If you have ever felt like you don’t quite fit the definitions of either extrovert or introvert, we have good news for you. The introvert/extrovert spectrum has many nuances, and it's perfectly acceptable to fall somewhere in the middle or swing between the two extremes. That’s just the case with the ambivert vs. omnivert difference. 

Ambiverts and omniverts are not even as rare as one might think. They share the traits of both introverts and extroverts but manage them in a completely different way. 

So, instead of wondering if you are some kind of exception to the rule or if there’s a flaw in your personality, relax. This article will teach you everything you need to know about the ambivert vs. omnivert meaning and help you determine which group you belong to! 

What is an Ambivert? 

While both introverts and extroverts can behave more or less in tune with their natures, they can also alter their behavior when the situation requires it. 

An introvert may be prompted to behave more friendly at work and engage in small talk just because they know that’s good for their career. Meanwhile, an extrovert may also keep quiet and be less communicative if the circumstances dictate such behavior. 

However, neither the extrovert nor the introvert will genuinely feel good when they have to control and modify their natural responses. And that’s the key to understanding an ambivert. 

Ambiverts have no problem acting introverted or extroverted, depending on the situation. Whether they are surrounded by people or alone, they feel comfortable with who they are, so they fall right in the middle between the two extremes. Even though they are independent, they are still friendly and can fit in anywhere without making any extra effort. 

Sometimes it may be tricky to understand whether the person is a shy extrovert or a very confident introvert because ambiverts feel no need to draw attention to themselves or avoid it. But if you notice a person who is genuinely relaxed and eager to actively participate in a conversation but is also a careful listener who doesn’t impose themselves, you are probably dealing with an ambivert. 

What is an Omnivert? 

Let’s try to understand omniverts first by using what we know about introverts and extroverts.

An extrovert may consciously act more introverted but will hardly ever act extremely introverted. The same goes for an introvert—they can be sociable, but they’ll hardly be the life of the party. 

An omnivert, on the other hand, can act extremely extroverted in some situations and completely introverted in others for no apparent reason. In other words, omniverts seem to jump from one extreme to another just as naturally as ambiverts sit between them. 

Though it may seem like you never know which of their sides will show up in a particular situation, omniverts generally tend to act extroverted when they are happy because these emotions fit well with extroversion tendencies.

Their introverted tendencies surface when they feel drained, sad, and stressed. In such cases, they will withdraw, reduce communication, and curl up in bed with a good book or binge watch a TV show. 

Key Differences Between an Ambivert vs. Omnivert 

Ambiverts and omniverts are actually the opposites of one another, just like extroverts and introverts are. Therefore, it will not be hard to differentiate between these two types. Here are some key points to give you a clue: 

  • Mood stability. The first difference to take into account is the stability of their moods. Ambiverts' mood does not depend on the situation. They are stable, reliable, and easily maintain balance in social situations. When it comes to omniverts, you never know which side of their personality will come out in a given situation. 
  • Behavior patterns. Ambiverts sit firmly between the two extremes, while omniverts never stay in the middle—they constantly jump from one end of the spectrum to the other. Ambiverts’ behavior is predictable, while omniverts tend to be more spontaneous and disorganized. 
  • Day-to-day functioning. An ambivert will feel the need to give themselves some alone time every day, and those around them are typically aware of this need and tolerate it. Meanwhile, an omnivert may act like the most extroverted person on the planet one day or a few days in a row, and then suddenly disappear and completely isolate themselves like a hard-core introvert. 

In general, whether at a large social gathering or with a couple of close friends, an ambivert always manages to balance the situation and feel good. Omnivert people, on the other hand, usually have a polarizing effect on their surroundings; if the situation is on the edge of a conflict, they will push it over the edge. 

If you are unsure of your personality type, taking a personality test will reveal it in minutes! Head over to mypersonality.net and find out right away.

How to Recognize an Ambivert

Since ambiverts blend in so easily with their surroundings, it may be tricky to spot them. Here are a few hints to help you:

  • Their tone of voice is neither quiet nor loud. They speak calmly and confidently and don’t easily get confused even when interrupted. 
  • They will be able to calm any tense conversations and maintain harmony in the room without exerting much effort. They also easily stay objective and grounded in different settings. 
  • When something interests them in a conversation or at some social event, they will react enthusiastically.  But, even when there’s nothing particularly amusing for them, they will not feel bored to death or act impatiently. They always find a way to stay content and at peace with the situation and with themselves. 

How to Recognize an Omnivert 

You may need more than one occasion to recognize an omnivert. That’s because they bounce from one pole to the other, and if you meet them when they are in their extraverted headspace, you’ll be sure they are simply extroverts. 

So, here are some signs of an omnivert personality type:

  • Even when they are in their extroverted state, they will become tense and uneasy if a conflict arises, as opposed to being openly confrontational like a typical extrovert would. 
  • Any unpredictable situation may immediately throw them into the state that’s opposite to the state they are in. They can suddenly jump from bed after hearing the good news just as they can slide into isolation if they unexpectedly feel vulnerable at a social gathering where they’ve been enjoying their extroverted side. 
  • Omniverts like being in the limelight, but not for long. After being exposed for too long, they will run away to rest and recuperate. 

Key Takeaways 

The world seems like a much more interesting place now that you know being an introvert or extrovert is not your only option, doesn't it? So, before you leave, let’s break down some key facts about the ambivert vs. omnivert similarities and differences:

  • Both ambiverts and omniverts tend to withdraw when they feel they lack energy. Ambiverts do this regularly, on a daily basis, while omniverts can take longer stretches of time to regenerate. 
  • Although both types may be skilled at small talk, none will enjoy it as much as a true extrovert would. 
  • Ambiverts are calm, level-headed people who have an innate sense of balance. Omniverts swing from one extreme to another on a daily basis, never being able to stay in the middle.