In a world of personality tests, astrology, human design, enneagrams, and various other lenses through which we all attempt to understand why we are the way we are, you might find yourself returning to the classics: Introversion and extroversion.

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung’s concepts of introversion and extroversion hinged on the idea that introverts tend to have a rich inner world that requires deep rest away from the external world, while extroverts thrive on the energy and vibrancy of the external world. But if you find yourself caught between the qualities of introversion and extroversion, you might be an ambivert.

What Are the Characteristics of Ambiverts?

Many ambiverts are highly adaptable. While they need quiet time to recharge, they can also be the life of the party the night before. They’re a personality type of many dualities.

Below are some tell-tale signs of ambiversion:

1. You find yourself alternating between feeling introverted and extroverted; however, these feelings aren’t necessarily situation-dependent. Instead, they’re just part of your natural traits. 
2. Your social battery can be recharged quickly. Just a quick bout of downtime can have you feeling rebooted for the evening’s social gathering. 
3. You don’t mind the spotlight. Whether it’s leading a major project at work or singing off-pitch at the karaoke bar, you’re up for the moment as long as you’re feeling adequately recharged.
4. You love your alone time—just not too much of it. Sometimes it isn’t even a matter of needing alone time as it is simply appreciating it. You’ll likely crave human contact after a bit of solo time. 
5. Long activities may not be your speed. Chatting and socializing all day can feel exhausting, but a few hours might be just the perfect fit. 
6. Intimate, in-person hangs are deeply satisfying for you. However, you can feel overwhelmed with lots of impersonal back-and-forth communication, like texts and emails. When you’re getting your alone time in, you’re likely to let text messages and phone calls go unanswered for a while.
7. You can be a team player at work, but you can take the lead when needed. In fact, your employer and colleagues may applaud you for being adaptable. 
8. You don’t have the overwhelming urge to always have your voice heard. Quietly listening in a lively conversation and occasionally chiming in can be all the interaction you need. 
9. You need complete solitude after a major hangout. After a long day of socializing, you might find yourself needing a calm space with low sensory activity. For example, cozying up in your bed with dim lighting to listen to a podcast after a friend’s BBQ may sound heavenly to you.
10. Making friends isn’t necessarily hard for you. You likely have a core crew of friends you’ve held on to throughout the years, along with a wide variety of acquaintances. 

The Benefits of Being an Ambivert

While the concept of ambiversion as a personality type has been around since the 1920s, it was largely absent from psychological discourse throughout the 20th century. Most therapists focused on the better-established opposing sides of the spectrum—introversion and extroversion—but this personality type should not be overlooked.

Ambiverts can be quite beloved because they’re often:

• Adaptable in nature
• Easy to be around; they’re up for a good time but won’t wear out their welcome
• Willing to take the lead as needed
• Careful not to constantly be the loudest voice in the room
• Able to get along well with both introverts and extroverts, considering they have an equal share of introvert and extrovert traits

How Does Ambiversion Impact Relationships?

If you’re an ambivert and you’re noticing friction in your relationships, consider if it has anything to do with how you communicate your innate needs. What you consider a simple case of getting much-needed solo time can seem like avoidance or an affront to an extroverted loved one.

Clear, concise communication about your personality type can help mitigate any misunderstandings. According to Resha Altai, an associate clinical social worker based in Los Angeles, CA, the approach can be gentle. “Taking time to acknowledge the things you’ve enjoyed about being with others can be a positive segue into sharing that you’re at your limit and need downtime,” she suggests.

Embracing your ambiversion can also make you a beloved friend, family member, partner, and colleague. Don’t be afraid to stand strong in your middle-of-the-road ways. The fact that you’re not keen to totally retreat inward like an introvert or have the energy of an extrovert can make you a safe space for many. 

How To Find a Healthy Balance

While you may feel fine with your identity as an ambivert, it helps to figure out how to use these traits to your advantage.

“Taking time to tune into yourself will help clarify what kind of stimulation you’re needing,” explains Altai. Sometimes you may need more social interaction, and other days you’ll need to be with yourself. “Allowing both to be valid is necessary, and you’ll likely be better company when you’ve had that alone time,” she continues.

Here are a few of our favorite daily life tips for ambiverts:

• When scheduling out your days, be sure to leave lots of breathing room on days when you’ll have tons of socializing to do. 
• If you’re invited to an all-day hangout, consider staying in the night before so you have plenty of energy to keep up. 
• Communication is key in any relationship, but especially for ambiverts. Let your loved ones know you’ll need some time alone. Reassure them that you may be slow to respond to their text messages.
• According to Altai, engaging the five senses to guide what feels good to you can be a game-changer. She recommends taking an epsom salt bath, doing some gentle yoga, unwinding with a puzzle, playing with a pet, or mindfully enjoying a cup of tea.