When introverts out-there started posting on social media about 2020 being the year of introverts. It was introverts turn to shine. Looking at those funny memes got me thinking. Why am I taking this lockdown better than others?
Could I be introverted and I didn’t even know it? I’ve never given it much thought. Mind you, I knew there was two personality types either an introvert or an extrovert. But I didn’t give much thought to which one I was. Until the lockdown.
Curious about how I would fit in this spectrum, I dived more in-depth into the differences between an introvert and an extrovert. I quickly learned that it’s not strictly black and white. Some of us could be extroverted with a sprinkle of introversion and vice versa.
You see at first I thought I was an Introvert, because I checked all the boxes. Seeing how introverts thrived in spending time alone and adapted to staying in without going crazy.
My extroverted friends definitely struggled with having limited social time over the last months. After reading more into this subject and reflecting on my actions, something didn’t add up.
Yes I enjoy being alone, I feel drained after gatherings and parties and need a few days to recover from these activities; on the other hand I enjoy social gatherings, love the busy city, I tend to socialize and speak to people and make friends easily, it just depends on my mood and the fact that I need recovery time afterwords. And this is when I discovered what an Ambivert is.
What do Introverts, Extroverts, and Ambiverts have in common?
They’re all personality types but Ambivert is literally a sweet combination of both. I found my personality trait from reading and watching explanation videos on youtube, I discovered how at times I’m a typical introvert and still have extroverted qualities. I took a step further and tried the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test.
Understanding my personality type has been beneficial to my self-growth journey and understanding different personalities is important for everyone.
The MBTI test is used to better understand your personality type. After taking the assessment, it revealed that I am an ambivert—someone who balances both introvert and extrovert qualities. An introvert is someone who prefers quiet spaces with few people while an extrovert thrives off energy from others by being around more people. An ambivert is a combination of both—able to find comfort in either small or large gatherings.
During the pandemic, being an ambivert has given me a slight advantage when it comes to transitioning into staying home more often. Having time away from others allowed me to rest and recharge my energy levels, but I’m also able to easily adjust back into social settings if needed. This balance of having alone time and being able to comfortably interact with others has been beneficial for me as well as those around me during these trying times. Additionally, I’ve noticed that increased self-reflection has brought more mental clarity into my life, which helps me make healthier decisions overall.
In addition to learning about your own personality type through taking the test, results can also be used for further personal growth and development if desired. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses can help you become a better version of yourself by utilising your results in positive ways such as goal setting or recognising areas of improvement. Knowing yourself better gives you valuable insight into how you interact with others which will be useful not only now but also long after this pandemic ends as well!
Finally, Understanding different personalities is important because it promotes mutual respect between individuals within our society. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences so having empathy towards one another’s unique perspectives can create a stronger sense of community overall.
HERE are some things you’d want to know about Introverts, Extroverts, and Ambiverts:
Introverts:
Extroverts:
Ambiverts:
Acceptance is key here—by understanding our personality differences we are able to reach our full potentials without judgement or prejudice holding us back! At the end of the day, we all have something valuable to contribute no matter what our personality types may be!
If you’re interested in learning more about being introverts, extroverts and ambiverts and to figure out ways to use this knowledge to your advantage, then I recommend you check out:
The Surprising Benefits of Being an Introvert from Time magazine. It’s simple and to the point. I really enjoyed it and could relate to it in many ways.
What is an Ambivert? Take the Quiz to See if You’re an Introvert, Extrovert or Ambivert from the website www.scienceofpeople.com, I highly recommend you check out this website.
What is Extroversion and the Advantages of Being an Extrovert, here’s another one from the website www.scienceofpeople.com
Here’s a list of books for introverts you can also check out:
The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength by Dr Jennifer Kahnweiler
Introvert Power: Why Your Hidden Life is Your Hidden Strength by Dr Laurie Helgoe
I would’ve loved to suggest books for Extroverts and Ambiverts but I’m not sure if there is any out there for these personality traits, I could find many articles but not books.
Final thoughts:
I think that whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or ambivert, knowing which personality trait you belong to can give you a big advantage in understanding your strengths and weaknesses, working on yourself and pushing yourself further.
You might want to try to step out of your comfort zone, get out there and connect with people, that aren’t your close friends, if you’re an introvert. You might want to look out for toxic people and do fewer things that drain your energy if you’re an ambivert. Maybe you’ll learn that other people don’t have the same energy as you and you’ll try to understand them better if you’re a typical extrovert.
Understanding the differences between these personalities can help us be more self aware get along with others and get the best out of ourselves and everyone around us. It’s a win-win!
What are more advantages to being introverts, extroverts or ambiverts? Let’s talk in the comments!
Until next time…
Lucie xx
