WHY I LOVE (AND HATE) PERSONALITY TYPES

new year, same you, right? I'm not good at writing up new years posts (hence why you haven't been graced with one this year), so instead I thought that I'd tackle something that I've been thinking about for a while, but never shared on here!

personality types. the meyers briggs test. everyone talks about how accurate they are + how they're super helpful and really define who we are. but I both love + hate personality tests and the type they assign you to. I've taken the meyers briggs test a couple of times now and being one of those annoying people who absolutely loves taking quizzes, I've enjoyed it every time (taking other people through it is the best.). two outta three times, I was a ESTP and the third time I was an ENTP, because when I read through both type's synopsis, I wasn't just one or the other, I was both. and some of the things in one personality type weren't true of me and some traits in the other type were completely spot on.

then you go on to reading the career choices you have, the celebrities who are like you, the friendships you'll have, the type of soul mate you need and all that jazz. I remember one time I was reading about the type of friends I was supposed to have and the personality types that would suit me best and it said that I wasn't supposed to be friends with one particular personality type. it struck me as strange (and also made me laugh) coz one of my best friends was that type and we get along amazingly. we talked about how the Lord almost makes personality types void and how even if two people totally don't get along personality-wise, they can still love each other through with Christ's love. when you read through the synopsis of your personality, you can somehow feel as though you're supposed to act a certain way and that this is who you are and there's no getting away from it.

while it does definitely help you understand the way your brain works and the way other people work, it can sometimes stop you from continually bringing your sins before the Lord.

"oh, I just have a bad temper, I can't help it, it's my personality." ever said that before? or maybe, "I'm just a jealous person! it's who I am!" or even, "I can't help but worry about things! it's just my personality.". we can't allow personality types to give us an excuse for things that so obviously are a sins. that will get us absolutely nowhere! secondly, personality tests encourage us to do one thing in particular: focus on self. when we take these tests, read about them, linger on them, think about them, we're making self a priority. we're not thinking about Christ or others. we're allowing our own importance to get in the way (be honest with yourself, when did thinking about yourself ever give glory to God or serve another person in some way?).

I'm not saying that taking the tests is bad or even reading up about your personality type (or someone else's!) is bad either. in fact, I think that it can be super helpful + useful for understanding yourself and others! it can give you a new perspective on why your friend won't make split decisions or why you find organising easier than your sister or why you and your brother are both good leaders and terrible listeners. it helps you realise that people are different and that they work, function and comprehend in unique ways. it gives you a better understanding of your weaknesses and strengths and in which ways you can improve. so if you wondered whether I was going to come to some super strong conclusive end, hahahaha this is where you find out I don't. all of the above goes to say that I both love + hate personality tests and I'm not sure that's ever going to change. and I don't think I want it to.

what are your thoughts on personality tests + types? do you love them, hate them, couldn't care less about them? also, if you know it, tell me your personality type in the comments! any fellow ESTP/ENTPs out there?

jess
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