You may sometimes go to parties, light up the room with your charm, and enjoy the buzz of socializing. Yet, after a while, you can find yourself craving a quiet corner or even an early exit.
On the other hand, you may find yourself relishing in the cozy comfort of your solitude, yet feel the itch to pick up the phone and see if your friend is available after half a day.
If that feels relatable, you might wonder whether you’re an introverted extrovert or an extroverted introvert.
Still, personality isn’t black and white — it might be a mix of introversion and extroversion. So, what do these labels really mean, and which one best describes you? Let’s dive in and discover.
What is an introverted extrovert? 5 sings
An introverted extrovert gains their zeal by being around people but has a strong need for balance. While these people recharge in social energy, their battery is still limited, and they might need some time to regroup.
- Gain energy from staying with people. As the research states, “Sociability is also considered as an important part of extraversion, as persons that enjoy social activities prefer being with others than being alone.” [1]
- 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.
- Outgoing and expressive but occasionally introspective. Having an extrovert personality, these people may be open in social settings. However, they also might pause to quietly reflect on their thoughts or emotions, especially after intense interactions.
- Need some time alone to recharge. Introverted extroverts value time they can spend thinking, analyzing, or simply enjoying their own company. This makes an introverted extrovert somehow similar to an extroverted introvert.
Yet, while 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.
- Feel comfortable sharing but selectively vulnerable. Such people can be expressive and talkative, but they might hold back their deepest feelings for moments for the closest ones. Introverted extroverts don’t typically overshare and hold tighter boundaries around vulnerability.
What is an extroverted introvert? 5 sings
An extroverted introvert, on the other hand, is introverted at heart. Like introverted extroverts, they enjoy spending time with others but need time alone. Still, they aren’t similar.
Check out what an extroverted introvert is and the main signs of these people to learn the difference.
- Love socializing but may feel like “it’s too much” in overly stimulating environments. These people can be lively and engaging in familiar settings or with close friends, but they tend to feel reserved or awkward around strangers.
- Gain energy from staying alone. As Psychology Today states, “Introverts are primarily fatigued by socializing…” [2] Moreover, introverts are more sensitive to the effects of dopamine, and too much dopamine can lead “quiet ones” to feel overstimulated. [3]
As such, introverts need more “me-time” to feel ready to communicate, and this also applies to extroverted introverts.
- Can be confident in social situations and engage smoothly and effectively with others, but feels more regulated and at ease when staying in their own company. Extroverted introverts might be rather ambitious and have great plans, which can make them interact with various people pretty often.
While this type is confident enough when talking about different types of professional communication, they still would opt for quiet moments of solitude at any time possible.
- Prefer depth over surface-level chatter. Like most introverts, extroverted ones find more fulfilling in meaningful chats with people they know for a long time than in small talks with strangers.
- Crave meaningful connections over large groups. When talking about the difference between an introverted extrovert and an extroverted introvert, the first one would definitely choose a small group of the closest people, while the second one is OK with both options.
Introverted extrovert vs. extroverted introvert
Now, it’s time to compare. While you already know a lot about both types, we’ve created a table to spot the difference easily. Take a look and this about what type feels more relatable.
| 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 deep connection or be rather communicative when there’s a need or calling |
| Recharge method | Mostly socializing, but they crave balance | Solitude |
| Focus | Small groups of friends where they are comfortable in | Feel fine in big groups but without staying in the spotlight |
We asked Katherine Scott, M.Ed/Ed.S, LMFT, whether someone who used to be an extroverted introvert can turn into an introverted extrovert at some period of life (and vice versa). Here’s her answer, “In simple terms, the distinction between these two personality types are grounded in where one gains their energy from. An introverted extrovert may thrive off the company of 1-3 others, yet retreat and marvel in solitude following a large group experience. The transformation from one type to the other is debatable. All evolutions in personality traits can shift if there is the consistent shift in outward perspective.”
FAQ
Can I be an introverted extrovert if I’m quite shy? Or does it mean that I’m more introverted?
Yes, you can still be an introverted extrovert even if you’re shy, as it’s more about specific traits than your desire to communicate with others.
Shyness can stem from various factors, from past experiences that shaped you to natural tendencies to your mentality.
At the same time, you can still enjoy big groups and feel recharged after social gatherings, even though you don’t attract a lot of attention or personally engage one-on-one with others. Your shyness may just make you more reserved in new situations, but once you’re comfortable, you’ll likely open up and enjoy the company of others.
How to spot the difference between introverted extrovert, extroverted introvert and ambivert?
Katherine Scott, M.Ed/Ed.S, LMFT, answers, “The differentiation between the leader of introvert or extrovert lie within where one feels most at contentment. If extroversion leads, then one can almost become ‘itchy’ in their skin if left to their own devices for too long of a time. On the other hand, if introversion leads, the ‘itchiness’ can be brought on by flooding by over-stimulation and all you spent the better part of your next stent of solitude hoping it would not end anytime soon. Mostly, wherever your headspace feels most consistently at peace is the leader.”
Does an introverted extrovert meaning always involve the fact that I avoid the center stage?
Not really. Both introverted extroverts and extroverted introverts can be in the spotlight occasionally, especially when necessary. Yet, they tend to feel more uncomfortable in this role than “classic” extroverts, especially if it occurs routinely.
Moreover, while introverted extroverts might not actively seek the spotlight, they can still shine when the situation calls for it. And even though they might avoid constant attention, they can certainly handle it if it’s for a purpose they feel passionate about without feeling significant burnout following the spotlight situation.
Sources
- ResearchGate. “Extraversion: Nature, Development and Implications to Psychological Health and Work Life.” January 2014
- Psychology Today. “Are You an Introvert, a Highly Sensitive Person, or Both?” February 2023
- Introvert, Dear. “The Science Behind Why Introverts Need Alone Time.” April 2024
