XXI. An Ode to ENFPs

Hello, dearest reader! Glad you could make it today.

I would like to talk about one of my favorite personality types, and that’s the ENFP. They’re like kettle corn to me– once I have a little bit I can’t get enough. If I feel that irresistible pull to someone, chances are they are an ENFP. I’ll talk about why I like them so much in this post.

The first thing that makes the INFJ-ENFP combo interesting is a comparison of the functional stack. The INFJ functional stack is Ni-Fe-Ti-Se, while the ENFP functional stack is Ne-Fi-Te-Si. Notice something about the two? The functions are in the same order, but completely inverted from each other. Each function that one has in the extroverted form, the other has in the introverted form, and vice versa. We cover each other’s blind spots since we collectively share all eight functions.

INFJs tend to be serious while having a desire to loosen up more and be fun on the inside. ENFPs tend to be bubbly while having a desire to form deeper connections on the inside. We can both help each other where we need to improve.

Another reason I love ENFPs is their desire to think in an abstract manner like us. The extroverted intuition of the ENFP sees the possibilities, the introverted intuition of the INFJ sees the solutions. Because of this, ENFPs can struggle to ground themselves and INFJs can struggle to see beyond their own personal convictions. Again, each type balances each other out. The ENFP gives off a bunch of possibilities, which the INFJ sorts through and can decide which is the most reasonable. It’s a nice combination for both types.

Although the INFJ-ENFP dynamic is certainly wonderful, it can have its downsides. INFJs like to have alone time, and ENFPs like to be with people. This can cause some issues when one side isn’t getting the type of time they prefer as much as they’d like to. I’ve found that INFJs tend to like to stick to one subject or topic for a long period of time, while ENFPs like to bounce around. This can cause friction between the two types. Essentially, dealing with misunderstandings is the biggest problem in an INFJ-ENFP friendship or relationship. Because of this, communication is critical in making sure each person is understood and content. If this communication is established, the relationship can be a wonderful thing.

What do you guys think about ENFPs? Let me know in the comment section. Talk to you all soon!

Seize the day!
Ryan
14 November 2016 6:37 PM

10 thoughts on “XXI. An Ode to ENFPs

  1. I was thinking to write a post with the same title! What I love about enfp people is their ability to connect people together. When you move to a new city you just need one else fp friend to make it all better.. they introduce you to people they think you would get on with!

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  2. My husband is an enfp and I agree. I like to think he’s the Ying to my Yang. Communication is key. I’m not one to be very verbal in expressing myself (I am a writer after all), but he knows how to bring it out of me which makes for better understanding of one another.

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  3. Was in a relationship with an ENFP before and it was really great. I think ENFPs are wonderful people in that they can make you come out of your shell. Apart from this, they’re good at making my tertiary function, Introverted Feeling, come out. Even better is that we share that particular function so we can really understand each other when we say we feel deeply inside.

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    • Yes, I agree that ENFPs are great at drawing the introverted types out of their shells.

      That’s an interesting point you make about the functions. As an INFJ, I do not share any actual functions with an ENFP, just the way they are ordered. On the positive side, it keeps things exciting while at the same time we aren’t completely on different wavelengths. On the not-so-positive side, we can think in completely different ways. As in any relationship, communication is critical for the success of two people together.

      Seize the day!
      Ryan

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  4. Oh my goodness, this could not be more true! I look back at every friendship that ever made me feel completely comfortable with being myself were with ENFPs. I absolutely adore this blog and this post!

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    • I agree wholeheartedly! As soon as I feel that instant connection (or the beginning of an addiction, perhaps? :P) it’s almost certain I’ve become friends with an ENFP. They seem to like us for our level heads and deep insights as well, so it works out for everybody! 🙂

      I’m glad we were able to connect with each other! It is always a joy to meet fellow INFJs/MBTI enthusiasts here. I look forward to reading more of what you have to say about the world! 🙂

      Seize the day!
      Ryan

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  5. Love this type! 3 of my good friends are ENFPs and I’d love to know more. I think that we find each other interesting because of our opposite cognitive functions. I agree that each type has a lot to offer the other person which is what makes the relationship so great.

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    • I agree! I think INFJs commonly feel misunderstood, but ENFPs are able to open us up pretty well. Perhaps it is due to the fact that their dominant functions are our shadow functions? We have that side that we suppress in ourselves, but ENFPs know how to use those functions in a positive way. The same goes for us and their shadow functions. Anyway, I’m glad this post resonated with you! Take care. 🙂

      Seize the day!
      Ryan

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