Has anyone ever asked you if you’re an introvert or an extrovert, but you’re unsure how to answer? Do you also feel that you have high levels of sensitivity and empathy towards others?
If so, you need to check out these 12 signs you’re a highly sensitive ambivert – someone who is both an introvert, extrovert, and a highly sensitive person!
1) You’re a social person…up to a point
As a highly sensitive ambivert, you’ll have noticed that while you enjoy getting out and being sociable, you have your limits.
There are times when your introverted side dominates, and you prefer to only socialize with people you know closely, like family and friends.
But when your extroverted side peeks out, you’re more than happy to join in on parties and bigger events where you’ll be exposed to different people.
Then comes the catch:
You’re a highly sensitive person, and this doesn’t change regardless of whether you’re in an introverted or extroverted mood.
So there comes a point in most social interactions where you hit a wall and know that it’s time to go home. Maybe you do go to that crazy house party on the weekend, but rather than stay out until five in the morning, you’re back in bed by one instead.
2) You enjoy talking to people but hate small talk
Now, regardless of what type of mood you’re in, as a highly sensitive ambivert if there’s one thing you can’t stand, it’s small talk.
What’s the point in it? You ask yourself.
And there’s a good reason you’re not one for meaningless chit-chat.
The truth is, you process your interactions on a deeper level than most. You feel the energy of others, you’re aware of their emotions, and you have a deep reservoir of empathy.
So how can a superficial or fake conversation bring you any enjoyment?
You want to get down to the good stuff. You want to really get to know the people you talk to.
And thanks to your extroverted capabilities, you have no issue meeting new people and making friends. But being a highly sensitive ambivert means that you consider carefully who you spend your time with.
Even when it comes to finding the best partner in love, in business, and in general friendships.
3) You’re very adaptable to different situations
You could say that as an ambivert, you have the best of both worlds.
You’re comfortable putting yourself out there and being exposed to new people and situations. Equally, you’re happy to spend time alone and you know the value of having a small, close-knit group of friends.
You’re almost like a chameleon, morphing and adapting to any type of situation you’re thrown into.
And the final cherry on top of the cake?
You’re a highly sensitive ambivert. This means you make connections with people that others would struggle with.
You’re able to get through to even the toughest person, and your empathetic nature means people naturally trust you straight away. This makes you thrive in almost any type of situation.
4) You feel most at home with your close circle of friends
The truth is, there may be times that being surrounded by a bunch of strangers is exhilarating for you – we can put that down to your extroverted side.
But the highly sensitive introvert in you will make you feel most comfortable when you’re with “your people”.
These are the people you know you can trust. They’re the ones you feel you can be yourself around.
Most likely, these are people you’ve spent a lot of time with, getting to know them on a deep, personal level.
So whilst you’re happy to meet new people from time to time, you’ll always find that your inner circle is who you stick close to.
5) You enjoy spending time in your own company alone
And when you’re not out meeting old friends or making new ones, you’re perfectly content on your own!
This is for two reasons:
- Being introverted naturally means you prefer spending time alone and enjoy your own company
- Being highly sensitive means you need to spend time alone to recharge your batteries
So with those reasons combined, you’re more than happy to take an afternoon to yourself a few times a week.
Even though you still feel the pull to go out with friends, you know that some alone time is required to re-energize yourself and process all the information you’ve been loaded with.
Because the truth is, being highly sensitive means you may suffer from emotional overwhelm. This happens because you tend to absorb the emotions of others, and you feel very deeply about helping people.
This can take its toll on you, mentally and physically.
That’s why your body needs time to recover, and as you’re an ambivert, you’re more social than most highly sensitive people who fall into the introvert category.
So the next time you fancy a day to do nothing but be alone in peace, embrace it, and know that your mental and physical health will benefit from it!
6) You’re aware of other people’s emotions at all times
Now, as I’ve just mentioned, being a highly sensitive ambivert means you’re exposed to more people in general, but you’re also very much exposed to their emotions.
This means you can meet a group of people for the first time, and pick up on the different feelings and energies being passed around.
You’re super aware of what people portray through their actions and words. You can’t help but notice when someone is suffering or struggling in life.
It all sounds pretty intense, right?
Well, it is. And that’s why it’s important to have clear boundaries in place.
This stops you from becoming too emotionally involved in other people’s lives. It also stops you from taking on all the negative emotions of others. And it stops them from taking advantage of your kindness.
So how can you set up good, solid boundaries?
According to HighlySensitiveRefuge, these tips below are a great place to start:
- Be aware of what and who influences you – for both good and bad.
- Practice and get comfortable with saying no when you know something isn’t good for you or makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Check-in with how your body reacts and responds when you enforce (and when you don’t use) boundaries.
- Keep hold of your energy, especially if you feel like you’ve absorbed the energy of other people (remember, they’re not your emotions).
And most importantly, stick to your boundaries. If you say no to something, it means no.
And if people, even friends or family, can’t respect your boundaries, you may have to limit the amount of contact you have with them.
Unfortunately, for a highly sensitive ambivert, this is the only way you can protect yourself and your energy.
7) You go through different moods and phases
Another sign that you’re a highly sensitive ambivert is when your moods seem to change in waves.
Sometimes you’re much more willing to get out and spread your wings, try new experiences, push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Other times, you’re more reserved. You prefer to retreat to your net of comfort and safety.
This might be confusing for people around you, especially if they’re unsure of what an ambivert is.
But it’s completely normal – your mind is juggling being both an introvert and an extrovert.
What is consistent though is being highly sensitive. This is unlikely to change, no matter which “mood” you’re experiencing.
8) You measure your words carefully
You can thank being highly sensitive for this!
As we’ve already established, a strong sign that you’re a highly sensitive ambivert is that you don’t enjoy wishy-washy small talk.
So naturally, when you’re having a conversation, you make sure to think before you speak.
Highly sensitive people instinctively measure their words – it could be down to the fact that you take criticism deeply, and to avoid sounding silly you consider what you’re going to say carefully before expressing yourself.
But it could also be for another reason:
You have a lot of empathy. And when you have empathy, you don’t want to say the wrong thing to hurt someone even more.
So, it’s likely that over the years, you’ve learned to speak with tact. You think carefully before you let something unintentionally slip out. The last thing you want is to hurt anyone’s feelings or make yourself look bad.
9) You like to have a good balance in life
Remember when I said that you’re constantly juggling being an extrovert and introvert?
Well, the result of living with the two means you’ve probably got a good balance in your life.
You know when your body is up for thrill and excitement. You know how much you can push your limits.
But you also know that there comes a point when you need to take time to yourself and unwind. Not only because of your introverted side but because you’re highly sensitive and without these breaks, you’ll quickly suffer from social fatigue.
So, don’t be surprised if people comment on how you seem to enjoy the best of both worlds – the quiet life but with a healthy dose of social interaction.
Now, the key is keeping that balance. And, being aware that you may fall out of balance from time to time.
When that happens, you can be sure your body will let you know about it!
10) You don’t always know where you fit in
Do you feel like you never fit in with any one type of crowd? Or, do you feel like you fit into both types of crowds – introverts and extroverts?
Here’s the thing:
Extroverts are easy to spot. The same goes for introverts. And for highly sensitive people.
But many people are unfamiliar with the term highly sensitive ambivert. And there’s still very little research into these types of personalities.
The truth is, you’re such a mix that you can fall into any three categories, sometimes all at the same time.
So whilst you might not fit into one conventional group, it’s important to remember that your personality type is incredibly unique.
And it’s this that gives you your edge. You’re a mystery to many, but one thing that your friends and family are sure of is you’re the type of person they want around.
That’s due to your outgoing-calm-balanced-caring nature, but also because you’re able to adapt so well to different situations.
So, forget fitting in with the crowd! Be yourself, and genuine people will love you for it.
11) You’re highly creative in your own unique way
Now, whether your extrovert or introvert side is dominating, there’s one thing that you’ve got from being highly sensitive that tends to overrule:
Your creativity.
Most highly sensitive people are incredibly skilled in the art of being creative. Whether you enjoy painting, singing, dancing, you take pleasure in pouring your heart and soul into whatever you do.
You may also find that you have a unique way of getting through to people.
As a former teacher, I know the importance of creativity in helping children learn. I can also confidently say that many of the best teachers I worked with were highly sensitive ambiverts, even if they didn’t know it themselves.
You see, it’s this creativity that helps you form such strong connections with people. Even people who don’t want to be helped. Something about your nature gets through their hard exterior.
And that’s why highly sensitive ambiverts are suited for jobs that involve helping others. Public services such as nursing, policing, and teaching are great options.
But as an ambivert, you’re also able to work in a multitude of different jobs, such as:
- Management roles
- Sales (you’re not too pushy, nor too quiet to be persuasive)
- Therapy and psychology
- Creative roles
- Mediation and negotiation (you’re great at hearing out both sides of the story and being fair)
So, the possibilities are endless!
Again, this is due to having the best of both worlds. Being able to balance introverted qualities with extroverted enthusiasm, plus a caring nature, means there are very few jobs that you can’t succeed at.
12) You’re happy to be in the limelight depending on the situation
And finally, another sign you’re a highly sensitive ambivert is that you’re happy to be the center of attention, as long as it’s a situation you’re comfortable in.
You might find that in areas that you excel in, you’re happy to take on a leadership role. And accepting credit or congratulations actually feels nice from time to time. This stems from your extraversion.
But if placed somewhere unknown, being in the spotlight might make you feel uncomfortable. You might feel incredibly self-conscious and even start tripping over your words.
You can put this down to a mix of being highly sensitive and introverted.
But as with all the other signs we’ve covered, once you’re aware of your differing moods, once you have good boundaries in place, and you have a balance in life, these awkward moments will happen less often.
Making the most out of being a highly sensitive ambivert
After reading the signs above, by now you should have a good indication as to whether you’re a highly sensitive ambivert or not.
And if you are, here’s a final word of advice:
Spend time reflecting on your personality. Learn about yourself, inside out.
You have a unique opportunity that many of us don’t have – to experience being both introverted and extraverted, with a hefty dose of sensitivity and empathy thrown in the mix.
And while you’re certainly not alone in being a highly sensitive ambivert, it’s natural to feel like you don’t always fit in. It’s natural to feel misunderstood, sometimes.
But the more you get to know yourself, the more you implement healthy boundaries in your life, the easier it’ll be to ride the waves of being an ambivert.
And the truth is, once you achieve a balance in your life of all three personality types, nothing can hold you back from making the most out of all of them!
