#Otrovert

The idea is simple, even if the science is unsettled: otroverts are people who don’t fit neatly into the old binary of introvert or extrovert. They move fluidly between social and solitary spaces, driven by authenticity rather than labels, and they often prize deep, meaningful connections over broad social networks. A recent wave of discussions—sparked by popular media coverage of the concept—has psychiatrists and psychologists talking about whether there is a real third pathway for personality that better captures a certain modern experience. In plain Thai terms, many readers might recognize individuals who don’t choose sides, who can be the life of a party one night and the quiet observer the next, all while staying true to themselves. As with many emerging personality concepts, the appeal is in the storytelling: a taxonomy that explains a lived reality better than a strict dichotomy. The caveat, of course, is that this is not yet an officially recognized category in diagnostic manuals, and scientists are quick to warn against over-naming or pathologizing ordinary variation in how people relate to others.

A new personality type is making waves in the world of child psychology: the ‘otrovert’. Recently introduced by psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski in his latest book, “The Gift of Not Belonging,” the otrovert describes children who thrive in one-on-one interactions but feel alienated or uncomfortable in larger groups—a concept distinct from the more familiar categories of introversion and extroversion. As parents and educators in Thailand continue to seek a better understanding of children’s social needs, this new research sheds light on how some children may chart their own unique path through social development.

A new child psychology concept, the “otrovert,” is drawing attention as researchers describe kids who thrive in one-on-one settings but feel uncomfortable in larger groups. Dr. Rami Kaminski introduced the term in his latest book, The Gift of Not Belonging, to highlight a personality style distinct from traditional labels like introversion and extroversion. For Thai families, this offers fresh insight into children’s social needs and how best to support their growth in school and community life.