ENTP

I feel like ass today--a continuation of yesterday's afternoon burnout--and I sound appropriately frog-like having completely lost my voice.

So here, in an effort to remind myself how awesome I am in the throes of feeling wretched 2 days prior to leaving the country and having a million things to do in the meantime, is an explanation of my Myers-Briggs Personality Type, with highlights and commentary to keep it from feeling like a total cop-out...

ENTP - Extrovert Intuitive Thinker Perceiver

ENTPs are nothing if not unique. A rare personality type, they comprise approx. 3-5% of the total (American) population. They have an enthusiastic interest in everything and are always sensitive to possibilities. Known as the "inventor", they are non-conformist and innovative, self-confident and competitive. [Mio? -Ed.]

ENTPs are known to be verbally as well as cerebrally quick, and generally love to argue--both for its own sake, and to show off their often-impressive skills. They tend to have a perverse sense of humor as well, and enjoy playing devil's advocate. They sometimes confuse, even inadvertently hurt, those who don't understand or accept the concept of argument as a sport. [Substitute "often" for "sometimes" and you'll have an accurate summary of 1994-2003. -Ed.] They get pleasure and intellectual stimulation from arguing both sides of a subject, or from doing something unusual or unexpected just to get a reaction.

ENTPs are as innovative and ingenious at problem-solving as they are at verbal gymnastics; on occasion, however, they manage to outsmart themselves. This can take the form of getting found out at "sharp practice"--ENTPs have been known to cut corners without regard to the rules if it's expedient -- or simply in the collapse of an over-ambitious juggling act. Both at work and at home, ENTPs are very fond of "toys"--physical or intellectual, the more sophisticated the better. They tend to tire of these quickly [or immediately, take your pick. -Ed.], however, and move on to new ones.

Like most Extraverted-Perceivers, they are more excited about pursuing a new idea than about following through on an existing one, which can be a cause for frustration and anxiety--both for themselves and those around them. To the ENTP, all the world is a chessboard whose places must be moved in such a way--by the ENTP--that all the players will get the best and most out of life.

ENTPs are basically optimists, but in spite of this (perhaps because of it?), they tend to become extremely petulant about small setbacks and inconveniences. [See Monday's post. -Ed.] (Major setbacks they tend to regard as challenges, and tackle with determin- ation.) ENTPs have little patience with those they consider wrongheaded or unintelligent [See Also, I hate stupid people. -Ed.], and show little restraint in demonstrating this. However, they do tend to be extremely genial, if not charming, when not being harassed by life in general. [Wish I'd come up with that phrase. -Ed.]

In terms of their relationships with others, ENTPs are capable of bonding very closely and, initially, suddenly, with their loved ones. Some appear to be deceptively offhand with their nearest and dearest ["Wow, really? I had no idea you cared so much!" Direct quote from The English Ex when I explained that he had trampled my heart. -Ed.]; others are so demonstrative that they succeed in shocking co-workers who've only seen their professional side. ENTPs are also good at acquiring friends who are as clever and entertaining as they are. Aside from those two areas, ENTPs tend to be oblivious of the rest of humanity [Guilty. -Ed.], except as an audience -- good, bad, or potential.

Even though they are extroverts, ENTPs may demonstrate a subtle tendency towards reservation. Those who have had problems establishing friendships may manifest a quiet nature and a lack of general outgoingness, one day appearing social and friendly only to be indifferent or avoidant the next. Over a period of time specific social patterns may develop, appearing unfriendly and reserved to some and friendly and open to others. With their sporadic nature, they may unwittingly convince others of a general dislike and social discontentment, even though it is not their intention.

ENTPs do not readily follow social norms. They do not like to have their independence threatened by unnecessary rules, and they can appear expedient and out-of-place in a society that values any various forms of unnecessary subjugation. While ENTPs may have a healthy respect for rules when they are necessary as a guideline or are necessary and good for the well being of people, they do not readily tolerate intentional subjugation to any type of rule or method that they consider to be out-dated or harmful to the well-being of individuals. ENTPs tend to look down on people who do so, considering them to be childish and lacking of confidence.

The main peculiarity of ENTps behaviour is an incredible absent-mindedness [I'm sorry, what were we talking about? -Ed.]. They usually leave items where they used them and have a tendency to constantly lose smaller objects. [This was the cause of many wars between myself and Evil Ex Roommate. -Ed.] ENTps work place and personal belongings are often kept in disarray. [That's putting it mildly. -Ed.] They invariably forget what they have already done and what they need to do. However, they are quick and shrewd in day to day matters, taking advantage of every opportunity that arises. Because of this others may consider them to be crafty or shifty.

ENTPs are actually pretty positive people, who enjoy life greatly. Unless circumstances prove it necessary, they rarely find reason to think negatively about people. [Possibly the truest of everything said so far, which totally pisses people off sometimes. -Ed.] They seek to accept and to understand people for who they are inside. They do not like to condemn people for their personhood, and they can often be sought out by others for matter of practical solutions to common every day problems. People typically have respect for the intuitive understanding of ENTps towards them and appreciate their loyalty in personal matters. [Until "circumstances prove it necessary" to boot your ass to the curb, of course. See also, Evil Ex Roommate. -Ed.] It is not like an ENTp to betray a friend in need.