What began as curiosity about personality types turned into an unexpected realization about how I’ve changed—and who I am becoming.
I was doing some research on the word extrovert because I wanted to learn more about what I had always thought was my personality trait. However, some shifts in my life had me wondering if I was transitioning into an introvert because my interests and engagements had changed.
I’d become a bit antisocial. The things I longed to do and be a part of no longer seemed to motivate, inspire, or even interest me. My connections no longer felt as meaningful. I began to feel I no longer shared the same interests. I realized I’d lost a lot of my extrovert traits. Was this simply a part of aging—or was something else unfolding?
Trying to understand these changes led me to dig deeper into personality theory. As I researched my personality trait, I discovered other “verts” I never knew existed. The suffix “-vert” means to turn, as in turning inward (introvert) or turning outward (extrovert). In the middle are ambivert and omnivert, both describing someone who uses both traits situationally and can adapt to either. Then there’s a little outlier termed otrovert. “Otro” is Spanish for “other.”
The word is considered an extension of Carl Jung’s concepts of introversion and extroversion. Coined by psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski, it’s used for people who don’t quite fit the other “vert” terms—individuals who are social but may feel emotionally detached in group settings. In simpler terms, it describes someone who still values connection but prefers it in more personal, meaningful ways rather than in large or highly social environments.
This sounded familiar. It’s when I realized I’d transitioned from a complete extrovert to a closet otrovert. This was never me before, but it’s definitely me now. Naming it helped me understand that I hadn’t withdrawn from life—I had simply changed how I wanted to live it. It wasn’t a loss of who I was; it was an evolution of how I wanted to show up.
The changes I thought were about aging are traits of an otrovert. I’ve become less attracted to big activities, preferring small one-on-one engagements like coffee with a friend or a private cooking class. I crave emotional freedom and independence. I don’t ask for or readily accept advice, which is a significant change, as I was once a sponge.
I make my own decisions. I don’t need a lot. I love what I have, and I give what I can. I haven’t checked out of life, but I no longer spend time on things that don’t affect me. I’m off the grid but on my path—and I’m at peace as a result.
Perhaps we don’t become less social as we age—perhaps we simply become more intentional about where we place our energy. I may be off the grid, but I’m on my path—and finally, that feels exactly right.
There’s great info here: https://www.othernessinstitute.com/in-other-words/a-deeper-dive-into-otrovert-traits/
And here: https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/relationships-love/a65221160/otrovert-personality/