Knowing whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or ambivert can help with energy management, self-care and relationships. Dennis Buttimer, M.Ed, CEAP, RYT, CHC, a life and wellness coach at Cancer Wellness at Piedmont, explains the difference between the types and where you may fall on the spectrum between introversion and extroversion.

“Introverts and extroverts gain their energy in different ways,” says Buttimer. “Ambiverts tend to fall somewhere in the middle.”

He notes that one personality type isn’t “better” than another—they all have a place in the world and come with unique gifts, benefits and blind spots.

Traits of extroverts

Extroverts tend to gain energy from outside themselves, including:

• Other people

• Places

• Things

You may be an extrovert if you:

• Gain energy from spending time with other people

• Are open to new experiences and taking risks, sometimes even impulsively

• Like working with others rather than by yourself

• Are outgoing

• Can easily express yourself

• Tend to be optimistic

• Like to talk through your challenges and problems

• Make new friends easily and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances

Traits of introverts

On the other hand, introverts tend to get energy from within, such as from:

• Time alone

• Journaling

• Reflection

• Introspection

You may be an introvert if you:

• Need time to yourself to recharge

• Are “in your head” and enjoy dreaming and brainstorming new ideas, particularly through writing, drawing or music

• Find it easy to listen to others

• Carefully consider your options when making a big decision

• Prefer to avoid conflict

• Have a smaller group of close friends

Traits of ambiverts

But what if you don’t feel like you fit into either group? You may be an ambivert, which means you have characteristics of both introverts and extroverts and fall more in the middle of the spectrum.

You might be an ambivert if you:

• Are naturally a good listener

• Are comfortable speaking in groups

• Are good at keeping a conversation going

• Enjoy being alone and socializing

• Take different approaches to problem-solving, whether that’s talking it out with another person or writing notes by yourself

• Tend to be more decisive than impulsive

• Easily adapt to new situations

Introversion, extroversion and relationships

In addition to knowing your personality traits, it can also be helpful to know whether your loved ones are introverts, extroverts or ambiverts.

“It can help you not take their actions so personally, especially if they’re a different type than you,” he says. “Learn all you can about that facet of the people closest to you. By understanding how they operate, you can better relate to them and have healthier relationships.”

Self-care as an introvert and extrovert

Knowing where you fall on the introversion-extroversion spectrum can help inform your self-care. If you’re an introvert, you may enjoy:

• Journaling

• Meditating

• Sitting quietly and reflecting

• A quiet walk in the woods

Buttimer also encourages introverts to get outside their comfort zones to help balance their natural traits:

• Call a loved one to chat

• Go to an event

• Go to the store instead of having groceries delivered

Extroverts can recharge with activities like:

• Spending time with others

• Attending parties or events

• Calling family and friends to talk

• Taking a group fitness class

To balance your extroverted tendencies, Buttimer suggests:

• Taking time away from social media and television

• Going for a quiet walk in the woods

• Journaling

• Meditating

“Be compassionate with yourself,” he says. “This is your wiring, not a failure or something you’ve earned. Honor yourself.”

Learn more ways to reduce stress and improve your well-being.