ENFP

The Champion

The ENFP personality type is Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving, which means they are energized by time with others, motivated to deeply understand the human experience, drawn to authentic emotional intensity, and easily bored by the mundane. This combination of personality preferences produces people who place great value on personal freedom and happiness, both for themselves and for others. ENFPs are excellent communicators who enjoy bringing out the best in others, though they can lack focus and overlook key details in favor of the bigger, more imaginative picture.

Kindred Spirits

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

Potential Complements

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

ENFPs in Love

In relationships, the ENFP is warm, encouraging, and emotionally engaged. ENFPs connect with others by sharing their feelings and experiences. They are expressive with their mates and want their mates to share openly with them. ENFPs place great importance on personal development; they encourage their mates to pursue their dreams and want the same encouragement back. They are accepting of their partners as individuals and are unlikely to pressure their partners into being or doing anything in particular. On the rare occasion that they object to a mate's behavior, it's likely to be because their values have been violated. Although they are quite sensitive, ENFPs can be guarded when it comes to their deepest feelings. They dislike conflict and are likely to withdraw rather than engage in a difficult discussion. ENFPs are flexible and supportive, and would rather find a way to connect than butt heads. They are creative problem-solvers, and can often come up with original ways to compromise. ENFPs can sometimes be unpredictable, as they follow their inspiration wherever it leads. They can seem unreliable, although they are usually very responsive when a partner is emotionally in need. The ideal mate for an ENFP supports their creativity and caring for others, and expresses appreciation for the ENFP's unique qualities openly and often.

ENFPs as Parents

As parents, ENFPs are creative and devoted. They enjoy creating new experiences for their families and want to inspire their children to grow as individuals. Although they can be very passionate in their ideas about correct behavior, they are not often strong disciplinarians; they value close relationships above all else and may avoid discipline for fear that it will distance them from their children. ENFPs deeply value their role as parents. However, they tire quickly when subjected to mundane chores and demands from their children. They get the most joy out of parenting when they are connecting emotionally with their children and joining them to explore possibilities for the future.

ENFP Communication Style

ENFPs are enthusiastic, collaborative communicators who love exploring possibilites for people. They often enjoy getting to know other people and understanding what inspires them, and they are insightful about solutions to personal problems. Highly empathic, the ENFP can find something to identify with in almost every person they meet, and enjoys encouraging other people to develop and grow. ENFPs are typically optimistic and like to talk about opportunities for the future, motivating others to join them in their vision.

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.