Ask an ESFP

[iAmMe]

To what extent do you care about how other people perceive you (as opposed to how you perceive yourself)?

I think for the majority of my life I was quite oblivious to how I came off to other people. I still am a lot of the time. Many times I won't know unless I'm explicitly told. So, in high school, I was frequently told that I was a very, very, very, very happy. And I didn't realize that I was just a bundle of joy until I was told. I actually thought that I was quite level and optimistic. Do I care how I come off? Yes, but no. Yes, because I want to make positive impressions. I want to be liked, I want to be funny, I want to be smart. But also think that I care much more about how I see myself than how others see me. That is, I'm willing to change only if its not too much effort and still feel like me.

Do you see yourself able to hold certain beliefs/ideas than others around you? Do you consider yourself vulnerable to peer-pressure?

I am able to hold on to my beliefs despite peer pressure. The peer pressure bit was much harder when I was younger. But I've gotten over it. I find people who like me for me and aren't trying to change me or force me to do something I think is stupid and/or unethical. If you're really pressuring me to do something that I don't want to do, then I'm not sure if we should be friends.

Do you sometimes feel like people don't give you the recognition you deserve?

I wouldn't say that, no. I think ESFPs have this thing that we do where we're very good at squeezing people for the recognition we think we deserve. Hahaha...this is a brandy new revelation. I'm not even sure how accurate it is. But we can be very persistent people. I feel like I'm good at giving myself pats on the back and I think maybe that's why other people do?

Idk. This is weird... I'll just say that, personally, I've never felt under appreciated or under recognized. Maybe the amount of effort I put in feels too little to actually deserve the praise...

Do you like watching soaps on television? Can you understand why some people watch detailed documentaries on let's say nazi architecture on national geographic? Or are obsessed with an explanation of quantum mechanics with morgan freeman? Do you care about politics?

Do you consider all dramas to be soap operas? I don't watch soaps like General Hospital or Days of Our Lives. They're wayyyy over acting in those. More realistic dramas that are still a little crazy like "modern day teen soaps"? So, stuff on CW and ABC that happens to be very heavy on the relationship stuff...Yes, I've watched that stuff. I watch action shows, sci-fi shows, drama shows (how did we get the stereotype of not liking sci-fi??) I like stories. Anything with a good plot line is cool.

Stories. Not history. Lol. Although, I acknowledge that there is something to be learned, my default mode is not to be interested. No to the science stuff. Through the Wormhole? I haven't seen it. My sister as forced me to watch ancient aliens with her though. Hahaha... Interesting, but not more interesting than fun stories. Lol.

Please, no politics! Please, please don't ask me about politics. Don't worry, my lack of knowledge won't make a difference because I have no plans on voting.

...

 

[iAmMe]

Do you feel there is too much censorship in the media? Or rather inversely that it is often too explicit? I, for example, can appreciate a funny metaphor such as "Blitzkrieg mit dem Fleischgewehr (Rammstein)" but I find the more direct "Blow my whistle(flo rida)" a bit disgusting and needless attention-seeking.

I don't think that there is too much. Too explicit? I'm not sure. I'm trying to balance my naturally conservative nature with the knowledge that free speech is a thing. Everyone falls up and down the line on censorship of what's too much or not enough. I think every person just needs to monitor what they watch and be their own judge of whether it's okay for them.

I feel like it's probably right about where it should be. Always lagging a little bit behind what is actually happening in society.

Do you believe people are all good ultimately and all crime etc. is only due to their circumstances?

Let's go with yes. I feel that all people (excluding those mentally compromised) have the potential to be good. And I believe babies are good. So yes. People become corrupted as they get older.

What is the thing about INTP's that annoys you the most?

A lot of things. But I laugh about it. Hahaha...

Mostly, I'm an extrovert and you guys never wanna hang out.

What else? Stop tearing apart my lousy arguments and making me feel stupid about myself!

Say something! Stop standing there all aloof like and not knowing what to say. Ask a question? Something. I mean, I like to talk, but do you really want to hear me go on and on and on, because I will if you don't to stop me at some point. LOL

Oh, how can you be sooo smart and soooo lazy??? I mean, I'm lazy, but I'm not as smart as you guys so it's okay. LOL

Umm...I can't think of anything else off the top of my head.

Really, I think you guys are awesome. I really don't have much bad stuff to say. But these are the things I usually use to tease you with. Hahaha...

On what aspect of yourself (or which deeds to make it more concrete) are you the most proud?

Probably most proud of myself for graduating from college. I think I mostly use that term when I feel successful at Te things. I feel like I've accomplished something.

 

[iAmMe]

If you don't mind, where'd you move to / from?

I moved from NY to Georgia. All U.S., but there are big differences here. They're so slow and old school about some things.

 

[iAmMe]

Do you have any questions for us?

What has your general experience been like with other ESFPs irl?

 

[EyeSeeCold]

What has your general experience been like with other ESFPs irl?

Proud. Sometimes they do things just to do them and keep momentum going. They like to be the center of attention and will position themselves near any focal point of discussion or power. Always dressed appropriately and never contradict their surroundings.They will be the first to act when others show initiative. Liberal with societal rules and was the more experienced of their age group.

Too nice for their own good and easily manipulated or disadvantaged by others but at the same time they accept the opportunity to do favors for others and feel powerful from the created relationship dependency. They can adapt their mood to people for whatever's necessary and may go all out but never hold a grudge (forgive but don't forget). Like to playfully tease to get a reaction. Like other Fis express their attitude dramatically especially when mad (as opposed to Fe that puts social fluidity and content over true attitudes).

Rarely let down their own guard to display helplessness as they like to be competent and helping others. Tries to be the mature and wise one of the group regarding new proposals in a serious context. Poor organizational skills and money management, brute forces any such tasks. Ironically, likes to lecture others.

Likes to impersonate and mock the silly impressions they have of others. Is conservative and proud about the history they share with others. Lowkey paranoid and skeptical of institutions. God means having a personal relationship with a higher power, and the purpose of religion/heaven is to be a good person regardless.