Are You An Introverted Extrovert Or An Extroverted Introvert?

You may sometimes go to parties, light up the room with your charm, and enjoy social activities. But after a while, you can find yourself looking for a quiet corner or even an early exit. This particular situation might be relatable for both introverted extroverts and extroverted introverts.  

In this article, we’ll find out what these terms mean, which personality type fits you more, and how to recognize introversion and extroversion to understand others better.

What is an introverted extrovert? 4 signs

An introverted extrovert is a person who gains energy from being around people but has a strong need for balance. While these people are mostly extroverted, their battery is still limited, and they need moments of solitude. Here’s how to spot people with this type of extroversion:

1. They get energized from enjoying social events

Sociability is considered an important part of extraversion. [1] Introverted extraverts enjoy social interactions and prefer being with others rather than being alone. They are social butterflies who charge their batteries from being with others. Yet, they may need less interaction than typical extraverts and can opt for smaller groups of friends.

2. They can be the life of the party, but prefer to avoid this role

Most extroverted people are likely to feel comfortable in the spotlight. Yet, being an introverted extrovert means you can take the central stage when needed, but don’t seek it out. In social settings, these people avoid being leaders.

3. They’re outgoing and expressive but occasionally introspective

Introverted extroverts value the time they can spend thinking, analyzing, or enjoying their own company. This makes an introverted extrovert somewhat similar to an extroverted introvert. But for the first one, it’s about time not to feel flooded by stimuli; for the second one, it’s a main way of recharging.

4. They feel comfortable sharing but selectively vulnerable

Such people can be expressive and talkative, but they might hold back their deepest feelings for moments with the closest ones. Introverted extroverts don’t typically overshare and hold tighter boundaries around vulnerability.

What is an extroverted introvert? 4 signs

An extroverted introvert is a person who is energized by being alone but can exhibit extroverted traits and enjoy being in public from time to time. While they prefer solitude to recharge, they can have many social contacts, speak confidently, and even take the lead when the situation calls for it. This is what makes them unique:

1. They gain energy from alone time

Introverts are more sensitive to the effects of dopamine, and too much of it can make them feel overstimulated. [2] As such, these people need a lot of quiet time to feel ready to communicate, and this also applies to extroverted introverts.

2. They love socializing but may feel like “it’s too much”

People who lean toward introversion can enjoy staying with others in short and meaningful bursts rather than long gatherings, as they feel overwhelmed.

3. They can be confident in social situations, but feel more at ease when staying in their own company

Outgoing introverts may be ambitious and have big plans, which can require them to meet new people. They are confident enough in professional communication, but they still would opt for quiet moments whenever possible.

4. They crave meaningful connections over surface-level chatter 

Extroverted introverts can be lively with family or close friends but feel reserved or awkward around strangers during small talk. They value quality over quantity in relationships and invest their energy mostly in connections that feel genuine.

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Introverted extrovert vs. extroverted introvert: Comparing personality types

Introverted extroverts are outgoing but need some quiet time, while extroverted introverts are mostly reserved but can be social when needed. Let’s compare them across key traits:

Aspect	Introverted extrovert	Extroverted introvert
Core identity	Extrovert	Introvert
Social energy	High, but craves  some time alone when there’s too much over-stimulus for long periods of time	Limited, but they may enjoy a deep connection or be rather communicative when there’s a need or calling
Recharge method	Mostly socializing, but they crave balance	Solitude
Focus	Feel fine in big groups, but without staying in the spotlight	Small groups of friends where they are comfortable in

What is the difference between an introverted extrovert, an extroverted introvert, and an ambivert?

An ambivert is somewhere in the middle of the extroversion-introversion spectrum. These people can feel recharged from both social situations and being alone. They can adjust to fit the situation, and this flexibility lets them remain balanced. 

In some cases, the term “ambivert” can be used instead of “extraverted introvert” or “introverted extravert,” as this term is science-based, while the two other ones are more informal.

At the same time, people with primary extraversion or introversion still show a tendency toward only one side. It makes them less flexible and more predictable in how they handle energy.

Carl Jung’s and Conklin’s theories of introversion and extroversion

Carl Gustav Jung suggested that the distinction between personalities is the source and direction of an individual’s expression of energy. He stated that extraversion is an outward turning of libido and introversion is an inward turning of libido. (meaning libido as life energy, not just sexual drive). [3]

Still, while Jung didn’t use the term “ambivert,” he believed that there was a third type between extroverted and introverted traits. Later on, Edmund Conklin came up with the term “ambivert” and described such people as those who could switch between introversion and extroversion. 

This concept now helps us understand how flexible human behavior and ways to recharge can be. It also shows us that many people don’t belong to an extreme or even concepts like “introverted extravert” or “extraverted introvert” because they move along the spectrum throughout their lives.

5 benefits of being an ambivert

People with an ambivert personality may overcome specific challenges more easily than those with primarily extraverted or introverted traits. Here are some benefits of being an ambivert:

1. Adaptability. They can adjust their behavior depending on the situation and feel comfortable both staying quiet and being leaders.

2. Balance in social life. Ambiverts enjoy company but also value alone time, which helps them avoid burnout and always have high energy to stay in large groups.

3. Empathy. Most individuals can relate to different personality types more easily. This way, ambiverts build stronger connections.

4. Better performance. A study by psychologist Adam Grant found that ambiverts in a call center generated 24% more revenue than introverts and 32% more than extroverts. Ambiverts were more successful because they balanced enthusiasm with listening and adapted their approach to customers. [4]

5. Flexibility at work. Such people can be effective in teamwork or in independent tasks. With introvert-heavy teams, ambiverts use extroverted traits to encourage communication, while with extrovert-heavy teams, they use introverted traits to promote reflection. [5]

Sources

1. ResearchGate. “Extraversion: Nature, Development and Implications to Psychological Health and Work Life.” January 2014
2. Thomas Rammsayer, Petra Netter, Wolfgang H. Vogel. “A neurochemical model underlying differences in reaction times between introverts and extraverts.” Personality and Individual Differences. 1993
3. Petric, D. (2022) “The Introvert-Ambivert-Extrovert Spectrum. Open Journal of Medical Psychology,” 11, 103-111. doi: 10.4236/ojmp.2022.113008.
4. Adam M. Grant. “Rethinking the Extraverted Sales Ideal: The Ambivert Advantage.” Association for Psychological Science. 2013
5. Hudson, Swinton & Ferguson, Geremy. (2016). “Leadership Personalities: Extrovert, Introvert or Ambivert?” International Journal Of Management And Economics Invention.