real life

Don’t consider yourself an extrovert OR an introvert? You might fit into this category.

Are you too extroverted to be an introvert, but too introverted to be an extrovert? Well, listen up.

Do you love socialising with your friends, but also crave alone time? Are you the confident type, but also with some reclusive tendencies?

And does this confuse you and your loved ones? Well, you can relax – we get you.

For the longest time people have been divided into one of either polar opposite personality types: extrovert or introvert.

According to Myers Briggs (the most popular and accepted personality test), extroverts are action-oriented, seek a breadth of knowledge and influence, prefer frequent interaction, and get energy from spending time with people while introverts are thought-oriented, seek depth of knowledge and influence, prefer more substantial interaction, and get their energy from spending time alone.

But for many people, myself included, neither term has felt quite right.

“Do you love socialising with your friends, but also crave alone time?”

 

Just as an FYI, this post is sponsored by Navy Submariner. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.

So if you find yourself sitting on the personality fence as well, you might just be an “extroverted introvert” or an “ambivert”. This is someone who is a blend of both introvert and extrovert traits. In the best possible way.

1. You don’t feel like you fit into either introvert or extrovert category.

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. When you read a list of introvert qualities you tick all the boxes. But when you read the features of an extrovert, you realise you have those features too. This is especially apparent when it comes to personality quizzes and you find yourself needing an “it depends” option. Every. Single. Time.

Related: WENDY: This is who I am, deal with it.

2. You love social interaction but you also relish solitude.

Just because you tore up the town last weekend, making friends with everyone in the ladies’ bathroom, that doesn’t mean you’re keen for that every night. As much as you love hanging out with people, you find it especially exhausting after a while. Particularly when you’re interacting with strangers. You also find yourself lying about plans just so you have an excuse to stay in with a good book and a long bath. These social preferences can sometimes confuse your friends and family as they can swing so dramatically.

ADVERTISEMENT
“As much as you love hanging out with people, you find it especially exhausting after a while. Particularly when you’re interacting with strangers.”

3. You can flip between driving the conversation and being a fly on the wall.

Basically, you know when to shut up and when to speak up, which is a very beneficial trait. When you’re interested in a topic you’re happy to speak at length on it but when you have nothing to contribute, you’re happy to sit back and listen. You don’t feel the need to chime into every conversation.

Related: Are you a Type A or Type B personality type?

4. Decision making can be hard.

Because you spend a lot of time self-reflecting and mulling things over in your mind, but also feel the need to weigh up the pros and cons with family, friends and anyone who will listen. Although it’s sometimes tedious, this kind of decision-making and attention to detail usually comes up with the best results.

“When you’re interested in a topic you’re happy to speak at length on it but when you have nothing to contribute, you’re happy to sit back and listen.”

 

5. You balance out whomever you’re with.

When you’re hanging out with a loud, very extroverted pal you’re happy to sit back and listen. But when you’re with a quieter, more introverted person you can compensate by driving the interaction. This kind of balance makes you an exceptional team worker who’s able to deal with challenging circumstances (and people) as part of a dynamic, close-knit group.

So if all of this is striking a chord with you, you’re in luck. Not only do you get the best of both extrovert and introvert worlds, studies have also found you are more flexible, emotionally stable and intuitive.

So go, you.

Who do you think you are? An introvert, extrovert or an introverted extrovert?

Here’s a look at some outrageously successful introverts:

Being a Submariner is a role like no other. It takes a unique individual to operate such advanced technology at these depths. It’s not the job for everyone, but if you are up for the challenge, it’ll reward you in ways you never knew possible. You’ll wear your Submariner’s badge with pride, knowing you are going where few dare and doing what few dare.