Do you know your Myers-Briggs personality type?
I’ve taken the test a few times, but I can never remember what I am. Then yesterday, I listened to a podcast on Inspired to Action that was an interview with Megan Tietz (from Sorta Crunchy) talking about how knowing your personality type and your spouse’s can really help strengthen your marriage, and it intrigued me. (She also had an interview a while back on personality types and parenting that I haven’t listened to yet but want/plan to!)
I realized that it had been several years since I’d last taken the test and – in many ways – I felt very different than the young twenty-something I was then. So, I decided to check out the website Megan recommended – 16personalities.com – and gave it a go myself. (I’m going to make Jeff take the test tonight too!)
Here’s how I scored:
I’m an ESFJ. Extraverted. Senser. Feeling. Judger. And I’m, apparently, also turbulent which doesn’t sound great, but whatever. 
I was most interested to see how I scored in the E/I category as I think this is one of the areas where I’ve changed the most in recent years. I feel like I need my alone time for sure; but, I think this test is accurate in that I still like attention (hello, blogger!) and get energy from other people. When I was younger, I think I would have scored much higher as an extrovert, and my social settings of choice would have been big parties or larger events/gatherings. I still love a good conference or something like that, but I think now I benefit the most from more intimate (introverted) extrovert scenarios like a coffee date or a long phone chat with a good friend. Does that make sense?
Here are a few other facts about my personality type according to the website:
– ESFJs make up 12% of the population.
– “In high school, ESFJs are the cheerleaders and the quarterbacks, setting the tone, taking the spotlight, and leading their teams forward to victory and fame. Later in life, ESFJs continue to enjoy supporting their friends and loved ones, organizing social gatherings, and doing their best to make sure everyone is happy.” (Yes!)
– “ESFJs thrive on staying up to date with what their friends are doing.” (Probably why I like social media so much!)
– ESFJs are concerned with social status and appearance (sad, but true).
– ESFJs take responsibility seriously and have a strong moral compass based on traditions, rules, and authority. (Check.)
– ESFJs like to be of use to people and need to feel valued and appreciated. (Yes!)
– ESFJs are very loyal and devoted companions. “[They] don’t do casual flings – they need to know that their partner will always be by their sides offering unwavering support…” (Well, I married the boy I crushed on at 15, so I’d say this one is right on.)
– ESFJs are often the “life of the party” (eh, not so much these days), but also really value what people have to say and often respond with genuine warmth and sensitivity. They are the peace-makers in a group of people and will always attempt to restore harmony if things feel “off.” (Yep.)
– ESFJs don’t like conflict. They can be very sensitive – taking lots of things personally and getting their feelings hurt easily – and do not handle criticism well. Their strong need for acceptance and feeling valued can also make them too “needy” at times. (I’d have to agree with all of this too.)
– ESFJs prefer plans to be made in advance and events to be well-organized. (True.)
– ESFJs make good teachers because they are “comfortable with authority, but are supportive and friendly enough to keep that authority from feeling overbearing.” (I’d like to think that’s true.)
– Famous ESFJs include Bill Clinton, Jennifer Garner, Sally Field, and “Monica” from Friends. (Ha!)
Honestly, it’s kind-of scary how accurate a personality test can be!! It is all really interesting though and, from what I can tell/ have heard, it can be so great for learning about yourself and improving all kinds of relationships. If you’re curious about yours, you should check out 16personalities.com. The test takes less than 15 minutes, is totally free, and – at least in my experience – pretty darn accurate.
Have you taken a personality test lately? What’s your type? Any other ESFJs out there?!?
E
P.S. Make sure to check back tomorrow for the first edition of my Monthly Favorite Finds with Heather and a really great give away from one of my new favorite online shops (seriously, you guys will LOVE it).