Being an extroverted introvert can seem like a bit of an oxymoron. We’re not quite the life of the party, yet we’re not wallflowers either.

That’s when you realise there’s a term for us – ‘Ambiverts’. People who possess traits of both introverts and extroverts.

As an ambivert, I can tell you it’s a unique blend. We can enjoy the buzz of social events, but also crave the solitude of our own company.

In this article, let’s dive into 8 traits that make us extroverted introverts – the ambiverts. You might just find that you’re one of us!

1) We love socializing…to a point

Being an ambivert, we thrive in social situations. Catching up with friends, attending parties – it’s all part of the charm.

But here’s the catch. Unlike extroverts, our social fuel doesn’t last forever. After a while, we need to retreat and recharge in solitude.

It’s a delicate balance, really. We’re like social butterflies who occasionally need to retreat back into our cocoons. This ability to oscillate between being outgoing and introspective is what makes us unique.

So if you see us enjoying at a party and then suddenly wanting to leave, remember it’s not about you. It’s just our ambivert energy levels fluctuating!

2) We’re adaptable chameleons

One of the perks of being an ambivert is our adaptability. We can fit comfortably into varied social settings, thanks to our extroverted and introverted sides.

Let me share a personal example. A couple of years ago, I attended a conference that had a mixed bag of events. There were networking sessions, panel discussions, and quiet corners for individual work.

I found myself seamlessly transitioning from engaging in lively conversations during the networking sessions to quietly focusing on my work when needed. This adaptability came naturally to me.

So, as an ambivert, we can effortlessly switch between being the life of the party and the lone wolf depending on the situation. It’s part of our ambivert superpower!

3) We enjoy deep conversations

Ambiverts, like introverts, often find small talk to be tedious. We prefer diving into meaningful, thought-provoking discussions.

Did you know that this preference is backed by science? Research suggests that engaging in deep, substantive conversation is linked with increased happiness and well-being.

So, if you find us steering the conversation from the weather to the latest book we’ve read or a profound life experience, it’s just our ambivert trait shining through!

4) We need our alone time

Although we are sociable and enjoy the company of others, as ambiverts, we also crave time alone. This is the introverted side of us showing its colors.

Like a battery that needs recharging after a day of work, we too need our quiet moments to recharge ourselves after socializing.

These moments of solitude are crucial for us. They allow us to reflect, unwind and rejuvenate. So don’t be surprised if after a day of social activities, we choose a quiet evening at home over a night out!

5) We understand different perspectives

Here’s something truly heartwarming about being an ambivert – we’re often natural empathizers. Our ability to oscillate between extroversion and introversion allows us to understand different perspectives.

When someone’s feeling low, we’re there offering a comforting shoulder and a listening ear. When someone’s excited, we’re there matching their enthusiasm, sharing in their joy.

This trait makes us excellent friends, partners, and colleagues. We see the world through both extroverted and introverted lenses, and that helps us to connect with people on a deeper level. It’s one of the many beautiful gifts of being an ambivert.

6) We can feel misunderstood

Being an ambivert often means we inhabit a space between the two more understood personality types – introverts and extroverts. This can sometimes lead to feelings of being misunderstood.

For instance, there have been times when friends have labeled me as inconsistent. One day I’m the life of the party, the next I prefer my own company. It’s not always easy for people to grasp this shift in behavior.

But that’s okay. Being an ambivert is about embracing these shifts. It’s about understanding that our energy ebbs and flows and that’s perfectly normal. It’s just part of our unique charm!

7) We’re great listeners

Another key trait of ambiverts is our ability to be great listeners. We genuinely enjoy listening to others, understanding their viewpoints and offering our insights.

Being good listeners allows us to connect with people on a deeper level. It’s not just about hearing words, but understanding the emotions and thoughts behind them.

So, if you see us quietly observing and listening during a conversation, know that we’re taking it all in. We’re absorbing the experiences being shared and we appreciate the value of each story.

8) We’re comfortable with who we are

Despite the occasional misunderstanding or the energy shift, ambiverts are comfortable in our own skin. We understand and accept our unique blend of extroverted and introverted traits.

We know that we can be the life of the party one moment and seek solitude the next. And we’re okay with that dichotomy. It’s what makes us unique, it’s what makes us ambiverts, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Embracing the spectrum

The beauty of human personality lies in its diversity and spectrum. People are not just black or white, introvert or extrovert. Many of us exist somewhere in between, in a delightful mix of both.

As ambiverts, we embody this mix. We have the capacity to tap into the strengths of both introverts and extroverts as and when the situation demands.

Remember, it’s not about fitting into concrete labels but about understanding and embracing our unique traits.

So if you identify with the traits we’ve discussed, take a moment to appreciate your ambivert nature. Let’s celebrate the flexibility it offers, the depths it reaches, and the bridges it builds.

After all, being an ambivert isn’t a challenge to overcome. It’s a gift to embrace and cherish. Our unique blend of traits makes us who we are, and that’s our superpower!