What Is an Ambivert and How to Find Out If You Are One

Published by
Amie Moses, B.Sc., B.A.

Introvert this, extrovert that… Not a day goes by that I don’t see an article that talks about the problems that these personality types face.

Things only introvert or extroverts will understand!” Well, what about the ambiverts? Wait?! What?!

I have been an extrovert for the better part of my life, or at least I thought I was. Come to think of it, maybe I’ve been an introvert all of my life? On the one hand, I thrive within the company of others. It energizes me, but THEN, it drains me. On the other hand, I also enjoy my quiet time alone to reflect, but THEN, I’m lonely and my thoughts are all over the place.

I never really “fit” into either category very well. Personality test results are always inconclusive for me. I appear to be all over the place. Well, it turns out that I am both an introvert and extrovert, or neither, depending on the context of how you look at things. I’m not confused, I’m just an ambivert. The term “ambivert” may be new to you, but it may also define and shed some light on your own personality type.

To simplify it, an ambivert is a person who has both introversion and extroversion qualities and may bounce between the two. Sounds a tad bi-polar, right? It can seem that way sometimes, but honestly, it’s more of a need for balance.

The ambivert loves social settings and being around others, but we also need our solitude. Too much time on either the introvert or extrovert side will make us moody and unhappy. Balance is the key for us ambiverts!

Understanding the Ambivert

An ambivert is rather balanced for the most part, or at least we try to be. We seek social settings, like meeting new people, and enjoy the company of others. We aren’t overly loud and aggressive like the extrovert can be, but we enjoy being outgoing and do so on our own terms. We also enjoy our solitude but aren’t quite as extreme with it as the introvert. We need both settings rather equally to be fully happy.

As I mentioned above, we don’t function too well in either direction for extensive amounts of time. We can neither be the life of the party all the time nor constantly spend time on our own. When this happens, we may find ourselves feeling bored or exhausted. Again, we need balance.

With that being said, the ambivert can sometimes be confusing to others. Having both traits, we can sway too far in either direction rather easily. Our behaviors are likely to change with the situation, and we can easily become “unbalanced.” We enjoy doing something… until we don’t. These behavior “fluctuations” are a result of our need to stay balanced between the different levels of stimulation.

Because we are in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum, we are flexible creatures.

We have our personal preferences, of course, but we adjust pretty well in most situations (as long as we don’t stay there too long and get bored or unbalanced). Ambiverts can work well alone or in groups. We can take charge or step down when the situation calls for it. We also have game plans in order for most things or potential problems that may arise. On the downside, this level of flexibility can cause us to be indecisive.

An ambivert also has a pretty good understanding of people overall and different surroundings/settings. We are highly intuitive and can sense the emotions of others while likely being able to relate to them in many ways. We aren’t afraid to talk, but we also like to observe and listen. Ambiverts are likely to know when to help or stay back.

The truth is, personality goes way beyond a simple label.

Having some understanding of the different traits can help you to know yourself and others better and perhaps make you more successful in your daily life. So, if you can relate to the above, you just may be an ambivert too.

Do you think you might be an ambivert? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

View Comments

  • I think everyone has a natural leaning to either introvert or extrovert side, but depending on each cultural influence/friends/education, etc...those passive things we in the end don't have control of; that will make us understand the other side better and eventually become balanced.

    For example, I get drained after a long time with people while at the same time I feel stimulated for more during conversation, specially if I'm having all the attention, yet, I'm always interested in feedback and listening the other side. But when I think about the things I'm drawn to and my process of thinking, that makes me conclude that I may be naturaly intro.

    Example2: I do like my lone time a lot, books, stimulate the brain and prefer smaller crouds, but I definitely never mind to take charge from time to time and/or exert "control".

    I actually did the test and I scored ambivert but I still endorse the fact that it's because I noticed some of my introverted flaws in some situations and decided to nule them, or at least as naturaly possible like balancing energy in large crouds.

    Interesting read there, miss.

  • I was ambivert most of my life. It was confusing for me and the people around me. Like many others, I turned to alcohol and drugs in search of temporary relief. Four years ago I came across and ancient system that revealed why I had this condition. From birth, your names influence your personality, character, virtues, vices and health. What’s more, your names can determine if you are introvert, extrovert or both. This ancient system, now decoded and explained in a two hundred page instructional book, allows you to see for yourself who you are and why you behave the way you do. This system is very useful if your life is not going the way you had hoped and planned. It shows you where the problem lies and how to correct it. For some, self-awareness is enough to make the necessary corrections. I changed my names. Parents unknowingly name their children with a life of bliss, fame and fortune or sickness doom and gloom.

  • I was an extreme ambivert most of my life. It was confusing for me and the people around me. Like many others, I turned to alcohol and drugs for temporary relief. Four years ago I came across and ancient system that revealed why I had this condition. From birth, your names influence your personality, character, virtues, vices and health. What’s more, your names can determine if you are introvert, extrovert or both. This ancient system, now decoded and explained in a two hundred page instructional book, allows you to see for yourself who you are and why you behave the way you do. This system is very useful if your life is not going the way you had hoped and planned. It shows you where the problem lies and how to correct it. For some, self-awareness is enough to make the necessary adjustments. I changed my names. Change your name - Change your life. Parents unknowingly name their children with a life of bliss, fame and fortune or sickness doom and gloom. What does your name say about you? Name Reality by Lyon Zonamyari.

  • Just an FYI. I took the "test" you provided the link for 3 times with different answers. The first time I answered honestly. The second and third time I answered completely differently to the extreme. Oddly enough each result was "Ambivert". That test is clearly designed to promote what is being sold on the website. I am not sure if you are affiliated with or profiting from the link. Either way its making you look smarmy.

    • Thanks for pointing that out, Stephanie! I have no affiliation with that test or website so I can't speak for it's validity. I found the test in passing and added it as a "fun" tool for the article. I guess I should have put "for entertainment purposes only."

    • I was confused by the test, too. I'm definitely an Introvert. I took it 3 times:
      1st time, I answered honestly and got "Ambivert."
      2nd time, I answered "mostly agree" to every "introverted" question and "mostly disagree" to every "extroverted" question and got "Ambivert."
      3rd time, I answered "strongly agree" to every "introverted" question" and "strongly disagree" to every "extroverted question and finally got "Introvert."

      Apparently you have to be an extremist to not be an Ambivert?

    • Okay, just for kicks, I took it again. This time I answered "Mostly Agree" to every introverted question except two where I put "Strongly Agree." I answered "Mostly Disagree to every extroverted question except two where I put "Strongly Disagree." I STILL got Ambivert. It definitely seems like it's really wanting people to get that answer.

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Published by
Amie Moses, B.Sc., B.A.