If you’ve ever taken apersonality test, you’ve likely been identified as an introvert or an extrovert.
But humans are rarely just one thing.
Consider: the introverted extrovert.
What is an introverted extrovert?
Although personalities start to form in early life, various life experiences can shift your personality.
Signs of an introverted extrovert.
Here are a few signs that you might be an introverted extrovert:
You host then ghost.
You like to be around people sometimes and be alone other times.
Context can play a role in bringing out certain parts of the introverted extrovert personality traits.
These point to ways in which you move through your environment.
You’re a leader who shies away from the limelight.
You have meaningful conversations in person but don’t answer texts or emails in the same way.
You love to help others but have difficulty accepting help for yourself.
This can look like offering help to those in need but rejecting help from others.
Introverted extrovert vs. extroverted introvert.
Introverted extrovert sounds similar to extroverted introvert, but there is a key difference.
This is rarely noticeable by others, which is more reason to connect more deeply to yourself.
Introverted extrovert vs. ambivert.
Whether you identify as an introverted extrovert or an extroverted introvert, you’re by definition, anambivert.
The word “ambivert” contains the Latin prefixambiwhich means “on both sides.”
“Almost all of us are ambiverts to some degree,” psychotherapistKen Page, LCSW, previouslytold mbg.
How to thrive as an introverted extrovert:
Accept your complexity.
But there is no reason to shy away from being any shade of introvert.
It’s just a sign that your introversion needs some attention.
Your body might be telling you it’s time to go home and rest.
Learn your responses to different environments.
Does your partner coax out your goofy extroversion?
Does your meditation class recharge you with silence?
Getting to know how you respond to specific configs will help you learn about yourself on a deeper level.
Find work that utilizes both skill sets as an introvert and an extrovert.
A big plus of being an introverted extrovert is that you are able to relate to more people.
Because of this, more of the world can open up to you.
A2013 studyby organizational psychologistAdam Grant, Ph.D., highlights the benefits of being an ambivert like an introverted extrovert.
Since you tap into both kinds of personalities, you are able to connect to more people.
Finding work that utilizes your introverted extrovert strengths will benefit everyone involved.
Be flexible with yourself.
Personality traits can change over a lifetime.
“Common phrases you might hear are ‘Well, I used to be SO social.’
Change is uncomfortable, and recognizing this can bring up some resistance.
But staying present and connecting with yourself as you are today can help you navigate your life more authentically.
Practice communicating your needs.
Introversion and extroversion are personality traits that indicate how you oughta recharge your energy.
Identify who gives you energy.
Whether it is in person or virtually, some people are morecompatible with your energy needs.
“Loved ones come in all shapes and sizes with varying levels of emotional safety,” says Siadat.
As an introverted extrovert, be mindful of who you spend your energy with.
You are the expert on you.
The takeaway.
You might find that the flexibility of being an introverted extrovert is freeing.
You might also find being an introverted extrovert can be confusing at times.
But like with all self-learning, allow your life to speak to you and respond with your best tools.
