dear introverts & extroverts- an open letter from an ambivert

I've been seeing a lot of blog posts, Buzzfeed articles and other links flooding Facebook about "99 Thing Only Introverts Understand" and "Why I Hate Loud People" and the like (jk NO ONE could ever hate loud people). don't get me wrong, I love reading these things because parts of me can identify with introverted people- I need my alone time, I don't like loud places, etc. but when I went to look up the same type of articles about extroverts, I didn't find as many or as interesting of results. I also continue to see a lot of talk about the newest personality type, the Ambivert. I am completely convinced this is real, and it is me.

the definition of ambivert- a person whose personality has a balance of extrovert and introvert features.


7 things I want you to know about being both quiet and loud.

1. I love talking. obviously. but I also love YOU talking! I'm a great listener and truly enjoy hearing about other people's lives. I hate the stereotype that because I talk a lot I can't listen well.

2. silence is also golden to me. my job involves me talking- a lot- all day, to coworkers, clients, providers, babies, etc. even though I LOVE talking- I enjoy the quiet when I'm finally home.

3. silence among friends awkward. there's a difference between a long car ride that can be filled with periods of silence, and sitting with a group of 5 people who aren't talking wondering who will break the silence (oh wait that's me).

here is a graph of how I spend my time during these silences-

4. I am not afraid to go to an event alone, or go out to eat or to the movies alone. but I also would prefer to do those things with people.

5. being around people fills me up. being around my cat also fills me up. having a game night fills me up. have a Netflix night also fills me up.

6. I resent the way I've always been told I need to marry someone just like my dad (love you though)- someone quiet who will let me just talk and talk. I want an equal- who keeps up with my conversations!

7. be who you are- intro, extro or ambi. I think God blessed me by being quietly loud. I am gifted with new friendships all the same who are the exact opposite of me- quiet, seeing the other side of situations, forgiving, and gentle- and I am aware of the characteristics about them I want to strive more towards. but I'll never regret being opinionated or loving to talk- because I'm glad God gave me the gift of conversations :)