Growing up, I always thought that I was an extrovert. I enjoyed dancing in the crowd and social gatherings, whether it was spending time with friends. However, there were times when I spent time alone with myself and often felt drained after social occasions. I wasn't sure what this meant until my class teacher asked very intriguing questions, "What do you like to do the most?", "What are you good at?"
These two questions seem very alike, yet the most distinct is. These questions triggered me as well.
I found out about myself that I like to participate in various college events, but my second thoughts were 'What if?', 'What if I couldn't make it to the end?', 'What will others think of me?'. And things like this and that. This led to overthinking whenever I thought of doing something new.
I used to be friends with extroverted people and ambivert people too. I grew up with them, so it became a habit of understanding what they like. Unknowingly, both extrovert and introvert traits developed in my nature.
Sometimes I am comfortable around my friends, but I become an introvert when I'm with people I don't know.
Suddenly, everything made sense. I realized that I wasn't just one or the other, but a combination of both, and that's when I read about ambiverts. I right away surfed the internet and did some research on ambiverts.
Through my observation and research, what I discovered is Ambiversion is a personality trait where an individual has a balance of both introverted and extroverted qualities. Ambiverts generally relish social interactions, but they also need alone time to recharge.
After self-realization of being an ambivert, I embraced my true nature.
The best thing I learned about an ambivert is the ability to adapt to different situations and personalities is a strength.
I experimented with different social situations and alone time to get the right balance for me. I understand that this may change depending on our mood or situation.
Being an ambivert can be challenging because it's hard to fit into a specific box. People often assume that I am either an introvert or an extrovert, and they don't understand that ambiverts have a unique set of qualities.
Also, there is a misconception that ambiverts are indecisive or wishy-washy. Ambiverts can make decisions just as well as introverts or extroverts. We may take more time to think things through, but we're not necessarily indecisive.
Although ambiverts are flexible, they are not without need. Often this means not having enough alone time or lacking enough quality time with others which can be exhausting.
When I think of being able to be with both kinds of people, I've learned a lot.
Sometimes, I feel like not getting enough social interaction, and other times, I may feel overwhelmed by too much socializing.
So here, I'm trying to say that it's okay to be an ambivert, whether you realize it now or then.
Even Karen Hollenbach (LinkedIn trainer and writer) recognized her ambivert nature in her mid-late 30s.
It's hard to find the sweet spot, and it may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you.
Unlike introverts who prefer solitude and extroverts who thrive in social settings, ambiverts have the best of both worlds.
If you're an ambivert, it's vital to embrace your unique qualities and find ways to thrive.
It can be frustrating when expected to act a certain way based on your label and exhausting to constantly explain that you're not just one or the other.
But remember that from feeling overwhelmed and setting boundaries to connecting with others on a deeper level, we came a long way.🤍
(All pictures from this post are sourced from Pinterest. I do not own any of these images.)
