I wanted to write take a moment to write a little about my experience as an ambivert. First, I will start off by saying that not all people who are ambiverts have the same experience and not all people who are more extroverted or introverted have the same experience.

However, I think there is still some confusion about people who would characterize themselves as ambiverts and I figured that a small discussion might help.

I feel that I am an ambivert.

What the heck even is an ambivert?

A lot of people have no idea this category even exists and it is actually a really cool one. An ambivert is a middle place between an extrovert and an introvert. Ambiverts tend to exhibit some of the qualities of extroverts and introverts at the same time.

For example:

I do not like going to parties where there are large amounts of people I do not know (introvert). However, if I am going to a party with a small group of people that I know closely, that would be fun (ambivert). Still, after a while of the party or group interaction, I get drained and need time to myself (introvert).

Here is another example:

Sometimes I can spend a lot of time on my own, as long as I have things to do. I can read, play video games, write, do homework, or watch T.V. (introvert). However, after a while of alone time I crave human interaction and need to be around people (extrovert).

One more:

I am extremely quiet around people I do not know because I am not good at meeting new people, (introvert). However, once you get to know me, it is difficult to get me to shut up (extrovert).

These three examples show the balance between extrovert and introvert that make up an ambivert.

I am able to switch back and forth on occasion from being able to be around a lot of people at one time, to not being able to be around people and needing a break, as well as many other qualities.

However, this one, in particular, can be difficult for those who do not understand ambiverts or introverts. Some people like having people with them all the time and need constant human interaction, which is great. I cannot do that, I get drained and when that happens I become tired, irritable, and not fun to be around. I need time to myself.

This can be frustrating for people who have a mix of friends, some extroverts, some introverts, and some ambiverts, and may not understand why someone may not want to hang out all the time or be with other people. For me, it just takes a lot of energy to be with other people all the time. For others, they thrive off of being with others.

We are all different.

Knowing who your friends are can also help if misunderstandings or miscommunications come up. Maybe that person is not mad at you, they just spent all day with other people and needs some time to recharge. Or maybe this person is not clingy they just enjoy human interaction and need to be around other people.