Caught between introvert and extrovert? Psychologists say this new personality type might resonate with you
There's so many personality types but somehow we missed this one and it's really relatable
The whole debate about being an introvert or an extrovert is pretty straightforward. If you’re outgoing, you’re in the latter. If not, you fall in the former category. However, for a few of us, there is a middle. We find a connection, but not with the whole schbang, and for decades, we’ve battled with what category we fall into. Now, finally, there’s good news: experts have discovered a type that is the perfect blend of both. According to the Daily Mail, this new personality is resonating with many, and it’s interesting to see how it complements being introverted and extroverted while being different at the same time. Spoiler alert: It's quite relatable.
Many people find themselves better off alone, not feeling a sense of belonging, and still being great at conversations. You might want to skip the outing, but you’d love an in-depth conversation with one or two people who really check your boxes. American psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski recalled feeling something similar as a child and often feeling neglected or misunderstood. He was definitely not an extrovert because he didn’t enjoy the whole community and group vibe as a Scout. However, he was also not an introvert because he loved a good talk. So where does that leave him? The answer is “Otrovert.”
Dr. Kaminski explained that “Otro” means “other” and refers to a person’s tendency to be on a different wavelength compared to both introverts and extroverts, per The Guardian. While the shy and introverted people look “inwards,” and extroverts look “outwards,” it was noted that “Otroverts” will tend to look in a direction no one is facing. It can seem confusing at first, which is why it has been misunderstood for decades. As Dr. Kaminski explained, “Simply put, an otrovert is a person who feels no sense of belonging to any group. Otroverts are very friendly and able to forge very deep connections with other people.” So wait, doesn’t that mean you’re an ambivert?
No. Ambiverts tend to switch their personality depending on their level of comfort and preference of surroundings, according to Brancher. However, with otroverts, it’s different. They’re equipped to find peace with being alone, but can also be great communicators with their people. A good way to explain would be that ambiverts might not enjoy a party where they don’t know anyone, but if they have acquaintances, they’ll steal the spotlight. On the other hand, otroverts are likely to stick to the corner of the party with the two people they know and trust. Dr. Kaminski shared that otroverts function with a “Bluetooth phenomenon."
They tend to emotionally “pair” with people and then take things forward. "Otroverts find it very difficult to be part of a group, even if the group is composed of individuals who are each good friends. The problem lies in the relationship with the group as an entity, rather than with its individual members,” Dr. Kaminski noted. Because they’re so highly focused on the emotional side of things, it adds to their freedom of thought. They don’t care about belonging but focus on connection and do their own thing. Famous otroverts include scientist Albert Einstein, painter Frida Kahlo, and writers George Orwell, Franz Kafka and Virginia Woolf.
The Science of People shared a few traits to identify if the new personality type might be for you. These include steering away from small talk, a love of one-on-one connections, feeling uncomfortable in a group setting, having a friend or acquaintance over a friend group, and using emotional independence and maturity as your best friends. This change is delightfully new, and it’s high time otroverts got their place to shine.
You can follow Dr. Rami Kaminski on Instagram (@ramikaminskimd) for more perspectives on life.
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