Now, personality is something you develop as a child and grows as you do physically. It can be very hard to change – unless you really want it. For example, maybe you see yourself as an introvert and you want to be an extrovert… Well, we will see what that really means. Some even say that your personality cannot be changed, but you can change how you portray yourself and act on your personality traits.
And, a note, ambiversion is not some mixture of introversion and extroversion! It is its own thing!
Introverts
Introverts are seen as the “lone wolves” in the group. This does not mean they cannot handle friendships or relationships, just that they respond differently from others in some situations. In general, introverts are drained of energy easily when going out or being with friends or any other social interaction, really.
Introverts also tend to be more introspective, curious and are much more likely to react emotionally to almost any situation as they tend to make things feel personal. Introverts also love to discuss philosophical ideas… A lot.
In friendships
It is a common misconception that introverts cannot make friends or that they choose to be lonely. When in reality, they may not have many friends but the friends they do have are usually the best you could find. And, introverts may choose to be alone but that does not mean they are lonely.
Introverts are really good listeners and can be super focused if they care about the situation, which, if it deals with friends, they will care. If you are trying to become friends with someone that seems to be introverted but are scared it will be awkward, try talking about something philosophical or just bring up a topic of the sort and said introvert will usually get excited and talk on and on about it. Introverts tend to be very thought provoking when they do speak.
They can also be very refreshing to be around as they do not take on the mood of the environment. But, when an introvert wants to be alone, they completely shut down and do not want any company.
In relationships
Introverts are very observant, easy to please, trustworthy, and in touch with their feelings. They think before speaking and hate small talk – silence can be comfortable to them.
“I may appear quite serious at first; however, once I feel comfortable around you, then I open up more and reveal my rather quirky, silly and witty side.” – Julie Lombard.
At work
Introverted people are very self sufficient, committed to their goals, and are detail-oriented. They tend to be better at more solitary careers, and excel when working alone. Introverts can be insanely successful in jobs dealing with artistry or just limited conversation. But, put an introvert on the phone or front and centered at a meeting and they will most likely not do so great.
Around Extroverts
Introverts tend to become very easily overwhelmed in the presence of an extrovert. They usually become even more reserved and distant than normal because of the extreme difference in personality – it can be intimidating.
In order for an introvert to connect with an extrovert, you must hold your space and express your needs, like if you need someone to physically move back some or say if they are overwhelming you. To an extent, though, you will have to accept discomfort because a connection requires energy on both ends. A lot of the time extroverts will try to push you out of your shell but not because they don’t like who you are. They are really just trying to help – even if you didn’t ask for it.
Extroverts
Extroverts are usually described as “the life of the party.” They like to be around people and people tend to be more drawn to them, too. The more they are with others, the more energy they build up – the exact opposite of an introvert.
Extroverts are outgoing and vibrant, love attention, and thrive off of interaction with others.
In friendships
Extroverted people are always down to party. They prefer to be around people and really do not like alone time. They are outgoing, optimistic, and have lots of interests. If you are looking for someone to party with, an extrovert will almost always say yes.
On the other hand, extroverts can come off as clingy or erratic as they always want to be doing something and get bored rather easily. They also have big egos and are usually very very opinionated.
In relationships
Relationships with extroverts can be a bit tricky as they get bored easily, can seem hollow because of their tendency to get bored, and they act before thinking. But, extroverts like to talk problems out so that can be helpful and possibly counteract the previous “negative” things. Something that can be seen as either good or bad, depending on preference, is that they are usually very intense when they are in relationships. So, if that is what you are in to…
At work
When it comes to work, extroverts thrive… Usually. Extroverts love people, they love to socialize and enjoy group work. They are not afraid to take risk and are very flexible when it comes to range of topics. This makes extroverts superb in careers like sales and such.
But, as much as they thrive in the workforce, they also need constant validation, they do not want their work to go unnoticed. This can be their downfall at times.
Around Introverts
Extroverts can find it really frustrating to try to form bonds with introverts because they are so quiet and reserved. They tend to overshare and just talk in general to fill any moments of silence as that makes an extrovert uncomfortable.
In order for an extrovert to connect with an introvert, they have to force themselves to stop talking and allow space for the introvert to talk. They also need to make plans ahead of time, solid plans, and never call – introverts hate talking on the phone. And, seriously, if an introvert starts talking and opening up, do not interrupt them, no matter how important you think what you have to say it. This will just make them feel like a bother and very insecure which would damage any type of connection you may have been forming. Basically, just be patient, extroverts.
Ambiverts
An ambivert is someone that falls somewhere in the middle of the introvert vs extrovert continuum. This personality type is often forgotten even though it is distributed to around forty to forty-five percent of the world. Ambiverts can be more introverted one day and more extroverted the next. Most of the time they are pretty smack-dab in the middle, sharing traits of both personality types rather evenly. They have more degrees of freedom to shape their lives than those who are at the extremes of either other end.
Ambiverts are usually both good listeners and good conversationalists.
In friendships
Ambiverts can form friendships with most anyone. Since they share qualities of both introverts and extroverts, they can relate to and connect with both personality types.
They know how to balance out situations like, for instance, if they are with introverts they can be more talkative, but if they are with an extrovert they become more of a listener. Basically, ambiverts know when to be quiet and when to talk. They read social settings very well.
Ambiverts like to go out with friends but they also like to be alone and read a book. And, an important note, ambiverts have limits on their socializing – they can go out and have fun but eventually they will just want to go home and be done for the day/night.
In relationships
Ambiverts can seem distant at first, but they just take some warming up. Once they are comfortable with you they usually develop deeper bonds than an introvert or extrovert could. And, trust is something you earn, you do not just get it as soon as you become friends with an ambivert, it is not personal, just how they work.
Ambiverts are good listeners and communicators, not judgmental/very accepting of almost anything, prefer meaningful conversations, and have great judgments of character.
At work
Although extroverts thrive in the workplace, ambiverts may just be even better. This is because they are capable of doing more types of tasks (usually), they are adaptable, and can essentially adjust to fit people or situations. Ambiverts do not play their cards too safe or too risky which makes for stability. They tend to be great in management positions.
They are specifically great in the following job areas; sales, project management, producer, interior design, teacher, and psychologist or therapist.
Around Introverts & Extroverts
Ambiverts can hang with anyone, seriously. Well… depending on the day/time of day. They like to go out and party with friends, go on dates, go to theme parks, and so on. But, they also like to stay in and watch netflix, read a book, or just lay in bed and talk with a friend.
Ambiverts rely heavily on their energy level and mood to dictate what exactly it is they want to do. So, if you are an extrovert, relying on the fact the ambiverts can be outgoing, and ask to hangout… Do not be disappointed or angry if they say they do not want to. It is not you, it is quite literally just them. On the other hand, if you are an introvert and are asked to hangout with by an ambivert, do not be alarmed! Ambiverts can be chill, too.
All in all, each personality type has its own advantages and disadvantages so, whichever you are, know that you are great! No personality is necessarily better than another, rather they can be more or less convenient depending on your lifestyle.
I hope this has cleared up any questions you had about introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts.
Which do you identify with? 🙂
