Have you ever taken a personality test before? Chances are most of you have, and have been categorized as either an introvert or an extrovert. For years, I thought I was an introvert. However, it had bothered me that even though I was classified that way, there were characteristics from both sides of the spectrum that I identified with. Then the internet came to my rescue, and I learned of a not well known (at least to me) third personality type. Ambivert.
So, I have compiled some characteristics of ambiversion and maybe you'll discover your personality type may not be what you had previously thought.
You don't feel as though you identify as an introvert or extrovert
I mean, obviously. If you don't feel like you are the classic introvert or extrovert, you may be an ambivert. Ambiverts are smack dab in the middle of the spectrum, and draw characteristics from both sides. Some days I feel more extroverted, and all I want to do is be around people. Then other days I spend twelve hours alone in my room because I can't handle dealing with humans.
Social situations are great! Until they aren't...
Some days, it takes a lot of convincing for me to interact with more than two other humans at the same time. The thought of being in a crowd is just not appealing. On other days, however, I can be perfectly content in a large group. I can be super social and outgoing and make tons of new friends. I may not even want to leave for a while. But, as soon as I reach a certain point of social interaction (i.e. too much for the ambivert) all I can think about is retreating to my room. I have spent all my energy on these interactions, and I need some time alone to recharge.
You're pretty easy going when it comes to making plans
If you ask me what I want to do this weekend, 9 times out of 10 I will say "I don't care." Granted, I am one of the most indecisive people I know, but that may be because I have no strong feeling about any type of activity. Staying in and watching Netflix is just as appealing to me sometimes as going out with my friends and dancing the night away.
You like learning about a ton of different things, but there are a few things that are super interesting to you
I know I know, "When will this girl stop talking about how much she likes random trivia knowledge." Literally never. Just accept it now, this is who I am. Anyways, you may be an ambivert if you're like me and you love learning about anything and everything. I have those topics that I could speak for hours on because I'm so interested in it, and then there are others that I just know more than the average human. I just think the world is an interesting place, and there's so many things I want to know about it.
You can be quiet during conversations, or the one who can't shut up
Have you ever been with a group of friends and one of them asks, "Hey, why aren't you talking?" I just don't have anything to say at the moment. I'm either deep in thought, or just enjoying listening to the conversation around me. I don't have anything to add, so I am content to just give you my attention. Conversely, there are times when I feel as though I am dominating the conversation and I have to check myself in order to give the other person time to speak. I just have so much to say, I have to say it all right now or I'll forget.
Your friends are a mixture of personality types
I have introverted friends who enjoy quiet evenings alone, and I have extroverted friends who love to be social all the time. I also have other ambiverted friends who enjoy both. I think one of the characteristics of an ambivert is the ability to relate to both ends of the spectrum. I can be calm and mellow for my introverts, or social and outgoing for my extroverts.
You are often mistaken for a different personality type
I have people tell me "Oh, you're so extroverted! You're so fun!" and "You're so quiet, you must be an introvert". Both are correct. Depending on my environment and my mood, I could be either. However, there are even variations among ambiverts. Like I've said previously, your personality type falls on a spectrum. Some are classic introverts, extroverts, or are right in the middle. I am an ambivert, but I probably have more introverted days than extroverted days.
Regardless of your personality type, be true to yourself and don't believe that you are bound by the results of some test on the internet. We are all different and unique, and that's what makes us interesting.
