No, it's not a bad thing at all. I just think that a lot of ENFJ's are unaware of this stuff. I was, and it helped me so I wanted to bring it to light.
You're welcome, I hope that more people see this post =)
Follow up to "Solutions to dark thoughts and loneliness"
This is a follow up, and my best attempt at some "solutions" to the ENFJ specific dark thoughts and loneliness that I addressed in this post.
Since I wrote that post, I've talked with a therapist about these issues and I've literally never felt more "at peace". Most people here know that as an ENFJ you have uncomfortable thoughts (mostly when you are alone), that have the potential to rip you apart and bring about horrific emotions and feelings. Most of these feelings come from FEAR. Fear of not being enough, fear of being looked down upon, fear of not living up to your and others' standards. The list goes on. ENFJ's truly put their whole heart into the people and things they care about, so not being enough, or good enough is very scary. With this specific issue, we have to realize that people are different. Only give yourself to people and situations that are worth it. Everybody IS NOT awesome. Everybody DOES NOT have potential. But you do, and there are others who do as well, so go out and find them.
This brings me to my next point... emotional and psychological depth. People communicate and feel on different levels. From my experience as an ENFJ, I can conclude that we are very deep and crave a certain level of intimacy in most of our interactions. We make the mistake of believing that everyone is like us when in fact, they aren't. Most people don't communicate as deeply as we do, sometimes because they aren't comfortable, but often because they are unable. At times ENFJ's can be confusing, or upsetting to communicate with either because the other person does not understand the ENFJ's level, or because they are insecure that they cannot communicate in that way. This can cause us to misinterpret and over-think these interactions, blaming ourselves and wondering what WE did wrong.
(Further links and insight on Emotional Intensity and depth: in children, in adults, NYTimes article)
Overall, both of these topics show why ENFJ's are unique, special, and have important core values that they should be proud of. The people who are worth giving your time and commitment too probably already know this about you, which is why they are so drawn to you.
Since I wrote that post, I've talked with a therapist about these issues and I've literally never felt more "at peace". Most people here know that as an ENFJ you have uncomfortable thoughts (mostly when you are alone), that have the potential to rip you apart and bring about horrific emotions and feelings. Most of these feelings come from FEAR. Fear of not being enough, fear of being looked down upon, fear of not living up to your and others' standards. The list goes on. ENFJ's truly put their whole heart into the people and things they care about, so not being enough, or good enough is very scary. With this specific issue, we have to realize that people are different. Only give yourself to people and situations that are worth it. Everybody IS NOT awesome. Everybody DOES NOT have potential. But you do, and there are others who do as well, so go out and find them.
This brings me to my next point... emotional and psychological depth. People communicate and feel on different levels. From my experience as an ENFJ, I can conclude that we are very deep and crave a certain level of intimacy in most of our interactions. We make the mistake of believing that everyone is like us when in fact, they aren't. Most people don't communicate as deeply as we do, sometimes because they aren't comfortable, but often because they are unable. At times ENFJ's can be confusing, or upsetting to communicate with either because the other person does not understand the ENFJ's level, or because they are insecure that they cannot communicate in that way. This can cause us to misinterpret and over-think these interactions, blaming ourselves and wondering what WE did wrong.
(Further links and insight on Emotional Intensity and depth: in children, in adults, NYTimes article)
Overall, both of these topics show why ENFJ's are unique, special, and have important core values that they should be proud of. The people who are worth giving your time and commitment too probably already know this about you, which is why they are so drawn to you.
1 - 4 of 9 Posts
You're welcome, I hope that more people see this post =)
Haha, I hear what you were saying about the woman with the pen. Also, I feel the exact same way as you because I also have really high highs, and really low lows. I've questioned whether I'm bipolar as well, but I think it comes down to emotional awareness more than anything.This speaks to me, loud and clear. Although the example of emotionally deep person, who was depressed after losing her pen, made me cringe a little. But I wondered sometimes, if what I have is a mild form of bipolar: my lows are REALLY low, but my highs make up for them easily.
I have done more research on this topic and would like to share it with you all. In my original post I talked about emotional depth and levels. In the links I posted, this trait was described as "gifted", however a person with this personality trait may also be referred to as a "Highly Sensitive Person", or "HSP". I know for sure I am one, and it is very helpful to me personally to have this knowledge.
"Sensory-Processing Sensitivity", or "SPS" is the scientific term for this biological condition. This trait is found in other species than humans and is a Frequency-dependent evolutionary process. With that being said, the brains and nervous systems of organisms with SPS work differently than those without. The science garble may be a little off topic, but I just find it all so interesting :tongue:.
Carl Jung has also done work relating to this subject, so it may be connected to the MBTI personality types in some way, bringing us around full circle to the ENFJ type and dark thoughts.
See for yourself...
Info on the Highly Sensitive Person: The Highly Sensitive Person, Highly sensitive person - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 16 Habits Of Highly Sensitive People
Let me know what you guys think.
"Sensory-Processing Sensitivity", or "SPS" is the scientific term for this biological condition. This trait is found in other species than humans and is a Frequency-dependent evolutionary process. With that being said, the brains and nervous systems of organisms with SPS work differently than those without. The science garble may be a little off topic, but I just find it all so interesting :tongue:.
Carl Jung has also done work relating to this subject, so it may be connected to the MBTI personality types in some way, bringing us around full circle to the ENFJ type and dark thoughts.
See for yourself...
Info on the Highly Sensitive Person: The Highly Sensitive Person, Highly sensitive person - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 16 Habits Of Highly Sensitive People
Let me know what you guys think.
1 - 4 of 9 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Personality Cafe
A forum community dedicated to all ranges of personality types and people. Come join the discussion about health, behavior, care, testing, personality types, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
Pure Violet
985 Replies
WickerDeer
741 Replies
Ms. Aligned
716 Replies
