Personality Types: Ambivert Vs. Omnivert

When it comes to personality types, most people tend to be familiar with introverts and extroverts, but ambiverts and omniverts may be less understood. Ambiverts and omniverts usually exist somewhere between introversion and extroversion, but each may have its own defining traits. Ambiverts usually have both introverted and extroverted traits, but their personalities tend to be stable, and they can be very adaptable. Meanwhile, omniverts may cycle back and forth between introversion and extroversion and can be seen as temperamental. For professional insight and guidance regarding your personality type, consider consulting with a licensed therapist online or in person.

Extroverts and introverts

To understand ambiverts and omniverts, it can help to first understand introverts and extroverts. These personality types can be misunderstood, and people tend to make various generalizations about them.

In general, an extrovert gets their energy from things outside of themselves, including people, places, and external circumstances. They are usually most comfortable in a group, and those who are extremely extroverted may be more energized when they’re with other people. 

Extroverts often think out loud and may work well in teams where they can problem-solve with other people. After a busy day, an extrovert may prefer to go out to dinner with friends rather than head home to relax. People who are extroverts are often seen as effective leaders and tend to make decisions quickly. 

Meanwhile, introverts tend to turn inward and feel most comfortable when they are alone. In fact, they may thrive or process things more efficiently on their own. Introverts are typically comfortable with silence and stillness and are usually likelier to go home and relax after a busy day than to go to dinner or a bar with friends. 

Extroverted qualities vs. introverted qualities

Defining extroverts and introverts can be challenging, but psychologists believe there are a few points where the key differences between the two tend to be quite clear. For example:

• Need for outside stimulation: It can be easy to misunderstand introversion as shyness, but it is often quite different. Not all introverts are shy. Instead, introverts are usually happier with less external stimulation than extroverts, who enjoy outside stimulation.
• Their work habits: Extroverts tend to make decisions quickly and may be more comfortable taking risks and multitasking. Introverts typically work more slowly and prefer focusing on one task at a time. 
• Socializing styles: Extroverts usually prefer talking to listening and are often considered the life of the party. Many of them are comfortable with conflict but do not like being alone. Introverts can still enjoy going to large events or parties, but they may only enjoy themselves for so long before wanting to head back home. Introverts usually prefer to spend time with a small group of close friends and family members and listen more than they talk. They may shy away from conflict and prefer deep conversations to small talk. 

What is an ambivert?

An ambivert can be defined as someone who doesn’t neatly fit into the extremes of being an introvert or extrovert but exists somewhere in the middle instead. They can have extroverted and introverted traits, depending on their social settings. Ambiverts may find it easy to engage with others in social situations, like at a party or work event, but they may also need to head home for some quiet time afterward. 

Because ambiverts tend to be so adaptable, they can typically handle more social interaction. They usually understand both extroverts and introverts and can bring balance to groups. 

What is an omnivert?

Like an ambivert, an omnivert doesn’t usually fit into the extremes of either an introvert or an extrovert. They may show signs of being both introverted and extroverted, but they typically only portray one of those sides at a time. 

An omnivert can fully embody the traits of either an introvert or an extrovert at different times or from one day to the next, depending on the person they’re talking to, where they are, and what situation they are in. 

Some traits an omnivert may exhibit include:

• Changing moods quickly and being temperamental
• Exhibiting inconsistent, erratic, or varied behavior
• Displaying different traits with different people
• Changing moods as their traits change

Ambivert vs. omnivert

Ambiverts and omniverts can borrow traits from introverts and extroverts, and their differences may be challenging to identify. Here are some ways that these two personality types tend to differ. 

Relationships

Ambiverts tend to have a dedicated group of friends and can empathize and understand others. They tend to balance their friend groups, as they can identify with both introverts and extroverts, which can help them form deeper bonds with the people in their lives. 

Omniverts can also be social and engage with others, but they don’t necessarily display these personality traits to everyone. They may pick and choose who they are open to.

Communication

Ambiverts may easily speak to small groups of people, but they might be a little nervous about public speaking. Because they normally have both introverted and extroverted traits, they can tap into their extroverted side to deliver an enthusiastic speech while using their introverted side to consider what they are going to say. 

Depending on the situation, omniverts can be either poor public speakers or excellent communicators. They may not have the control that an ambivert has in that they might not be able to tap into their extroverted side when they need to. This can cause them to be afraid of giving a speech in some circumstances. Other times, they might lean more toward being extroverted and feel equipped to give an effective speech. 

Emotional stability

Omniverts are likely to be considered temperamental because their moods can be unreliable. They can change their moods quickly, potentially making it difficult to understand their emotions. 

Ambiverts are often adept at adjusting their personalities to different situations, which frequently makes them effective at regulating their emotions and behaviors. They usually have stable moods and generally behave more consistently than omniverts, which is typically a major difference between the two.

Advantages and challenges

Ambiverts and omniverts may each experience potential benefits and difficulties stemming from their personality types. Consider the following:

• Ambiverts can exhibit signs of introversion and extroversion at the same time, which can make them highly flexible. They can adapt easily to most situations. However, being able to adapt can come with the pressure of feeling like they must act a certain way, depending on the situation and who they’re around. For example, if they are with an introverted group, they may feel like they must be the leader or the outgoing one, which can be challenging. 
• Omniverts can act as extroverts or introverts and switch between the extremes, exhibiting the strengths of both personality types. The main challenge of being an omnivert may lie in their unpredictability. Their personality can shift frequently, which might be confusing to the people around them. 

Therapy can address personality concerns

By learning more about your personality, you can harness your traits to make the most of them and identify areas where you may benefit from growth. If you need help identifying your personality type and becoming more self-aware, talking to a therapist could be beneficial. 

Benefits of online therapy

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can offer an affordable, convenient way to get the guidance you deserve. Because you can meet with a therapist from the comfort of your home, you might find this form of therapy to be a more accessible option for you. BetterHelp generally allows you to connect with your therapist through video chats, phone calls, or online chat and schedule sessions according to your availability. This freedom and flexibility may be appealing regardless of your personality type. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Researchers have explored how online treatment may affect three personality traits: neuroticism, extraversion, and aggression, which can affect people of all personality types. In one study, individuals living with severe health anxiety participated in an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention. At the conclusion of the study, researchers discovered that the intervention produced “long-term changes in measures of personality traits related to neuroticism” while also reducing participants’ levels of health anxiety. Online treatment may also be helpful for a variety of other personality-related challenges.