Ambiverts
Personality types exist on a spectrum. At one end are quiet introverts. At the other are social extroverts. But the most common personality isn’t either of these. It’s a type known as ambiverts.
How Does Ambiversion Compare to Other Personality Types?
“Being an ambivert is seen as the ‘happy medium’ of personality types,” says Christopher Hansen, a licensed professional counselor in San Antonio, Texas.
If you’re an ambivert, you share some traits with both introverts and extroverts.
Introvert vs. ambivert
Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you’re shy or dislike other people. It means that you enjoy a lot of quiet time by yourself and feel recharged when you get it.
If you’re an introvert, you might:
- Feel drained after spending time around other people
- Have a small, tight circle of close friends
- Listen more than you speak
- Prefer small, low-key gatherings over big, noisy parties
An outgoing introvert can also be an ambivert. For instance, you might enjoy hanging with your friends at a weeklong music festival. But once it’s over, you’re happy to have lots of time at home by yourself.
Extrovert vs. ambivert
If you’re an extrovert, you like being around other people. You feel energized and happy when you interact with the world.
Extroverts find it easy to:
- Meet new people
- Think on their feet
- Speak up in front of others
- Try new things
- Maintain a large group of friends
A reserved extrovert could also be called an ambivert.
Omnivert vs. ambivert
If you’re a personality type called an omnivert, you also share traits with introverts and extroverts. But you swing between them in a big way. Your desire to be outgoing or be by yourself can be sudden and feel extreme. Other people may notice them, too.
If you’re an ambivert, the shifts you have are smaller. You may be the only one who picks up on them.
How to Find Out If You’re an Ambivert
If you want to learn more about your personality type, you can take a test. These are a series of questions that provide insight into how you naturally think or the types of things you prefer. Two popular personality tests are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2.)
But even if you are an ambivert, your results may not spell that out. That’s because most people with this personality type lean a little more toward being an extrovert or introvert. Your score may show that instead.
You may be able to figure out if you’re an ambivert by simply thinking about your habits. What types of activities give you energy or drain you of it?
Keep in mind, too, that your personality isn’t a fixed thing. Although you may be “hardwired” a certain way, it can change and grow based on the experiences that you have.
4 Signs You’re an Ambivert
Some common traits include:
You’re outgoing — sometimes. Other times, you’re a homebody. You draw energy from both scenarios.
You often don’t have extreme opinions. Ambiverts are very good at seeing all sides of a situation.
You don’t need to be in the spotlight. You’ll speak up when you have something to say. The rest of the time, you’re a good listener.
You adapt easily. For instance, you can work well with others and also by yourself.
Benefits of Being an Ambivert
Having a personality that falls between “introvert” and “extrovert” gives you two major strengths.
Flexibility. “Ambiverts are generally really adept at ‘turning it on’ when they need to, but also very comfortable alone or sitting in silence,” says Beth Ribarsky, PhD, director of the School of Communication and Media at University of Illinois Springfield.
Being so flexible lets you quickly read a room and adjust how you act so you can fit in.
Strong communication. Your introverted side makes you highly tuned to other people’s verbal and nonverbal cues, says Ribarsky. On the other hand, your extroverted side helps you express your ideas and needs when you want to.
“This makes for a more well-rounded communicator,” Ribarsky says.
But “don’t assume being an ambivert means you can handle every environment indefinitely,” says Heather Z. Lyons, PhD, a licensed psychologist in Baltimore, MD. To balance your introverted and extroverted sides, you’ll need to make sure your schedule contains both social events and plenty of downtime.
“Protect your recovery time and notice early warning signs of fatigue like irritability and brain fog so you can adjust your efforts before you’re depleted,” Lyons says.
Takeaways
Ambiverts are a personality type with some introvert and some extrovert traits. You get energy from being around other people, and you also recharge by spending time alone. A personality test can help you learn more about yourself and better understand your needs.
Ambivert FAQs
Which celebrities are ambiverts? Plenty of websites list the personality types of famous people but don’t share where this information is from. Unless a celebrity says they’re an ambivert, you won’t know for sure.
How rare are ambiverts? Ambiverts are believed to be the most common personality type. As many as 2/3 of people may fall into this group.
Is being an ambivert good or bad? No personality type is “good” or “bad." Being able to quickly adapt to new situations is one of an ambivert’s greatest strengths. But being so flexible may sometimes work against you. At times, you may struggle at times to stay true to yourself.
“Ambiverts can often go with the flow, making their wants and needs fall by the wayside,” says Hansen. Be careful that you don’t always put someone else’s needs before your own.
Which of the 16 personalities is an ambivert?
If you take the MBTI, you’ll be asked questions about different parts of your personality like:
- Whether you’re more extroverted or introverted
- Whether you prefer to get information through your senses or your gut instinct
- Whether you’re more of a thinker or a feeler
- Whether you prefer order in your world or like to go with the flow
Your result from this test will give you insight into your personality type, but it won’t tell you outright if you’re an ambivert.
Learn more about the MBTI.
Are ambiverts talkative? Extroverts are known for being chatty. Introverts are often quiet. Ambiverts are a bit of both. At times, you can drive a conversation. But you’re also comfortable hanging back and listening.
What are the characteristics of an ambivert person? If you’re an ambivert, you’re:
- Quick to adjust to different situations
- Not overly talkative or extremely quiet
- Energized by being around others as well as being by yourself
