Not an Introvert or Extrovert? What the Rise of the “Otrovert” Reveals About Purpose and Understanding Ourselves

For years, many people have described themselves with one familiar question:

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

But a different personality concept is getting attention: the “otrovert.”

The term, introduced by psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski, describes people who may enjoy relationships and social connection but don’t necessarily feel defined by belonging to a group. Rather than focusing only on where people get their energy, the concept explores how people relate to group identity and independence.

Otroversion is not a formal psychological diagnosis or established personality category. But the conversation around it has resonated with many people who feel traditional labels don’t fully capture how they experience connection, community, and individuality.

Navigating With Purpose

Personality frameworks often become popular because they give people language for something they already sense about themselves.

They can help us notice patterns.

They can help us understand differences.

They can also remind us that people rarely fit neatly into one category.

Whether someone identifies as an introvert, extrovert, ambivert, otrovert, or none of the above, the larger conversation is about self-awareness.

Understanding ourselves can shape how we communicate, collaborate, build relationships, and contribute.

Purpose in Practice

Purpose explores: Why am I here?

Values reveal: What matters and motivates us.

Principles guide: How we put those values into practice.

The conversation around personality and identity offers a chance to consider what helps people work and connect in different ways.

Values Revealed: The “Why” Behind What Matters

Some possible values to consider:

Individuality

Recognizing that people have different strengths, perspectives, and ways of engaging with the world.

Belonging

Exploring how connection can look different for different people.

Authenticity

Understanding ourselves instead of only measuring ourselves against expectations.

Growth

Continuing to learn more about how we think, interact, and contribute.

Principles in Practice: The “How” We Live Those Values

Some possible principles to consider:

Know Yourself to Better Contribute

How? By understanding your strengths, motivations, and tendencies so you can bring your best contribution instead of simply trying to fit a mold.

Seek Understanding Before Making Assumptions

How? By staying curious about how different people think, communicate, and connect before labeling their behavior.

Create Environments Where Different Strengths Can Emerge

How? By recognizing that people may contribute differently depending on their talents, perspectives, and experiences.

Use Differences as a Source of Learning

How? By seeing different viewpoints and approaches as opportunities to expand knowledge and improve outcomes.

Focus on Contribution Over Comparison

How? By asking “What unique value can I bring?” instead of “How do I measure up?”

Compass Check

What parts of your personality help you contribute most?

And where might understanding yourself better help you connect with others differently?

Sometimes a label gives us language.

But the bigger discovery is what we do with that understanding.

Sources and Further Reading:

• Original Source:  USA Today: “What is an ‘otrovert’? The internet is buzzing about them”⁠

• Dr. Rami Kaminski, who introduced the concept of “otroversion” and describes it as a personality style centered around a different relationship with group belonging.

• University of Michigan Department of Psychology: “Are You an Otrovert? What to Know About the New Personality Type”

(Provides additional context, including perspectives from personality researchers noting that otroversion is an emerging concept rather than a formally established personality category.)

• The Gift of Not Belonging: How Outsiders Thrive in a World of Joiners by Dr. Rami Kaminski.