Before enneagrams and zodiac signs—two ways to personality type with ancient roots—went mainstream, people often described themselves as "introverts" or "extroverts." We still use these terms to classify ourselves and others who can be slower to warm up and crave alone time (introverts) and social butterflies (extroverts). However, you may not identify with either or feel you go back and forth between the two.
Dr. Denitrea Vaughan, Psy.D., LPC-S , of Thriveworks , can relate to you. She classifies herself using a third, lesser-used term: Ambivert .
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Put simply: " An ambivert is someone who has the personality characteristics of an extrovert and an introvert," Dr. Vaughan explains.
That may sound more like it to you, but Dr. Vaughan has only scratched the surface of what it looks like to walk the middle-ground path between introversion and extroversion. Read on to learn more about the subtle signs you might be an ambivert, according to psychologists.
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What Is an Ambivert Personality Type?
Quick question: Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm such an introvert" or "She's so extroverted" and struggle to determine where you fit? "You could be an ambivert," says Dr. Gayle MacBride, PhD, LP of Veritas Psychology Partners . "An ambivert is someone who needs both solitude and social time to find their energy. These kinds of people strike a balance between being introverted as well as having characteristics of being an extrovert."
The balance extends to social settings, which can make ambiverts human chameleons.
"Depending on the setting and the people around them, these characteristics can vary, allowing ambiverts to adapt to different social situations with ease," says Dr. Scott Lyons, Ph.D . , a licensed holistic psychologist, educator and author of Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself.
The flexibility can make it challenging to pin down whether you or someone else is an ambivert.
Related: People Who Were Introverted as Children Usually Develop These 11 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say
9 Signs You're Probably An Ambivert, According To Psychologists
1. You can go either way on the spotlight
Sorry, Britney—there are more than two types of people in the world than the ones who entertain and observe.
"Ambiverts often feel neutral about being in the spotlight or working behind the scenes," Dr. Lyons explains. "They can enjoy being the center of attention at times, but they also appreciate the value of letting others take the lead."
Dr. Lyons says ambiverts often don't have a strong preference for being the most talkative or reserved person in the room at parties.
2. You can read the room
When you're not trying to think of what to say next (or getting out of anything at all), you can focus on adapting your behavior to the setting.
"In social situations, ambiverts are often adept at reading the room and adjusting their outward energy level according to the occasion," Dr. Vaughan says. "Maybe they are quiet and a bit more subdued at an orchestra concert and happy to dance and sing at karaoke nights."
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3. You're intentional about your social calendar
Balance is an ambivert's middle name. Some find socializing draining, and others need a bunch of it. You might be an ambivert if you fall somewhere in the middle.
"Ambiverts...often need a dose of alone time as well as social connections to maintain their spark," Dr. MacBride explains.
As a self-proclaimed ambivert, Dr. MacBride loves using quiet mornings to fill her cup.
"It gives me the energy to be an outgoing people person later in the day," she says.
4. People feel comfortable around you
A perk of being a pro at reading rooms and not caring whether or not you're the center of attention? Others adore being around you in social settings. Dr. Vaughan says you could be an ambivert if people say you help break up awkward moments and make everyone comfortable.
5. You have a diverse friend group
Ambiverts roll deep.
"Ambiverts tend to have a mix of introverted and extroverted friends," Dr. Lyons says. "Their ability to relate to both personality types allows them to form connections with a wide range of people."
It's about more than personality type, though. Ambiverts may befriend people with different opinions and interests. When everyone gets together for your birthday, it might feel a bit disjointed (at first). Dr. Vaughan says people closest to you may be surprised by the other company you keep and not relate to the rest of the crowd.
The good news? "Eventually, [they] find common ground in social settings," Dr. Vaughan says.
In all likelihood, you're guiding them with your ambivert charm.
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6. People tell you their problems and secrets
Your pals may easily open up to you and tell you you're a good listener and trustworthy.
"Ambiverts...have the ability to process information and respond thoughtfully, making them valuable confidants and advisors," Dr. Lyons says. "In conversations, they strike a balance between speaking and listening, ensuring that all parties feel heard and understood."
7. You're an excellent problem-solver
Disagreements aren't fun, but you could be an ambivert if you're skilled at finding a middle ground (perhaps because you often walk it).
"Ambiverts are skilled at finding compromises and resolving conflicts due to their ability to see multiple perspectives," Dr. Lyons says.
Related: People Who Felt Constantly Overlooked as Children Usually Develop These 13 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say
8. You've been told you're a natural leader
Ambiverts are rockstars in the workplace who can quickly (and deservedly) climb career ladders.
"Ambiverts can make great leaders because they already possess the ability to throttle the intensity of their personality," Dr. MacBride says. "They will be able to let their team shine and take a quiet backseat but also know when to step up and be the center focus."
9. You're thoughtful with communication
You're not just a leader and mediator. You're also something of a diplomat. Tact is one of your many strong suits.
"Ambiverts tend to think before they speak, carefully considering their words and the potential impact on others," Dr. Lyons says. "While this thoughtfulness can sometimes lead to indecisiveness, it also allows ambiverts to communicate effectively and diplomatically in various situations."
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