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ESTP vs. ESFP: A Comprehensive Comparison

ESTP vs. ESFP: A Comprehensive Comparison

Extroverted, Sensing, Perceiving (ESTP) and (ESFP) personalities are both people-oriented, pragmatic, and adaptable. ESTPs, on the other hand, are logical thinkers, whereas ESFPs are empathic. When communicating with ESFPs, ESTP personalities should use a friendly, casual tone.

When conversing with ESTPs, ESFPs should avoid using emotional language. ESTPs enjoy action and will jump into activities that pique their interest, but they will also jump out quickly if they lose interest. An ESFP may disregard rules, regulations, and obligations because they feel compelled to assist. They are both warm and caring, as well as practical.

ESTP and ESFP are two different types of people with some distinctive characteristics. These are the types of MBTI (Myers-Big Personality Indicator). Today, I will be addressing the contrast between the two personalities along with their similar features. This blog will have all the info you need to know. Just stay connected throughout the article.

What are the main distinctions between ESFP and ESTP?

The ESFP thinks emotionally, while the ESTP thinks logically. That may appear to be a minor distinction, but it leads to two nearly identical behaviors in a variety of ways.

To begin with, ESFPs will exhibit more emotion than ESTPs. The ESFP personality will be sensitive and conflict-averse. ESTPs are the polar opposite; they will jump right into conflict and appear insensitive.

As a result, ESTPs are more confident than ESFPs. Because ESTPs exhibit fewer emotions, this includes things like fear. Because they are less afraid, ESTPs tend to take more risks than ESFPs, but this gives ESTPs the unfortunate reputation of being the most hedonistic and thrill-seeking of all the MBTI types.

Another significant distinction is that ESTPs, possibly more than any other type, are extremely blunt. They speak in a direct and outspoken manner, preferring to make the first move rather than wait for someone else to do so.
Furthermore, ESTPs are more self-sufficient than ESFPs.

There was a slight contrast between ESTP and ESFP. There is much more to it.

How can you differentiate between ESFP and ESTP?

ESTPs have a “don’t care what you think” attitude, which ESFPs do not share because they rely heavily on others. Both of them enjoy socializing. In my opinion, the ESTP comes across as more stereotypically perceiving.

You’ve heard the stereotypes: unreliable, disorganized, and haphazard. All of these are traits that I strongly associate with ESTPs. ESFPs can experience this as well, but not as intensely.

Some of the distinctive characteristics are listed below:

  • ESFP despises scary movies, whereas ESTP enjoys them.
  • The ESFP will use positivity to persuade you not to give up on something.
  • ESTP will bombard you with the negative truth about something to protect you from disappointment.
  • ESFPs crave attention and usually get it through their aura and amazing sense of style.
  • ESTPs get it through their confident demeanor and their ability to make others laugh by making fun of things.

Apart from this, ESTPs will dress in a stretchy fabric and with jewelry that emphasizes their super-fit bodies. ESFPs will wear complicated outfit that requires talent to put together, emphasizing their creative fashion abilities. They can look a lot alike. 

The main distinction is that the ESFP is motivated by emotion, whereas the ESTP is motivated by logic. It’s much easier to trick the ESFP into buying something, getting too drunk, or doing something else by playing on their emotions while it’s much more difficult with ESTP.

You can see that both of them have varying attitudes that make them unique in their way.

A portrait of a group of friends having a quality time
An ESFP loves to socialize and enjoy.

What do you know about the relationship between ESFP and ESTP?

Certain issues are likely to arise in your daily life as an ESFP in a relationship with an ESTP. Discussing these ahead of time and figuring out how to deal with them will make things go much more smoothly as your relationship develops. Although lifestyle is an underappreciated but crucial aspect of compatibility.

Your values and ideals may be perfectly aligned, but if you can’t agree on how to handle day-to-day issues, your relationship will always be strained.

What are some obvious ways to tell the difference between an ESFP and an ESTP?

The best way is to use the interaction style, which is associated with the S type and, of course, the primary difference between the types. The classic Sanguine social temperament is ESF (“Get Things Going”), while the Choleric temperament is EST (“In Charge”).

The ESFP is more “people-focused” in terms of information and communication. They are lighter-natured and expressive whereas the ESTP is more critical and goal-oriented. They are said to be directive too.

Now, you can differentiate between an ESFP and an ESTP, no?

The table shows a summary between an ESFP and an ESTP.

ESFPESTP
Enjoys making others happy.Not as forgiving of others
Sensitive and prone to criticismMore logical and skeptical; less likely to believe in conspiracy theories.
Dislikes quarrels.Enjoys conflict, particularly physical conflict
Mood swings are possible; Variable from overjoyed to sobbing.Not as emotionally sensitive
They are prone to be offended.They come across as insensitive.
The comparison between ESFP and ESTP.

What are the main distinctions between ENFP and ESFP?

In general, ENFPs seek experiences for self-fulfillment, whereas ESFPs seek experiences for self-enjoyment. Self-fulfillment in the context of spirituality is not what I am talking about. Self-satisfaction is synonymous with self-fulfillment.

As an example,
“I did it because it was fun!” says the ESFP.
“I did it because I knew it would make me happy.”

ENFPs value authenticity and seek deeper meaning in people and things. While ESFPs can be materialistic and take things at face value, which can lead to insincerity. ESFPs have superior spatial abilities. They are more vigilant.

On the other hand, ENFPs are far more eccentric. ENFPs think outside the box. ESFPs are more aware of the passing of time.

To summarize, we can say that ESFPs seek out experiences for the sake of experiencing them, whereas ENFPs seek out experiences to reap the benefits of the experiences.

Are ESTP and ESFP compatible?

If we consider the compatibility of an ESTP with ESFP, there can be some problems in the relationship. But no relationship is perfect, right?

There will be occasions when both personality traits don’t get along. But eventually, they can come to a common ground.

Who does ESTP get along with?

When talking about the compatibility of an ESTP, they tend to work well with ISFJ or ISTJ. Such personalities share the same characteristics with ESTP.

How can we tell the difference between an ENFP and an ESFP just by looking at them?

ESFPs have always struck me as more erratic than ENFPs. ENFPs frequently have a logical streak. ESFPs can appear to be completely immersed in one topic before switching to another. ENFPs frequently prefer to project the image of a completely carefree, fun person to conceal their deeper, darker side. ESFPs are more at ease in deep conversations.

ESFPs appear to be more intense than ENFPs.

I tried not to be so technical in this, as it creates confusion among lots of people.

An image representing the concept of personality traits based on colours
Personality traits are represented by the concept of several colors

What does it feel like to be an ESTP?

Being an ESTP has many advantages and disadvantages. They are quite confident in our ability to converse with others. An ESTP can persuade and, depending on the individual, be quite charismatic.

ESTP’s refer to as very observant, possibly the most observant MBTI type, and they can often use this to our advantage, specifically with other people’s body language, which allows us to tell if they are interested, happy, sad, angry, and many other things.

All in all, they are very social, often the life of the party, and we can easily make new friends. But they can be insensitive and unconcerned about other people’s feelings.

In other words, They are extroverted, social people who get their energy from outside sources such as people and stimulation. They enjoy details that are grounded in the here and now.

For example, they may be focused on concrete things or situations that they can see, hear, and feel at that moment in time/life. They may have difficulty seeing future possibilities in something.

Understanding MBTI Types: ESTP and ESFP Traits Interplay

When thinking and making decisions, they are more logical than emotional and personal. They prefer a more spontaneous way of life over a more structured one. They are more likely to enter into situations quickly than plan them.

Hence, it is both beneficial and difficult at the same time to be an ESTP.

I’ve been classified as an ESFP and an ESTP. They both appear to me to be the same. I’ve read about both, and I can relate to both. So, what now? What are some surefire ways to find out?

When it comes to MBTI types, they don’t have to be mutually exclusive, especially if your T and F are small and very close to each other. That is, depending on the situation, you tend to base your decisions more on feelings, while other times, you base them more on thinking, i.e., more on your head.

For example, I scored very high on the T, which means that I rarely base my decisions on my feelings or allow my heart to takeover.

In either case, you are the extroverted, outgoing, and playful type that both ESFPs and ESTPs are.

To understand more about human behavior and relations take a look at this article: Soulmates vs. Twin Flames (Is There A Difference?)

An image showing a blackboard with introvert and extrovert written on it.
An extrovert loves to interact with people

What exudes “I’m an ESTP”?

If you start a conversation with “I do not agree with what you are saying” and end with “There is some sense in what you are saying,” you are in the company of an ESTP. However, this should not be a one-time occurrence.

It’s like this: if you end up changing your stance every time you talk to this person, he or she is probably an ESTP.
I’ve noticed that ESTPs are particularly adept at this skill. There are other indicators that you are conversing with an ESTP.

However, through my observation, the ability to persuade you to change or reconsider your stance is the most prominent.

Check out this video to learn more about ESTP and ESFP.

Final Thoughts

  • ESFP vs. ESTP: ESTPs are logical. ESFPs are empathic.
  • Differences: ESFPs show more emotions. ESTPs are more confident and direct.
  • Distinctive Traits: Movie choices, persuasion, and fashion styles differ.
  • Relationship Dynamics: Conflict approaches may clash but can be worked through.
  • Differentiating Factors: Interaction styles and behaviors like forgiveness or sensitivity.
  • ENFP vs. ESFP: ESFPs enjoy experiences. ENFPs seek a deeper meaning.
  • Compatibility: ESTPs click well with ISFJ or ISTJ types.
  • Identifying Traits: ESFPs may seem erratic. ENFPs show logical sides.

This breakdown simplifies the main points. These points focus on the key differences and traits between ESFPs and ESTPs and their relationships. And how they differ from other personality types.

There are many quizzes available online, that can help you determine your personality type.

Other Articles

A quick web story that discusses ESTP and ESFP differences can be found by clicking here.

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