Ambivert vs. Omnivert: Which One Suits You Best?
Whenever personality types come up in a conversation, people usually think of two terms: introvert and extrovert. Yet, many don’t realize that there’s so much more to learn beyond these two—traits that are often misunderstood or overlooked.
The truth is, personality isn’t limited to introverts and extroverts—ambiverts and omniverts are part of the spectrum as well.
What It Means To Be An Ambivert
An ambivert personality can be defined as someone who doesn’t fall at either extreme of the introvert-extrovert personality spectrum. Instead, an ambivert exists somewhere in the middle, balancing traits from both sides.
Specifically, the extroverted and introverted traits of ambiverts depend on the social setting or situation they are in. For instance, ambiverts may engage with others easily in social environments, such as parties—showcasing their extroverted side.
However, they may also withdraw from the event and choose to spend time alone to recharge, which highlights their introverted qualities. To top it off, ambiverts possess a natural aptitude for understanding how both introverts and extroverts may feel and behave. This makes ambiverts highly adaptable.
BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, shares that an ambivert can be identified through several signs: being adaptable to different circumstances, exhibiting effective speaking and listening skills, demonstrating a strong sense of self, and being able to work well either independently or in a group.
What You Need To Know About Omniverts
Similarly, omniverts do not perfectly align with either end of the introvert-extrovert personality spectrum. They may display both extroverted and introverted tendencies, but not necessarily at the same time.
Omniverts can fully embody the qualities of both an extrovert and an introvert from one situation to another, as if that were their sole personality. They may present themselves differently, depending on the people they are interacting with and circumstances they encounter.
Kayla Saucedo, a Harvard psychology major and Simply Psychology writer, described omniverts as difficult to identify because they switch extroverted traits abruptly—they can be social and quiet, bold and reserved, which makes them hard to gauge.
Saucedo also cited some signs that a person may be an omnivert: moods or personality traits that can change quickly, a tendency to read the situation before engaging with others, and a sudden urge to back out of plans even after feeling excited about them.
How Ambiverts and Omniverts Differ
Apart from how they express their introverted and extroverted traits in different situations, ambiverts and omniverts may also differ in how they engage in relationships, communicate, and manage their emotions.
Being in the middle of the personality spectrum allows ambiverts to be empathetic and understanding toward others. They tend to build a solid circle of friends, as they can provide balance among the people around them.
On the flip side, omniverts can also engage with others, yet do not necessarily show this trait to everyone. They tend to be more particular about the people they choose to open up to.
When it comes to communication, ambiverts may find it easy to speak with others. Yet, they can still feel nervous about public speaking. Nonetheless, their ability to balance their introverted and extroverted traits gives them an edge in communicating effectively.
Ambiverts can draw on their extroverted side to boost confidence and deliver a great speech, while using their introverted qualities to be mindful of the words they choose to say. Unlike ambiverts, omniverts may have little control and might not be able to utilize their extroverted side when they need to.
Omniverts can be either poor public speakers or excellent communicators, depending on the circumstances. Sometimes they feel more introverted and hesitant to speak with others. At other times, they may excel in conversations by leaning on their extroverted traits.
In terms of their emotional stability, ambiverts adjust their behavior and maintain predictable moods. Omniverts, on the other hand, have inconsistent emotions that shift across the personality spectrum. This may make omniverts seem temperamental and hard to read.
Now, who would have thought that introverts and extroverts are not the only traits we have to consider? In reality, many people fall somewhere in between—like ambiverts and omniverts. No doubt, the personality spectrum is complex and nuanced. Despite this, one thing is clear: no personality is better or worse—each offers its unique strengths and worth.
