According to licensed therapist De-Andrea Blaylock-Solar, MSW, LCSW-S, CST, this type is sometimes referred to as “the Entrepreneur,” and they’re known to be very active, social, and even impulsive. “They’re risk takers. Even though they can be observant, they kind of just dive right into the situation—they are very passionate folks,” she explains. As Blaylock-Solar explains, they do have a way of loving without inhibition, but their adventurous attitude doesn’t always translate to a desire for romance. These people want to keep things interesting, and their logical mind can be quick to let a relationship go if they get bored. When they do commit, however, the relationship is sure to be fun, exciting, and full of action. “Having a partner who is more adventurous—who can go toe-to-toe with them—that would be helpful as opposed to someone who’s not,” Blaylock-Solar explains. Board-certified clinical psychologist Kristina Hallett, Ph.D., ABPP, has previously echoed a similar point, writing for mbg that “Differences in extroversion/introversion may cause the most conflict in long-term relationships. Opposites in this dimension may really enjoy each other in the beginning, but over the long haul, the stay-home-vs.-go-out debate can result in repeated friction.” A few examples: Their impulsive and somewhat unstructured propensities can cause some difficulty, as they don’t love following rules, which is why Blaylock-Solar adds this type also likes careers where they can work with people on their own terms. Think something like sales: The ESTP still interacts with clients, but they won’t necessarily be micromanaged by a superior while they’re working. These people are perceptive, original, and great networkers, so they will often thrive in client-facing roles, as well as roles in which they can be their own boss. (Hence the title “Entrepreneur.”) “If you know that it’s very challenging for you to get in touch with your emotions, instead of just leaning on that [as a defense mechanism], challenge yourself to grow in those areas, and figure out what ways to express and experience my emotions,” Blaylock-Solar suggests.
