These past few weeks, I’ve had fun learning about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which identifies people as one of 16 personality types based on their natural preferences. For example, I am an ENFJ – Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging (really, they spell it ‘extravert’, not ‘extrovert’). Translated:

• Extraversion – I am energised by being around people
• Intuition – I get information about the world by seeing big picture patterns and meanings
• Feeling – I make decisions based on what other people care about and maintaining harmony between people
• Judging – I prefer arranging my life in a structured and organised way.

The opposing preferences are Intraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving. All the types are described here.

It’s not the individual type elements that are interesting — it’s the way the four preferences interact. You end up with a big report about how you prefer to behave and how people perceive you. My report pegged me almost exactly.

“ENFJs are energetic, enthusiastic and very aware of others. Their genuine interest can usually draw out and involve even the most reserved person.” They may “worry, feel guilty and doubt themselves… Be overly sensitive to criticism, real or imagined… Find it difficult to admit to problems or disagreements with people they care about.”

And the revelations continue for 10 pages.

Ever since finding out my type, I’ve been observing its accuracy. It’s interesting and disturbing at the same time. This weekend, I feel like the people around me have suffered my over-friendliness, stubborn refusal to discuss issues that I take personally and preoccupation with schedules and punctuality.

I’ve been wondering if the MBTI results have allowed me to “know thyself” or if it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. “Gee, I’m an extravert, I’ll be super-not-shy and ask that random stranger to dance because he looks lonely and it hurts me when people are lonely but I’d better to check the timetable to see if I have a few minutes before I have to go help set up dinner.”

For someone with a love-hate relationship with labels, the MBTI is a scary thing.