We all go through life being told we need to identify as either an introvert or an extrovert. The introverts are the ones who are more introspective, shy, and don't like a lot of external stimulation. The extroverts are bubbly, outgoing, and love to be around people all the time. I've always said that I was an introvert because that is what my family told me I was, but that never felt like me. I was very social at school and would go up to anyone and say "Hey I think you're really nice, we are best friends now." I've even been told my social personality can be very overwhelming. So saying that I am an introvert never felt accurate.
When I began to realize that I didn't fit into either box perfectly, I thought maybe I had a personality disorder. Yes, that is an extreme conclusion to jump to, but I didn't have another explanation. Then, the term ambivert began to pop up all over the internet. I read a lot of articles on this word and everything suddenly made sense.
An ambivert is a person who has both introvert and extrovert personality traits. Often times, an ambivert acts like an extrovert in social situations and an introvert when they are alone. At a party, we can bounce around and talk to anyone but we need to recharge by being alone for a few hours reading or watching TV. We are perfectly content to do either, and we are known to adapt to the situation.
For me, it really depends on the situation I am in. When I am at school, I will talk to anyone and everyone. I even do a lot of public speaking at events for 200+ people and enjoy being a leader. Then when that is over, I go home to recharge and be alone while I read or watch a movie. I am perfectly happy in either situation, so like a true ambivert I learn to adapt.
So, for those of you who think you may be going crazy because you are not an introvert or an extrovert, I assure you that you can have place among us. To my fellow ambiverts, maybe we can get together and go to a party or we can just read silently somewhere together, either way we'll adapt and still have fun.
