There's a lot of information out there about introverts and extroverts. But if you don't identify strongly as either one, it's for a good reason: according to psychologist Adam Grant, two-thirds of people are ambiverts.
Ambiverts are those who fall somewhere between an introvert and an extrovert, meaning sometimes you're the life of the party and other times you just want to curl up with a book to recharge your batteries. Or maybe you just fall into a more neutral camp. Sound familiar? Your flexible tendencies can be a good thing.
"Ambiverts can take the best of both," psychologist Brian Little, author of Me, Myself and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being, told The Huffington Post in November. "Those who are ambiverts have rather more degrees of freedom to shape their lives than those who are at extremes of other ends."
But there are drawbacks to being an ambivert, according to The Wall Street Journal. If an ambivert gets stuck in an extroverted role (constantly surrounding themselves with people and spending very little time alone) or introverted role (lots of time in quiet, low key environments) for too long, they can feel bored or burnt out.
“Read each situation more carefully,” Grant advised. “And ask yourself, ‘What do I need to do right now to be most happy or successful?’”
More research needs to be done before we can truly determine what percentage of the population is ambiverted. Personality psychologist Robert R. McCrae told HuffPost that only 38 percent of us are ambiverts, and this could be because people's personalities change over time.
"I think we as humans are essentially half plastered," Little told HuffPost of 19th century psychologist William James' theory that our personalities are "set like plaster" by the time we're 30. "One of the ways in which we have greater tractability and capacity to shift is through engaging in what I call 'free traits' -- an introverted person can act extroverted, and they can do this for some period of time, but not for a protracted period."
A 2013 study conducted on ambiverts also found that they may make better salespeople because they're so socially and emotionally flexible.
“It is like they’re bilingual,” Daniel Pink, author of To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others, told WSJ. “They have a wider range of skills and can connect with a wider range of people in the same way someone who speaks English and Spanish can.”
Want to know where you fall? Take Pink's quiz here.
10 Things You Need To Know About Anxiety
Your Childhood Can Affect Your Anxiety As An Adult(01 of20)
Open Image ModalPets Can Help Anxious Children(02 of20)
Open Image ModalIf you have a beloved pet, you know that it’s good for your quality of life. It’s just nice to have your dog greet you when you get home from work, or your cat cuddle at your feet when you go to bed. But research shows that a pet can be helpful for your mental health too. One recent study found that pets can help lower social anxiety in children with autism, for example. Researchers at Purdue University measured reductions in stress levels for children aged five to 12 and with autism when they were exposed to companion animals including cats, dogs, and guinea pigs. (credit:Daniela Blatová/500px)
Anxiety Can Affect Your Physical Health(03 of20)
Open Image ModalAnd Your Environment Might Affect Your Anxiety Levels(04 of20)
Open Image ModalAnxiety Disorders Affect Millions Of Workers(05 of20)
Open Image ModalParents May Be Missing Anxiety In Their Children(06 of20)
Open Image ModalCollege Students Are Increasingly Facing Mental-Health Issues(07 of20)
Open Image ModalBullying Can Cause Anxiety Into Adulthood(08 of20)
Open Image ModalThere May Be A Link Between Anxiety And Domestic Violence(09 of20)
Open Image ModalAnxiety Is Bad For Your Dental Health(10 of20)
Open Image Modal(11 of20)
Open Image ModalTrouble Sleeping(12 of20)
Open Image ModalStressed Out (13 of20)
Open Image ModalIf you're constantly feeling stressed out about your work life, family life or personal life, it may be a symptom of anxiety. Experts say if your stress is long-term, it could leave you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. (credit:Jetta Productions via Getty Images)
Scared, Worried Or Frightened (14 of20)
Open Image ModalStomach Knots (15 of20)
Open Image ModalIf you experience stomach knots or upset stomachs that are sudden, it could be another symptom of anxiety. Masand says if your stomach difficulties are also followed by diarrhea, severe constipation, nausea or vomiting, speak to your doctor to rule out other medical conditions. (credit:Piotr Marcinski via Getty Images)
Chest Tightness (16 of20)
Open Image ModalMasand says you should also be mindful of chest tightening and other symptoms related to breathing and your heart. This may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, pressure or fullness in the centre of the chest and/or a radiating chest, arms or back pain. If you have these associated symptoms, you need to seek emergency care immediately. (credit:laflor via Getty Images)
Headaches (17 of20)
Open Image ModalYou may get a headache from time to time depending on your workflow or sleep routine, but Masand says if your headaches are common and also include weakness, dizziness or loss of sensation, talk to your doctor about getting diagnosed. (credit:Colin Hawkins via Getty Images)
Palpitations(18 of20)
Open Image ModalPanic Disorder (19 of20)
Open Image ModalShaky (20 of20)
Open Image ModalOur 2024 Coverage Needs You
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.