And these are not just big words - we are really all different and absolutely unique. But still there is something that unites us. We can talk about the similarity of temperament traits, features of the emotional sphere, the level of intelligence or attitude to the surrounding reality. This allows psychologists to group people according to the characteristics of their mental activity. The two big groups are extroverts and introverts. Can absolutely any person be attributed to one of these groups? What is the difference between extroverted and introverted personality types?

Being a social being, a person from the moment of his birth to a very old age experiences in communication with his own kind. - this is one of the most difficult trials for a person, and any hardships and hardships are easier to bear if relatives, friends, people who are ready to support and help are nearby. Everyone has a need for social contacts, but it manifests itself in different ways, and the level of this need is different.

The desire to interact with other people is most pronounced in extroverts, they are literally socially oriented. No wonder the very term "extrovert" is associated with the Latin prefix extra - "outside." For the first time this concept, like the term introvert, was proposed by K. Jung in his book Psychological Types. To date, a huge amount of psychological research has been carried out, confirming the theory of C. Jung and supplementing the characteristics of these types.

• Extroverts are always in the thick of people, they draw energy from the crowd and readily throw it back in the form of, sociability, demonstrativeness and the desire for popularity. The best work for an extrovert is in a team, and the best vacation is in a noisy, cheerful company.
• Faced with problems, an extrovert immediately runs to friends for help and support, and he usually has a lot of them. But even with any of his success, he also willingly and often noisily shares with others. Therefore, there are often “too many” extroverts - they tire with their assertiveness, excessive sociability, talkativeness and increased emotionality. In addition, these people are often obsessive or aggressive, and they have serious problems with a sense of tact.
• An extrovert not only likes a large number of people nearby, it excites him, it acts intoxicatingly. Therefore, once in the spotlight, the extrovert completely loses the brakes, which he already has not very good.

People of this type absorb the world with all their senses, they grab onto a lot of things, get carried away with a bunch of different things, but rarely know something deeply and thoroughly.

Summarizing all of the above, we can distinguish the following personality traits inherent in extroverts:

• social orientation;
• sociability and sociability to the point of obsession;
• openness and interest in people;
• activity and assertiveness;
• hyperexcitability, especially among people;
• tendency to dominate and often to aggression.

However, these traits manifest themselves differently in people, so in psychology it is customary to talk about the level of extraversion. There are special tests that allow you to determine the severity of these personal characteristics. That is, someone is more of an extrovert, and someone is less. The same applies to another type of personality - an introvert.

Introverts - who are they?

As the name implies, introverts are introverted, focused on their inner world and are in no hurry to open their souls to the first person they meet and to the second one too. Unlike open, sociable and hyperactive extroverts, introverts are closed, self-absorbed and seem to be slow-moving slow-witted.

But it is not so. It's just that introverted individuals spend their energy economically and within themselves, and do not splash it outward, like extroverts.

• They tend to be immersed in their thoughts and feelings.
• Very often these are people of a creative warehouse, although their isolation and unsociableness do not allow them to openly demonstrate the results of their work, they do not like to show off and avoid any publicity.
• Introverts are less visible than extroverts, but no less, and often much more productive than people with an extroverted personality type, who do not so much do, but demonstrate the results achieved.

Introverts are called unsociable hermits. This is also not entirely true. Of course, the crowd, noisy parties and human bustle cause them rejection, and often scare them. But to the only friend, the closest person, the introvert will always be faithful, although he will not shout about this loyalty at every step.

An introvert is unobtrusive, he prefers to cope with his troubles and problems on his own, but will not refuse to help his neighbor. True, he tries to avoid too persistent and obsessive types, their pressure forces him to withdraw into himself, to hide in his shell. This often leads others to consider the introvert a callous, selfish egoist. Among this type, such people are also found - if a person is only interested in his own, it is difficult to love other people.

Summing up the analysis of the characteristics of an introvert, a number of traits inherent in it can be distinguished:

• calmness and equanimity;
• isolation and unsociableness;
• taciturnity, inexpressive facial expressions and gestures;
• lack of communication skills and unwillingness to work in a team;
• low level of emotionality or experiencing emotions within oneself;
• propensity to think;
• things and theories interest him more than living people;
• he is never bored by himself.

However, in their pure form, these two types are quite rare. Therefore, they are so noticeable that no testing is needed to determine who is in front of you - an introvert or an extrovert. But there is also a third type.

Ambiverts

If this term is translated from Latin, then the ambivert will be something like “two-sided” or “changeling”. Sometimes this type includes people with mild extrovert and intrawind traits. This is not entirely correct - the characteristic features of both types of y appear quite clearly.

In one situation, an ambivert may behave like an introvert, in another - like an extrovert. This is a kind of chameleon with a changing type of behavior, emotionality and sociability. Despite such variability (or maybe because of it), people of this type get along well and adapt well in any social environment or in solitude.

In a pleasant company and in the right mood, ambiverts can be sociable, incendiary, and cheerful. However, even in solitude, they will always find a job for themselves. They love to engage in self-education and creativity and are not alien to the public demonstration of their talents.

Ambivert is:

• a successful writer organizing a presentation of his book and surrounded by a crowd of fans;
• a scientist delivering a brilliant report on the results of many years of research;
• a teacher who lectures emotionally and artistically and demonstrates deep knowledge in various fields of science.

Yes, an ambivert is able to enjoy success and willingly works in a team, but he never rushes to lead it, and success is his personal achievement. A person of this type can become the "soul" of the party (or just sit in the corner as an observer), but will never initiate it. Different people perceive representatives of this type in completely different ways, sometimes it seems that we are talking about completely different personalities.

Thus, the ambivert has the following personal characteristics:

• versatility, complexity of personality;
• rapid transitions from activity to thoughtful passivity;
• equally comfortable perception of the crowd and loneliness;
• flexibility of the psyche and behavior;
• ability to adapt to changing conditions.

That is, the ambivert, although it combines the features of an introvert and an extrovert, is not something in between. These people do not fit the definition of "middle" at all, most likely, they are really bilateral, more precisely, even multilateral.

Causes of Type Differences

Each of the described psychological types (especially extroverts and introverts) has not only positive, but also negative sides that I would like to get rid of. For example, sullenness, isolation and selfishness of introverts and excessive sociability, obsession and aggressiveness of extroverts. How are these types formed? Or is upbringing to blame for everything, and with the right approach, ambiverts can be raised from all children?

Even K. Jung wrote that the traits of introverts and extroverts are innate. Later, psychophysiologists and psychologists proved that the behavioral characteristics of these types are associated with the peculiarity of higher nervous activity, primarily with such an indicator as the ratio of excitation and inhibition processes in the central nervous system.

• Extroverts have strong and stable processes of excitation of nerve cells. This allows them to maintain high activity and emotionality for a long time. To feed their nervous system, they need a constant influx of information from the outside, primarily emotional and sensory.
• Introverts have more pronounced inhibition processes. Inhibition of excitation leads to lethargy, detachment, coldness. An excess of external information that their brain is not able to quickly process causes irritation and fatigue.
• But in ambiverts, the processes of excitation and inhibition are not only equally strong, but are also in balance. And thanks to the mobile nervous system, a high level of excitation can quickly be replaced by an equally strong inhibition.

The strength of excitation and the speed of the course of nervous processes affect the speed of reactions, the level of sociability, and the brightness of emotions. That is, proper upbringing can smooth out the extreme manifestations of types that interfere with living in society, but it is impossible to completely “re-educate” an introvert and an extrovert. Yes, and it is undesirable, since this can lead to a violation of the activity of the psyche.

Yes, the grounds for the formation of these mental types are of an innate neurophysiological nature, but if you find the features of an extrovert or introvert in yourself, then there is nothing terrible or unpleasant in this - the world is rich in its diversity. Success in our lives, as well as happiness, are available to both introverts and extroverts. They just go in different ways.

Ambivert is the personality type of people who are between introverts and extroverts. They have features of both these types of character, and can even adapt depending on the situation.

It actually looks like you are equally good with both the left and right hand, only such a comparison applies to personality types. "Ambivert" is a relatively new term.

You may be an ambivert if you feel that the terms "introvert" or "extrovert" do not fully describe you.

Watch this video to see the characteristics of extroverts, introverts and ambiverts

Now let's take a closer look at you. You are an ambivert if:

1. You feel comfortable with new people but also enjoy being alone.

When you need to recharge, sometimes a day alone will be a good change in your pace of life, and another day it will be great to spend time with friends.

If you have plans for the weekend, that's great. But if they are canceled, that's fine too, because you still have something to do anyway.

2. You know when to actively communicate and when to be discreet. It is natural for you to adapt to the situation.

When you're with someone who is extremely extroverted or introverted, you tend to balance things out by becoming the opposite personality type.

It has become a subconscious habit. With a group of outgoing people, you don't try to "throw wood on the fire." And when there are quiet and modest people around, you feel the need to spice up the situation.

3. When you read about the characteristics of introverts or extroverts, you can notice the qualities of both of these types in yourself.

Even if you lean a little towards one particular personality type, it looks like this: some days you consider yourself an extrovert, but other days you show the qualities of an introvert.

You tend to draw attention to yourself in more intimate settings at dinner parties or barbecues, but at big events like concerts, you don't want to stand out from the crowd.

4. Sometimes you actively express yourself, and at other times you just observe the environment and people around you.

Being alone is not difficult for you and is not stressful. But with company, you feel good just listening or laughing along with everyone. You are comfortable in thinking about yourself, especially when you understand that you can not say anything, and communication will continue.

5. Small talk doesn't scare you, but it does seem a little hypocritical at times.

You see the point in starting small talk, as it leads to the opportunity to build a full conversation. After all, you still need to start somewhere.

6. You can do things alone or with a company that you are comfortable with either way.

Introverts really like to do things alone, while extroverts love to spend time in the company. You will be equally comfortable in both cases. Some days you would prefer one option over the other, but generally you don't have a clear preference.

7. Some people would describe you as a quiet person, while others would say that you are very outgoing.

Colleagues or classmates who have only seen you in professional and academic settings know you are reserved because that is how you behave in these situations.

What they don't know is that when the time comes, you can be completely comfortable in a different role.

8. Spending a lot of time in the company, you may feel exhausted, but a long loneliness can make you depressed.

When you work on your own for a while, you like to take a break and talk to people. It would probably be the worst option for you when you have to work alone for a long time.

However, to retire for a while after spending some time with people is also fine. Perhaps you did not even realize that this was exactly what was needed.

Essentially, being an ambivert is being a jack-of-all-trades. Ambiverts are quite flexible personalities and can adapt well to any environment.

Among them there are those who show the qualities of an introvert or an extrovert, but in a significant proportion of ambiverts these qualities are manifested in equal proportions.

Wouldn't it be great if personality tests like the Myers-Briggs included an "ambivert" option?

Activity, replaced by a third-party contemplation of what is happening, the ease of reincarnation from the ringleader into an ordinary visitor or vice versa, the ability to work alone or in collaboration with colleagues. Almost everyone has had to meet people endowed with the listed features.

An ambivert is a person who owns character traits both and at the same time. This is a personality characterized by the ability to adapt to any conditions in society. An ambivert combines the qualities of an introvert and an extrovert, feeling great both in a circle of close friends and in a completely unfamiliar company.

Let's figure out who an ambivert is, in more detail.

Always be yourself, be confident in yourself, express yourself, and not just imitate any successful person.

Bruce Lee

Characteristic

An ambivert is a person who cannot stay in society for a long time, therefore, he seeks to periodically change the environment. Indeed, due to increased sensitivity to stressful situations, noisy companies quickly tire him, and a long stay in solitude provokes a manifestation of depression, dissatisfaction with oneself, and causes a depressed state.

There are several pronounced features that make it possible to assert that a person is an ambivert:

• The ability to easily move from one psychological state to another, from, to.
• Excellent intuitive abilities that allow you to form a circle of friends, among which there are no random people.
• The ability to adapt to the situation, feeling equally comfortable, communicating with others or being completely alone for a long time.
• Periodic change of activity to complete inactivity in the role of an outside observer, especially if there are doubts about the sincerity of the interlocutor.
• Different perceptions of the ambivert by outsiders - some consider him quiet, while others, on the contrary, are erudite, ready to discuss any topic.
• Attention to people, empathy, the ability to provide moral support in difficult life situations, which is conducive to a trusting relationship.
• The ability to find a common language with others, as well as skillfully use internal and external energy.

According to the research of the American psychologist Robert R. McCrae, most people are classified as or. But 38% of the world's population lacks the predominance of the qualities of one of these psychotypes, so they represent the "golden mean" - ambiverts capable of changing behavior in response to external circumstances.

How to determine your psychological affiliation

Even K. G. Jung, who is the author of the terms "extrovert" and "introvert", assumed the existence of an intermediate link between them. And already modern psychologists have introduced the concept of “ambivert”, which characterizes a person who is fueled by energy both from the outside and from the inside. He has the qualities of different psychological types, and he is able to adapt to the environment depending on the circumstances.

It has long been known that extroverts are fans of outdoor activities, extreme sports, fun, frequent changes of activity. And introverts, on the contrary, prefer a quiet pastime alone, caution, do not tolerate the obsession of others. If some character traits are mixed up, and according to inner feelings a person cannot attribute himself to one type, then he is an Ambivert.

10 signs you are an ambivert

Sounds familiar? Your friends are heading out for a couple of drinks after work and invite you over. You want to join, but a pair of comfortable slippers and your favorite TV series are waiting at home. You are torn between two ideas because both seem to be excellent.

When it comes to social interaction, ambiverts are at a crossroads. They are not as reserved as introverts, but they are not too active, like extroverts. They are somewhere in the middle.

People try to categorize everything into black and white, but more often than not, we end up somewhere in between. The amount of social interaction we require can vary, depending on mood or other environmental factors. For example, if you didn't sleep well the night before, you'll most likely choose to stay at home this evening.

What is my type?

The concept that all people necessarily belong to one of the categories of introverts or extroverts was proposed by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist in the 20th century. Jung developed the Theory of Temperament, which defined two mental attitudes: introversion and extraversion.

In general, extroverts enjoy being around people and are not afraid of unfamiliar surroundings. Introverts, on the other hand, are happier when they are at home alone with their thoughts. Jung did not talk about the advantages of one type over another. In fact, he characterized the negative aspects for each type.

Extroverts, according to Jung, try too hard to make a favorable impression, are less self-critical and are not always ready to accept the generally accepted norms of society. Introverts, on the other hand, lack confidence and communication skills.

The golden mean is best

Ambiverts can make the best of both worlds when it comes to business success, according to a study published in the journal Psychological Science.

People whose personality test showed something between extroverts and introverts made better sales over a three-month period.

According to the results, ambiverts can be assertive, but not aggressive, and have a unique ability to build harmonious relationships with strangers. At the same time, they can seem sincere, even when they are campaigning to buy something.

If you are still undecided which side you are on, consider the following signs that indicate that you are an ambivert.

10 signs you are an ambivert

1. You're not the first to leave the party, but you won't be the last either.
   Ambiverts don't try to sneak out first, but they don't want to end the party either. They spend a lot of time visiting and at various events, but they are happy to return home when the environment becomes less interesting.
2. You split your time between being alone and hanging out with friends.
   You will enjoy spending the evening at home, but you will also find time for friends. Ambiverts feel great in both worlds - both in society and alone.
3. Going to an unfamiliar place and meeting new people, you feel quite comfortable.
   Ambiverts are not afraid of new experiences, but can sometimes get a little nervous in new places among strangers. However, ambiverts do not shy away from trying new things. This is not their comfort zone, but they feel quite normal under such circumstances.
4. People laugh at your jokes, but you are not the life of the party.
   Ambiverts are comfortable being the center of attention, but they are quite willing to leave that role to someone else. Sometimes they sit in the back and listen, and sometimes wedged in with witty jokes.
5. You think about your thoughts before you voice them.
   Ambiverts are not lost in thought, they listen and reflect before answering. Of course, they can answer impromptu, but still prefer to express their own opinion after reflection.
6. You don't turn your soul inside out.
   Openness with other people is quite normal for ambiverts, but still they prefer not to talk about some personal things. Ambiverts know that the best conversation is one in which there is a mutual exchange of information. They listen to the other person and share their thoughts when it's their turn. Ambiverts don't monopolize discussion.
7. You normally perceive boredom.
   Ambiverts are quite good at having fun both on their own and with friends. Their level of social interaction is the choice they make. Free time can help an ambivert recharge and prepare for the next meeting with friends.
8. You can talk about feelings.
   Since ambiverts spend some time alone with their thoughts, they are prone to introspection and know themselves quite well. They do not hide their feelings from others and can talk about themselves quite easily. They speak with sincerity about personal experiences and listen with interest to others.
9. You cannot be called an overly sensitive person.
   Other people may be vulnerable, but ambiverts don't take things to heart. They know how to empathize, but do not get hung up on human emotions.
10. You are not easily discouraged and discouraged.
    Ambiverts embrace change easily and are optimistic about their ability to deal with setbacks. They can take on a challenge with complete confidence and work equally well in a group or independently.

Suitable Professions for an Ambivert

The sphere of activity of an ambivert is determined taking into account his psychological characteristics. Here, professions that involve minimal interaction with people are most suitable.

Such a subject will fully demonstrate his abilities as a freelancer, organizer of business meetings or festivals. Creative individuals can organize exhibitions, concerts, meetings of interest.

A job in the service sector that involves short-term contacts with clients - recruiting managers, heads of small enterprises, intermediaries in the conclusion of transactions, social workers, will reveal the potential of an ambivert well.

Everyone is used to believing that the rhythm of modern life is a fertile field of activity for charismatic extroverts. However, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, Adam Grant, found that such people do not shine with special achievements in trading, like their introvert antipodes.

Having tested the employees of a trading company that sells software, the psychologist found out that it was the ambiverts who showed the best results. Such indicators became possible thanks to the ability of these people to analyze and delicately coordinate their actions with potential buyers.

Ambivert character flaws

The ambivert is the most flexible and balanced psychological type, but he, along with other people, has some weaknesses that manifest themselves in different periods.

The most dangerous among them is excessive sacrifice, leveling personal qualities, forcing you to devote your life to others. Another negative characteristic of the ambivert is excessive self-confidence, acquired as a result of any success in any field.

Chances of success in society

As we have already found out, ambiversion is an organic combination of the best characteristics of other psychotypes. Therefore, choosing a life path, such a person always considers the possibility of distinguishing between a career and personal space, which will help to avoid stressful situations at home and at work in the future. After all, where it is difficult for an introvert and an extrovert to find a common language, an ambivert will certainly help out, perfectly understanding everyone on a subconscious level, able to smooth out conflicts that arise in a team.

Positive and negative qualities are inherent in absolutely everyone. However, those who often communicate with ambiverts are sincerely surprised at the ability of people of this type to resist any life vicissitudes. Pleasant interlocutors who are able not only to defend their point of view, but also to listen to the opposite opinion, they easily move from a state of internal contemplation to active actions or, conversely, after an exciting discussion, they calmly move into the rank of an outside observer, which makes it possible to replenish the spent energy.

Public people - politicians, actors, singers, world-famous inventors, to maintain their image, usually appear before us in a good mood. I wonder which of them considers themselves to be ambiverts?

He distinguishes two fundamentally different types of personality: introverts and extroverts.
Extroverts call such people whose behavior is focused on others.
introverts- personalities whose behaviors are self-oriented or inward.

Extroverts have behavior in which any person tends to:
To communicate with people
Get attention from others
Participate in public speaking
Participate in large companies, crowded events or parties.
Extroverts often choose jobs where they have to constantly interact with people. They can be an excellent toastmaster, an organizer of events or shows, an official who manages a group of people.

For introverts, behavior is characteristic in which he locks himself into comfortable loneliness, plunging into internal reflections and experiences, creativity or observation of various processes. An introvert can make a good scientist, researcher, writer, or self-employed person. If an extrovert needs the presence of other people for complete comfort, then an introvert needs to be alone.

Energy aspect for introverts and extroverts

What is the reason for the coexistence of two such different types of personality. We all understand perfectly well that a person is much more complicated than his anatomical structure. And an important part of this complex mechanism is the energy aspect. Agree, almost all the processes occurring in the human body are inextricably linked with the cost of energy, so the way to replenish it is an important element in the life and behavior of such a person. In the usual case, a person receives a “charge of energy” through respiratory processes, nutrition and sleep. During sleep, a person’s energy is restored, since the costs of other processes are minimized (the physical body, for example, does not make any movements during sleep, and the mental body finishes processing the thoughts and ideas that worried the person during the day, and the needs of the astral body are minimized, and the energy generated and stored during sleep gives a person the opportunity to perform actions and work productively all next day.That is why after sleep we feel relaxed and rested, while filled with new strength and energy.

However, it should be understood that not all people "live" such filling evenly. As you know, extroverts lack the energy they receive during sleep. For a full-fledged life, they are forced to look for energy reserves in society. They successfully do this, getting energy from communication and interaction with different people. Actually, this is what makes extroverts unconsciously seek communication, try to attract attention and speak in public. In other words, be the center of attention.
Introverts, on the other hand, have enough energy reserves that they receive during sleep, and then live and interact all day thanks to this energy. This allows them to successfully carry out their business or engage in creativity alone. They do not feel passion for communicating with other people, they are comfortable and alone with their "I".
By the way, the well-known term “energy vampire”, which all famous psychoanalysts have been writing about lately, confirms the words that an extraverted person needs communication. He needs to feed energy and receives it from people, while using a non-constructive image for this. In other words, an "energy vampire" is an extrovert who receives energy, while causing harm to others and harming their psyche (through provocations, fears, resentment, senseless accusations, reckless criticism, etc.). But, despite this, most extroverts still receive energy, while doing good and benefiting people.

How to recognize an introvert and an extrovert?

How to recognize an extrovert and an introvert? To do this, first of all, you should observe the person. After all, the whole essence of each of us is 99 percent manifested in behavior. Chances are you've come across this situation. An elderly lady enters the tram. A young man sitting on a seat suddenly begins to read a magazine or doze, and another serious man asks to give way to an old woman who has entered. The young man reluctantly gets up, and his place is quickly taken by a contented grandmother. If we analyze such a situation energetically, it turns out that the young man is an introvert, immersed only in his own problems and interests. A serious man (extrovert) managed to take care of his grandmother, and saved his energy. After all, he did not give up his seat, but at the same time he received the energy of an annoyed teenager, energy in the form of gratitude from an old woman, as well as the energy of passengers sitting nearby who were worried about their place. Moreover, he received a charge from passengers supporting the fact that older people should be conceded.

If you went to work during a break in the rest room and saw a person cheerfully telling jokes to sophisticated colleagues, you can safely say that the speaker is a real extrovert who brings smiles and pleasure to people, and in return receives energy from their attention.
And in general, in any business you can see both types. Each of these personalities has its own advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of each type should be tried to be used at 100 percent, and the disadvantages should be gradually turned into advantages.
Consider the advantages of an introvert in the work of a manager.
Comfortable communication style for the client (to annoy the interlocutor for an introvert is a real disaster).
Ability to work alone (not constantly being in front of others).
Among the advantages of an extrovert, the following should be noted:
Easily enter into any contact (including with introverts, there is no fear of a possible negative reaction).
There is no fear of public speaking at all (the more people sit in the hall, the more attention the extrovert receives, and as a result, energy).
Of course, there are also disadvantages. Introverts have:
Difficulties in communication (there is no need for new contacts, because there is a fear of causing a negative reaction).
Reluctance to speak in public and go on stage (because the need to attract attention from introverts is not observed).
For extroverts:
Lack of concern for the comfortable state of clients (sometimes there is even a negative reaction at the energy level, but this suits them).
They often turn public speaking into brawls and booths (after all, the main thing is to recharge your batteries, and not solve problems).
How can you help yourself reach your maximum when you have a certain potential? First, recognize and define what type of person you are. There are many tests to determine personality. Then analyze your behavior and answer the following questions:
Are you comfortable doing what you love doing alone?
Do you easily connect with others?
Do you enjoy performing in public places?
On the train, do you prefer to be silent or to communicate?
What if I'm an introvert or an extrovert?

If you find yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

Then justify your type. If you are an introvert, try to learn how to interact and communicate with people in such a way that you have and receive only a positive reaction from the listener or interlocutor. And for this it is very important to learn to listen and put his interests first. Probably, introverts must learn to evoke a positive reaction from the opponent from the first word.
If you are an extrovert, then it is very important here to learn how to manage the communication process and stop it when it causes a negative reaction from the interlocutor. We are all aware that the negative reaction of the client will not be useful and will not advance the matter, even if it nobly affects the astral body of the extrovert. Therefore, an extrovert needs to learn to respect himself and the interlocutor, to put his interests in the first place, and his energy preferences in the second place.
Even the process of energy and emotional content of the lecture is different for an extrovert and an introvert. The introvert begins to tell the lecture calmly and quietly, gradually increasing emotional fullness and reaches a climax by the end of the story. For extroverts, the following is typical: at the beginning there is some kind of extraordinary beginning (this can be either a joke or a proposal to get up and stretch, rhetorical questions may subsequently arise).
The possibilities of each of us are filled with the ability to manifest themselves in these two types. And sometimes, as an altruist, for this you just need to develop the necessary skills.
If the individual easily manages his introversion and extraversion, both options are available to him.
Thus, all successful people by nature can have in themselves both an extraverted beginning and an introverted one. But those and others are simply obliged to learn oppositional skills. And you will see gradually the owner of such abilities will become an altruist, a person who can respect both his own interests and the interests of others (no matter who it is: a close person or a client) and as a result receive maximum success in all his affairs.
But a new question arises: if it is so simple and easy to divide people into extroverts and introverts, then why are these two types different from each other? The whole secret is that every energy center in our body can have an extraverted and an introverted part independently of the other chakras. "Pure", 100% introverts and extroverts do not exist, but "mixed" - the majority. This is what determines the diversity of extraverted manifestations in individuals.

Of course, some can be unequivocally classified as introverts or extroverts. But about 38 percent of people fall somewhere between those two extremes, says personality psychologist Robert R. McCrae.

Personality ambivalence has two definitions:

1. if you meet the average scores on the scale (introversion-extroversion) on all items - for example, you feel neutral while being in a crowd and you are also quite comfortable being alone;
2. if you fluctuate between two extremes - at times you are the soul of the company, but at other times the only desire is to be alone.

To some extent, the classification is arbitrary. Judging the degree of extraversion is like judging a tall person or a short one. The judgment of height is related to what we mean by the definition of "low" and "high", so the assessment of the level of extraversion depends on how we define introvert, extrovert and ambivert.

However, people who can capitalize on the strengths of both personality types - the introvert's solitary, focused, and introspective nature with the extrovert's sociability, friendliness, and openness - have an advantage.

“Ambiverts can get the best of both types,” says psychologist Brian Little, author of Me, Myself and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being. "Ambiverts have more freedom to build their own lives than those people who belong to the two opposite extremes."

What you should know about ambiverts and the introversion-extroversion scale.

Your level of extraversion is determined by how easily excitable you are.

The definition of introversion or extroversion is not limited to the question of how friendly or social a person is. It is more a question of differences in the degree of excitation of neurons in the cerebral cortex, which acts as the center of such higher mental functions as spatial thinking, thought consciousness, speech, and sensory perception. When the level of arousal is too high, a state of fatigue, tension and congestion can occur. Too low a feeling of boredom and restlessness.

There is an optimal level of cortical arousal, explains Brian Little. For extroverts, this level is less than ideal and, therefore, they need exciting, stimulating situations. Introverts have a chronically higher arousal level (meaning they have a lower arousal threshold). As a result, introverts try to reduce their arousal levels by seeking out quiet environments and quiet activities, which is often misinterpreted as antisocial behavior.

Ambiverts, by definition, are alternately at both levels of arousal, or may be at an optimal level, which can be considered average, most comfortable and balanced.

Ambiverts can exploit the fluid nature of the personality.

The 19th-century American psychologist William James once said that by the age of 30, personality hardens like plaster. Some research supports this claim, and the idea of ​​introversion-extroversion as a criterion for categorizing personality implies that we have relatively fixed traits. But Little argues that our personalities can be much more fluid.

"I think James is only 50 percent right," says Little, who believes that people have what are called "loose traits." An introvert can behave like an extrovert for a while and vice versa, but not for long. If an introvert forces himself to act like an extrovert for too long - going out and socializing every night, getting into turbulent situations too often - he's likely to burn out.

The ambivert moves sequentially between the two categories and has more opportunity to take advantage of the nature of volatility. The flexible personality of the ambivert adapts better to different situations and makes the most of various personality characteristics.

Little says that ambiverts are in that comfort zone where they can act like pseudo-introverts or pseudo-extroverts without wasting their nervous system.

The advantage of ambiverts in some activities.

Psychologist Dan Pink coined the term "ambivert advantage" to describe the superior ability of ambiverts to build on the strengths of introverts and extroverts.

In particular, ambiverts excel in sales, contrary to the stereotype of the charismatic, ultra-extroverted salesperson. A study by psychologist Adam Grant of the University of Pennsylvania, published in the journal Psychological Science, found that ambiverts are more effective in sales than introverts and extroverts.

Grant studied software company employees and rated each employee on an introversion-extroversion scale from 1 to 7 (1 being the most introverted, 7 being the most extroverted). He found that neither strong introverts (those who scored 1 or 2) nor strong extroverts (those who scored 6-7) were among the best sellers. Ambiverts sold software most effectively.