ESFP

The Performer

The ESFP personality type is Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving, which means they are energized by time with others, practical and detail oriented, motivated by their empathetic and compassionate instincts, and more likely to live in the moment rather than plan ahead. Charming, engaging, and supportive, ESFPs love to be in the middle of the action, whether as the life of the party or by meeting the needs of others. ESFPs look on the bright side and do their best to live life to the fullest, but they can be easily bored, avoid conflict even when it's necessary, and struggle with long-term planning.

Kindred Spirits

People of the following types are more likely than most to share the ESFP’s values, interests, and general approach to life. They won’t necessarily agree on everything, and there’s no guarantee they’ll always get along, but they’re more likely to feel an easy rapport and have plenty of things in common.

Intriguing Differences

People of the following types are likely to strike the ESFP as similar in character, but with some key differences which may make them seem especially intriguing. The ESFP may find people of these types particularly interesting and attractive to get to know. Relationships between ESFPs and these types should have a good balance of commonalities and opportunities to challenge one another.

Potential Complements

ESFPs may not feel an immediate connection with people of the following types, but on getting to know each other, they’ll likely find they have some important things in common, as well as some things to teach one other. Although people of these types may not attract the ESFP initially, their relationships present a lot of potential to complement and learn from one other.

Challenging Opposites

People of the following types present the most potential for personality clash and conflict with the ESFP, but also the best opportunities for growth. Because people of these types have fundamentally different values and motivations from the ESFP’s, initially, it may seem impossible to relate. But because they are so different, their strengths are the ESFP’s weaknesses, and if they are able to develop a relationship, they can learn a tremendous amount from each other.

ESFPs in Love

In relationships, the ESFP is generous, friendly, sympathetic, and affectionate. ESFPs are eager to please their partners and motivated to create a fun, harmonious, and active home. They often enjoy family life tremendously and typically prioritize socializing with loved ones above all else. ESFPs tend to avoid conflict and may have trouble being serious, preferring to move on with their active lives rather than have an uncomfortable discussion. They are tuned into the needs of the people around them, but prefer to do something constructive to take care of their loved ones, rather than spend time hashing out difficult issues. ESFPs are supportive of their mates and try to take good care of their families, but can be impulsive as they pursue the pleasures of life. They may go where the wind blows and neglect to follow up on responsibilities. They are characteristically spontaneous and usually dislike a structured lifestyle. ESFPs want a partner who supports them in their lifelong pursuit of fun and excitement. An ideal mate for an ESFP is affectionate and appreciative of the ESFP’s generosity and desire to be helpful to others.

ESFPs as Parents

As parents, ESFPs are loving, affectionate, and fun, and usually like to have their households full of people having a good time. They may have many children, and are good at responding to their families' practical needs. ESFPs may be a bit unpredictable or scattered, and will prefer to engage everyone in a fun activity rather than impose rules or discipline. They do not tend to take life seriously, and often consider it more important to provide excitement and fun than to create structure or stability for their children.

For more information: Please Understand Me II

ESFP Communication Style

ESFPs are enthusiastic, light-hearted communicators. They often love just interacting with people, with no particular goal in mind, and tend to keep conversations fun and full of laughter. ESFPs are free with compliments and energy, and and often draw people in with their positive approach and ability to observe other people’s needs. ESFPs are good problem-solvers when it comes to practical and interpersonal issues, but they tend to avoid negativity; discussions that turn to criticism or conflict will send the ESFP running.

Molly Owens

Molly Owens is the founder and CEO of Truity. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley and holds a master's degree in counseling psychology. She began working with personality assessments in 2006, and in 2012 founded Truity with the goal of making robust, scientifically validated assessments more accessible and user-friendly. Molly is an ENTP and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she enjoys elaborate cooking projects, murder mysteries, and exploring with her husband and son.