Black and white, this way or that way, one way or the other. There's this requirement to pick a definite side. So, it's been especially confusing for me deciding whether I am an extrovert or an introvert.

Many parts of my personality identify with being an extrovert. Those who are around me easily label me as the extrovert. I can be personable, social, and excited in public. I often get a lot of my energy from interactions with other people. When I'm in a comfortable social setting, I tend to act boisterously and let all the silly come out.

On the flip side, I find myself needing that time away from others. While I often get a lot of my energy from other people, it can also be taken away by too much social interaction. After a long day, I come back to my room physically exhausted from overwhelming amount of interaction.

It's interesting to see the contrast of what others feel about you in comparison to how you see yourself.

The first time I heard the word "ambivert" was when I started to understand myself better. I learned that I didn't need to fall on one end or the other-- that there was such thing as a spectrum, where I just happened to fall smack-dab in the middle.

I seek separation in the haven of my room to recharge and feel whole again.

I love to be around people and make connections.

Upon meeting others for the first time, I tend to be very shy and reserved.

Seeing people every day gives me the energy to keep pushing.

If I'm going out with a group of friends, or locking myself in my room the while night, I am equally content.

I didn't understand it at first. I flip flopped with my identity and what that meant in the end. However, I'm now satisfied with saying that I am not one or the other; I get the best of both worlds because I am an ambivert.