Thalassa
Permabanned
- Joined
- May 3, 2009
- Messages
- 25,183
- MBTI Type
- ISFP
- Enneagram
- 6w7
- Instinctual Variant
- sx
Good info. Interesting. I didn't know these types were so commonly confused.
I was skeptical at first, but I'm actually beginning to lean ESFP (especially with Marm's explanation that it was primarily the 'introverted extroverts' thing that made her think N, not anything about Ne in particular).
Yeah I very much relate to the freedom-loving/pragmatic thing...not so much the thing with language necessary. Same problem with Keirsey. I was like "wait...it gives me self-esteem to prove my audacity/boldness...I do not avoid confrontation...but wouldn't I say I'm enthusiastic rather than excited?"
I think that ESFP description is very good, though, and here's what I relate to out of it:
I love the simple things in life, and I’m also interested in people and a lot of different things. I look at life’s possibilities: the excitement of what might come out of a situation and what I might learn about a person and how I can help.
Freedom is the most important thing. If I don’t have freedom, then what do I have?
I love talking to people. Making and having friends is gratifying, and I value my friendships. People see me as someone they can tell something to and not just as boring or average. Somehow I charm people, and I am very genuine in my interest. I observe the game of life, and a lot of times it’s about being open and observant on my part. Whenever I find things getting heavy, I say something light to make everyone laugh again. I am offended when things are impersonal and harsh. Some people are so serious and many people feel guilty about having fun. Fun is important because I can get more work done in a few hours than most people do in a whole day. My biggest contribution is in just listening to what people are trying to do, probing and pushing and mirroring back to them what I hear they’re saying.
I love not having to practice and still being good at something. I don’t like having to do a lot of planning. I want to accomplish something and move on to the next thing. I am really good at pulling things off, especially if there is a last-minute crisis. It’s just a matter of trying to keep things together, doing what you have to do in the moment.
When the moment that I am living in becomes difficult, then I close up physically. I just move through life and react as things come up. I can get worried about the future and go down this long road of awful possibilities or thinking about the past, especially if others will be affected.
I am an individual. I can’t imagine following others, and it’s a waste of time if someone’s not going to do their best. I want freedom for being able to do what I want to do when I want to do it. Don’t tell me I can’t do something. Rules and regulations infuriate me. Doing something by the book isn’t always logical or reasonable. What makes a difference is if you do a good job or not. Do a good job and I respect you. I want to do my best.
So I relate to about 75-80% of the ESFP description, but the ENFP description makes sense too...until it starts talking about seeing through people into their soul and all that...see there is always this focus on "developing people" with NFs...and it makes me think of my ENFJ sister, BIG TIME. I want to help people, yes. I give people advice, and I will teach them things...sometimes I confront people with the motive of teaching them something.
But if I were to say "what is my life's purpose? what work would make me the happiest?" it would not be developing people. I decided against teaching for that reason, and I definitely have no business being a counselor. I'd rather write or make fancy artistic cakes or cook for people or arrange flowers.
I don't think I'm diplomatic enough...and aren't NFs supposed to be Diplomatic above all else? Yeah...about that...
As I say, though, I avoided ESFP because I don't think I'm all that wildly social, though I was when I was younger, though I do like to talk to people and meet new people and am interested in all different kinds of people. Haha...okay..yeah I just realize what I said. But seriously I do spend a lot of time on my own, and I choose that, it's not imposed upon me.