When “Otrovert” Feels Like Home

For as long as we can remember, we’ve been told we’re either an introvert or an extrovert. Those two words have shaped how we understand our energy, our relationships, and our place in the world. But what if you’ve never fully connected with either? What if both descriptions miss something that feels quietly, deeply you?

Psychiatrist Rami Kaminski, author of The Gift of Not Belonging, offers a third perspective — the otrovert. It’s not meant to replace the other two but to describe those who find themselves somewhere in between — or perhaps altogether outside the framework. Otroverts are people who connect deeply with others yet maintain a strong sense of individuality. They don’t feel energized only by solitude or by social activity, but by meaningful connection — with people, ideas, and the world around them.

An introvert might feel most restored in quiet reflection. An extrovert might light up in the energy of a group. An otrovert? They might come alive in a one-on-one conversation that feels real, a creative project shared with a few kindred spirits, or a moment of genuine understanding between two people. Otroverts thrive in connection that feels intentional — where presence matters more than performance.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit in the introvert/extrovert conversation, this idea might feel like home. It doesn’t mean there’s anything missing in you — it may simply mean you connect differently. You might love people deeply and still need to retreat to find your center. You might crave solitude and still long for connection that feels purposeful. The otrovert lens invites permission to be both.

In a world that often rewards extremes — the loudest voice or the most self-contained quiet — otroverts remind us of the beauty in balance. They show us that connection doesn’t have to mean conformity, and solitude doesn’t have to mean separation. There’s room for nuance. There’s room for you.

🌿 Soulful reflections to explore:

• When do I feel most like myself — in solitude, in connection, or somewhere in between?

• What kinds of moments truly energize me, rather than simply distract or deplete me?

• How can I honor the ways I naturally connect, without apology or comparison?

However you identify — introvert, extrovert, or somewhere beautifully between — the real invitation is the same: to know yourself, honor your rhythm, and connect in ways that feel authentic to your soul.

There’s No Place Like Soul.