Well, an introvert is somebody who gets energy from being alone. They like to spend time alone and are pensive and introspective.
Extroverts then are the opposite. They are energized by being surrounded by people, they enjoy conversation of any kind, and are generally outgoing in social situations.
An ambivert is also right in the middle of the spectrum, seen as halfway between introversion and extroversion, and is a lesser-used term by psychologists today.
There is actually a fourth type that is rarely mentioned in articles and can be described as the extroverted introvert – somebody who has traits of an introvert but is naturally sociable.
An extroverted introvert gets their energy from being alone, like an introvert, but can adapt in any social situation, giving them traits of an extrovert. Extroverted introverts are the ones that appear to be extroverts, but who occasionally need to withdraw after periods of socialising.
An extroverted introvert has the best of both words in this situation. Their introvert traits mean they identify with emotions and have a great deal of empathy, along with a need to have deeper conversations and get to the root of the problem.
Whereas the extrovert side to the extroverted introvert is the side that allows the connection to form and the conversation to flow easily.
Much like the introvert, the connections you make with others have to be deep and meaningful, and the extrovert side helps these connections be made through the ease of conversation and friendly nature.
If your conversations and relationships with others aren’t engaging and deep on a personable level, you lose interest and move onto people who are.
Spending time alone to recharge, particularly after socializing, is a necessity for the extroverted introvert. Sure, they can chat away to strangers at a party for hours on end with ease, but afterwards, they need alone to recharge and reflect on the events.
One of the greatest advantages of being an extroverted introvert is actually being able to relate to the traits of both. Often, extroverts just don’t understand introverts and vice versa, but if you can identify and understand both – you’re probably an extroverted introvert.
There are many advantages to being an extroverted introvert, if you feel as though you fit into any of these traits mentioned above, please let us know. How do you feel you fit into both types? Are you closer to one end of the spectrum than the other?
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Great article!! I fit all of the characteristics to a T. I've tried to classify myself before, but having traits of both left me with more questions than answers. So thanks for your research!! It'll help me to understand myself better!
I thank you, too. I fall right in the middle of the scale on the Myers-Briggs test, but I fit your description of the traits of the extroverted introvert much better than that of the ambivert.
And what about introverted extroverts?
Thank you for your research didn't even realise there was an explanation to why I'm like this so enlightening !
Isn't this actually an ambivert?