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What is an extroverted introvert?
Brian Garland
October 12, 2023
Welcome to The Introverted Path!
Happy Thursday! Seems like this week has flown by for me. I am getting ready for a week straight of travel for work and a wedding. As a very routined introvert, being gone for that long always stresses me out.
But I’m excited to see some people I work with in person. And there’s something about being in airports that excites me — seeing thousands of people traveling to all different places. Plus the people watching is top notch. Anyone else feel the same way??
This week, I’m talking about extroverted introverts, aka ambiverts. The majority of the population consider themself an ambivert, so I thought it would be good to dig into what that means.
In today’s email:
Definition of an extroverted introvert
How to know if you are an ambivert
Links to other content I enjoyed this week
Let’s dive in 🤙
What is an extroverted introvert?
An extroverted introvert, as the name suggests, exhibits traits of both extroversion and introversion.
They may enjoy socializing and meeting new people, but also feel drained after too much social interaction and need to retreat to a quiet space to recharge.
You may also hear an extroverted introvert referred to as an ambivert.
You’ll recall from one of my first newsletters on the history of introversion that Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung first introduced the terms extroversion and introversion in the 1920s.
As he researched different personality types, he found there was a group of people who didn’t necessarily identify as introverts or extroverts.
These people became known as ambiverts. The prefix ambi means “both” and vert means “to turn”.
Introverts turn inward; extroverts turn outward; and ambiverts turn both inward and outward.
According to a few estimates, likely between 60% - 70% of the population are ambiverts.
So what are some of the characteristics of an ambivert?
Characteristics of an ambivert
You relate to traits of both introverts and extroverts
This one seems quite obvious, but it is still worth stating.
No one resonates with all the characteristics of an introvert or an extrovert. We all fall somewhere on the spectrum.
But some people likely relate to a good amount of traits of both introverts and extroverts. You enjoy socializing, but also need time to recharge. You can be outgoing and partake in small talk, but prefer deep conversations.
If you look at the traits of both introverts and extroverts but don’t find yourself leaning one way or the other, you may be an ambivert.
Your energy levels depend on your environment
Introverts prefer low stimulating environments and extroverts thrive in high stimulating environments.
Ambiverts can go either way, depending on the situation.
They may enjoy going to a huge concert or sports game, but also hanging with close friends in the backyard.
They take their energy from their environment — and that energy may be different depending on the day.
Working well independently and in teams
Introverts tend to do their best work independently, while extroverts thrive in group settings.
Ambiverts fall somewhere in the middle. They have the ability to work alone but also don’t mind working in teams.
This can give them a leg up in the workplace — being adaptable is a great skill to have.
But it also means they don’t have a “preferred” way of working that may produce the best results.
You often find yourself feeling indecisive
Since ambiverts enjoy different environments, it can make it hard to decide what you are looking for.
Sit at home and enjoy that new book, or go to the party you were invited to?
If you see pros and cons with each decision, it can make it hard to decide what you want to do or need in that moment.
My thoughts 💭
On the surface, it seems ambiverts have an advantage over both introverts and extroverts. By being adaptable to situations, you can get the best of both personality traits.
But on the flip side, it can be harder for ambiverts to have a true identity. Depending on the day, they may lean more introvert or extrovert.
Since introversion and extroversion falls on a spectrum, we are likely all ambiverts in some ways.
No one is a “pure introvert” or “pure extrovert”.
The healthiest version of an introvert likely leans more towards an ambivert.
It’s important to know where you fall on the introversion/extroversion spectrum and identify where you can improve.
For me, it has been opening up more to talk about myself. Trying to get past surface level relationships with work colleagues or loose friends.
But it is important to feel comfortable with the way you are as well. You shouldn’t strive to be a certain way because you think that is what society or other people want.
Embrace your own characteristics while identifying a couple things to work on that you think will improve your own life.
But make sure those are things you want to improve, not what you think society is saying you need to work on.
Links that I enjoyed this week 💥
That’s it for today - hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter!
Best,
BG