Have you ever been really excited about a party, and then, halfway through, you were ready to go? Hello, there, you might be an introverted extrovert.
What Is an Introverted Extrovert?
Introversion and extroversion are the basis of the 16 personality types identified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test.
People with an extroverted personality type gain energy from social activities. Extroverted people usually have excellent social skills and no problem socializing with a lot of people at any given time.
An introverted extrovert is someone who is energized by social interactions but also drained by them when socializing for long periods of time. Although they have extroverted tendencies, they share this trait with the 8 different types of introverts.
Introverted extroverts are extroverts who also display introvert characteristics such as a limited social battery.
For example, they might enjoy large groups and social settings with lots of people but they will need to set aside alone time to recoup their energy after doing so.
What Are Introverted Extroverts Called?
Introverted extroverts are sometimes called an outgoing introvert, a social introvert, or a pseudo extrovert. However, I don’t think these terms are quite accurate.
For one thing, introverted extroverts are not fully introverted, as calling them outgoing introverts or social introverts would suggest. Additionally, they do have extroverted personality traits, so calling them “pseudo extroverts” doesn’t quite nail it either.
Introverted extroverts are also commonly known as a type of ambivert, and this may be the most accurate.
Personality type, as it relates to introversion and extroversion, is really a spectrum. Ambiverts, such as introverted extroverts, are people who are somewhere in the middle of this personality spectrum.
That means they have some introverted characteristics and some extroverted ones. This gives them social flexibility.
However, they are usually closer to one side or the other, which forms the basis of their core personality traits. So, how do we tell the difference?
Introverted Extrovert vs Extroverted Introvert
The difference between introverted extroverts and extroverted introverts is where they fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum, and their base preference for social interaction.
Introverted extroverts find themselves closer to the extroverted side of the spectrum. They enjoy and are energized by social gatherings with others. However, they may not be able to do so for much time without feeling tired.
Extroverted introverts are closer to the introverted side of the spectrum. They tend to avoid social interactions when possible, and it drains them pretty quickly.
However, they can be very socially engaging in different situations, such as small groups and close friends. Just don’t ask them to keep up a lot of small talk. 😂
Signs You’re an Introverted Extrovert
1. You pop, then fizzle.
You might be an introverted extrovert if you get excited by social situations, but you need to tap out after a while. You really enjoy being at parties or spending time out with friends, but you can feel yourself getting more and more tired.
You might be super amped at the start of the party, but may find yourself sitting in a corner or looking for your car keys soon.
2. You’re the life of the party in small groups.
As much as you enjoy social opportunities, you’re much more comfortable in a smaller group of people. You come alive when you’re with close friends who know you best.
This is because your social battery lasts longer with fewer people and people you already know.
3. You’re a strong leader, but you don’t like being the center of attention.
Because of their base preference for socializing, introverted extroverts are very good at leading people. However, being the center of attention tends to make them uncomfortable.
Servant leadership may be best suited for introverted extroverts. This style of leadership allows them to focus on connecting with people they are leading by placing the focus on their efforts and accomplishments.
4. You equally love going out and going home.
One of the telltale signs of introverted extroverts is that they can be completely content going out with friends or staying at home by themselves.
They get energy from both, depending on the circumstances. Most extroverts start to feel drained or stressed when they haven’t spent enough time around people.
Introverted extroverts still crave time around people, but they can go for longer periods without it. It’s all about balancing their energy levels.
5. You have lots of friends, but are only close to a few.
As someone closer to the extroverted side of the introversion-extroversion spectrum, introverted extroverts are typically ok with meeting lots of new people.
However, they may know a wide variety of people but will only form close relationships with a few. These are the people they get to know on a deeper level. These few close friends are the ones they are most comfortable around, and are most extroverted around.
Tips for Living Your Best Introverted Extrovert Life
1. Know yourself and plan accordingly.
Introverted extroverts like going to all the things with all the people. They will need time in their own space to recharge after doing this.
Living your best introverted extrovert life means planning for this in advance. For example, if you have a lot of social events to attend on Saturday, plan to take it easy on Sunday. That way, you can have all the fun and still have enough time to recharge for the week.
2. Embrace going small.
Everything doesn’t have to be a party. Try doing new things with a small group of friends. That way you fill your extrovert cup but also are not overwhelmed by too much social stimuli from new activities, environments, and people.
3. Focus on being relational when in leadership.
With an extroverted personality type, you have an easier time connecting with plenty of people. This will make you great at leading teams and networking without having to be in front all the time.
If you’re in a leadership position, focus on making personal connections with those on your team. You’ll gain energy by connecting with people and conserve energy by keeping it small and avoiding the limelight.
4. Find your balance.
Plan for your social time, but reserve at least one day a week when you don’t go out at all. That way, you can be intentional about both your energy needs to socialize and your personal space to recharge.
You can do this in other areas, too. For example, take a few minutes here and there to step outside and get some air. Or, if you’re at a work event giving a presentation and networking, try eating lunch alone.
5. Identify your crew.
Extroverts have no problem being friends with the whole world, but you will do best knowing lots of people but being very close with only a few.
If you don’t already know who those people are, decide by going with those who are easiest for you to talk to.
Closing Thoughts
Introverted extroverts, also known as ambiverts, are extroverts who also share some introvert traits. They are energized by being with people, but will start to be drained if they socialize too long.
Live your best introverted extrovert life by being intentional about how you include both.
