You are social but also like to be alone: being an ambivert is very normal

I can really look forward to a dinner with friends, or a party where we can let loose and dance until we can't anymore. But I can also be incredibly happy with an evening of nothing, no one. Just me and a blanket on the couch. Divine. Recharging. And that's what you call being an ambivert.

A bit of two worlds, that's what you are: extroverted and introverted at the same time.

It's actually very normal to be an ambivert. Because yes, there are people who are always extroverted and always want to be in groups. They can't be alone well. And there are also people who can't stand groups and don't like social obligations at all, and are happiest when they are just by themselves. But many people are in the middle of this spectrum. Sometimes you are happy with friends around you but you also need those evenings of rest and silence during the week. An ambivert has both extroverted and introverted traits. This means that in one situation you can be very social and gain energy from interactions, but in other situations you prefer to be alone and recharge. Ambiverted people feel comfortable in social environments, but can also withdraw when they need to.

How do you recognize if you are an ambivert? The typical characteristics of an ambivert:

• You love people, but not for too long; you also need time for yourself afterwards to recharge.
• In social situations, you are comfortable, but you can just as well enjoy being alone.
• You can participate in conversations with enthusiasm, but you also feel when it's time to withdraw. And after so many hours, you get tired of talking. You alternate your week with nights out and nights at home.
• You are flexible and adapt well, whether you are in a busy or quiet environment. You actually feel comfortable everywhere.

But there's also the pitfall: you can feel good everywhere. But if you are out too much – then it goes wrong. And also if you stay home too much by yourself, you feel depressed and lonely. That mix and balance is key for you. Accept that it's normal not to always feel the same and that it's okay to want social activities one day, and not the next. That's what's so nice about this psychological term: being an ambivert is perfectly fine. You don't always have to be outgoing and loud, you can also withdraw sometimes and not have to ‘do’ anything. And it's okay to plan a quiet evening after a busy day. Take good care of yourself and think about what makes you happy. No one else can determine that for you, right?

Image: Hailey Bieber Instagram