Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, used the terms Extroverts and Introverts to describe different aspects of human personality. The third category – the Ambiverts -was recognised by Conklin for individuals showing flexibility between the two extremes.
While I have always loved meaningful conversations with people in my inner circle, sometimes engaging with complete strangers to gain knowledge about something that I do not know about, excites me a lot. However, there are occasions when I totally shut down and despite being very good at expressing myself – I fail to say a single word.
I consider myself to be an ambivert because I switch between being an extrovert and an introvert depending on the situation or my mental condition. And when I’m in those phases of anxiety – I find it extremely hard to express or reach out to anyone.
Extroverts, Introverts and Ambiverts
The people of each of these categories have very distinct brain chemistry, which functions differently whether they choose to interact or not.
Extroverts feel recharged when they have social interactions. They prefer to engage in conversations more than spending time alone.
Introverts feel drained if they have interacted more with others and prefer a space of calmness and solitude.
Ambiverts swing between the two extremes. Sometimes they feel recharged with social connections and sometimes they just want their own space.
Extroverts Vs Introverts
As we know, introverts need a quiet space for recharging and extroverts need interactions to revive. However, there are a few myths about both categories of people:
- Extroverts are happier and have it easy: Extroversion does not signify someone’s happiness. It’s just that the interaction levels are higher, though it does not mean extroverts have less depression or anxiety levels than introverts.
- Introverts are quiet: Introverts prefer to have a much smaller circle of interaction. They can be who they are in that small circle, and it does not mean they are boring.
- Extroverts show off: No, extroverts are not people who always have to show off. They just need more conversations and with many people to feel at ease.
- Introverts are more likely to deal with mental illness: Just because someone talks a lot does not mean they are not going through anxiety or any kind of insecurity! Sometimes, connecting with more people and talking about unrelated topics can make someone hide their own mental trauma.
- Extroversion & Introversion are nothing but states of mind: Being an extrovert or introvert is a personality trait and not a state of mind.
The Ambiverts
Now, coming to people who fall somewhere between the two extremes – the ambiverts. They have it real tough because they are the most misunderstood lot of all. They can show traits of being an extrovert and yet be feeling anxious. Sometimes they may be totally quiet and trying to recharge, while others may think that they are being cold and distant. Probably, people who really care can understand the deep layers of emotions (that can change) exhibited by an ambivert without a bias.
It is important to keep in mind that what matters is not the personality type you are – Extroverts Vs Introverts or Ambiverts. What really matters is recognising your type – understanding how you can best work with it and capitalising on it.
Excellent article. Interesting to learn about ambiverts.
Nice way of breaking it down. Good read in whole. 😊👌🏻