i am ambivert person essay

11 Signs You’re an Ambivert (With Quiz!)

Think you’re an ambivert? Or maybe an extrovert or introvert? Take our free quiz and know the signs of an ambivert to find your true personality!

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Do you think you are an ambivert? I always have struggled with the question:

“Are you an extrovert or introvert?”

Like many people, I don’t quite fit into either category. In this article and video below, I want to introduce you to the concept of an ambivert.

Here’s a quick summary: Ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum, unsure of where you belong? You might be an ambivert, a flexible personality type capable of adapting their behavior based on the situation, mood, or context. This guide dives into what it means to be an ambivert, including signs you might be one and tips for leveraging your ambivert superpowers in work, relationships, and personal growth!

What is an Ambivert?

An ambivert is someone who exhibits qualities of both introversion and extroversion, and can utilize either personality type depending on their mood, context, and goals. It’s also pronounced AM-bi-vert. The emphasis is on the first syllable, “AM”, followed by a softer “bi”, and ending with “vert”.

Ambiverts have also been called:

• Outgoing introverts: An introvert who can be outgoing in certain situations, around certain people, or when they need to.
• Antisocial extroverts: An extrovert who needs time to recharge before socializing or likes to be alone more than a typical extrovert.
• Social introverts: An introvert who can dial up into extroversion when needed.

Whether you are an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, you have a unique skill set! Watch our video below to learn how to harness your expert power!

Extroversion and introversion describe how someone reacts to people. Ambiverts are flexible in how they respond to people.

• In the right context, in the right mood, around the right people, ambiverts can flip up into extroversion .
• In difficult contexts, when tired or cranky or around toxic people, ambiverts can flip down into introversion .

11 Signs You’re an Ambivert (Ambivert Quiz)

Wondering if you’re an ambivert? If you find yourself nodding to these signs, you might just be smack dab in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum.

First, let’s find out how you rank on the scale. Take the Ambivert Quiz:

Are You An Ambivert?

First, let’s find out how you rank on the scale. Do you think you might be an ambivert? Or do you know one in your life? Take the Ambivert Quiz:

Once you’re finished, here’s a closer look at the tell-tale signs that you’re an ambivert—because why settle for one side of the personality spectrum when you can have a slice of both?

• Your Playlist Has Multiple Personalities. One minute, you’re deep into a playlist titled “Zen Garden Serenity,” the next, you’re blasting “Party Hits” and having your dance party. Your music tastes swing as widely as your social preferences, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
• Your Idea of a Party Depends on the Day. Monday: A quiet evening with a book sounds divine. Friday: Why isn’t everyone dancing? If your social battery charges and depletes faster than a smartphone, welcome to the ambivert club!
• Small Talk Isn’t Your Enemy…But It’s Not Your BFF, Either. You can small talk your way through a networking event like a pro , but deep down, you’re fantasizing about having a meaningful conversation about whether cats or dogs make better space explorers.
• You’ve Perfected the Irish Goodbye. Slipping out of a party unnoticed is your superpower. Sometimes, mingling becomes too much, and you disappear with the stealth of a cat burglar, leaving people to wonder, “Wasn’t Alex just here a minute ago?”
• Group Projects: Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way? All of the Above.  You’re comfortable taking the lead or hanging back and letting others guide the way. But if things go off the rails, you’re ready to step in and steer the project back on track.
• Your Comfort Zone Is More Like a Comfort Spectrum. You thrive in a variety of settings, but you have clear boundaries . One day, you’re all about trying new things; the next, you’re wrapped in a blanket fort of safety and familiarity.
• You’re a Social Chameleon. You can adapt to almost any social setting, which is both a blessing and a curse. You blend in at the high-energy concert and the serene art exhibit, but sometimes you forget where you parked your personality.
• The Thought of Spending the Weekend Alone is Both Heavenly and Hellish. A weekend alone? Sounds great…until it doesn’t. You cherish your solitude but fear the moment it becomes too quiet, and you start talking to your plants more than usual.
• You’re Equally Drained by Too Much Interaction and Too Much Isolation. Finding the perfect balance between socializing and alone time is like balancing a seesaw by yourself. Just when you think you’ve got it, life throws another person on either end.
• You Can Be the Life of the Party or the Wallflower. It all depends on your mood, the crowd, and perhaps the phase of the moon. You can turn your extroversion up to eleven or dial it down to a serene introvert level.
• Your Ideal Night Out Involves Going Out…and Then Coming Right Back In. The plan: Go out for a fun night. Reality: You make it to the doorstep, think about the comfort of your pajamas, and decide a cozy night in which a good movie beats any crowded venue.

If these signs feel all too familiar, congratulations! You’re an ambivert, enjoying (or enduring) the best (and sometimes confusing) aspects of both worlds. Embrace your versatile personality—it makes you uniquely equipped to navigate a world designed for extremes.

The Science Behind Ambiversion

Research has found that how we react to people is physiological. This study 1 https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/10/the-introverted-face/381697/ found that we judge someone’s level of extroversion or introversion immediately–often based on facial structure.

For example, We can also self-select our tendency toward extroversion. Which explanation sounds more like you?

• I am drawn to people; I get energy from social gatherings and am fairly outgoing. (Extrovert)
• It’s draining to be around lots of people. I prefer peace, solitude, and quiet time. I usually crave alone time in my free time. (Introvert)
• It depends. (Ambivert)

I will use the terms as labels for the sake of the article, but let’s get one thing straight:

Ambiversion Is Not a Label, It’s a Spectrum

When I talk about the Big 5 Personality Traits , I explain the extroversion scale. You can rank low, high, or medium. People who fall in the middle of the spectrum are called ambiverts.

Further research 2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4214189/ also shows that the dopamine system in our brain, which regulates reward and pleasure, plays a significant role in determining where we fall on the introversion-extroversion spectrum. Ambiverts are believed to have a more balanced dopamine response system, allowing them to seek out social interactions when beneficial but not to the extent that it becomes overwhelming, as might be the case with extroverts.

Why Ambiverts Are Amazing (& How to Leverage Ambiversion)

Many people assume that extroverts are the best at sales, the best leaders, and the most successful at work—WRONG! Adam Grant, an associate professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, analyzed 35 separate studies and found the statistical relationship between extroversion and income was basically zero.

He conducted a personality survey and collected three-month sales records for more than 300 salespeople, both male and female. The people who ranked right in the middle for extroversion and introversion–ambiverts–turned out to be the best salespeople.

“Ambiverts pulled in 24% more revenue than introverts and a mind-boggling 32% more revenue than extroverts!”

Grant theorized that ambiverts seem to strike a balance between the two more extreme personality traits :

“The ambivert advantage stems from the tendency to be assertive and enthusiastic enough to persuade and close, but at the same time, listening carefully to customers and avoiding the appearance of being overly confident or excited,” Grant said.

Find Your Nourishing Locations

Ambiverts typically slide up and down the spectrum depending on the situation, context, and people around them. I call this situational introversion.

For example, certain locations make me extremely nervous and quiet—nightclubs, rooftop bars, and stereotypically ‘chic’ places make me feel super out of place. In learning environments—such as classrooms, workshops, or seminars—you can’t get me to shut up. I constantly have my hand raised, try to make friends with everyone sitting within ten feet of me, and always ask for extra credit.

If you want to master your people skills, you have to know how you react to different situations. I split locations into three categories: Survive, Neutral, and Thrive.

Use this list of common places to find your top three thrive locations—places where you are your best self, and your top three survive locations—places where you dread going.

• Restaurants
• House Party
• Board Rooms
• Office Meetings
• Conferences
• Coffee Shops
• Cocktail Party
• Backyard BBQ
• Networking Event

When you know where you thrive, you can build your schedule and your time around the locations where you can be your best self.

Find Your Nourishing People

People also can affect where we fall on the extroversion scale. Who brings out the best in you? Are there people you dread seeing? How about people you can’t get enough of?

Right now, make a list of the toxic and nourishing people in your life:

Nourishing:

See every person on that nourishing list? Text, email, or call them right now to get together. 

See every person on that toxic list? You deserve to be around people who sustain you.

Hobby Hoarding Is Allowed

If you’re a true ambivert, chances are you have interests in one , two , or three of many hobbies. But whatever hobbies you pick, I recommend choosing at least one good solo hobby and one group hobby.

Solo hobbies allow you to spend alone time recharging your bank for the next social outing. Think painting, writing, meditation, or reading.

Group hobbies are often neglected, but this one’s important (according to Harvard’s longest longevity study ). These hobbies are social—think group soccer, cooking club, improv comedy, and more.

Having a range of hobbies allows you to balance your need for quiet reflection with your desire for social interaction. 

And remember, one day, you might crave the solitude of a long hike, and the next, the collective buzz of a board game night. Each hobby serves a different part of you, and that’s something to celebrate!

The Ambivert Advantage

Being able to balance both extroversion and introversion is an asset. Study these associated traits, courtesy of Larry Kim :

• Flexible: Ambiverts typically can adapt to context and situations more easily.
• Stable: According to psychologist Hans Eysenck, who coined the term “ambivert” in 1947, ambiverts offer a good balance between the hypersensitivity of some introverts and the domineering attitude of some extroverts.
• Intuitive: Daniel Pink said that ambiverts “know when to speak up and when to shut up, when to inspect and when to respond, when to push and when to hold back.”

Wear Your “Maybe” Like a Medal

People often demand a yes or no, black or white, introvert or extrovert answer. But wielding your “maybe” is like carrying a secret weapon—and this is an ambivert’s advantage!

Here’s why your “maybe” comes in:

• Maybe Means Mindfulness: By saying “maybe,” you’re not dodging decisions. You’re listening to your inner voice, checking in with your mental and emotional reserves. And if you’re not cool with it by the time a decision has to be made, no biggie! Just turn that maybe to a “next time!”
• Maybe Empowers Choice: When you say “maybe,” you’re keeping your options open, allowing you to step in or out without fearing stepping on toes.
• Celebrating Your Maybe: It’s time to celebrate your “maybe” for what it truly is—a symbol of your understanding that life isn’t always a straightforward path.

Use your may be at work, in relationships, and with friends! But be careful not to become too ambivalent, or you might end up like a toxic person: 7 Types of Toxic People and How to Spot Them

Ambivert Problems

With all that flexibility comes some liabilities. Since ambiverts can be so flexible, they often run into a few problems:

• They love to talk to people but want to plan it out first.
• They say yes to too many things because they aren’t sure what will work best for them.
• Their extroverted side says yes to things in the future, but then their introverted side has a hard day and no longer wants to go.
• When they’re in a bad mood…nothing sounds fun.
• They like going out only when they are in the right mood, with the right people.
• 18 more problems only ambiverts face. 3 https://www.buzzfeed.com/hanifahrahman/ambivert-struggles

Sometimes ambiverts are caught in the middle—between their desire to be extroverted and the needs of their introverted side.

Action Step: Write out the problems you’re facing when you feel pressure to be more extroverted or introverted to build awareness.

Natural Sales Skills

Research by Adam Grant at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania has highlighted the advantages of ambiversion in social and professional settings. His study on salespeople found that ambiverts achieved superior sales performance compared to their purely introverted or extroverted counterparts, suggesting that the ability to modulate one’s approach to fit the social context is a significant asset.

Your Escape Plan

For the ambivert, the graceful exit is not just a tactic but a necessary strategy, ensuring you preserve your energy without dampening the party spirit.

Here’s how to elevate your departure to an art form:

The Pre-Exit Prep

• Set Expectations Early: When you arrive, hint at a busy day tomorrow. Perhaps you’re trying to get up earlier or have work to catch up on.
• The Power of Presence: While you’re there, be fully engaged. Dive into conversations, laugh heartily, and maybe even lead a toast. Being present ensures that your absence is felt as a loss, not a relief.

The Graceful Goodbye

• The Subtle Sign-off: Find your host and offer a genuine thank you, mentioning how wonderful the evening was.
• The Quiet Cue: No need for grand announcements. Feel free to let a few closer friends or acquaintances know before you leave if at a bigger event, and then make your great escape.

Post-Exit Elegance

• The Morning After Message: A quick note or text to the host expressing your enjoyment of the party cements your good guest status and mitigates any faux pas feelings from your early departure.
• Share a Highlight: Mention a specific moment or conversation from the party that stood out to you. It’s a way to show that, though you left early, you were truly present for the moments you shared.

Amplify Your Ambiversion

Now, I want you to leverage your ambiversion! Here’s how:

“The ambivert advantage stems from the tendency to be assertive and enthusiastic enough to persuade and close, but at the same time, listening carefully to customers and avoiding the appearance of being overly confident or excited,” Grant said. Know when to flexibly use the traits that serve you.

I want you to control how you spend your time and who you spend it with. I am giving you permission: you do not have to spend time with people who drain you or in places that drain you.

Life is too short to spend time with toxic people in draining places!

If you have to see a toxic person—such as a family member or co-worker–use time-blocking to buffer time spent with them. If you know you’ll see them, schedule some recharge time for yourself before or after. You also can have an escape route or excuse ready to go if your time with them runs long. Use scheduling to your advantage by blocking out times and places that work best for your personality.

What is an ambivert?

An ambivert is someone who exhibits both introversion and extroversion and can flip into either depending on their mood, context, and goals.

How do you pronounce ambivert?

Here’s the ambivert pronunciation: am-buh-vurt

Remember: There is no right or wrong personality type. The only right thing to do is live, act, and address who you are. Act on your strengths, purge toxicity, and get to know your true self.

Check out our video below to learn conversation starters for introverts!

Ambiverts in the Workplace

Ambiverts have a unique edge in the workplace. They can both relax in the quiet focus of work and keep up with the social side, like workplace humor . This duality, when harnessed correctly, can lead to outstanding performance and fulfillment in professional environments.

Here are three juicy tips for ambiverts to use their versatility as a superpower!

Strategic Networking

Let’s say you’ve got a networking event coming up. Sure, it can be a great event, but sometimes you might need a little recharge after. I like to schedule “Extrovert Bursts” for networking and “Introvert Retreats” for recovery.

For example, you can prepare beforehand by slotting in time before and after the event for low-stimulation activities. This could mean working on a solitary project a couple of hours before the event to conserve social energy and planning a quiet lunch alone afterward to decompress.

This way, you’ll head into the networking event as chill as a cucumber without too much stress.

Chameleon Leadership

Do you know your charismatic leadership style ? One approach to leading is taking a chameleon-like approach—by first assessing your team’s mood and energy levels, you can tailor what’s best for them.

For example, if the team seems low on energy or disengaged, step up with an extroverted style (without overdoing it!) by initiating lively discussions or energetic brainstorming sessions. 

Conversely, if the team is feeling overwhelmed or stressed, switch to an introverted approach by giving them space to work independently, focusing on one-on-one check-ins.

Here’s an example: Sarah, an ambiverted team leader, notices her team is feeling the mid-week slump. She decides to energize the morning meeting with a quick, interactive game related to their project. Later in the week, recognizing signs of stress among her team members, she cancels the regular group meeting in favor of individual touch bases, offering support and guidance without the pressure of a group setting.

Ambiverted Productivity

Do you have an “Ambivert-Friendly Zone” in your workspace? An ambivert-friendly zone has a small, quiet corner or space for times when you need to focus without distractions and a more open, communal area where you can engage and have great conversations .

If you don’t have a dynamic workspace, you can use headphones as a signal for “introvert mode” and keep an approachable symbol out, like a fun desk toy or a candy jar, when you’re open to socializing.

Ambiverts in Relationships

Ever wondered how ambiverts stack up against extroverts and introverts in relationships? Here’s a nifty table showcasing how!

When it comes to romantic relationships, there may be more in-depth ways of looking at how you might respond. If you’re interested, we’ve got you covered: The 5 Relationship Patterns: Which One Are You?

Master Your Personality

Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, you can level up your strengths and strengthen your weaknesses. Take the flagship course in order to gain that edge:

Master Your People Skills

• Create a Memorable Presence
• Communicate with Confidence
• Achieve Your Goals

Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support .

Want to get to know your fellow colleagues? Read up on Introverts and Extroverts .

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What is an Ambivert Personality?

Charlotte Nickerson

Research Assistant at Harvard University

Undergraduate at Harvard University

Charlotte Nickerson is a student at Harvard University obsessed with the intersection of mental health, productivity, and design.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

On This Page:

An ambivert is a person whose personality falls between the extrovert and introvert extremes. They feel comfortable in social situations but also enjoy time alone, balancing between outgoing and reserved behaviors.

An ambivert essentially changes their behavior based on the situation they find themselves in. For example, they may be quite introverted and reserved around strangers but will be more energetic and extroverted around close friends and family.

Other psychologists have called ambiverts (Petric, 2019):

• Outgoing introverts : introverts who can be outgoing in certain situations, around certain people, or when they absolutely need to be.
• Antisocial extroverts : extroverts who need time to recharge before socializing or who like to be alone more than a typical extrovert.
• Social introverts : an introvert who can behave in a more extroverted way when needed.

Key Takeaways

• Ambiversion is the quality of having both introverted and extroverted personality traits. Unlike introverts, who gain energy from solitude, or extroverts, who feel energized by socializing, ambiverts fall somewhere in the middle.
• They often enjoy spending time with others but also value their alone time and need some time to recharge after social interactions.
• While many people tend to assume that they are either introverts or extroverts, research suggests that most people are actually ambiverts.
• The term ambiversion was coined in the early 20th century by psychologist Kimball Young. Young believed that everyone has both introverted and extroverted qualities and that everyone falls on a spectrum.
• Research suggests that ambiverts may be better salespeople than either introverts or extroverts because they can adapt their approach to the customer. Other studies point to the strength of ambiverts in academics.

Theoretical Origins

The first person to coin the term “ambiversion” was psychologist Kimball Young in 1927 in Source Book for Social Psychology .

However, the concept of introversion and extroversion dates to Carl Jung’s core ideas in his exploration of personality.

He defined extraversion as “an outward turning of libido” and introversion as “an inward turning of libido.” Jung referred to libido as motivational to various behaviors – including and not including sexual gratification.

Since then, research has shown that ambiversion is fairly common, with estimates suggesting that more than half of the general population are likely to be ambiverts.

Despite the prevalence of ambiversion, it is less commonly written about than extraversion and introversion.

This is largely due to the widespread belief that extraversion and introversion are binary traits. As a result, many ambiverts fail to recognize their ambiversion, instead placing themselves on one end of the spectrum or the other.

Personality Spectrum

The introvert-extrovert spectrum is a model that suggests that there is a continuum of introverted and extroverted behaviors, with ambiverts falling in the middle.

On one end of the spectrum are introverts, who tend to be quiet, reflective, and reserved. On the other end are extroverts, who are usually more outgoing, assertive, and sociable. Ambiverts fall somewhere in between these two extremes.

There may be a genetic component to introversion, extraversion, and ambiversion. The evidence for this debate largely comes from research on twins. One study found that identical twins were likelier to share the same orientation than fraternal twins.

Other research has shown that introverts and extroverts differ in their brain activity. For example, one study found that introverts have more blood flow to the frontal lobes of their brain, while extroverts have more blood flow to the rear regions.

This suggests that there may be some underlying neurological differences between the two types. However, there is also evidence to suggest that introversion and extraversion are not entirely fixed traits.

For instance, one study found that people’s self-reported orientation can change over time. This suggests that people are not necessarily locked into one type or the other but may instead fall somewhere in between (Botwinick, 1984).

This debate has important implications for how psychologists understand and study personality. If introversion and extraversion are truly binary traits, then studying them would be relatively easy.

However, if they are not, it becomes much more difficult to connect the outward signs of these personality traits to the underlying biology.

Ambivert Characteristics

Ambiverts can exhibit both introverted and extroverted traits and may switch depending on the context and individual factors.

For example, an ambivert may be somewhat talkative and quite assertive but not exceptionally sociable (Petric, 2019).

This mix of traits can make it difficult to identify ambiverts, as their behavior may vary depending on the situation.

Nonetheless, there are a few key traits that are commonly associated with ambiverts, including:

Being able to adapt to different situations

Being good at communication –  both listening and speaking

Being comfortable with both large groups and small intimate gatherings

Being able to work well both independently and in teams

Having a strong sense of self-awareness

Providing balance in social situations

An ability to regulate behavior and responses

While ambiverts share some characteristics with both introverts and extroverts, they are unique in that they can draw from both sides of the spectrum. This allows them to be more flexible and adaptable than either type alone.

Ambiverts can also process thoughts and emotions both out loud and internally, meaning that they may benefit from talking out problems with others and processing them through a solitary activity, such as writing.

Adam Grant conducted a personality survey and three-month sales records on more than 300 salespeople of both genders.

Those in the middle of introversion and extraversion – ambiverts – tended to be the best salespeople.

Overall, ambiverts generated 24% more revenue than introverts and 32% more revenue than extroverts.

Grant (2013) believed that this ambivert advantage in sales stems from the tendency to be assertive and enthusiastic enough to persuade and close, but at the same time, listening carefully to customers and avoiding the appearance of being overly confident or excited.

Business Research

Karl Moore (2012) of McGill University researched introverted versus extroverted personality traits in the business world.

From his perspective, blending the two personality types fosters success in the workplace.

Contrary to popular opinion, he believed that becoming an ambivert is a skill that both introverts and extroverts alike can master.

In one of Karl Moore’s studies, he found that those who were in the middle of the scale – ambiverts – performed best when making business decisions.

He argues that this is because they can consider both sides of an issue and come to a more well-rounded conclusion.

Academic Performance

A study by Tretiak and Severynovska (2016) found that ambiverts tend to do better academically than either introverts or extroverts.

The authors suggest that this may be because they can draw on both introverted and extroverted qualities, such as being able to focus on their studies while also socializing with classmates.

The study also found that ambiverts are more likely to seek help from others, which may lead to improved performance.

This aligns with the idea that ambiverts are more flexible and adaptable than either introverts or extroverts.

Overall, ambiversion confers the advantage of flexibility, adaptability, and balance.

For example, an ambivert can easily adjust their behavior to fit different social situations, whether that means being quiet in a one-on-one chat or taking on more of a leadership role in a larger group.

This allows them to navigate social interactions effectively and build strong relationships with others.

On the other hand, while they might be able to draw from both introverted and extroverted traits, ambiverts may find it difficult to fully embrace either side at the exclusion of the other.

As such, some people may perceive them as lacking conviction or passion about anything in particular, relegating themselves to the “peacekeeper” in social and work settings.

Additionally, being torn between two extremes can lead to exhaustion when attempting to seek balance.

Lastly, with ambiversion may come pressure to remain a certain way in a specific event or setting, as others may not realize the alternate side of an ambivert’s personality (Grant, 2013).

Botwinick, J. (1984). Personality development: Stability and change. Aging and Behavior , 143-165.

Georgiev, S. Y., Christov, C. V., & Philipova, D. T. (2014). Ambiversion as independent personality characteristic.  Act. Nerv. Super. Rediviva ,  56 (3-4), 65-72.

Grant, A. M. (2013). Rethinking the extraverted sales ideal: The ambivert advantage. Psychological Science, 24 (6), 1024-1030.

Jung, C. G. (1921). Psychological types. The collected works of CG Jung, Vol. 6 Bollingen Series XX.

Moore, K. (2012). Introverts no longer the quiet followers of extroverts . Forbes.

Petric, D. (2019). Introvert, Extrovert and Ambivert. The Knot Theory of Mind.

Tretiak, T. O., Severynovska, O. V., & Boyko, M. (2016). Connection of students’ academic performance and cognitive abilities with their psychological characteristics. Regulatory Mechanisms in Biosystems, 1 (7), 18-26.

Young, K. (1927). Source book for social psychology .

What is an introvert and extrovert mix called?

An ambivert personality is characterized by a balance of extrovert and introvert traits. Ambiverts can be outgoing and social when needed, but they also appreciate quiet time alone.

They are adaptable and able to adjust their approach to align with their surroundings, which can lead to a well-rounded perspective on life. They are neither excessively outgoing nor overwhelmingly reserved, instead showing flexibility in various social settings.

What’s the Difference Between an Ambivert and an Omnivert?

An ambivert is a person who exhibits qualities of both introversion and extroversion and can flip into either depending on their mood, context, and goals.

An omnivert, on the other hand, is someone who can feel intensely introverted or extroverted in different situations. Their preference for introversion or extroversion can change frequently and drastically, rather than hovering around the middle of the spectrum like an ambivert.

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8 Signs You Might Be an Ambivert

It's tough being shy and outgoing at the same time

Julia Childs Heyl is a clinical social worker who focuses on mental health disparities, the healing of generational trauma, and depth psychotherapy.

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

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Characteristics of Ambiverts

8 tell-tale signs of ambiversion, benefits of being an ambivert, ambiversion and your relationships, daily life tips for ambiverts.

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. 

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.

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. 

• Your social battery can be recharged quickly. Just a quick bout of  downtime  can have you feeling rebooted for the evening’s social gathering. 
• 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. 
• 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. 
• Intimate hangs are deeply satisfying for you. But, you can feel overwhelmed with lots of impersonal back-and-forth communication, like texts and emails. 
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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.
• 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Tuovinen S, Tang X, Salmela-Aro K.  Introversion and social engagement: scale validation, their interaction, and positive association with self-esteem.   Front Psychol.  2020;11:590748. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.590748

American Psychological Association.  Ambiversion . 

Davidson IJ.  The ambivert: A failed attempt at a normal personality.   J History Behavioral Science . 2017;53(4):313-331. doi: 10.1002/jhbs.21868

By Julia Childs Heyl, MSW Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a clinical social worker and writer. As a writer, she focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework. In her clinical work, she specializes in treating people of color experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma through depth therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy.

11 Signs That You’re An Ambivert Personality

Have you ever felt like you don't quite fit the mold of a classic introvert or extrovert?

Well, you might just be an ambivert! 

If you've never delved into the fascinating world of ambivert personalities, you're in for a treat. 

Let's explore the sometimes hard-to-spot signs to help you recognize this unique personality type within yourself or those around you. 

Sit back and join us on this enlightening journey to better understand the captivating realm of ambiverts. You never know, you might just uncover a new way to embrace and appreciate your true personality.

What is an Ambivert Personality? 

1. adaptable in any situation, 2. balanced risk-taking, 3. mastering the art of talking and listening, 4. comfortable working alone or in groups, 5. appreciating activity and downtime, 6. navigating small talk and deep conversations, 7. trusting yet skeptical, 8. enjoying the spotlight, but not for too long, 9. close scores on myers-briggs tests, 10. perceived differently by others, 11. embracing spontaneity and structure, final thoughts.

To fully grasp the concept of ambiverts, you need to know a little about the foundations of personality typing.

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung introduced the terms introversion and extroversion in his 1920s work, “ Psychologische Typen ” (Psychological Types).

According to Jung, the primary difference between introverts and extroverts lies in how they gain energy—extroverts are invigorated by social interactions, while introverts find them exhausting.

Therefore, extroverts tend to be more engaged with the external world, while introverts are introspective and contemplative.

Other theories attribute these preferences to varying levels of cortical arousal (brain activity); introverts have higher cortical arousal and process information more quickly.

Another perspective suggests that extroverts' brains are more sensitive to rewards, such as those experienced during social interactions, making them more inclined to mingle.

Numerous studies reveal significant differences between introvert and extrovert brains, with each personality type boasting its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

However, introversion and extroversion exist on a spectrum, and most people fall somewhere in between, leaning slightly towards one or the other.

Ambiverts occupy this middle ground, enjoying the benefits of both introverted and extroverted traits.

This advantageous position gained attention after Adam Grant, a psychology professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, published a study in Psychological Science .

The study suggested that ambiverts perform better as salespeople due to their adaptive personalities.

Grant explains, “Ambiverts are likely to express sufficient assertiveness and enthusiasm to persuade and close a sale, but are more inclined to listen to customers' interests and less vulnerable to appearing too excited or overconfident.”

Interestingly, the study found that extroverts didn't outperform introverts, with both personality types generating similar sales percentages.

As most people identify as ambiverts, recognizing the signs of ambiversion can help you determine if this personality type resonates with you.

11 Signs Of an Ambivert Personality

Ambiverts are like social chameleons, feeling at ease in various settings. They can strike up conversations at parties or unwind alone with a book or show. This adaptability means they're comfortable in a wider range of situations than pure introverts or extroverts, making them great company for any occasion.

The ambivert walks the line between cautious and adventurous. They can make impulsive decisions, but they also know when to hit the brakes and think things through. This balance allows them to enjoy life's thrills without getting carried away, giving them a unique perspective on risk-taking.

Ambiverts have a superpower – they know when to share their thoughts and when to lend an attentive ear. This makes them exceptional communicators, as they can adapt their style to suit any situation, whether it's closing a sale, offering a shoulder to cry on, or just engaging in friendly banter.

The ambivert person thrives in various work environments, from solitary tasks to team projects. They can be productive on their own but also enjoy the energy of collaboration. This flexibility allows them to adapt to changing work demands and excel in diverse professional settings.

Ambiverts have a unique energy balance. They love hanging out with friends, socializing, and staying busy, but they also crave downtime to recharge. Their preference for activity or leisure varies, depending on their position on the introversion-extraversion continuum.

Ambiverts can effortlessly switch between casual chit-chat and thought-provoking discussions. They understand that small talk is a part of socializing but quickly grow bored of superficial conversations. Their versatility means they can connect with others on various levels.

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The ambivert can be open and trusting with new people, seeing the best in them right away. However, they also have a keen intuition that warns them when someone isn't trustworthy. Their balanced approach to trust allows them to forge meaningful connections without being overly guarded or naive.

Ambiverts have their moments in the limelight, but they also know when it's time to step back. They enjoy being the life of the party, but after a while, they might prefer to blend into the crowd and let others shine, avoiding the energy drain that comes with prolonged attention.

Ambiverts often have nearly equal scores for introversion and extraversion on personality tests like the Myers-Briggs. Their results might lean slightly more toward one side, but overall, their scores reveal their balanced nature.

Ambiverts' adaptability can lead people to label them as introverts or extroverts, depending on the situation. When they're socializing at events, they might appear extroverted, while on quieter nights in, they'll seem more introverted.

Ambiverts appreciate the excitement of impromptu plans while also valuing well-organized schedules. This balance allows them to enjoy life's surprises while maintaining a sense of stability and order.

So, if you resonate with these signs, you might just be an ambivert! Embrace your unique qualities and make the most of this adaptable and versatile personality type.

Other Names for the Misunderstood Ambivert

• Social Introvert: This term describes ambiverts who lean more towards introversion but can still comfortably socialize when needed. They may prefer small gatherings or one-on-one interactions over large parties.
• Outgoing Introvert: A seemingly contradictory term, it refers to individuals who enjoy socializing but also need their alone time to recharge. They can be the life of the party but will eventually retreat to solitude.
• Reserved Extrovert: These ambiverts tend to lean more towards extraversion but display a more controlled, moderate approach to social interactions. They enjoy being around others, but they might not always be the center of attention.
• Introverted Extrovert: This label captures the essence of ambiverts who are mostly extroverted but occasionally crave alone time to recharge or engage in solitary activities.

These alternative terms highlight the versatility and complexity of the ambivert personality, emphasizing that there's more to these individuals than meets the eye.

Understanding and embracing your ambivert personality can open up new opportunities and enhance your life experiences.

Being self-aware and in tune with your environment allows you to harness your innate adaptability and thrive in various situations.

As you learn more about ambiverts and discover where you lie on the personality spectrum, you'll be better equipped to adjust your behavior and reactions in both professional and social settings. 

Whether you're presenting to a contemplative client or participating in a lively brainstorming session, you'll know when to dial up the energy or take a more reserved approach.

Your ability to shift seamlessly between introverted and extroverted tendencies is a valuable asset. By leveraging this flexibility, you can enjoy greater success in your relationships, career, and all aspects of your life. Embrace your ambivert nature, and watch the benefits unfold.