality, it is a personality trait defined by a focus on internal feelings rather than external stimuli. Introverts ‘recharge’ or replenish their mental energy levels by spending time alone. An introvert usually values depth over breadth in their relationships and interests.
The introverted side of an ambivert often manifests in a thoughtful approach to problem-solving, a preference for meaningful one-on-one interactions, and the ability to listen and reflect before acting. These aspects can be pretty helpful as they allow ambiverts to adapt and thrive in various social and professional settings.
2. Extroversion
Extroversion is a trait typically associated with outgoing, socially confident individuals. Extroverts draw energy from interacting with others and engaging in active, fast-paced activities. They tend to be assertive and enthusiastic and thrive in team settings.
The extroverted side of ambiversion is reflected in an extrovert’s ability to communicate effectively in social situations, their comfort in group settings, and their propensity to take initiative. They enjoy the stimulation of a lively environment, but like introverts, they also value downtime. This balance allows ambiverts to navigate both quiet and louder gatherings pretty well.
The Mood Aspect
The link between mood and personality is a big one and has been well documented. Studies have claimed that extroverts are happier and have better mood maintenance. Others argue that this is simply because extroversion is associated with positive activities like socializing. The definition of mood is any “short-lived emotional state.” Since an ambivert can regularly shift between emotional states, taking note of one’s mood can be a useful tool to manage and record exactly what introvert and extrovert states you are passing through.
For many mental health professionals like therapists, doctors, nurses, or trainees learning through courses like ABSN nursing programs, understanding, managing, or recording a client or patient’s mood is a daily challenge. Nurses, especially in mental health, have daily interactions with people suffering from a range of disorders and often going through many mood cycles.
The Continuum
Classically referred to as a spectrum. However, I believe the term continuum better describes personality traits because they can change depending on the situation or individual and exist in many different forms.
The beauty of the personality continuum lies in fluidity and flexibility. It allows us to move beyond rigid categorizations and embrace the complexity of our personalities. With personality models like the Big 5 becoming better known, many already recognize the benefits of understanding personality as a continuum. For ambiverts, these benefits provide many options and opportunities for change.
An ambivert can slide towards introversion when they need introspection or quiet and towards extroversion when they seek social interaction or excitement–often experiencing the best of both worlds. However, it’s important to remember that this fluidity doesn’t mean ambiverts are indecisive or confused about their identity. Instead, it reflects their ability to adapt and openness to the full range of human experiences. Embracing this continuum perspective can help us all better understand and appreciate the diversity and depth of human personality.
Spotting an Ambivert
If you’re wondering whether you might be an ambivert, there are several signs to look for. Ambiverts often feel comfortable in a variety of social settings but also crave time alone to recharge. They can be talkative or quiet, depending on the situation and their energy levels. Ambiverts are adaptable and able to adjust their approach based on the context. They can be leaders when needed but are also comfortable following. They can enjoy the spotlight but don’t seek it.
If you find yourself resonating with both introverted and extroverted traits, you might be an ambivert. Remember, personality isn’t black and white, and it’s okay to exist in the grey area. Embrace your unique blend of traits, and remember, being an ambivert is about balance and adaptability.
The Ambivert Advantage
Ambiverts, with their unique blend of introverted and extroverted traits, often find their personality type very advantageous. After all, the ability to adapt to different social situations can help in business, with making friends or just connecting with others. That’s not to say an introvert can’t do any of these, but more introverted people often feel tired or drained by excessive social interaction and require downtime to recharge–something ambiverts can harness while simultaneously enjoying many extrovert-suited situations.
In a professional setting, many believe that ambiverts are ad an advantage because they can lead and listen, innovate and consolidate, speak out, and stay silent when necessary—fluctuating between whichever state is most effective.
Understanding and managing this fine balance is no mean feat. Too much time in either state can cause stress and discomfort. The solution? Self-awareness and mindful management of energy. This lets an ambivert fully harness the potential of their unique personality trait. This adaptability and flexibility make ambiverts a fascinating study for personality psychologists.
