'Otrovert' explained as scientists identify brand new personality type

Scientists have identified a new 'personality type' in the form of the 'otravert'.

You've almost definitely heard of 'introverts' and 'extroverts', the two sides of human personality.

They're the topic of seemingly endless videos, articles, and comedy sketches where the loud, social extrovert is played off against the quiet, deep-thinking introvert.

While the extrovert wants to go out partying and constantly see people, the introvert would rather sit at home with a cup of tea and play video games or read a book.

But it turns out that humans are actually a good deal more complicated that being able to fit into a strict binary of being either one thing or another.

The new type has been called an 'otravert', and let's get into what it means.

You know about introverts and extroverts (mohd izzuan/Getty)

What is an 'otravert'?

The term was coined by psychiatrist Rami Kaminski, and refers to someone who enjoys spending time with others, but needs alone time to recharge.

This is as opposed to someone fully introverted, who would very much prefer to be by themselves, or fully extroverted where you can be out and about all the time and find it harder being by yourself.

But there's a bit more to it than that, as 'otra' means 'other' in Spanish, which suggests that an 'otravert' is someone who doesn't quite fit in with other groups of people.

How is this different from an 'ambivert'?

Another group of people is 'ambiverts' - people who are just as comfortable either in a social setting or by themselves.

On the face of it, this sounds quite similar to the otravert.

There is a difference that an 'otravert' would feel like an outsider, or values deep connections over trying to fit in to a group of people. Meanwhile, an ambivert may simply be someone who can move between social and solo activities easily.

But, it also seems that the terms may be interchangeable up to a point - perhaps 'otravert' is a kind of 'ambivert'.

Otraverts don't fit in with the crowd (Vladimir Godnik/Getty)

How might someone know they're an 'otravert'?

A website called Otherness Institute looks at otraverts, and suggests a few things which could suggest someone is an 'otravert'.

It might be that you think of yourself as an outsider or find it difficult to understand how a group thinks collectively.

You might be someone who is very habitual and doesn't like change, as well as making their decisions not necessarily with advice.

However, another crucial factor is that an otravert is sensitive to the feelings of other people, and tends to be a gentle person.

So there you go, does that sound like you?

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