Ambivert Personality - An Overview

What Is an Ambivert Personality?

The definition of ambivert personality reads an ambivert as someone who falls somewhere in the middle of the introvert and extrovert continuum. The personality trait ambivert was developed in order to excuse the introvert-extrovert conundrum. Ambiverts have personality traits from both categories, along with their own characteristic features. The characteristic features of each personality are discussed below:

• Introvert - Introvert or introversion is the personality trait wherein the individual feels more comfortable or at ease when they are often in their own company or alone. They tend to focus more on their inner thoughts and ideas irrespective of the outside or outer conditions. A person with an introverted personality is often termed shy or quiet, as they thrive alone or amongst two or three people they are comfortable around. The characteristic feature of an introvert is their never-ending desire to spend time alone, to rejuvenate or recharge themself.

• Extrovert - On the other hand, an extrovert or extroversion is a personality trait wherein the individual is comfortable being around people (including both known and unknown). An extrovert personality is said to recharge from the energy of meeting and being around other people. The characteristic trait of the personality is being loud (too) or out. They enjoy outings, attending public gatherings, and socializing with people. An extrovert person is often termed as a people person or a public person.

Maintaining a balance is essential and is procured by this sort of personality trait as it evens out the negative features and mainstreams the positive features of both personalities. Studies and experiments have proven that people who are ambivert tend to listen and talk equally.

Identifying oneself as either an extrovert or an introvert is hard. An individual cannot claim to be one completely; it is hard to be an exact book definition of an extrovert or an introvert. In addition, with the growing spectrum of mental illnesses, it is hard to be any because of social anxiety, anthophobia (fear of people), or generalized anxiety disorder.

Hence, when an individual who identifies oneself in either of the above-mentioned categories should encompass all the conditions.

• Ambivert - To further clarify the personality trait, it was discovered that one person could have both personality traits; however, the intensity of these traits may vary. An individual with the stronger introvert trait is termed an introvert and vice versa. The term ambivert is used for someone who portrays the symptoms of both introvert and extrovert strongly, but it is shown at a different time and in different conditions.

Over the period of time, due to different signs and symptoms portrayed by ambiverts, there has been confusion in classifying the degree of the personality, and hence they have been called different names. Some of the prospective names of ambiverts are -

1. Outgoing Introverts: An introvert who enjoys going out but only with a fixed set of people or when they have to (without being given a choice).

2. Social Introverts: An introvert who does not mind talking or socializing with people. In other words, it portrays extroversion.

3. Antisocial Extroverts: This is in some ways the opposite of social introverts, as these extroverts dislike talking to people or going out, or they avoid social gatherings, acting in more of an antisocial manner.

What Are the Characteristics of an Ambivert Personality?

Ambivert personalities are classified based on their characteristic features, which makes them stand out in the crowd of introverts and extroverts. Characteristic features of ambiverts are:

1. Equivocal Approach: An ambivert is more likely to be open and stable in approach with others. When given or put in a situation, they tend to be fair and make a balanced decision. They adjust well according to the situation.

2. Excellent Communication Skills: Ambiverts have excellent communication skills as they are equally good at both listening and talking. Extroverts are prone to talk more, and introverts excel at being quiet and listening more attentively. Ambiverts feel at ease expressing their opinions, and they are good at listening and accepting the opinions of others too.

3. Alone Time: Extroverts feel a thrill or thrive in social settings, whereas introverts enjoy being alone. Understanding the importance of 'me' time is crucial. Being comfortable around oneself and one’s thoughts, emotions, and feelings is the key to self-help. Ambiverts understand the importance of alone time, and they take their time recharging themselves by being around their thoughts and emotions. It does not particularly mean they avoid social gatherings, they enjoy both, but they do feel a need to spend time alone.

4. Portrays Empathy or Peacemaker Activities: In social settings or gatherings, when an argument breaks out or during any decision-making, ambiverts have proven to make a peaceful decision. When talking or listening to someone, they often empathize with people making it easier for them to make a decision and understand the situation better.

5. Leadership Qualities: This is an important skill or characteristic. Introverts are bad at communicating in a public setting. Extroverts have great communication skills, but it is not a said concept behind being a good leader. Ambiverts are good listeners and communicators who empathize with people and their problems, which in fact, is a necessary prerequisite for being a good leader and owning leadership qualities.

What Is the Difference Between an Introvert, an Extrovert, and an Ambivert?

There is a significant amount of difference between an introvert, an extrovert, and an ambivert.

Introverts: Also called introversion is often described as the polar opposites of extroverts or extroversion. Characteristic features of an introvert are:

• They enjoy spending time alone.

• Introverted personality or nature is reserved in public or social outings.

• They prefer to work alone or independently as it is said that they thrive better alone.

• Introverts process their internal processes, such as thoughts, emotions, and mindset, better than other personalities.

Extroverts: An individual with an extrovert personality likes people and drives energy by being around people. Hence, they are referred to as polar opposites of introverts. Characteristic features of an extrovert are:

• Extroverts enjoy spending time with people or at gatherings.

• Their nature or personality trait is defined as outgoing and loud.

• They volunteer in team activities and prefer to work in teams or with people.

• They are more on the communicative side; they like to talk openly about their ideas and opinions.

Ambiverts: The ambivert personality trait is the balanced-out personality of both introverts and extroverts (as mentioned above) personality types. They are keen to show their extrovert side and also seem to enjoy their introvert side. Characteristic features of an ambivert are:

• Ambiverts enjoy time with others, but they also understand the need to spend time alone.

• They are often seen enjoying outings and public gatherings (depending on the people accompanying them).

• They are flexible when it comes to working; they are comfortable working alone and with teams too.

• They process both their internal and external thought processes equally and substantially.

What Is the Difference Between an Ambivert and an Omnivert?

A commonly confused term in association with an ambivert is an omnivert. Omnivert and ambivert are different categories. Following is the difference between an omnivert and an ambivert:

• An omnivert is someone who can assume or adapt to either or both personalities when needed in contradiction to an ambivert personality which exists as a balanced-out personality amongst both the introvert and extrovert types.

• Omnivert type of personality has difficulty adapting to a condition or a situation easily; on the other hand, ambiverts can easily mold into a situation.

• An omnivert has difficulty balancing both personalities, whereas ambiverts are famous for balancing personalities.

• An ambivert often faces difficulties when it comes to maintaining emotional stability. On the other hand, an ambivert is emotionally more stable and flexible.

• Even with an omnivert expressing both symptoms, they have a hard time communicating or thinking (productively). In contradiction, an ambivert excels at communication and leadership skills.

What Are the Benefits of Being an Ambivert?

The idea of being an introvert can be scary, or the idea of being an extrovert can be tiring; hence, the idea of being an ambivert is a safe and sound choice. However, choosing to be an ambivert is not an option as this is the personality trait one develops during the developmental phase. Being an ambivert has advantages, from being flexible to socializing with people to enjoying time alone.

Some of the advantages of an ambivert personality are enlisted below:

1. Assertive nature.

2. Socially active.

3. Intellectually in control of their mind.

4. Good at relationships because of their communication skills.

5. Great at work, as they find comfort in both working alone and on a dream project.

6. They are good at dealing with stress and trauma as they can compartmentalize their trauma or sadness and focus on happy thoughts.

7. In the case of career or professional life, ambiverts opting for sales or client base jobs excel in their respective field as they can communicate and empathize well.

8. Many psychological studies have proven that ambiverts are quite intuitive when it comes to an opportunity or a fight to pick (due to their cognitive abilities, their fight or flight response is pretty strong).

9. As mentioned above, ambiverts have good leadership skills and fit perfectly in the leadership role.

What Are the Drawbacks of an Ambivert Personality?

With the ease to dwindle in and out of personalities comes some hardships too. Every object subjected to advantages has some shortcomings or disadvantages too. Some of the drawbacks of an ambivert personality are:

1. Plans Before the Conversation - They have great communication skills, and they enjoy talking to anyone (irrespective of known or unknown), but they have a need to plan out the conversation (often in their head first).

2. Too Many Plans - They enjoy hanging out with friends and going to parties, but while planning and deciding it out, they often agree to too many things for at least one of them to plan out in their favor or according to their liking.

3. Mixed Personality- The biggest downfall of being an ambivert is that their extrovert side promises to go out, but often their introvert side has difficulty fulfilling these promises as the introvert side dislikes company (of people).

4. Varying Mood - An ambivert enjoys talking to people, going out, celebrating, and being loud and about; however, this all depends on their mood and the people accompanying them.

5. Overconfidence - An ambivert feels responsible for being fair or self-appoints themselves as the peacemaker of the group, which can complicate their internal thoughts and result in a struggle inside their head.

Conclusion:

Every individual, during the course of their life, faces the tough question of who they are, who they resemble, and what causes them to act in a certain specific way. The answer to these questions is mostly answered with the identification of one’s personality. During the developmental phase of their lives, individuals develop a personality it may then shapes almost all of their decisions (past, present, and future). Being an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert is not all bad, as justified by many psychologists and sociologists. Identifying oneself in either of these personalities does not necessarily put a stamp on oneself; these personalities can change in the right direction and help (when provided).