Every person is unique in their own way. Different individuals have distinct preferences, personality types, and character traits. If you’ve deduced that you have both extroverted and introverted tendencies, this article is for you!
So, what is an introverted extrovert, and how do they differ from other outgoing people? This guide should answer all your questions! So, let’s begin, shall we?
Introverted Extroverts | A Mix Between Introverts and Extroverts
Before we dive into this personality type, it’s crucial to know the meaning of introversion and extroversion.
Introverts are those people who try their best to avoid social gatherings and stay alone most of the time. On the other side of the spectrum are extroverts. These people love to mingle with others and get to know more about them.
That brings us to ambiverts. They can have extroverted and introverted traits that don’t match their usual demeanor. These place them somewhere in the middle of the personality spectrum.
One type of ambivert is an introverted extrovert. This type of person adores mixing with others but spends time alone to recharge. So, although they might initially appear to be the life of the party, they yearn to be on their own from time to time.
10 Signs of an Introverted Extrovert
If you usually exhibit extroverted traits but value some moments of reprieve from the need to converse with people, you may be an introverted extrovert. But how can you tell, with certainty, that you actually are one?
Here are ten telltale signs you have an extrovert personality but exhibit introverted qualities.
You Love Attending Social Events But Hate the Attention
Oftentimes, some people love the notion of attending social events. But once they arrive at one, they begin regretting their decision after becoming the center of attention.
If you relate to this, you could be an introverted extrovert.
You Need Some Alone Time to Recharge
Another thing that may evince your introverted side is if you struggle to maintain your energy. This means that after being in a social setting for a while, you start feeling drained. You know, a lot like an introvert.
Due to this, you may crave some alone time due to the need to recharge your energy levels. This clearly indicates that even though you’re outgoing, you know your limits. You prioritize taking some time out for yourself to make sure you’re energized before any interaction.
You’re Often Mistaken For an Introvert or Extrovert
Setting the right first impression might seem daunting. What makes it so much worse is when people misconstrue your personality type.
If you normally find yourself mistaken for an extrovert or an introvert because you’re overtly exuberant or silent during social situations, you may be an introverted extrovert. Although it’s not a clear giveaway, it can show that the people around you notice your demeanor.
You Love to Mix Around With a Select Few
The number of people you ideally surround yourself with can determine how introverted and extroverted you really are.
If you have a small group of close loved ones with whom you spend most of your time, you likely believe in quality over quantity when it comes to friendships. That means you feel most comfortable around the few people you know rather than a group of acquaintances.
You Like to Help People But Prefer to Deal With Problems on Your Own
Regardless of how you see it, some people like helping others more than accepting help from someone else.
Make no mistake, this doesn’t mean they’re too high and mighty to accept someone else’s assistance. It means they’re simply unwilling to get as much attention as they wish to dish out.
You Talk to People In Person But Not Over Calls or Text
Are you fine with participating in regular conversation but feel reluctant to do so in any other alternative way? If so, you might just be an introverted extrovert. This might happen due to broken bonds caused by misunderstandings over text or call in the past.
Alternatively, it could merely mean you’re struggling to get accustomed to a new medium of communication.
You Feel the Need to Prepare Before You Talk to People
Although introverted extroverts might seem particularly comfortable around others, they have a visceral sense of uneasiness. This means they struggle to participate in impromptu conversations and feel the need to take a step back and warm up before going for it.
Once they gain energy to speak up, they manage to do so quite comfortably.
You Aren’t As Demonstrative As You Initially Seem
Like regular introverts, introverted extroverts struggle to express themselves openly. This means that they’re fine with talking to people within reason, but when it comes to elucidating their own feelings and opinions, they hesitate.
This arises due to the fear of being judged, something that’s very common in today’s day and age.
You’re More Vulnerable Than People Think
Emotional vulnerability is the ability to be in touch with one’s own emotions. Extroversion causes people usually pull a veil between their emotions and the outside world. Introverts, on the contrary, dedicate more time to their emotions than most people.
If you’re somewhere in the middle, you’re fine with talking as long as it’s not always about yourself.
You Aren’t Easily Convinced to Leave Your House
Even though most introverted extroverts are open to the idea of attending events, some might feel a little more reluctant than others. If you’re such a person, you’ll notice your friends and family members persuading you to tag along.
Most of the time, extroverts with introverted personality traits go to parties only to appease others.
What About Extroverted Introverts?
Extroversion and introversion are mere personality types. This means you can’t empirically label someone as either one of them. Some can be either introverted or extroverted and possess traits that are more common in the other personality type.
Unlike introverted extroverts, extroverted introverts have a few extroverted tendencies, which is why they understand the need for alone time and social respite but also crave interactions with their friends and family.
It’s the complete opposite of introverted extroverts who love being around people but also appreciate having some time to themselves.
10 Examples of Introverts
Since humans are social animals, people are generally contemptuous towards introverts. They relentlessly try to change their stance on social interaction, which I, for one, don’t wholly condone.
There are many people who attained a great deal of success despite being relatively reclusive. Here’s a list of some of them!
Albert Einstein
Jesse Eisenberg
Michael Cera
Isaac Newton
Andy Murray
Dave Bautista
Tom Hanks
Lionel Messi
Keanu Reeves
Life as an Ambivert is a Rewarding Experience!
It doesn’t matter whether you have an introverted or extroverted personality; it’s always crucial to treat people with respect and kindness. Don’t let your extroverted side take over and coerce you to take people for granted. On the other hand, it’s imperative to keep your introverted tendencies at bay and avoid being overly disrespectful towards others.
If you’re eager to learn more about yourself, go ahead and take the Myers-Briggs Indicator Test. This personality test is based on the findings of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. So, you can rest assured that it’ll be pretty accurate. Also, don’t worry if you’re an ambivert and don’t fit into any category. Adam Grant, an author and professor, concluded that ambiverts are more likely to succeed in all of their professional endeavors than both extroverts and introverts. So, accept yourself for who you are, love one another, and take each day as a unique experience.