- In your childhood, did you always play the "adult" role? Where you rewarded for it?
Not really. I wanted to be the authority figure, the judge, the leader, the teacher, but not really the "adult" per say. I had maturity problems as I grew up with Asperger's and didn't always execute social things correctly. When I hear the term "adult" I usually think mature and well behaved. Assuming that, I almost never did even when I tried, and I was often punished or in trouble for not doing things correctly. That said, I was often rewarded or regarded for organizing or leading people as that aspect came naturally. When I was given some sort of power, structure, or control then I behaved rather well. It's when I had to be subservient or just listen/behave without given a reason or understanding why. I had problem sitting still and being quiet unless I was stimulated in some regard.
That said, I was always considered rather "adult" with my observations of others.
- What's your perception of E9? What do you admire? What do you think needs to be improved upon? What advice, if you have any, would you give?
I don't relate to E9 at all. In many ways it is the opposite of me. The only thing I relate to with them is I do seek peace/harmony to keep myself stable, but who doesn't? Either way, E9's are known for not wanting or having solid opinions; I have an opinion on pretty much everything and go out of my way to find one. They like keeping things open and free; I need things nailed down and locked in. They seek to present a calm placid position and usually speak softly; I am rather energetic, dramatic, and while not loud, I am not the least bit quiet. They fear loss, abandoment, and separation; these do not concern me at all, and I am unphased when people leave me (even suddenly). I can snip the cord quite easily myself. They avoid conflict; I attempt to defuse it, and don't have issues with wading in it if needed. I could go on for a while but I am starting to diverge. Point is, I am not like them at all.
It's that difference that can create a problem. I suspect a lot of 9's would be put off by me. Some for "intensity" (though I don't consider myself that intense of a person, just a strong presence), but mostly for doing they kinds of things they don't want. I have had to work with 9's before and it can drive me
bonkers. The former president of a group I am part of (humans vs. zombies) and I butt head a lot last year because he refused to nail anything down when I felt we had to, and when It tried to, he'd try and stop me, and do so in a passive manner. He has a spine, but he doesn't act like it and it just makes me turn up my nose in an "ick!" kind of response. The thing that drives me nuts the most is their sheer ambivalence to almost everything. Opinions aren't scary. In fact, their useful and needed. In general 9's will either irritate me, bore me to death, and in rare cases anger me if their fence sitting infringes upon me by forcing inaction.
That said, I do admire their clear headedness and ability to see all sides of an issues pretty much every time. I'll lock into something fast (sometimes too fast) because I can think things through quickly, and I'll want to nail something and get it done. They'll get me to pause and consider something I didn't see though, and in some cases bring to like grave errors I could make for not seeing another prospective. When I was an admin on the INFJforums one of my fellow admins was a 9w1, and her ability to see all sides consistently was super admirable, and I benefited from it (we worked very well together and balanced each other). It was
impossible for anyone to get mad at her or hate her. Can't say the same for myself.
As far as thing to improve upon and advice? It's difficult to say. I mean, these are personality types we're talking about. They sort of are what they are. The best thing you can do is just better yourself. The biggest thing I would suggest to 9's is that it is ok to take a stand and be declarative from time to time. Don't lose yourself in what makes you great mediators.
- What's you perception of E8? What do you admire? What do you think needs to be improved upon? What advice, if you have any, would you give?
I actually don't have that much experience with E8's. I knew few online, and few IRL. My best friend in high school I strongly suspect is an ENFP E8, but I am not sold on it. Her and I got along famously. Generally I perceive them as interesting characters, but from what little I have observed they seem to be a bit too much of slaves to their anger. I don't value (nor respect really) frequent displays of anger or any negative emotion. The thing with anger though, is it can very often lead to behavior that harms another and is usually very reprehensible and unjustifyable. While I admire their ability to take charge in an unrestrained manner, it doesn't seem that it alleviates the kinds of emotional pressure I have to deal with; i.e. they still have their issues as well. Again, I have little experience with them. I wonder if I repel them or visa versa? Or perhaps my circle of friends just doesn't attract them. Upon reflection of all the people I have come to know (and at one point considered a friend), E3, and E8 have been very rare (if any). Most of my good friends end up being E7's.
I don't really have any commentary on what needs to be improved upon except for please contain your temper. I lose a lot of respect for people who let that out often (in particular if it's vengeful or unjustifed.)