Personality traits are like a roller coaster ride- they can be erratic, fluctuate at times, and sometimes leave you feeling confused. Most individuals have classified themselves as either an introvert or extrovert.
However, some people who don’t completely fit in the box of either introversion or extroversion can feel left out.
The Distinction Between Introversion and Extroversion
Defining introversion and extroversion can help us understand better where we stand on the personality spectrum. Often, introverted people are considered to be shy, quiet and reserved individuals who prefer alone time over loud social gatherings.
On the other hand, extroverts are often described as outgoing, lively and energized when surrounded by people. They enjoy being at social events and tend to draw energy from lively environments.
Still, the distinction between introverted and extroverted individuals is not as easy to distinguish for everyone. Most people have a mix of personality traits from both categories, which can leave them feeling neither here nor there.
The Ambivert Personality Trait
The term ambivert is used to describe someone who falls between the two personality extremes of introversion and extroversion. An ambivert is a person who can generally relate to both introverted and extroverted qualities in different situations.
They can find enjoyment in spending alone time, but they also like socializing in small groups. Ambiverts don’t necessarily thrive in large social events, but they are not uncomfortable either.
Ambiverts are often called the “moderates” of the personality spectrum. They can easily blend in with different social groups and adapt their personalities to fit in.
The Benefits of Being an Ambivert
Ambiverts have often been considered the jack-of-all-trades, the unifiers or mediators of opportunities. They are known to have a unique mix of personality traits that allows them to thrive in different environments.
Being an ambivert comes with benefits such as:.
1. Adaptability
Ambiverts are highly adaptable individuals. Their ability to display both introverted and extroverted personality traits can prove beneficial in different settings from public speaking to social settings.
Most social situations require people to display different personalities, and ambiverts can quickly adapt and change their behavior to suit the situation.
2. Communication skills
Since ambiverts are highly adaptable, they can communicate effectively with a range of people.
They can quickly navigate through different conversational topics and carry on different kinds of communication without making people feel uneasy or left out.
3. Greater self-awareness
Thanks to their unique personality mix, ambivert personalities are highly reflective. They can often understand and put into practice both introverted and extroverted approaches to problem-solving.
Their unique perspective enables them to navigate different situations with ease and confidence.
4. Leadership abilities
Ambiverts have the benefit of being able to view different perspectives in a situation.
The ability to switch between introverted and extroverted qualities, gives them the advantage of being able to lead, listen and analyze a situation from different points of view. An ambivert leader can be very effective since they can relate to their team in different ways, motivating, and communicating effectively with each team member from diverse personality traits.
The Challenges of Being an Ambivert
While being an ambivert comes with unique advantages, it doesn’t mean that there are no challenges associated with the personality type. Some of the challenges ambiverts might face include:.
1. Difficulty in decision-making
Since ambiverts can perceive the advantages and disadvantages of different decisions from different perspectives, it can be hard to make decisions.
They may find themselves sitting on the fence when it comes to making decisions and can have moments of indecisiveness.
2. Judgmental prejudices
In an increasingly polarizing world, ambiverts might be subject to judgments from both introverted and extroverted personalities.
Some individuals might be skeptical of a person’s “switchable personality,” believing that people cannot have both introverted and extroverted qualities.
3. Social commitment fatigue
Ambiverts’ energy reserves can fluctuate depending on the environments they find themselves in. They might find themselves feeling drained after social events that last for extended periods.
They can also feel drained if they don’t have adequate alone time.
Conclusion
There are no concrete parameters for categorizing personality traits, and people should not feel boxed in based on whether they are introverted or extroverted.
Individuals who fall between the two categories should find solace in knowing that they are not alone. They are called ambiverts, and their personality traits come with unique advantages that can help them navigate diverse situations.
Ambiverts should strive to embrace their flexibility while being mindful of the challenges associated with their personality trait.