If small talk leaves you feeling drained, you might be an introvert, and if meeting new people gets you pumped, you might be an extrovert. But what if neither category seems to describe you? Well, you could be an ambivert, the middle ground between the two — or you could be something else entirely: an “otrovert.”
The term was coined by psychiatrist Rami Kaminski, who describes it in his book, The Gift of Not Belonging, published in June. And not relating to a conventional framework (like the categories mentioned above) is right up an otrovert’s alley. It’s a personality type that encompasses the iconoclasts of the world, people with little to no interest in joining the crowd. Kaminski chose “otro” because it means “other” in Spanish, while “vert” is derived from the Latin verb meaning “to turn.”
“When [Carl] Jung coined the word[s] introvert and extrovert, he saw them as two fundamental orientations of the personality,” Kaminski explains in an Instagram reel. “I see the otrovert in the same way. A personality trait that faces away from the group.”
Introverts and extroverts differ in how their internal batteries are charged, but they’re still both “inherently communal,” he continued. An otrovert, on the other hand, “is an outsider.” And that isn’t a bad thing. In an article for The Guardian’s Big Idea series, Kaminski — who identifies as an otrovert himself — explained that recognizing yourself in this description can be liberating.
“We can give ourselves permission to opt out of things that cause discomfort, forge even deeper and more loving relationships with those we feel close to, and embrace our authentic selves,” he wrote.
Keep reading for a better understanding of the term.
Definition
Here’s how Kaminski, who came up with the term in 2023, defines “otrovert”: “An ‘otrovert’ embodies the personality trait of ‘otherness’ remaining an eternal outsider amidst humanity’s shift from solitude to social connection through language. Unlike relational disorders, otroverts are empathetic and friendly, yet struggle to truly belong in social groups, despite no apparent behavioral distinctions from well-adjusted individuals.”
Qualities of the Otrovert
Otroverts are often warm and friendly, and have no problem developing close, loving relationships — in fact, they typically gain energy through deep conversations with close friends. And despite being outsiders, most otroverts generally aren’t socially anxious. Many are even popular; they just don’t care one way or the other if they belong to a certain group.
They typically don’t subscribe to organized religion or identify with one particular political belief system, and they tend to opt out of clubs, sports teams, and similar associations. Otroverts are usually in the minority when it comes to perspectives and philosophies, and insist on evaluating all ideas themselves before agreeing or accepting them.
Are You an Otrovert?
So how do you know if you’re an otrovert? Kaminski offers a free test on his website, but you can start by asking yourself some of the following questions:
– Do you prefer to make your own decisions without asking for advice first?
– Do you find it difficult to work on a team?
– Do you sometimes find yourself lonely when you’re in a group setting?
– Do you shy away from shared rituals or customs?
– Do you have a deep need for freedom and independence?
– Do you enjoy questions more than answers?
Learn more about the traits that make up the otrovert.
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