Ever felt like you love to socialise, but you’ve always been somewhat reserved? Does that make you an ambivert, an extrovert, or an introvert? Or maybe, none of them. Turns out there’s a whole new personality type for people who flip between socialising and vibing on their own, without feeling like they belong anywhere. Dr Rami Kaminski, an American psychiatrist, coined the term ‘otrovert’ for people with this personality trait. Even though this term has been around for a while, it popped back into the spotlight when Deepika Padukone casually shared a post saying she relates to it. And suddenly, the internet went, “Wait… That’s me too!” But before identifying as one, here’s what you should know about being an otrovert.

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Who is an otrovert?

In a conversation with India Today, Dr Rami Kaminski discussed his latest book, The Gift of Not Belonging, in which he first used the word otrovert. “Extroverts and introverts are belongers or communal, while otroverts are outsiders to the group,” Dr Rami said. Otro means ‘others,’ which perfectly captures the feeling of not fully blending in with any group. But does that make you feel helpless? No. Otroverts can be friendly, social, and loved, but at their core, they stay emotionally independent.

They don’t seek external validation to feel good about their opinions, life choices or just themselves. Otroverts don’t feel the need to rely on group identities or trends to know who they are. Unlike extroverts, who thrive on external joy, or introverts, who rely on solitude to feel comfortable, otroverts love to be emotionally detached from such dependency. Similarly, they are not ambiverts who rely on the mood and context to be social. Otroverts keep themselves socially flexible yet emotionally separate, clinging to their individuality.

Signs you have an otrovert personality type

1. Unaffected by the group’s energy

You’re an otrovert if you socialise at group dinners, but there’s always a part of you that observes those people from the outside. It’s almost as if you’re with them physically, but you hold on to your values emotionally.

2. You connect deeply, but selectively

If you prefer quality conversations over crowd bonding, you can proudly identify as an otrovert. Think about those office parties where you might chat with 10 people in a row just to sit with someone with whom you can have a meaningful conversation.

3. You think independently

In brainstorming sessions or when taking casual decisions about a meetup, you don’t mind offering a totally different idea. Even though you might have to go ahead with an idea decided collectively, you don’t hesitate to express your opinion.

4. You enjoy company, but belonging isn’t a need

Do you also show up for trips, impromptu meet-ups, weddings, and other plans without relying on them to feel good in life? And if you still feel most centred in your own space, without hating the group bonding, you are a certified otrovert.

5. You lead the vibe, not the group

Imagine you’re sitting with a group where people see you as the life of the party. But once it’s over, if you feel like you still don’t belong to the group, you’re an otrovert. This way, the connection stays situational rather than identity-based.

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