Are you an “ambivert”?

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**Amber Minogue** (1:04)
Are you an ambivert?
Thanks for asking. Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert or maybe a bit of both? While introverts often need solitude to recharge and feel more comfortable alone, extroverts thrive on interaction, seeking out social situations and sometimes feeling uneasy in isolation. These two categories are often seen as opposites, but experts at psychology.net suggest that personality traits actually exist on a spectrum. This means that introversion and extroversion can co-exist, and many people identify with aspects of both. If you see yourself in both introverted and extroverted behaviours, then you might be what's called an ambivert. What does being an ambivert really mean? Being an ambivert means having a balanced mix of introverted and extroverted traits. Dan P. McAdams, psychology professor at Northwestern University, explains that personality exists on a continuum from introversion to extroversion, with most people landing in the middle. Although the term ambivert isn't officially recognised in dictionaries, it was introduced in 1923 by psychologist Edward S. Conklin. Ambiverts are adaptable, switching between introverted and extroverted behaviours, depending on the situation or people they encounter, according to Slate. How can you tell if you're an ambivert? Self-reflection can be key, but publications like Mary Claire have outlined some common ambivert traits. For instance, you might enjoy meeting new people, but you're most comfortable doing so around familiar faces. You might love going to parties, but rarely stay out late, and although you value social interactions, you also need alone time to recharge.
If you find yourself fitting into both the introverted and extroverted definitions, that's a good chance you're an ambivert.
Is there scientific backing for the ambivert concept?
The idea of ambiversion does have its critics. Some experts argue that labelling ourselves helps us feel a sense of belonging and offers a simplified way to understand our complex personalities. Professor Luke Smiley from the University of Melbourne explains that personality tests appeal to us because they categorise traits, making it easy to grasp where we stand. However, influential organisations like the Meyer Briggs Company don't formally recognise ambiversion as a personality type, despite the growing evidence supporting a more fluid view of personality. So, while ambiversion might not be officially recognised by everyone, it offers an appealing way for many to understand their personality. There you have it. Now you know if you're an ambivert. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you really will know for sure.