Welcome to the Ambivert World — Neither E nor I
"Wait… I was ENFP last year, but now I'm INFP..."
This experience? You're not alone.
In reality, most people aren't extreme Es or Is—they're somewhere 'in between.' Psychology calls these people ambiverts. Today, let's explore why you fluctuate between E and I, and why that's completely normal.
What Is an Ambivert? - The Third Option Jung Missed
Ambiverts are normal personality types positioned in the middle of the extraversion-introversion spectrum.
When psychologist Carl Jung first proposed the concepts of extraversion and introversion, he already noted that most people fall somewhere between the two extremes. Later, Hans Eysenck formally defined the term 'ambivert.'
The problem is that MBTI is binary. You're either E or I. There's no middle ground. So ambiverts get different results each time they test, leading to confusion: "What am I?"
But don't worry. You're not weird—MBTI just isn't equipped to capture you.
5 Signs You're an Ambivert
If many of these apply to you, you're likely an ambivert.
✅ 1. Master of Flexibility
You naturally adjust your behavior to your environment. At lively gatherings, you energize the atmosphere; in quiet settings, you converse calmly.
✅ 2. Balanced Energy
You gain energy both from socializing with people and from alone time. Both work for you.
✅ 3. Situation-Dependent
Introverted around strangers, extroverted with close friends. Your tendencies shift based on mood or energy levels.
✅ 4. Good Listener and Speaker
You listen well to others while clearly expressing your own opinions when needed. Balanced communication style.
✅ 5. Solo Work and Teamwork Both OK
You handle both team projects and individual tasks comfortably. You can switch between modes as needed.
Not 50:50 - The Ambivert Spectrum
Being an ambivert doesn't necessarily mean a perfect 50-50 split between extraversion and introversion.
Some ambiverts lean introverted. They're generally quiet but can activate extroverted mode in certain situations.
Some ambiverts lean extroverted. They're usually lively but occasionally desperately need alone time.
And this balance point isn't fixed. It can shift fluidly based on mood, energy levels, who you're with, or even the weather(!)
Living as an Ambivert - Practical Guide
Your ambivert flexibility is a strength. Here are tips to leverage it:
💡 Tip 1: Observe Your Energy Patterns
Notice when you need people and when you need solitude. Understanding your rhythm helps prevent burnout.
💡 Tip 2: Recognize E-Mode/I-Mode Switches
Simply being aware of which mode you're in makes energy management easier. You can make decisions like "I'm in I-mode today, so I'll rest at home."
💡 Tip 3: Don't Try to Match Either Extreme
Stop thinking "Why can't I party like a true extrovert?" or "Why can't I enjoy solitude like an introvert?" You don't need to be exclusively one or the other.
Conclusion: You on the Spectrum
Being neither E nor I doesn't make you "weird." It makes you "flexible," possessing the strengths of both sides.
Don't get trapped in MBTI's binary thinking. Personality isn't a fixed label—it's a spectrum that dances with different situations. Accept yourself as you freely move along that spectrum.
Are you an E-leaning or I-leaning ambivert? Share in the comments!
Related Posts
How 8 Extrovert Types Love — MBTI E-Type Romance Guide
From ENFP to ESTJ! Discover the unique love styles and best compatibility matches for all 8 extroverted MBTI types at a glance.
MBTIWhy Extroverts Seek People — The Science of Dopamine and Extraversion
Feeling bored alone isn't about personality—it's about your brain. Discover the neuroscience behind why extroverts crave social interaction through dopamine and brain activity research.
MBTIWhy Introverts Crave Quiet — The Science of Acetylcholine
Why do introverts recharge when alone? The secret lies in your brain chemistry—specifically, a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.