...My God, this thread is enormous. Ah...many of my questions have probably been asked before, but I can't bring myself to read all 188 pages.
I recently made a thread (
here) asking whether my boyfriend was ENTJ or ESTJ. Well...after much analysis, it appears that he's most likely NOT an intuitive. Someone actually introduced the idea that he COULD be an ESTP, which is quite a likely option. I've done some research on both types, but it seems that my boyfriend doesn't COMPLETELY fit either one.
His similarities to ESTJs: He's very responsible and stable. He is committed and loyal. He does not allow boredom to influence big decisions (he won't flippantly quit a job or leave a relationship if it becomes stagnant). He focuses more on his responsibilities and close relationships (me, and family) rather than having a wide circle of acquaintances. He feels compelled to be the "provider" in our relationship, and is pretty good with money. He's quick to point out logical fallacies in others' thinking. He learns from his past mistakes. He's guided by strong moral values. He's ready to accept responsibility and consequences of his actions. He doesn't feel the need to TRY something if he believes it's bad (he's firmly anti-alcohol and anti-drugs). He values honesty and truth above almost everything.
His similarities to ESTPs: He is VERY fast-paced in his thinking, making him very witty and an excellent debater. He's extremely adaptable and lives in the moment. He's spontaneous when he can afford it. He's a huge jokester and has a laid-back personality. He doesn't hold much personal regard for rules (though he will follow them if he really has to, like in a job situation). He values the freedom to be himself and make personal decisions as he desires. He doesn't care to be very formal and isn't concerned with pleasantries (unless, again, he's in a job situation and would be reprimanded if he wasn't polite). He doesn't value tradition unless it's proven to be a good and/or practical method.
So basically... He's responsible and stable WITHOUT being a stick in the mud or a stickler for rules. He's spontaneous and loves freedom, yet remains committed and STEADY for important aspects of his life (he's extremely loyal in our relationship and wouldn't leave just because of boredom or if someone new came along. He also knows to not quit a job if it means he'll have stability).
After reading all sorts of descriptions of ESTJs, I keep getting the impression that they're all anal about rules and don't know how to have fun or be spontaneous. My boyfriend just isn't like this at all. He's fun and lively (he has ADHD too), yet isn't irresponsible or flippant or disloyal. Are many ESTJs like this as well? They can't all be like your stiff manager at work, right? And for that matter, surely ALL ESTPs can't be easily bored or irresponsible or uncommitted or hedonistic?