Anyone who completed a personality assessment has probably been classified as either introverted or extroverted. Extroverts are loud and social, whereas introverts are classified as shy, low-key, and reclusive. However, people are rarely one thing.
You're not alone if you've always felt that neither the introvert nor the extrovert completely describes you. The bulk of us probably resides in the middle of a continuum that combines introversion and extraversion, according to an increasing amount of research. You should think about the introverted extrovert.
What exactly is an Introverted Extrovert?
An introverted extrovert is an ambivert that has its roots on the extrovert end of the range but blends the interpersonal features of both extroverts and introverts. An introverted extrovert is someone who, like an introvert, is inspired when surrounded by individuals but could begin to feel exhausted when among them for an extended period of time.
Despite the fact that personalities develop in early childhood, different life experiences can change who you are. An introverted extrovert is therefore likely to be an extrovert at heart who taps into introverted characteristics based on the circumstance.
Characteristics of an introverted extrovert.
> Host an event, then disappear.
An event such as a party, a work function, or a public event can require all of an introverted extrovert's outgoing energy, and thereafter, they may require deep sleep to recover. In her clinical work, Cynthia M.A. Siadat, LCSW, has observed that introverted extroverts are polite and excellent communicators yet tend to slip off their guests' radars every now and then.
> You sometimes prefer being alone, and vice versa, in social situations.
A given context may highlight certain introverted extrovert personality qualities. You might be asked to devote more time meditating alone if you are going through a difficult phase in your life. When things are going well for you and you feel successful, you can be moved to spread your enthusiasm to other people. The other letters in your Myers-Briggs-Type Indicator (MBTI) type, including the S for Sensing or the N for Intuition, should also be considered. These indicate the methods by which you navigate your surroundings.
> Being in the spotlight is uncomfortable for you as a leader.
The introverted extrovert can maintain order and collaborate well with others when they are in leadership positions, but when complimented on their performance, they may divert and refocus the spotlight on their team. For instance, after receiving an award at work, you might instantly focus on your team and occasionally minimize your personal contribution.
> While you engage in meaningful conversations in person, you don't respond to texts or emails in the same manner.
When they are present, introverted extroverts enjoy meaningful talks and give their loved ones their complete attention, yet they are difficult to reach on the phone. You might truly enjoy someone's company while eating, but you might need some time alone afterward, away from your phone, to recharge.
> Although you enjoy helping others, it can be tough to accept assistance for yourself.
Siadat claims that although her clients are introverted extroverts, they struggle to receive the same level of care that they provide to others. This may appear as giving assistance to people in need while rejecting assistance from others.
Comparing introverted extroverts and introverted extroverts.
Although extroverted introverts and introverted extroverts sound similar, there is a significant difference between the two.
According to Siadat, an introverted extrovert is someone who:
Is outgoing briefly.
Occasionally needs some alone time to rejuvenate.
On the other hand, the extroverted introvert:
Is lured to solo time at baseline.
Occasionally yearns for social contact with people.
What matters most is whether you identify as a fundamental introvert or extrovert. Others hardly ever notice this, which is another reason to get closer to yourself.
Ambivert against the introverted extrovert.
Whether you consider yourself to be an extroverted introvert or an introverted extrovert, you are an ambivert by definition. The Latin prefix ambi, which means "on both sides," is used in the word "ambivert." In order to negotiate different settings, an ambivert might swing between their introverted and extroverted characteristics.
Psychotherapist Ken Page, LCSW previously said that "almost all of us are ambiverts to some extent." Being able to access both ends of the scale is advantageous and can result in a greater feeling of self-awareness. Having this balance is a gift, but Page adds that this only emphasizes how crucial it is to be in touch with our emotions and do what the time feels right for us.
How to be an extroverted introvert who succeeds:
Accept yourself as multifaceted.
Carl Jung, a psychologist, initially used the terms introversion and extroversion to describe how people consistently react to their surroundings in the 1920s. In his time, Jung promoted the extrovert personality as being preferable, and this idea has persisted in our current culture.
There is no need to be afraid of being an introvert, though. Personality traits do not reflect your social skills, according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, but rather they indicate how you need to rest and re-energize. Try to avoid feeling guilty if, while having fun with 100 other people during your buddy's birthday celebration, you start to feel exhausted. It's only a signal that you should pay more attention to your introversion. It's possible that your body is urging you to rest at home.
Learn how you react in various settings.
It's critical for you to keep in tune with your emotions as an introverted extrovert because the energy swings between introverted and extroverted energy can seem excessive to folks on the outside. Immersing yourself in diverse environments while being really excellent at figuring out what makes you feel energized and why is a terrific learning endeavor. Does your significant other encourage your silly extroversion? Does the silence in your meditation class renew you? You'll discover more about yourself by understanding how you react in different situations.
Look for employment that makes use of both your introverted and extroverted strengths.
Being an introverted extrovert has several benefits, one of which is the ability to connect with more people. The world can become more accessible to you as a result. According to a 2015 article from organizational psychologist Adam Grant, Ph.D., there are advantages to being both an introverted extrovert and an ambivert. You can interact with more individuals since you can draw on both types of personalities. When Grant researched ambivert salespeople, he discovered that "they naturally participate in a fluid pattern of listening and talking. According to one study, Ambiverts are likely to show enough assertiveness and passion to persuade and seal a transaction, but they are more likely to pay attention to customers' preferences and less prone to coming off as overly eager or confident. Everyone involved will gain from finding work that makes use of your introverted extrovert strengths.
Be tolerant of yourself.
Over a lifetime, personality qualities can change. Siadat advises people not to compare themselves to other people or earlier iterations of themselves. "You could frequently hear statements like "Well, I was once so social." That could have been the case in the past, but thanks to fresh knowledge and experiences, you are an entirely different individual now than you were then." Recognizing that change is uncomfortable may cause some resistance. However, being in the moment and connecting with who you are right now might help you live more genuinely.
Get better at expressing your needs.
Personality qualities like introversion and extroversion might show you where you need to refuel. It will benefit both you and the people around you if you can recognize what is required to keep your equilibrium and express it. According to Page, those who are introverted must be particularly mindful of safeguarding themselves from exhaustion and overstimulation.
Determine who offers you a boost.
There are some people who match your energy demands better, whether you interact with them in person or digitally. When you become conscious of your energy state, you could discover that certain people drain your vitality while others rekindle it. Siadat asserts that "loved ones come in many shapes and sizes with varying degrees of emotional safety." "Whether they are allowed access to you or not doesn't depend on whether you love them or they love you," Extroverted introverts should be careful about how they invest their energy.
The authority on you is you.
Because your inner experiences form the foundation of who you are, you are the authority on yourself. You can study and learn from behavioral science and psychology specialists, but only you have the knowledge of what is best for you and your personal circumstances.
What to remember.
In the end, it's up to you to spend some time learning about each of the things that undeniably define you. A variety of personality assessments can help guide you in the correct way. Being flexible and shy while also being outgoing may be liberating for you. Making friendships with both introverted and extroverted people allows you to understand a wider range of viewpoints. Being an introverted extrovert might occasionally be confusing, you may also discover. But like with any self-learning, listen to what your life has to say and use your finest resources to respond.
This is so me by being an introverted extrovert! I don't mind hosting an event but don't mind disappering either for others to hold down the fort!😏