An original thinker … Frida Kahlo was an otrovert according to the psychiatrist Rami Kaminski.
For decades, psychology has revolved around the concepts of introverts and extroverts. Introverts turn inward for energy, finding strength in solitude and reflection. Extroverts, on the other hand, draw their energy from the outside world, thriving on social interaction and external stimulation. Somewhere in between lies the ambivert, who balances traits from both sides.
But the world is changing – and with it, the language we use to describe ourselves. A new term has emerged: otrovert.
Coined by psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski, the word comes from the Spanish otro (“the other”) and Latin vert (“to turn”). An otrovert is someone who does not direct their energy inward or outward, but toward something entirely different – beyond the crowd, beyond belonging.
It is not a diagnosis, nor a weakness. It is not a problem to be solved. It is a way of being – one that society has long misunderstood, but which may now prove to be a gift.
The Gift of Not Belonging
Kaminski argues that we are all born otroverts. Children naturally act without concern for norms or social structures. They explore the world on their own terms. But soon, social conditioning begins – from parents, school, and peers – all pushing us to "fit in."
For some, this works. For others, it never does.
Not belonging doesn’t have to mean loneliness. It can mean freedom. Freedom from groupthink, from false belonging, and from being defined by others. In fact, the very sense of not fitting in can become one’s greatest gift – because it forces you to create your own voice, your own space, and your own perspective.
History is full of such figures: Frida Kahlo, who painted her pain in ways no one else dared. Franz Kafka, whose works of alienation still speak to us. Albert Einstein, who broke with accepted science. George Orwell, who stood outside the crowd to critique power and conformity.
They never fully belonged – and that was their strength.
Different From Introverts and Extroverts
To understand the otrovert, it’s important to contrast them with familiar categories:
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Introverts recharge by withdrawing into themselves.
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Extroverts recharge by seeking out people and social environments.
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Ambiverts navigate between both worlds.
But otroverts operate differently.
They don’t recharge through solitude or society. They stand outside of both. An otrovert might be social, even outgoing, but always on their own terms – never because the crowd dictates it.
This makes them difficult to categorize – but perhaps that’s exactly why the term feels liberating.
Common Traits of Otroverts
Observers describe several recurring traits:
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Emotional Independence – They don’t rely on external validation.
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Deep Relationships – They prefer one-on-one bonds over superficial group ties.
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Resistance to the Crowd – Rituals, trends, and herd mentality often feel absurd.
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Creativity & Originality – By standing apart, they see differently and innovate.
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Empathy & Integrity – They may be warm and generous, but refuse to compromise their true self.
Misunderstood Outsiders
In a culture that glorifies belonging, otroverts are often misunderstood.
As children, they may be called “strange” for not joining group games. As adults, they may be labeled “loners” or “antisocial,” even when they contribute unique insights. In workplaces, they can be dismissed as “not team players,” despite often being the ones who see what others miss.
Yet this very outsider position can be their greatest strength. While others are swept up in trends or panic, the otrovert stands still – grounded, observant, and clear.
Why the World Needs Otroverts
Today’s hyperconnected, social-media-driven world amplifies herd behavior like never before. To not participate can feel like social exile.
But perhaps that’s why we need otroverts now more than ever.
They remind us of the value of independent thought. They show us that you can stand outside without being alone. They prove that originality doesn’t come from following the herd – but from daring to walk alone.
A Superpower in Disguise
When Kaminski calls the otrovert’s gift “the gift of not belonging,” it is not simply to console the misunderstood. It is a reminder that society needs these voices.
In art, science, politics, and daily life, otroverts have often been the ones to challenge the status quo, to innovate, to create.
Being an otrovert doesn’t mean rejecting the world. It means seeing it from the side – and often, more clearly than those caught in the middle of the rush.
Conclusion
We live in a time when creativity, originality, and independent thinking are more valuable than ever. Yet society continues to celebrate conformity and belonging.
Maybe it’s time to recognize the otroverts – not as outsiders to be fixed, but as individuals carrying a rare strength.
To be an otrovert is not to stand alone. It is to stand free.
By Chris...
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