Your Most Toxic Personality Trait, Based on Your Myers-Briggs Type
You know which literary character you are and which dog breed you should get based on your Myers-Briggs personality type. Those are well and good, but what about the less fun aspects of your personality? Read on for your most toxic trait, based on your personality type.
RELATED: What Exactly Makes a Person Toxic?
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ESTJ: Know It All
You’re a great decision maker, which is why you’re the one in your friend group to plan happy hours, birthday dinners and weekend trips. Because of your track record as a planner, your confidence in your abilities can sometimes come across as omniscient. Don’t stop bringing people together; just try to be more open to other people’s suggestions.
ISTJ: Unwilling to Compromise
No one’s gonna call you spontaneous, and you know what? That’s fine. To the people around you, you’re a loyal and dependable person. But sometimes your rigidity can manifest into a “my way or the highway” mentality. Plans are great, but sometimes they change. Work on being OK with being a little flexible from time to time.
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ESFJ: Gossip
You’re known for being a constant source of encouragement among your friends, and you feel most at home in a big group of people. One thing to be careful of is your judgmental side: Since you’re constantly interacting with others, spilling one friend’s secret to another can be tempting.
ISFJ: Too Set in Your Own Views
Considering how warm and protective you are, it’s no wonder everyone sees you as a reassuring figure. You’re sure of yourself and your ways, which can make you seem skeptical of outside perspectives. You don’t have to change your way of thinking permanently, but it can’t hurt to try on another style for the length of a dessert course, can it?
ESTP: No Filter
You’re bold and direct—it’s often what draws people to you. When it comes to conversation, you call it like you see it (for better or for worse). The people closest to you appreciate this kind of honesty, but know that to strangers, your tendency to tell it like it is can make it seem like you’re overstepping.
ISTP: Insensitive
Logic and practicality are two of your biggest strengths and the reason you’re considered a rock by those around you. Because of your almost clinical approach to life and relationships, you can find it hard to relate to people who act with their heart first and their head second. In highly delicate situations, the ol’ “think before you speak” (or send that scathing email) can probably save you some skin in the long run.
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ESFP: Too Impulsive
You’re open, charming and love a good time. Your social butterfly ways make you the life of the party, but you might take things too far sometimes. Your go-with-the-flow attitude means you’re not much of a planner. That’s fine for a night on the town but might mean you make longer term decisions too hastily.
ISFP: Aloof
Called “the adventurer,” the average ISFP is chill and ultra-curious. To those who prefer structure and rules, you might come across as too laid-back or aloof, but you can’t be bogged down by expectations or the norm. If you are sensing frustration in regards to this issue, open up the communication channels. A text thread never ruined one’s chill.
ENTJ: High Expectations of Others
You’re a passionate leader and a natural planner. Basically, you know how to get sh*t done, and you expect the same of the people around you. It’s OK to hold people accountable, but make sure not to be too harsh. If you’re leading a team, work on balancing criticism with praise. And make sure you’re truly setting up your crew for success.
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INTJ: Cold
As one of the most independent, private and strategic types in the MBTI, you’re not exactly the warm fuzzy type—which is fine—but be aware that this can come off to more sensitive types as standoffish or cold. When meeting new people, read the room: Your sarcasm and dark humor will be more of a hit with some than others. Go for the one-on-one conversations to really show off your dry wit and smart observations.
ENTP: Too Argumentative
As the “debater” of the MBTI, you’re an expert sounding board for everyone else’s ideas. When your opinion is solicited you shine, but when it’s not, you can come across as a little pugnacious or aggressive. You’re probably ready to argue us on this one—ha—but try to really see the other perspective before you start on another diatribe.
INTP: Seeming Detached
Intellectual and independent, you sometimes find it hard to connect with others. To more extroverted types, this can make you seem disinterested. You also have a tendency to get so caught up in your logic that you forget any kind of emotional consideration. If you feel misunderstood in certain situations, an email or a hand-written letter explaining your actual feelings goes a loooong way. (And you can do both of those things alone.)
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ENFJ: Too Sensitive
Your optimism and energy are unmatched, which makes you a natural leader. You like being in charge, but don’t like being challenged. When confronted with opposing ideas, it’s easy for you to take it a little too much to heart. Take a step back when this happens. Is this really about who has the best idea or about how you as a group can problem solve together?
INFJ: Too Private
As the resident extroverted introvert, being there for your friends is of utmost importance to you. But while you have lots of friends, you find it hard to open up to them, instead focusing all of your time on their lives. By not opening up to those closest to you, it can seem like you don’t trust them or value the relationship. So try to remember: Sharing is caring.
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ENFP: Too Needy
You’re very popular and friendly, ENFP. You’re known for getting pretty involved in your friends’ lives, but you can be a little too idealistic, and when they disappoint, you take it personally. Very personally. It’s not that you have to set lower expectations, but you should remember that, hey, we’re only human.
INFP: Impractical
An idealist, you seek harmony and optimism. The sense of calm you create is soothing to others, but you might occasionally take it too far. When something captures your imagination, you have a tendency to neglect practical matters and live with your head in the clouds, which can annoy pragmatists. Take care of business and then get back to your sound therapy.