I wrote up a list of what I believe makes me an ESFP. Let me know if you relate to or disagree with any of the below!

1. Non Judgemental

ESFPs prefer to see the good in everyone. They are open minded and quite comfortable with accepting other's differences, even if they don’t personally agree with them, as long as they don’t severely clash with the ESFP’s personal values. The worst thing to an ESFP is when someone tries to impose their values onto them.

2. Social Chameleon

ESFPs have a talent for being able to get along with different types of people by reading a crowd and matching its energy. Whether it’s a party or a book club, ESFPs can change their energy/demeanor to one that fits appropriately to the setting.

3. Small Inner Circle

Even though they may have a large number of friends and acquaintances, ESFPs tend to only have a few select people they can trust and feel comfortable enough to share their most private innermost thoughts and feelings.

4. Introverted Extrovert

ESFPs love people and social settings but need time alone to process their feelings. This time of mental solitude is necessary for them to reflect on the events of the day and make sure they align correctly with their authentic selves and moral code.

5. Gut Feeling

An ESFP has no problem trusting their gut when making a decision because their gut feeling is heavily tied with their moral code and values. If their gut says yes, to an ESFP, there is no doubt.

6. FOMO: Fear of Missing Out

The thought of missing out on something fun is almost painful for an ESFP. With every occasion comes the possibility of something awesome happening and they don’t want to risk not being there for it.

7. Seeing Both Sides

ESFPs can have trouble making a decision or choosing a side when they are able to see the validity in both arguments. This can turn into an unhealthy form of analysis paralysis and frustrate others as they perceive the ESFP as wishy washy.

8. Likes People, but Not Everyone

Others may see the ESFP as a people pleaser who likes everyone they come across but this is only partly true. Yes, the ESFP naturally enjoy exciting others and getting to know people, but they will not waste a single breath on those who offend or breach their personal values.

9. Sensitive to Rejection

ESFPs are sensitive to criticism from others, especially from those who they have no problem with, and will take it personally. They’ll often become stuck in their heads mulling over what they might have done wrong for others to not like them and find it hard to accept that not everyone will like you.

10. Communicates Literally

ESFPs will say exactly what they mean and not beat around the bush. They can be frustrated when others take a long time to get to the point, are passive aggressive, or use cryptic wording/analogies that require reading between the lines.

11. Attuned to Other’s Emotions

ESFPs have a natural knack for noticing sudden changes in facial expressions and are sensitive to other's feelings. This skill is useful for when the ESFP is engaging others and reading a room but can become a problem when the ESFP’s intuition is actually incorrect and leads to misunderstanding and misreading the situation.

12. Great in Crisis

ESFPs are surprisingly good at staying calm and efficient under crisis. It’s as if they enter a hyper focus robot mode where nothing else matters except finding and executing the most efficient solution possible.

13. Trouble Putting Feelings into Words

Although the ESFP can experience strong emotions and often make feelings-based decisions, they can have trouble putting these feelings into words. They can often recognize what they’re feeling but may need time to process why they’re feeling that way.

14. Picture Perfect Memory (Selective)

ESFPs can be scatterbrained and forgetful at times but have the ability to visually recall important, sensory memories with detailed accuracy. They will remember the sights, sounds, and smells that took place in that moment. It’s hard for an ESFP to remember names but they will never forget a face.

15. Hates Inauthenticity

ESFPs are commonly judged as fake because of their natural openness towards others and always positive demeanor. People may be turned off by someone who seems happy all the time, not realizing that ESFPs also experience negative feelings like everyone else, they are just more private about them. In reality, ESFPs hate inauthenticity and are incapable of pretending to like someone they cannot stand, even if they are paid to do so. Acting in a way that is not their natural selves or goes against their personal values will trigger the gag reflex in an ESFP.