P E R S O N A L I T Y   6 F

ESFP -- The Entertainer [Performer]

Life is simple for the ESFP: They want lots of people to enjoy their performances. "Performance" may be artistic, as in singing or acting; or it may simply be doing one's job so well that everyone pays attention to the ESFP. Either way, the attention of others is what matters to persons of this type... no matter what they have to do to get it.

One typical expression of this desire is open-handed generosity, not of what belongs to you but of their own possessions. If the Introverted-Sensing-Judging type is the hard-working ant in the old fable, it's a safe bet that the grasshopper was an ESFP. Chances are good, in fact, that the grasshopper had nothing, not because he was too lazy to gather it but because he gave it all away. ESFPs love to give gifts; if holidays or birthdays seem too far away, they will give you things for no apparent reason at all.

The truth, however, is that this really is an exchange. In return for their gift to you, they want your attention. This also drives their usual choices of careers. ESFPs can often be found in the public performing arts, and in social work where their generosity can be noticed, but they also have a gift for sales. ESFPs can so dazzlingly entertain prospective clients that signing a contract seems like a small price to pay for a continued relationship with someone who shines so brightly.

There is a price to all this, of course. Without a partner strong-willed enough to resist the ESFP's many charms, families can find themselves struggling to make ends meet while the ESFP spends money like water. The ESFP can take this even further, refusing to recognize real problems and preferring to avoid negativity or bad news at all cost.

ESFPs also tend to intensify these situations by being occasional risk-takers. The mate of an ESFP may find him or her somewhat unpredictable, which can lead to problems if the ESFP's spouse or parent tries to get the ESFP to "settle down." While ESFPs accept this as attention, they can resent the implication that there is something wrong with them and lash out with accusations that the other is boring or controlling, or else absent themselves from the entire environment until things calm down.

But worst of all is to ignore the ESFP. This is the unforgivable sin, because it is perceived as a rejection of the ESFP's essential inner nature. At best, he or she will sulk; at worst, an ESFP may give in to the ongoing temptation to indulge in sensual gratifications... perhaps outside the home, where he or she can find the positive attention craved.

In an environment where the ESFP feels appreciated, however, there is no limit to the attention which will be lavished on the person who is a delighted audience.

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