ESTP

The Dynamo

The ESTP personality type is Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving, which means they are energized by playful time with others, perceptive and able to improvise, motivated to solve logical problems, and focused on immediate results over long-term goals. This combination of traits produces people who are excellent in emergency situations; they are able to think on their feet, adjusting and responding reflexively. Gregarious and self-assured, ESTPs have a great sense of humor and a wide circle of friends, but may have difficulty connecting on a deeper emotional level. Because ESTPs are so focused on the present, they are able to be bold and adventurous, but they can also struggle with thinking ahead and following through.

Kindred Spirits

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

Potential Complements

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

ESTPs in Love

In relationships, the ESTP is fun-loving and pragmatic. Hedonistic and flirtatious, ESTP partners tend to keep things exciting. They are often pursuing adventure and like a playmate who will come along for the ride. ESTPs tend to have little patience for serious discussions or emotional exploration, preferring to keep things fun and action-packed. They tend to be attentive to their partners’ physical needs, but may neglect the deeper emotional connections. Serious discussions about feelings rarely hold much appeal for the thrillseeking ESTP. ESTPs are enthusiastic and reasonable problem-solvers. However, their orientation toward quick thinking may lead them to try to apply a solution before they fully understand the issues involved in a conflict, especially when complex and difficult emotions are involved. ESTPs want a partner that will appreciate their practicality and willingness to get their hands dirty, and allow them plenty of freedom to pursue excitement.

ESTPs as Parents

As parents, ESTPs often connect with their children through a shared appreciation for activity and spontaneity. ESTPs are often as interested and curious about the world as their children are, and will encourage their children to engage physically and take risks. ESTP parents are less patient with timid or sensitive children, and may want their children to be hardy and thick-skinned. They may not have much interest in quiet moments or emotional discussions. They enjoy seeing their children succeed, especially in athletic or competitive pursuits, and will often play the role of enthusiastic coach.

For more information: Please Understand Me II

ESTP Communication Style

ESTPs tend to be persuasive, energetic communicators. They quickly observe the realities of the present situation and engage others to take action on practical problems. Many ESTPs speak very freely, and can be blunt and impatient in getting their message across. They may not want to wait for someone else to buy in before they can act. The ESTP may come off as charming, and many ESTPs are masters at negotiating with others so that they can achieve their goals in the most efficient way possible.

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.