The ESFJ, nicknamed “The Consul”, is a personality type that belongs to the SJ Protector temperament. ESFJs are friendly and nurturing, with a dynamic presence that attracts people. Order appeals to them – they seek to preserve time-tested traditions and uphold rules. As conscientious helpers, they often feel a sense of responsibility towards others’ wellbeing, consistently extending support and lending a helping hand. Ultimately, ESFJs have a profound capacity for compassion, and they want to be liked. Their practical yet compassionate nature is one of the hallmarks of being a Consul.
Keen to know more about this type? Keep reading and you will learn about these topics:
Page Contents
- What traits characterize ESFJs?
- What are the ESFJ’s strengths and weaknesses?
- Which famous people are ESFJs?
- What are the best career choices for the ESFJ?
- How do ESFJs get along with other personality types, and what determines their compatibility in various relationships?
Before we dive in, let’s establish what the ESFJ personality type is like, in a nutshell.
Also known as Consuls, ESFJs are Extroverts who direct their energy outward, which makes them sociable and gregarious. Social interactions energize them and hence, ESFJs have many friends and enjoy attending and hosting group gatherings and parties. When it comes to processing information, ESFJs are Sensing Types. Unlike some of the dreamy and absent-minded types, they are attuned to the information their five senses bring them about their external world. Their realistic perspective allows them to trust facts and concrete experiences over intuitive, imaginative, abstract ideas. However, their pragmatism is balanced out by their Feeling preference. ESFJs make decisions based on heart and emotion. Empathy comes naturally to them, and their warm, compassionate attitude helps them to relate to other people. Finally, as a Judging personality type, ESFJs are decisive and centered on results, gaining satisfaction from finishing tasks. Whenever they can, they try to plan ahead and seek structure.
Regardless of what is happening in their lives, The Consul personality type is focused on their family and close friends. They love people, and they are gifted at bringing people together. They are often popular and likable, with a wide circle of acquaintances as well as deep, lasting relationships. Because they tend to share themselves generously, ESFJ is the personality type that epitomizes care-giving the most.
“It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes.” — Sally Field
They learn best through concrete examples and hands-on activities. They typically do well in school, and teachers are likely to appreciate their complaisant eagerness and emphasis on sticking to the rules. A service-oriented occupation tends to be a well-suited career choice for many ESFJs; they have a deep longing to make a difference in the lives of others.
ESFJ Key Facts
ESFJs fall under the SJ temperament category, which is also known as Pragmatists. These types are characterized as dependable, practical, and security-oriented people. On top of their strict work ethic, they have an altruistic streak and are driven to serve their community.
Here are some key facts that will help you get to know The Consul personality better:
- ESFJs are among the highest-scored types in terms of their capacity to handle stress
- More ESFJs are satisfied in their marriage or romantic relationship than any other personality type
- ESFJs are also the most likely to be satisfied with their coworkers
- ESFJs are the second most likely type to believe in a higher power
- Last but not least, they are likely to choose a career in religion, education, or healthcare
ESFJ Meaning
If you’re new to the concept of personality types, you’re probably curious about what the abbreviation ‘ESFJ’ stands for.
The letters in ESFJ stand for the four Personality Preferences that this type has: Extroversion (E), Sensing (S), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). Coined by Carl Jung, whose psychological theories form the foundation of our personality test, preferences are described as the unique dimensions that characterize a personality type.
In addition to their four preferences, a personality type is also defined by the stack of their Cognitive Functions, which determine how they make decisions and interact with the world. Just as preferences, functions also have four categories, and they follow a strictly individual order for each type – from dominant functions to inferior functions.
Let’s discuss how both, preferences and functions, relate to the ESFJ personality type.
ESFJ Preferences
Let’s take a closer look at what the four ESFJ preferences stand for:
Extroversion is characterized as a preference that focuses on the world outside the self. ESFJs are energized by social gatherings, parties, and group activities. And as extroverts are usually enthusiastic, gregarious, and animated. ESFJs often feel the need to talk and their communication style is verbal and assertive. They also enjoy the spotlight.
People who primarily use the Sensing preference are focused on the present. They are the “here and now” type of people who process the information through the five senses. Their style of thinking is concrete and literal, and they see things as they are. As Sensing types, ESFJs value facts, realism, and common sense. They especially like ideas with practical applications.
As Feeling people, ESFJs prioritize their subjective feelings over “objective” facts. They make decisions based on their principles and values. They are ruled by their heart instead of their head. Consuls judge situations and others based on their feelings and extenuating circumstances. They seek to please others and want to be appreciated. Harmony and social order are extremely important to them, and they are careful to be empathetic in their interactions.
Judging personality types such as ESFJs interact with the world in a structured manner. ESFJs try to maintain order and organization, so they quick to adapt routines to set up plans. They feel comfortable with closure, and complete tasks efficiently. Work consistently comes before play for them, and they almost always stick with deadlines.
ESFJ Cognitive Functions
As we’ve already mentioned, every person engages with the world through four cognitive functions. Each function can be either Introverted (the energy is directed inward) or Extroverted (the energy is directed outwards). The ESFJ’s dominant function is Extroverted Feeling, and their auxiliary function is Introverted Sensing.
Let’s take a look at the full ESFJ function stack:
Extroverted Feeling (Dominant Function)
ESFJs use this function the most. With the Feeling (F) preference, Consuls make decisions based on emotion and gut instincts. However, Extroverted Feeling can cause them to prioritize other people’s emotions over their own. This cognitive function allows them to adjust their behavior to the needs of others and hence, ESFJs try to act with warmth and consideration.
Introverted Sensing (Auxiliary Function)
ESFJs’ use of this function is somewhat high. With the Sensing (S) preference, ESFJs mainly process new information through their five senses. The Introverted Sensing function allows them to remember data in detail and to compare it with current information. It is the ability to link present experiences to past experiences in search of a connection.
Extroverted Intuition (Tertiary Function)
ESFJs use this function to a lesser degree. Through their Intuition (N) preference, ESFJs occasionally process data through impressions, possibilities, and meanings. When developed, Extroverted Intuition allows them to see the different paths. This function can help them be more open to uncertainty and consider ideas that don’t align with their own.
Introverted Thinking (Inferior Function)
ESFJ Description
Hopefully, by now we’ve given you a well-rounded picture of what ESFJs are really like. But we still want to build a full description of this personality type. So in this section, we’ll describe the prominent characteristics of ESFJs, along with the strengths and weaknesses that they possess. You can also check out our comprehensive article on ESFJ traits and characteristics.
Another way of achieving a better understanding of the ESFJ type is by contrasting it with the rest of the personality types. What are their similarities and differences? In what ways do they get along, and what are common pitfalls to watch out for when they interact? We wrote an in-depth analysis on how to spot an ESFJ, to give you further insights.
ESFJ Personality Traits
Following are some traits that describe the ESFJ personality type:
- Supportive
- Empathetic
- Committed
- Generous
- Traditional
- Responsible
- Warm
- Dutiful
- Disciplined
- Hospitable
- Caring
- Friendly
- Punctual
- Organized
- Relational
- Celebratory
- Loving
- Practical
Strengths and Weaknesses
We’ve listed some common ESFJ personality strengths and weaknesses below. Of course, these can show up differently from person to person. One ESFJ might struggle with certain weaknesses more than others, while another ESFJ may learn the healthy expression of a particular quality as they get older. In any case, these strengths and weaknesses are among the most common in ESFJs:
Strengths:
- Friendly and warm
- Attentive to other people’s needs
- Excellent administrative skills
- Service-oriented
- Honors commitments
- Principled and assertive
Weaknesses:
- Dislikes change
- Takes the blame for someone else
- Very conscious about social status
- Has trouble with conflict
- Stubborn about their beliefs
- Gets hurt easily
ESFJ Percentage
As previously stated, ESFJs are a part of the SJ temperament personality type. According to official 16 Personalities Institute data, SJ types make up 46.1% of all personality types. Individually, ESFJs make up 12% of the population in the USA. Here’s a summary of ESFJ demographics:
- In a survey of the US population for all 16 personality types, ESFJs made up 12% of those surveyed. This makes them the second most common personality type, right after ISFJs. On average, people are more Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging than the opposite preferences.
- 1 in every 14 males is an ESFJ (7% of all males). 1 in every 6 females is an ESFJ (17% of all females). There are more female ESFJs than any other type-gender combination.
- There are significantly more female ESFJs than male ESFJs. In fact, female ESFJs outnumber males by more than 2:1. One reason there are more female ESFJs is that females tend to be Feelers (F) while males are more often Thinkers (T).
Given the distribution of the 16 personality types, it’s likely that everyone has an ESFJ in their lives. To be precise, at least one in ten people are ESFJs. Female ESFJs may also be easier to spot than male ESFJs; aside from the difference in their numbers, male ESFJs may be less expressive with their emotions because of traditional gender expectations.
Other ESFJ Nicknames
The 16 personalities theory is becoming increasingly popular in many aspects of our lives (be it work, education, or personal). So it should come as no surprise that different sources give their own names to each of the personality types. Here are other names associated with ESFJs:
- Guardian Provider, according to David Keirsey, an American psychologist and professor
- Facilitator Caretaker, according to Linda Berens, a human and organizational development practitioner
- Harmonizer, according to Alan Brownsword, author of Psychological Type: An Introduction
- Friendly Facilitator, according to Jonathan P. Niednagel, developer of Brain Typing
And last but not least:
- Supportive Contributor, according to the official 16 personalities website
BONUS: here are some other names you can stumble upon when reading about this personality type on the Internet:
- Caregiver
- Caretaker
- Committed Altruist
- Cooperator
- Diplomat
- Public Speaker
- Seller
- Supporter
- Traditional Giver
Famous ESFJs
Out of all the 16 personality types, ESFJs especially have a knack for being popular. They tend to make friends quickly because of their outgoing personalities, and usually have expansive social circles. Since they can claim the spotlight with little effort, it’s not surprising that The Consul personality type is well-represented among celebrities and famous leaders. Their natural charm combined with their strong work ethic can help them stand out in the field of their choice.
Similar to real life, the ESFJ type also shows up quite often in fiction too. Whether in TV shows, movies, anime, or books, there are numerous examples of ESFJs, particularly as protagonists. One reason for this is their vibrant and emotionally expressive personality, which translates well on-screen.
If you’re interested, you can take a look at this epic list of 171 famous ESFJ people and characters. It includes short analyses of prominent actors, leaders, and even anime characters. Below, we have summarized some of the categories:
ESFJ Actors
Acting can be a great career choice for ESFJs. For one, they’re very conscious of the image that they’re projecting, and they know how to adjust their body language and tone of voice based on their audience. In fact, given they wear their hearts on their sleeve, they’re at ease with conveying a variety of emotions, which is a crucial skill for any actor. Their finely-tuned empathy makes them capable of putting themselves in the shoes of a character. On another level, ESFJ actors may be drawn to the prestige that comes with acting.
- Anne Hathaway, American actress (The Princess Diaries; The Devil Wears Prada; Interstellar)
- Chris Evans, American actor (Avengers; Captain America; Snowpiercer)
- Hugh Jackman, Australian actor (X-Men; Les Miserables; Prisoner)
- Jennifer Garner, American actress (Peppermint; 13 Going on 30; Elektra)
- Jessica Alba, American actress (Dark Angel; Fantastic Four; Sin City)
ESFJ Musicians
Some of the most memorable musicians are ESFJs, including major figures in the pop world today and classic icons who have produced hit songs for decades. The Consul musician almost always ends up building a community – they’re warm and devoted to their fans. Not the type to shy away from events and live performances, they look forward to these because they love bringing people together. Apart from the occasional stage anxiety, they know how to work a stage and give a performance.
- Alicia Keys, American singer-songwriter (If I Ain’t Got You; No One; Girl on Fire)
- Jennifer Lopez, American singer and actress (On the Floor; Ain’t Your Mama; Let’s Get Loud)
- Jon Bon Jovi, American singer-songwriter (Livin’ On a Prayer; Bed of Roses; It’s My Life)
- Michael Buble, Canadian singer-songwriter (Feeling Good; Home; Haven’t Met You Yet)
- Taylor Swift, American singer-songwriter (Love Story; Teardrops on My Guitar; ME!)
ESFJ Athletes
ESFJs are grounded in their bodies and keenly aware of their physical surroundings, which can serve them well when playing sports. Despite their affinity for hands-on activities, ESFJs don’t usually become athletes for the thrill of it or for the competition. They lean more towards team-oriented sports where they have a clear part to play, and they’re excellent at boosting their teammates’ morale. Being an athlete requires intense discipline, and ESFJ athletes rarely have problems sticking to routines or committing to training.
- Brian Scalabrine, American basketball player and TV analyst (Boston Celtics)
- John Cena, American wrestler and actor (WWE)
- Kylian Mbappe, French football player (Paris Saint-Germain; France national football team)
- LeBron James, American basketball player (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Nancy Kerrigan, American figure skater
ESFJ Leaders
ESFJs have an innate drive to organize resources and delegate tasks, and hence, can often end up in a leadership role. Their leadership style is service-oriented. They genuinely care about the impact of their choices on others and are willing to devote long hours to get their duties done. The Consul can be a highly efficient leader, briskly arranging logistics and following through with their projects. Their values tend to be more traditional, and they advocate for steady improvement rather than radical changes overnight.
- Andrzej Duda, Polish President
- Harry Truman, U.S. President
- Joe Biden, U.S. President
- King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
- Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
ESFJ Fictional Characters
In the colorful world of fiction, ESFJs often get cast as either the protagonist or the sidekick. Supportive, strong-willed, and occasionally sassy, they can be very engaging characters. ESFJ characters tend to be very vocal about how they’re feeling, and are the source of countless witty one-liners. Their character development typically involves them facing their fears and branching out of their comfort zone. Another common theme is learning to validate themselves rather than looking to others for approval.
- Dorothy Gale, Wizard of Oz
- Hercules, Hercules
- Margaret “Meg” March, Little Women
- Sansa Stark, Game of Thrones
- Will Schuester, Glee
ESFJ Compatibility
Given their high social intelligence and desire to include everyone, ESFJs can easily connect with most people. However, they tend to have smoother interactions with personality types that are similar to them. And may struggle with personality types whose worldview is starkly different from theirs, although these relationships can provide more opportunities for personal growth.
In particular, ESFJs may have a difficult time seeing eye-to-eye with NT temperament types (ENTJ, ENTP, INTJ, INTP). This is because the main preferences of NT types (Intuition and Thinking) compel them to have an opposing life philosophy as compared to ESFJs. NT types prioritize logic, and they primarily relate to people through intellectual rather than emotional connections. They can also be very blunt and objective, which can make ESFJs feel criticized.
Still, with sufficient compromise, Consuls have the potential to form fulfilling relationships with any personality type. Let’s take a look at how they behave in different relationships:
ESFJ Romance
Relationships take the center stage in ESFJs’ lives, and they’re very devoted to their partners, giving both affection and practical support generously. ESFJs are romantics at heart. They want a long-term, committed relationship with a person they can share their ups and downs with. Although ESFJs can be very playful with their flirting, this is more of a preliminary get-to-know-you stage for them. ESFJs are rarely impulsive when making major decisions, and they bring the same attitude when choosing their partner.
While dating, they often keep to the classic rules, such as being more formal on the first few dates. But once they commit, ESFJs are in it for the long haul. They can be very affirming and considerate as partners, and being able to share how they’re feeling is essential for them. In return, they look for a certain level of approval from their partners. ESFJs want to feel loved and cherished, and those dating an ESFJ need to make efforts to express their love consistently. They may also expect their partner to join them in social situations and bond with the other people in their lives.
Among the rest of the 15 personality types, there are two that are likely to give ESFJs a good balance of growth and comfort in romantic relationships.
1. ESFJs and ISFPs
This pairing is interesting because they are each other’s shadow type. They share the same cognitive functions, but they’re flipped; for example, ESFJs lead with Extroverted Feeling and Introverted Sensing, while ISFPs lead with Introverted Feeling and Extroverted Sensing. Because of this, they may find each other intriguing right away. Gentle and carefree ISFPs can catch the attention of ESFJs because of the artistic way with which they view the world. Likewise, ISFPs are comforted by the ESFJs’ optimism and genuine concern. ISFPs can also guide ESFJs to be more adventurous, while ESFJs could help provide a sense of structure to ISFPs. This can be a very beneficial pairing because both types give each other a sense of balance.
2. ESFJs and INFPs
Because they only have one preference in common, ESFJs and INFPs may seem like a strange couple, but they can actually be a compatible combination once they get together. Crucially, the primary function of these two types involves Feeling. This is a good point of similarity because both ESFJs and INFPs will be mindful of each other’s moods and sensitivities. They can build a secure relationship by being each other’s safe space. From there, the differences that they do have can be stimulating rather than grating. INFPs deeply want to belong, and ESFJs can help them feel more accepted and help them to open up. In turn, INFPs contribute imaginative, whimsical insights that broaden the ESFJs’ perspective.
These are the two matches that have the best potential for a harmonious relationship with an ESFJ. But it’s not like they can’t get along with anyone else though — you can read a full evaluation of their compatibility with the other personality types (including themselves) in this ESFJ Relationships article.
ESFJ Friendship
For ESFJs, striking up friendships with those around them is instinctive. Aside from being extroverted and approachable, they’re constantly trying to make other people feel at ease. From breaking up tension with a joke, to checking in on someone they’re concerned about, they’re hyper-aware of others’ reactions. It’s what makes them so socially savvy, and it’s also one of the reasons why they make great friends.
The Consul can switch fluidly from having intimate, private conversations to chatting about the latest trends. Although light-hearted topics can be fun for them, they can also be a shoulder to cry on for close friends. People usually open up to them because they’re good listeners. On the other hand, they can occasionally be overinvolved in their friends’ lives, and they can get into arguments when they clash with friends over their deep-seated beliefs.
While ESFJs can be incredibly caring and loyal as friends, there are a few personality types that may require much more adjustment from them in order to get along:
1. ESFJ and ENTP
Even though these two personality types can both be charismatic and high energy, it’s rare for them to become friends. ENTPs rely strongly on their Intuition (N) preference in most situations, indulging in lengthy philosophical conversations and coming up with ideas that they don’t always actualize. This can be frustrating for ESFJs, who are more direct and concrete in their thinking. In particular, ENTPs’ love for debating might not float well with ESFJs. ENTPs tend to debate for fun, challenging people’s opinions and even changing sides on purpose. If carried too far, this might accidentally lead to conflict. ESFJs may see this as pointless overanalyzing that can be potentially disruptive.
2. ESFJ and INTJ
ESFJ and INTJ is another personality pair that can feel at odds with each other. Since they only have the Judging (J) preference in common, there can be friction between the two of them because it’s challenging for either of them to understand where the other person is coming from. INTJs mainly excel at problem-solving. Since they can be ruthlessly analytical with their evaluations, they may not see the point of certain norms, and they may avoid dealing with other people’s emotions. In contrast, ESFJs respect many social rituals and traditions. Relationships and emotions are their forte. As a result, INTJs can seem cold and critical to them.
3. ESFJ and INTP
These personality types share no common preferences at all; in fact, INTPs are the polar opposites of ESFJs. Although both personalities can initially seem interesting to each other, profound differences in values and interests would have to be bridged for them to become friends. INTPs are fascinated with abstract ideas, and as introverted personalities, they deliberately seek out huge pockets of alone time to explore these. Unlike INTPs, ESFJs are constantly out and about, dedicating much of their time to new experiences and social interaction. Abstract ideas can seem like wasteful theorizing to an ESFJ unless these ideas are backed up with a practical application.
ESFJ Parenthood
Many ESFJs have been called the mom or dad in their group of friends because they’re observant of other people’s needs and are frequently looking out for someone. When they do become actual parents, the transition to taking care of their own children may be relatively seamless for them. Regardless of their other commitments, ESFJs tend to put family first, and they give much of their time, love, and energy to their children. ESFJs may organize regular family outings, with the intent of maintaining a strong presence in their children’s lives.
Dependable and kind-hearted, Consul parents will typically raise their children in an organized environment where their physical needs are well taken care of. They’ll also do their best to get to know their children, stepping into the role of emotional confidant. At the same time, ESFJs are willing to impose structure when necessary. They will try to make their children aware of responsibilities as well as societal expectations as they grow up. After all, they want their children to be prepared for the larger world beyond their home.
As much as they can be nurturing figures, ESFJs also have a long-standing respect for authority. They can be strict with certain rules, and they don’t tolerate rebellion well. They consider it their children’s duty to respect them, even if the child disagrees. Unhealthy ESFJ parents may struggle to talk about issues in a detached, rational manner, resorting to passive-aggressiveness or even emotional manipulation. At their best, though, ESFJs can be the strongest champions of their children, believing deeply in their capabilities and instilling in them a strong sense of being loved.
ESFJs at Work
ESFJs take their work seriously and are reliable in what they do, often putting their obligations ahead of their personal needs. Action-oriented and energetic, they rarely put off tasks and instead work through their to-do lists as soon as they can. Leaving a task open for too long is much more unsettling for them than actually getting their hands dirty with it. It’s not unusual for ESFJs to have running checklists in their minds, if not noted down on notebooks or planners.
ESFJs are go-getters who hate disappointing others and who are driven by their goals. On top of this, they tend to be talented at coordinating, handling details, and taking charge of project management. They thrive in a structured work environment where they’re assigned a clear role, and they’re mindful of hierarchy as well as appropriate behavior in various work scenarios.
Aside from their dedication, ESFJs tend to be well-liked in their workplace because of their ability to adapt to other people and the warmth that they inject into their day-to-day interactions. ESFJs align best with work where they can form emotional connections and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Considering one’s personality type, preferences, and traits can be illuminating for a job search, so we have laid out a small overview of some career paths ESFJs are likely to enjoy and be especially good at. Check out our article on ESFJ career matches and ESFJ careers to avoid!
ESFJ Careers
Patience and perseverance are among ESFJs’ top values. They typically end up making significant progress with their career and become valued members of their community. Although ESFJs frequently take initiative in their work, they value the sense of being part of a larger group too. Their desire for stability greatly influences their career choices, attracting them to established organizations and careers that offer job security. As long as they’re in a harmonious work environment that resonates with their ideals and acknowledges their contributions, Consuls will be motivated to give their best.
Below we have listed several ESFJ careers where this type could excel and likely find intriguing for a long time.
Healthcare
ESFJs are well-represented in healthcare, where they can show their compassion and provide care to patients in concrete ways. Working in healthcare is likely to be very meaningful for ESFJs, whose optimistic, take-charge attitude can be very uplifting for patients. Their well-honed observational and listening skills allow them to make detailed assessments and diagnoses, and they anticipate patients’ needs quickly. Healthcare jobs also involve following procedures meticulously, with little room for error. Given their good grasp of physical details, ESFJs can take these challenges in stride. They don’t mind repeatedly performing the same procedures with a high degree of precision and concentration. From checking up on patients to setting up treatment plans, many tasks associated with healthcare complement the ESFJ temperament.
Here are some examples of ideal ESFJ jobs in this field:
- Nurse
- Optometrist
- Pediatrician
- Physical therapist
- Surgeon
- Veterinarian
Education
Education is another field where ESFJs shine. In fact, ESFJs are among the top personality types who choose to be middle school and elementary teachers. ESFJs in education see it as more than a job; it can be a calling for them. Given their extroverted personality, communicating with students throughout the day is usually stimulating rather than draining. They are likely to do a good job of keeping in touch with parents, as well as collaborating with other faculty members. ESFJs are the type of teachers who actually notice every student in their class. Instead of simply being a source of information for their students, Consuls will act as a mentor and guardian, instilling values as well as practical skills. Since ESFJs are concrete learners themselves, their teaching style tends to be approachable and supplemented with hands-on examples.
Here are some examples of ESFJ jobs in this area of work:
- College professor
- Corporate trainer
- Elementary teacher
- Learning mentor
- School administrator
- Special education teacher
Management
For ESFJs working in corporate companies, their career trajectory might involve starting out in junior positions and then eventually moving up to management roles. As much as ESFJs are service-oriented, they are also compelled to create structure and order. Aside from keeping their physical spaces neat and uncluttered, ESFJs may devise routines and systems to streamline work. This tendency to control and organize is highly sought after in management positions. Even when they become managers, ESFJs remain cooperative and diplomatic, weighing everyone’s input and giving constructive feedback to their coworkers. They can see the strengths that each individual brings, hence, they’re spot-on with delegating work and can be inspiring leaders.
Here are some examples of ESFJ jobs that could be a good fit in this area of work:
- Administrative officer
- Human resources manager
- Marketing director
- Office manager
- PR executive
- Project manager
ESFJ Humor
ESFJs are social butterflies who enjoy making others feel good. Humor is one of their favorite ways to break the ice and get everyone in a relaxed mood, and they use this liberally when together with friends or family. However, even with their humor, ESFJs will constantly practice tact. Although they can enjoy teasing their friends, they prefer wholesome humor that won’t offend anyone, and they make sure that their jokes are not out of line.
Observational humor is a favorite among ESFJs, where they point out facts about daily life and cast it in an amusing light. Because they tend to be in touch with popular culture, they may also relate jokes that have been circulating widely online or among people they know. Alternatively, they might make references to funny lines from TV shows.
When they express their sense of humor, it’s likely to be on-point. ESFJs time their jokes and quips well during conversations. They take into account the kind of humor that’s appreciated by the people they’re with. As a result, they almost always succeed in eliciting laughter or at least smiles. You can find out more below about the specific jokes that they like below.
ESFJ Jokes
ESFJ humor is usually spontaneous. ESFJs go with the flow of the conversation, and they typically build on what someone was saying right before. Still, they may occasionally remember specific jokes, with the plan to use these at the right time. Jokes that are feel-good and easy to understand are likely to be the most appealing to ESFJs. After all, they wouldn’t want to risk people not getting their joke even after a few seconds! Here’s a sample of some classic ESFJ jokes:
- What’s better than a good friend? A good friend with chocolate.
- What do dentists call their X-rays? Tooth pics!
- How does a dog stop a video? By hitting the paws button.
This is just a small sample — they have much more to offer. Check out our article on ESFJ humor for some laughs!
ESFJ Quotes
ESFJs generally see the best in everyone, and they’re often inspired by real-life examples of people who exemplify their ideals or who have reached similar goals. Kindness, achievement, hard work, and stability are among ESFJs’ most prominent values. The following are some quotes by notable people, which ESFJs might find particularly inspiring. They also capture the life philosophy of this personality type very well.
“Goodness is about character – integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.” – Dennis Prager
“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.” – Tahereh Mafi
“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie