Personality typing

Every few years I take the Keirsey personality sorter.

The terms below mean somewhat different things in the context of the test than otherwise:

I always come out as much more intuitive (in the sense of focused on internal processes, rather than of instinctual) rather than sensing (focused on external processes); and as working very slightly more based on emotions than on reason. It’s always been up in the air whether I’d rather be gathering data (perceiving) or making decisions and coming to closure (judging).

And I’ve always been an introvert (in the sense of getting energy from being alone, not the sense of being antisocial or untalkative) rather than an extrovert (gets energy from others, loses energy when alone). However, since becoming a freelancer (that is, not having to be around people for hours every day), I’ve been becoming less strongly an introvert–and this time around, I edged into scoring as an extrovert for the first time. I’m not sure I’m convinced (of course, one should never be convinced of anything based on a 70-question test, but even aside from that)– but it is interesting to ponder. Too much people-contact still burns me out and leaves me exhausted; but being around others is not always tiring–sometimes it’s energizing, too.


ENFJ- The Teacher

You scored 72% I to E, 5% N to S, 19% F to T, and 21% J to P!

Your type is known as the teacher, or the educating mentor. You also belong to the larger group, called idealists. You tend to bring out the best in other people. You lead without seeming to do so. People are naturally drawn to you. You expect the very best from people which takes the form of enthusiastic encouragement which is so charming that people try their best not to disappoint you. You share your personality type with 3% of the population.

You need to feel a deep and meaningful connection to your romantic partners, and go to great lengths to understand and please your mate. Harmony is vitally important to you, and you often put others’ needs before your own. You have a pretty thin skin and are easily hurt. Although you strive for harmony, when your values or ethics are violated, you can be very emotional, confrontational, and even punishing. However, you are very insightful about the underlying cause of conflicts, and an excellent communicator, so you have the tools to bring about a quick and peaceful resolution as long as you can keep control of your facilities. You want to be appreciated for your thoughtfulness and compassion. You need your partner to make a real effort to get to know you. Above all, you need to be able to express your feelings and have them taken seriously.

Your group summary: idealists (NF)
Your type summary: ENFJ

The LONG Scientific Personality Test
(Test link from ogre_san)


And regardless of any of this, I can recommend Keirsey’s Please Understand Me II, which is a detailed rundown of these types, as useful if one wants to understand the different ways in which people think, and why one might find some folks harder, initially, to get along with than others.

It’s also, from a writerly perspective, a fun way to gain insight into one’s characters.

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