Signs you may be an ‘otrovert’ as new personality type discovered

If you don't feel as though you belong in either the introvert or extrovert camp, you might be an 'otrovert'.

US psychiatrist Rami Kaminski coined the term after recognising traits of the personality type in both himself and some of his patients.

He reckons that a host of famous historical figures - such as Frida Kahlo, Franz Kafka, Albert Einstein, and Virginia Woolf - would have also fallen into this category.

Kaminski says that the term otrovert describes a 'person who feels no sense of belonging to any group'.

"It simply means that while most people learn to develop a sense of belonging to a specific group through social conditioning, otroverts remain social but not communal," he explained.

Essentially, it's a person who is a bit introverted and a bit extroverted - so although they are 'able to forge very deep connections with other people', they feel a lack of connection in a group setting.

Otroverts often feel like they don't belong, according to Kaminski (Getty Stock Image)

Kaminski noticed these qualities in himself when he was just a child and had joined the Scouts; as it was his turn to recite the pledge, his peers excitedly did, but he 'felt nothing'.

Since news of the new personality type broke, a lot of people have been resonating with it - such as Rob Hwang.

He told Science of People that 'everything clicked' when he read up on Kaminski's work on otroverts.

"Finally, a word for those of us who live on the outside looking in - not because we’re shy or antisocial, but because that’s simply where we’re most comfortable," Hwang said.

In the hopes of helping other people find their tribe, he has compiled a list of signs which suggest you might also be an otrovert.

Opting for one-on-one interactions

According to Hwang, otroverts tend to 'gravitate toward individual conversations over group settings' - however, they still 'maintain emotional distance'.

Although they might be engaged in the discussion, he believes that these folks keep an 'invisible glass wall' up.

"I care deeply, but I’m always one step removed," Hwang said.

Emotional independence

Otroverts like to be lone wolves, Hwang says, and prefer to process their emotions solo.

He explained he doesn't want to be comforted or talk it out if something is bothering him, adding that it can feel 'intrusive' when people pry about how he might be feeling.

"While others seek validation, comfort, or shared emotional experiences, you process everything internally," he explained.

Flying solo

As he mentioned, otroverts opt to fly solo - and in a group setting, they don't tend to feel a sense of camaraderie.

"You’re remarkably immune to peer pressure, trends, and collective opinions," Hwang said.

"Not because you’re rebellious or contrarian, you just genuinely don’t feel the pull of the group."

Although people with this personality type can handle group settings, they prefer flying solo (Getty Stock Image)

Being acutely observant

Hwang says that otroverts don't miss a trick, as they 'observe social situations like David Attenborough documenting wildlife'.

Picking up on patterns, social cues and dynamics comes easily to this lot because of the emotional distance they maintain.

However, this skill comes from being 'perpetually [on the] outside' when you are with other people.

Acquaintances over friends

Being fiercely independent is a running theme when it comes to otroverts, and as a result, Hwang says you probably won't find one who has a huge friend group.

He explained that although a person with this personality type may have acquaintances, they don't tend to make fast friends with people.

"You prefer keeping relationships compartmentalised, not because you’re secretive, but because managing group dynamics feels like wearing a costume that doesn’t fit," Hwang continued.

Dodging small talk

Hwang believes that 'small talk feels like speaking a foreign language' for otroverts, despite them being equipped to take part in it.

"But it never feels natural," he said. "Every casual interaction requires conscious effort, like translating in your head before speaking."

He noted that Kaminski found otroverts do a great job at 'social masking', however, this can take a toll as it's so draining.

Not being bothered about being misunderstood

And lastly, Hwang reckons that the 'most telling sign' you're an otrovert is your lack of interest in being misunderstood.

Rather than battling to prove yourself or be liked, these people have 'made peace with being a mystery' and 'don't feel compelled to explain yourself'.

Hwang added: "You’ve accepted that being an outsider means being misunderstood, and honestly? You’re okay with it."