The ESTP's INFJ Shadow

Image Description: The image reads "The ESTP and their INFJ shadow"
with "The ESTP and their" being in Perpetua and "INFJ Shadow" being
in Zapfino. "ESTP" is in dark scarlet (#EE2E25). "INFJ Shadow" has a white outline
and a black fill. The words the, and, and their are completely white. The image is on a
black background.

I've read about how INFJs experience an ESTP shadow, so I'm turning the tables and explaining how ESTPs experience their INFJ shadow.

The ESTP under normal circumstances is pragmatic, outspoken, and energetic. This is because the ESTP is operating using their dominant and auxiliary function (Se and Ti respectively) to do whatever ESTPs do. Carl Jung shed light on our shadow selves by understanding and explaining it through the interface of cognitive functions. Like all facets of ourselves, our shadow self should be acknowledged and understood like we try to understand our conscious selves.

The ESTP's shadow mirrors negative traits of the INFJ personality type. The INFJ type is often venerated as one of the most insightful and enigmatic types. However, a negative manifestation of the INFJ's intrinsic qualities that surfaces when an ESTP is tired, overwhelmed, depressed, or just not themselves is a force to be reckoned with. Especially due to the nature of the INFJ, ESTPs need to take extra care in managing their shadow selves.

ESTPs in their INFJ Shadow often Find Themselves

• Missing opportunities due to anticipatory anxiety and not wanting to be a waste of time
• Imagining worst case scenarios
• Questioning their moral compass
• Absorbing emotions from others and having no idea what to do with them
• Self-loathing
• Acting hypercritical of themselves
• Abstaining from things they normally enjoy in the absence of a desire for self-improvement
• Projecting negative futures for themselves
• Not wanting to pursue their passions
• Overtaken by uncharacteristic apathy and/or pessimism (TL;DR)

This grip experience leads to a reduction in self-care. In your INFJ shadow, you may start disregarding your physical health and your work and hobbies. This is known as a "grip" because you feel like you're being slowly strangled in a large fist.

To get out of the grip and get back to a healthy order of your functions, get out and do something totally Se-oriented. Take a walk, invite a friend over to have fun, buy some nice clothes, listen to music, and/or make and savor your favorite food. Use Ti to analyze a cool new theory or explain a concept.

Now matter how long or short you've been in your INFJ shadow, your Se and Ti will remind you that this grip is irrational and that you should get some sun and stimulation. Take the time to get to know your shadow self and acknowledge it as a part of who you are. ESTPs generally don't delve into the deepest depths of themselves, so take it as an opportunity to explore!


This is a mashup of Clarity and Wildfire by JubyPhonic. I think mirrors the struggle of an Ni grip (Clarity) and struggling to get back to healthy functions (Wildfire).

This song, Tokyo Teddy Bear (dubbed again by JubyPhonic), reflects inferior Ni and the ESTP.

Does This Look Familiar?

Animation Description: An energetic dog dragging a reluctant horse with a teal rope on an open grass area

I felt like this GIF describes the ESTP/INFJ dynamic. Essentially, what happens is the following:

• ESTP: I want to dance or have an adventure or...do something! Come on, INFJ!
• INFJ: Seriously, ESTP! Why not rest and just BE?
• ESTP: That's boring! YOU ARE COMING WITH ME WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!!!
• INFJ: If you say so...

How to Spot Myers-Briggs Types in Disability/Special Needs Linkups

This is according to the Keirsey Temperament Sorter.
Disclaimer: I do not promote the ADD hoax in any way. Keirsey made a convenient MBTI sorter which I like to use. This is also predominantly humorous and, thus, to be taken with a grain of salt.

 The Guardians (_S_J)

• ISFJ (Protector): Will post with haunting regularity. ISFJs adhere to rules written and unwritten to a T and are loyal to their friends. The ISFJ makes everyone feel welcome and expresses their views using their experiences with societal norms.
• ESTJ (Supervisor): Posts occasionally about their involvement in various organizations and is not likely to complain about the school system. When the ESTJ complains, they are taken seriously. 
• ISTJ (Inspector): Posts about how schools are not likely to comply with the rules whether they are real or perceived. ISTJs enforce and comply with policies and will blog about the rules. The ISTJ ascribes to one organization that they are very loyal to.
• ESFJ (Provider): Posts about their family as well as promoting resources they like and writing comforting posts. Going to the ESFJ's blog is like getting a warm hug. ESFJs are generally very popular as bloggers.

 The Artisans (_S_P)

• ISFP (Composer): Likes posting aesthetics, food, and travel as well as disability. The ISFP probably likes traveling everywhere despite access issues. ISFPs generally have aesthetically-pleasing blogs and are nice, creative people.
• ESTP (Promoter): Will be that blogger who posts fives links at a time to about seven different linkups. The ESTP is very daring and outspoken. ESTPs will frequently link to things they like and liken abstract concepts to real-world things.
• ISTP (Crafter): The ISTP will post about practical issues more than their feelings and abstract ideas. ISTPs are the ones who review assistive technology and modify it to suit their needs; they are the ultimate realists: doing what needs to be done rather than thinking and worrying.
• ESFP (Performer): The ESFP posts sporadically and is fun incarnate. Their lighthearted, in-the-moment approach to disability is often welcome in their often wide circles. ESFPs will come up with all sorts of hacks to make their kind of fun accessible.

The Idealists (_NF_)

• INFP (Healer): INFPs are crusaders of their values. Often, INFPs are passionate about their cause, so they dedicated a blog to it. INFPs rarely share in or host linkups as they are strongly individualistic. The INFP has a strong sense of what they like and dislike, which is apparent in what they write about. 
• ENFJ (Teacher): The ENFJ cares strongly about others and likes to influence others on a large scales. ENFJs write with the intent to influence others; they prefer to try to diffuse conflict and mediate instead of starting flame wars. ENFJs are likely to both host and share in linkups.
• INFJ (Counselor): Is a paradoxical mixture of passionate and even-keeled. INFJs rarely share; rather, they prefer to have others stumble upon what they write by chance. The INFJ writes about their images and perceptions of disability as well as other ponderings.
• ENFP (Champions): Will campaign for their values with much ardor. ENFPs typically come off as friendly and demonstrative. ENFPs like to see the best in others and tend to write about their ideals of how the world should be.

 The Rationals (_NT_)

• INTP (Architect): Usually writes about ideas on how to better execute practical matters. INTPs are pragmatic visionaries and will document their overall thoughts rather than specific details. If INTPs document specific details, it will be part of a logical, principled vision.
• ENTJ (Fieldmarshal): ENTJs have a commanding presence that is apparent, even in their writing. Most likely, ENTJ bloggers are trying to use blogging to meet some kind of goal they have in mind. ENTJs like to host linkups, but frequently do not join them. 
• INTJ (Mastermind): INTJs are, more so than the other Rationals, inclined to write about science and disability rather than emotions, which gives them a heartless veneer. However, past this mask, INTJs are as caring as people can get. 
• ENTP (Inventor): More relational than the other Rationals. ENTPs will write about a wide variety of ideas and visions. ENTPs are usually seen turning ideas on their heads in their writing, even their own ideas. 

The Martyr Mommy's Primary Cognitive Functions

I am going to look at the martyr mommy (or daddy, but pattern occurs more in females) through the lens of cognitive functions. This is an archetype I am analyzing, not a specific person, so all accusations of personal attacks are null and void. I decided to look at this pattern through the lens of cognitive functions to examine why someone would make an active effort to exploit their children for pitiful praise.

Primary Processes:

The Base Function
The base function is the primary cognitive process one uses in order to execute various tasks. It is the function one naturally defers to, making it the default. This leads me to believe that the archetypal martyr mommy's dominant cognitive function is Fi, introverted feeling. Introverted feeling is about valuing, considering worth, using one's values to achieve accord, and telling whether one likes something. The martyr mommy uses their misguided values about their child in order to build communities and have others repeat the opinions they have formed. Not all Fi dom parents are martyr parents, but the archetype does heavily resemble Fi.

The Supporting/Auxiliary Function
The auxiliary function is the function one uses to support and affirm others. This function often works alongside the base function. The martyr mommy uses extroverted intuition, Ne, to pick apart what self-advocates say and make baseless accusations against them. She uses Ne, also, to read the stories of her kind and sympathize with them. Using Fi and Ne, the martyr mommy both cuts down self-advocates and builds up fear-soliciting parents by using her judgment of values and perceptions of formed contexts through what is said.

The Relief Role
The relief role is the role one uses to recharge and supply their energy reserves. This role is how one is creative and playful. When exhausted from their daily activities, the martyr mommy uses introverted sensing to review her past experiences with her child and uses them to generate her Internet content fodder. Since parents of this type are typically (or at least claim to be) under extreme stress, the relief function makes itself rather apparent. Recounting experiences and posting them for all to see and as a plea for pity is an example of the unhealthy Fi-Si loop.

The Aspirational Role
The inferior function or the aspirational role is used to project "shoulds", fears, and negatives onto others. It is this cognitive function that the martyr mommy's blog runs rampant with and may even be mistaken for her dominant function. The martyr mommy uses extroverted thinking, Te, to set and enforce her Internet locations' policies. She uses charts and graphs to organize data into effective propaganda for "awareness" and fearmongering. Using misleading statistics to promote snake oil cures is another way the martyr mommy uses Te as an aspirational role.

I am all about looking at disability issues through the lens of temperament theory. The archetypal martyr mommy most resembles an INFP Harmonizer Clarifier, but the martyr mommy neither harmonizes nor clarifies. Instead, she distorts and sows discord throughout the disability community. If you are an INFP, please be aware that I have nothing against INFPs. This is just a correlation resulting from the analysis of a specific archetype. Also be aware that the correlation is not the cause. Being an INFP does not cause martyr mommy-dom, but this type seems to be susceptible to it due to the nature of their cognitive functions. Again, this is just an archetype analysis. I am not accusing anyone of anything, just using Ne to make correlations and reveal patterns.

Autistic/ADHD ENTP (#16Disabilities)

I am an autistic ENTP. Since being an ENTP is a fairly new identity to me, I cannot delve into it as deeply as I would like to. ENTPs are, as a rule, dynamic and adaptable. ENTPs enjoy diving headfirst into new ideas and experiences. They are curious and a witty sense of humor. This MBTI opposes the stereotypical image of "autistic person," which is why I appear to be very "high-functioning" to most people (or maybe I'm a low-functioning ENTP).

I never really feel flustered or upset during breaks in the routine. In fact, I welcome reprieve from the routine. I intuited some aspects of social skills using my thinking function. I did things because no one said I couldn't do them. I pushed boundaries, experimented, gained awareness of the world through ideas, and took on seemingly insurmountable challenges. I had it easier than most, but no life is ever without its downfalls.

I didn't know I was an ENTP until recently. I mistyped as INTJ due to my pretending to be an introvert. Part of that I attribute to being in an introverted family and another part is fear of failure in general. I would rather have the entire world collapse around me than fail to meet a goal I have set for myself. For me, being an extrovert, rejection is failure. I feel rejection is a symphony of pain. The acute stabbing pangs of initial, direct rejections and dull, lingering aches from repeated or perceived rejections leave me erecting defensive walls as armor. 

Most things I do I do out of spite or sheer curiosity. I have rapidly shifting passions and find it difficult to commit to one thing. In order to decide that I wanted to play flute, I tried every other instrument available (clarinet, trumpet, euphonium, and saxophone) before deciding on the flute. It is not uncommon for me to stick with something I did on an impulse. I joined band entirely on a whim and it's an impulse I'm glad I followed. I also started blogging on an impulse, sometimes shifting my niche with no apparent reason other than that I need spontaneity. "P" types tend to be spontaneous in their doings.

I tend to move and fidget when I sit and take notes, but not very conspicuously. I'll jiggle my leg, twirl a pencil, and doodle random things. When I read, I listen to music when I do it because it helps me focus. Others would think it a distraction, but it helps me. I need immersive environments in order to be productive while others would find such a thing overwhelming. In order to swim, I need a "sea of stimulation," as I would call it, whereas others who are content with stimulation pools would feel like they are drowning. I like diving right into new ideas and experiences, but it takes me a few deep breaths to work up the courage to jump into the water.

Image Description:

1.  A horizontal bar graph titled "Your personality type is the debater (ENTP-A). Next to the graph is a fair-skinned, dark-haired man drawn in a geometric style smirking and saying "May I point out a couple mistakes in your argument?" At the bottom is a cyan button that says "Send results by E-mail."
1. Green bar=21% Extraverted 
2. Blue bar=56% Intuitive
3. Red bar=30% Thinking
4. Yellow bar=18% Prospecting 
5. Purple Bar=9% Assertive

The Final MBTI Verdict

So, am I an INTJ or an ENTJ? The correct answer is: Neither. After waffling between ENTJ and INTJ for the longest time, I settled on ENTJ for some time. It seemed to suit me because I like to lead. However, after some self-speculation, I found out that I couldn't quite be a those types because I don't like to be restrained to a plan with no way out. I am also more interested in understanding people than making them do my will (which is a close second).

Before I give you the answer, I'll have you play a game to guess my type (read: give you a series of frustrating hints). Scroll past the game if you are an impatient person (like me) and just want to know my MBTI.

• It is an NT type.
• This type likes to debate and tear other people's ideas apart for fun.
• It is known for mentally sparring purely for the sake of pleasure.
• Other types are likely to think of this type as mean-spirited due to their aforementioned pastime.
• This type can come up with great ideas, but will be miserable doing the "grunt work" in order to carry into fruition.
• This type is vehemently protective of INFJs (not that they need it) due to sheer instinct.
• In four temperament theory, this type corresponds with LaHaye's ChlorSan or SanChlor depending on what you think of this type.
• This type is a thrill seeker and experience junkie. Someone of this type would do something just so they could tell stories about it.
• This type works in bursts of energy rather than having a steady, systematic approach to working.
• This type has little to no boundaries for work and play. They work as play, play as work, make work fun by adding play, and make play productive by adding work. 
• As a rule, people of this type are very adaptable.
• Anyone who knows someone of this type (or is this type) knows what I'm talking about.

I took the 16 Personalities test again and got this result:

ENTP-A (Debater): 21% Extroverted 54% Intuitive 30% Thinking 18% Prospecting 9% Assertive

16 Personalities describes ENTPs, called Debaters, as "smart, curious thinkers who cannot resist an intellectual challenge." That sounds like me. The reason that I started a blog is to pick ideas apart, put them back together, and combine them with new ideas. NTs, such as myself, pursue knowledge relentlessly, especially in our areas of interest. 

The "P" in "ENTP" stands for prospecting. Prospecting types are, as a rule, spontaneous and adaptable to whatever change comes their way. My sporadic blogging "schedule" as well as my abrupt switching from one thing to the next is reflective of the "P" I tried to repress for so long. Though I do not always seem like it, I am an adaptable person. I can adapt myself to fit almost any situation as I see fit. I respond to my environment and the people around me. Five different people who see me in their five respective environments will have five different general ideas as to how they perceive me. This is not that I am a phony or acting a part. It is within my nature to adapt in such a way.

Whenever I see a general value, my first instinct is to find the exception to the rule or to attempt to tear a shoddily-built idea into shreds. No matter whose it is, be it Dr. David Keirsey's or my own, I will test the strength of my ideas. I wondered why I didn't do well working slowly and steadily. I work in spontaneous bursts of energy and keep going for as long as that burst of energy will sustain itself. However, I cannot be productive once the burst is gone. 

I was told to determine my MBTI by use of Jungian cognitive functions, which are as follows:

• Extroverted Sensing (Se)
• Introverted Sensing (Si)
• Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
• Introverted Intuition (Ni)
• Extroverted Thinking (Te)
• Introverted Thinking (Ti)
• Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
• Introverted Thinking (Fi)

My cognitive functions are as follows:

If the image does not load on your device or if you are using a text reader to gather information from my blog, the percentages are as follows:

• Extroverted Intuition : 84%
• Introverted Intuition: 79%
• Extroverted Sensation: 57%
• Introverted Sensation: 24%
• Extroverted Thinking: 72%
• Introverted Thinking: 75%
• Extroverted Feeling: 32%
• Introverted Feeling: 56%

I have been testing as types with completely different cognitive functions. In the ENTJ, extroverted thinking is the dominant function; introverted intuition predominates in INTJs. The way I could connect hidden meanings and other contexts did not fit dominant Te or Ni users. Extroverted thinkers lay out facts as correlations on charts, which is some of what I do, but introverted thinking fits me more, though it is not my dominant cognitive function. Introverted intuitors use transcendent understanding to predict the future as it unfurls. Ni users use complex, symbolic ways to explain universal themes of life. While I use a fairly great deal of Ni considering that it is a shadow function, weaving "idea threads" together into a fabric of understanding is characteristic of Ne users. 

My Disability and the Five Temperaments series came into fruition by sole virtue of Ne and Ti. As I penned the series, my main thought was "How could most people have failed to notice these connections?" I had two different ideas in front of me, completely independent concepts that seemed to have no relationship to each other, and I uncovered the connections because (1) no one else would and (2) because they were right in front of our faces all along, but we failed to notice them. 

ENTPs are limit pushers by nature. The phrase "It can't be done" is a challenge that invites ENTPs to prove that it can be done. I thought I wouldn't be able to run a blog, let alone have it reach 10,000 pageviews! However, because ENTPs are known for stubborn, I kept doing it. Though ENTPs are usually the subjects of glurge-y "inspiration" due to the feats they achieve, I have yet to see another ENTP disability blogger. In the meantime, I'll keep being the ENTP voice in this predominantly INFX community--and ENTProud of the part I play. 

Useful Links:

• Learn about Jungian cognitive functions.
• Learn about ENTPs.
• Take the 16 Personalities test.

Thanks To

• 16 Personalities for their awesome website
• All researchers behind discovering what MBTI is
• Personality Cafe and their wise members, who helped me to realize I was an ENTP in the first place

MBTIs as Disability Bloggers

• NT Types
• ENTJ: I will do research and analyze the disability community as a whole so I can lead and unite them with my ideas. After all, I was made to be a leader. The world needs MY perspective and MY ideas. I want to devise more efficient ways to deal with disability and not waste time on emotional posts. People need information to make progress, not fuzzy feeling fodder. Everyone has their part to play in carrying my visions into fruition. I'm always finding a way--or making one.
• ENTP: Hmm. Let's debate this issue. It looks like it will spark some good discussions. If we discuss this issue enough, someone will resolve it. That person could be me. Well, I might as well start this or else no one will. Ugh, why is everyone just parroting each other's opinions? Come on, DEBATE!!!! Nothing will get done if you all fumble around trying to please everyone. 
• INTJ: I have conducted extensive analysis of the disability community and a few its sub-divisions. Now, I will post my findings because this topic is not analyzed nearly enough. I will write something very long to make sure every detail gets mentioned and use technical terms rather copiously. Some of these ideas really need to be challenged. I hope someone finds my findings informative and useful for application. 
• INTP: We need to approach this issue with logic. Idealistic posts are nice, but what good are they with no practical application? Oh, I like this idea! I've haven't seen anything like it. It is a nice balance of the pragmatic and the idealistic. Still, it needs more from the pragmatic side. This theory needs clarification. I can do that. I'm just going to do my own thing and hope someone says something without trying to control me or make me control them.
• NF Types
• ENFJ: Oh, hi! I love your guys. I don't like robotic doctors. Do they even realize that we are human beings and not just sets of numbers? I don't like how people are pigeonholed and put into boxes when there is so much more to them! People should really be nicer to each other. I found this issue about how we interact. Remember to #JustActNaturally. What do you think, everyone? I welcome your opinions.
• ENFP: Hello there!!! Tell me your ideas, but make it quick. I don't want too many details. I bet we can do this if only we try to make the world a better place for everyone. We can all get along, can't we? Here's a feel-good story to help you get through your day. I don't know why some people think everything needs to have a practical application. People like that are so...cold and calculated. It makes me uncomfortable.
• INFJ: I will carry this idea into fruition. I hope I didn't accidentally hurt anyone with what I said! That would utterly destroy me. I must stick to my values if I am going to make the world a better place. I always try to do the right thing. Is everyone okay? I sure hope so. I'd hate to hurt someone by saying the wrong thing, so I'll stick to my values and adjust them as needed to accommodate everyone.
• INFP: Welcome to my blog! Have a cup of hot chocolate while you're at it.I'll try to understand where you're coming from, but I'd hate to develop the wrong idea of you. My values are a means of preserving my sanity, but I can adapt them if they hurt you. I'll try to make everyone feel welcome as long as you respect my values. If you ask for help, I'll give it to you. I can adapt to pretty much anyone, so come on by and I'll make you welcome.
• SP Types
• ESTP: Welcome, everybody! I will give you slices of my life because I like to live in the moment. Come here if you want to have fun and learn something new about me! I am a true "people person" and so full of zest and life I just had to start a blog! If I like your idea, I'll promote it and make sure everyone sees it. I just don't like a lot of details and other boring stuff. Anyway, I've got more friends to make! Bye!
• ESFP: HI!!!!! You're my best friend...and so is that person...and that person...and also that person! Why analyze everyone when you can have fun and be friends? All you need is a little bit of common sense and a lot of moments to navigate through life. To me, there is no tomorrow and yesterday is just a blur. I love being the center of attention and the life of the party! So come on, share the joy with me!
• ISTP: I'm working on this new project. Would you like to see it? My blog isn't particularly special, but, if that's what you're looking for, that's nice. I see things as they are and want to make sure that no one gets so wrapped up in their personal beliefs that they lose sight of objective realities. I'll get my hands dirty for a cause that appeals to me, but don't count on me to create some convoluted theory, okay?
• ISFP: I love art and it loves me back, so I want to share the love with a blog. I don't like to make waves or anything, just to be creative and take in the world. You can count on me to see something beautiful in everything--and I expect you to do the same. I am a very original and creative person and like to create things that appeal to the senses. You just need to do stuff moment by moment, you see? Don't try too hard.
• SJ Types 
• ESTJ: I draw the lines and make sure everyone can understand. Can't understand the latest theory? I can make it a tradition that everyone can understand. I like being part of a community, so that's why I blog! I want to make sure everyone is heard, so I'll put in a lot of effort to listen and make sure others do the same. My blog is full of traditions because I love them so. Gather around, everyone, and help me build this community! 
• ESFJ: Want a pat on the back or someone to put your baggage on? I'm your person. I love caring for everyone. I'm always looking for a way to help and will be active if I am pushed enough. I get everything done, perhaps because I don't do much, but I really love to do things for others. If you need anything, E-mail me and just ask. I love to make sure that everyone is well. 
• ISTJ: I like to take blogging one post at a time. My visions are logical, clear, and based on long-held traditions. I don't like the impractical theories of others. We need to use tried-and-true methods, ones that we know to work rather than ones we don't know work. I'm a practical person and I like to plan things out and have clear boundaries. Here are my blog rules. I expect that you comply.
• ISFJ: H-hi.... I don't think you'd notice me, but I'm forever at your service. My blog is nothing special, but, if that's what you're looking for, I'm glad that you like it. I'm blogging because there's no reason I would let a worthwhile cause like adding to the voice of the largest minority go unnoticed. I'd like to connect with you, so leave a comment. But please don't be brash in your approach. I don't like to be threatened....
• Discussion Questions
• What do you think is the most common MBTI (or MBTI group) among disability bloggers? The least common?
• Is there a hated MBTI or MBTI group among disability bloggers? Why do you think so (or not)? 
• Are there bloggers you think fit specific MBTIs? Who fits what MBTI and why? 
• What is your MBTI? How do you reflect that while writing?

Get featured on my Bloggers by MBTI list!

Labels Define Me

77% Choleric, 38% Sanguine, 69% Supine, 85% Melancholy, 8% Phlegmatic

Your temperament blend may be Melancholic-Choleric.

Dominance: 45%, Influence: 7%, Steadiness, 15% and Compliance: 33%

Extroverted 8% Intuitive 71% Thinking 71% Judging 28% Turbulent 15%

Introverted 12% Intuitive 79% Thinking 60% Judging 31% Turbulent 9%

Sanguine: 3 ( Strengths 0 Weaknesses 3) Choleric: 13 (Strengths: 7 Weaknesses: 6) Melancholy: 19 (Strenghts: 9 Weaknesses: 10) Phlegmatic: 5 (Strengths: 4 Weaknesses: 1)

My overblown obsession with temperament tests is most likely an autism symptom of mine. I scour the Internet endlessly for temperament tests and quizzes. Being this temperament zealot that I am, I take the same test multiple times to ensure the most accurate results. When taking the temperament test on Fighunter, I got the melancholic-sanguine result the most often after five trials, but got melancholic-choleric the most often after twenty trials. Sometimes, I got melancholic-phlegmatic as a result, which I found odd because I score comparatively very low on phlegmatic traits when compared with other traits.

I have wondered why "Don't let labels define you" and "Labels don't define me" have become common iterations in the disability community. Such statements I find illogical and misleading because, ultimately, labels define everyone and everything. Avoiding labels will not make them define me any less; I outright and actively pursue them in an effort to understand myself and others more clearly. The phrase "Labels are for soup cans" is an example of denying the importance of labels, but I will use it to explain their importance. Most consumers look at the label when purchasing soup to verify the can's contents and choose their soup accordingly. Likewise, if I can "read" someone's labels, I have useful information about why they act the way they do so I can adapt accordingly.

When I first started blogging, I tried to adopt the Keirsey Idealist style I have seen in many disability bloggers. I increased in popularity, but I felt unauthentic and purposeless. It felt as if I were a mirror for other people's opinions rather than someone sharing their own perspective. My five temperaments series was the biggest risk I have ever taken while blogging. It was the first post I truly felt was mine, not just my echoing other opinions.

It was then that I embraced my love for labels.

My love for labels alienates me from others who condemn their use. They say people are too unique to shove into categories and that labels are evil. While some people are forced to fit every parameter of a label or given the wrong ones and, thus, are harmed, correctly-used labels help to create understanding of the individual. One label cannot define a person, but the sum of every one will.

I am not autistic before I am a Keirsey Mastermind. Neither am I a Keirsey Mastermind before I am autistic. The two define me equally. Likewise, my ADHD is not any less of an integral part of me than my supine tendencies or ambiversion. I will not be any less autistic, ambiverted, or I/ENTJ if I chose to disown these classifications rather than embrace them. I would still have labels like forceful, blunt, sensitive, weird, and musical to describe me, but they would not help me to come to the understandings that temperament and disability labels did.

Labels are my main source of pride. If you were to ask me "Do labels define you?" to my face, I would say in true forthright choleric fashion, "Of course they do. How else can I explain my individuality?" In a world without labels, I wouldn't be able to function. I would not be able to adapt to someone else's quirks and foibles if I could not guess their temperament and act accordingly. I would expect everyone to operate by my system and act hostilely towards those who do not understand me. Without labels, I would accidentally hurt my sanguine friends expecting them to be melancholic like myself. However, because I know they are sanguine, I can adapt to meet their needs and better infer the way they perceive the world.

Labels are what we make of them. It is ultimately up to the individual if they are destructive or constructive, harmful or beneficial, significant or trivial, or anything else. I have made them badges of pride and individuality that I proudly display to everyone, no matter how they perceive labels. I never understood the label aversion due to my obsession with them. The labels others see as scarlet letters I will see as badges of pride. The sum of every label defines the individual and it all boils down to one common label: myself.

Links to the Tests In Order That They Appear as Pictures:
http://helloquizzy.okcupid.com/tests/the-five-temperaments-test
http://temperaments.fighunter.com/?page=test
https://www.123test.com/disc-personality-test/
http://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test 

It's Not Just Temperament: ADHD and the "Extreme Sanguine" (#INJTChallenge)

For those of you who don't know, October is ADHD awareness month. Thus, I find that it is fitting to dispel one of the most common myths surrounding the disorder. The image of stereotypical ADHD represents the sanguine temperament in many ways; however, I am not predominantly sanguine.

The "extreme sanguine" stereotype promotes false positives and false negatives. The sanguines, usually ESFPs, falsely test positive for ADHD if given faulty and misleading diagnostic criteria while melancholics, cholerics, supines, and phlegmatics who have the condition, but don't know it, fall through the cracks. ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that can affect anyone no matter what their temperament is; it is not "just temperament" as the naysayers say it is.

Many sanguines' experiences with ADHD are discounted because they are "just sanguine". A neurotypical sanguine would display inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity to greater extents than what is typical for a melancholic, choleric, phlegmatic, or supine; the "clinical line" when what looks like temperament characteristics indicate ADHD is ambiguous and blurry. Parents may deny that their child has ADHD because they say to themselves "My child can't have a disorder. It's over-diagnosed. They are just sanguine."

On the other hand, ADHD goes unnoticed in people of other temperaments, especially the melancholics and phlegmatics. The melancholic tends to hide their symptoms under their talents while the phlegmatics seem especially lazy and disinterested. A choleric would show more outright belligerence and have little regard for tasks that do not interest them; the supines would perform all tasks to the best of their abilities, but cry and retreat within themselves, wondering why they can't be good enough.

A defect in one's dopamine receptors and differences in neurological pathways are not temperament. They can mask someone's temperament and change the way their temperament manifests itself, but do not change temperament. To the untrained eye, I look like a sanguine when I am indeed a melancholic-choleric with ADHD.

Thus, I challenge you to write a post for ADHD awareness month regarding temperament classifications and ADHD and tag it with #INJTFroma/n(Your MBTI) and/or #INJTChallenge. Alternatively, you can reblog this image with the hashtag redone in AI or Photoshop. The font used for the hashtag is Myanmar MN size 36. The image is below and up for alteration.

Type the tag #INJTChallenge into your search engine to see who else is doing it. The first contributor will get to guest post on my blog.

How That Would Work:

• E-mail me (flutistpride@gmail.com) with the subject as the title of your post, the post text and corresponding images and tell me where you want the images placed. Include a short biography (1-4 sentences) and a link to your blog/other Internet content if you have any.
• I may or may not edit or pare down your submission for conciseness, grammatical correctness, or to censor profanities. I will never add onto your post.
• When I deem your submission edited sufficiently, I will run it by you.
• After we come to an agreement, I will post it and credit you with the first to complete the INJT challenge. 

(A/N: This post is deliberately brief and ill thought-out because I want you to outdo me.)

Participants and Promoters So Far:
Meredith.S
Sylvia Phillips 

Why I Love Labels

Why I Love Labels

Why would someone have more of a problem with “I am autistic” rather than “I am female”, “I am Asian-American”, or “I am melancholic-choleric with supine tendencies”? Labels are verbalizations of what make us who we are and, as most people take great pride in their identities, I see no problem with labels as long as we embrace them as an explanation of whom we are.

Labels can become harmful if misused, but they are not inherently harmful. In fact, I predominantly learn using labels because I am a verbal learner. I would feel threatened by people who are different from me if I did not have a label to ascribe their traits to; most likely, I would end up rejecting every ESFP that ever came my way. As an INTJ, the ESFP nature would be a foreign concept to me without the Myers-Briggs classification system and thus, I would alienate these people because I would not be able to understand them.

Likewise, knowing that I am autistic and have inattentive ADHD makes me understand myself and the way I operate to a higher extent than if I did not use labels. I can use my labels to deliver useful information about myself without disclosing particularly invasive details about my life. My interest in/obsession with labels is most likely an autistic trait of mine; I usually spend my time scouring the Internet for temperament tests like DISC assessments, temperament testing, and countless informal personality quizzes when I’m not blogging or reading other blogs.  

I have yet to meet someone who goes out of their way to describe others as “people with (gender/race/religion/other) or “someone who happens to be (temperament classification).” However, more often than not, I see emphasis on person-first language when it comes to disability labels. This suggests that disability labels are something to be ashamed of while others are readily embraced; the phrase “person who is a Keirsey Rational with autism” can be interpreted as “I am ashamed of my hardwiring and wish I were a neurotypical Artisan.” I find it illogical to put my "person first" because the labels are verbalizations of parts of the person. 

An INTJ label does not mean I have to be the stereotypical, “extreme” INTJ often shown in television and other forms of media nor does an autism diagnosis mean that I need to fit the mold of an autistic person exactly. Contrary to popular belief, labels are freeing rather than confining. The increased self-awareness increases positive adaptivity as well as greater self-esteem. Whether accepted or denied, labels are one of the most important parts of disability advocacy. 

As long as I am treated like a person first, there is no need to express it in language. I have met many a person who uses person-first language, yet treats others and myself like we are diagnoses. Though I am a verbal learner, the smallest action can rise above a sea of words on any occasion. Regardless of your disability (or lack thereof), Myers-Briggs type, Galen temperament, Keirsey temperament, or other identifying factors, labels are tools used to create understanding. Whether this understanding is correct or incorrect depends on one’s interpretation of said label.