If you’re reading this post, there’s a high chance that you’re trying to work out if you’re an ENTP vs. ENFP personality type. These two types are often confused because they share many of the same characteristics. Both types are outgoing, social, and creative. They both have an incredible ability to think outside the box.
But there are also some core differences between how these types think and experience the world. In this post, we explore these key differences. If you’re unclear about your type, we hope this helps you.
So here are five differences between the ENFP vs. ENTP personality types:
1. Dealing with emotions.
ENFPs and ENTPs deal with feelings in very different ways. For starters, ENFPs tend to be more comfortable dealing with the irrational nature of emotions than ENTPs.
ENFPs are exceptionally aware of their feelings and often wear their hearts on their sleeve. They are constantly processing their emotions, and, as a result, they can sometimes seem like they’re in their own world. In addition, ENFPs are deeply empathetic and often imagine how they would feel if they were in someone else’s shoes.
When possible, ENFPs consider how they felt in similar situations in the past in order to understand what someone is going through. They essentially have a library of emotions from a range of experiences, and they can draw on them when they choose. This means that they are often incredible actors.
On the other hand, ENTPs can find it hard to process their own emotions. This is because they prioritize logic.
While ENTPs do feel things deeply, they often try to rationalize their emotions because they find it hard to accept anything that doesn’t have a logical explanation. Seeing as feelings often don’t have an entirely rational origin, ENTPs can find them confusing or even overwhelming.
Nonetheless, ENTPs are often exceptionally talented at reading other people and understanding their emotional states. This is one of the reasons why they are so charming. They usually know exactly what to do and say.
2. Making decisions.
ENFPs and ENTPs focus on different criteria when making decisions. When deciding on the right path, ENFPs prioritize emotions, while ENTPs place more of an emphasis on logic.
ENFPs have a deep need to stay true to themselves when making decisions. They primarily think about if the potential course of action is in alignment with their values. As a result, they are often individualistic.
When making decisions, ENFPs ask: “How do I feel about this?” ENFPs are driven by a need to remain authentic and often make decisions based on what feels right. Ultimately, they are always looking to create harmony within themselves.
ENTPs primarily use inductive logic to make decisions. This means they start at the theory, then go to the facts, and then return to the theory. Essentially, ENTPs tend to use facts to prove their theories.
Over their lifetimes, they build up an internal web of knowledge about how the world works. In fact, they can find it hard to accept information that conflicts with their framework of knowledge.
When making decisions, ENTPs ask: “Does this make sense to me?” Ultimately, they are always looking to create coherence within themselves.
3. Sociability.
As extroverted intuitive perceivers, ENTPs and ENFPs love to be out in the world discussing novel concepts with people. However, both of these types tend to be ‘introverted extroverts’ in the sense that they also need a reasonable amount of alone time.
ENFPs come across as warm and open. They love to be surrounded by people and often have many friends from all kinds of places, from a diving trip to Jamaica to someone they met in the corner shop down the road from them.
In fact, they naturally draw other people in with their infectious enthusiasm and zest for life. Meaningful connections are the center of an ENFP’s life. A life without intimate relationships isn’t a life worth living for an ENFP.
As a result of their focus on people, ENFPs tend to think more about how their actions impact others.
While ENTPs are outgoing and bold, they are less focused on people. They do value deep connections, but they are less of a priority for ENTPs than for ENFPs.
However, seeing as ENTPs are charming and fun to be around, they often have a wide circle of friends. They aren’t the most organized personality types and will often make last-minute plans.
In addition, ENTPs tend to be more skeptical than ENFPs and can be wary of other people having ulterior motives. This means that they tend to be more guarded, and it can take them longer to open up.
4. Communication style.
ENFPs and ENTPs tend to be outspoken and talk loudly. Both types tend to think as they speak, which means they might say something and then restate it. However, ENTPs are more direct in the way they communicate, while ENFPs are more likely to think about how their words will impact other people.
ENFPs are warm in the way they communicate. It’s common for people of this type to ask a lot of questions because they are deeply curious about people and are good listeners. ENFPs are more likely to be expressive and emotional in their communication style. They may use anecdotes and personal stories to help explain their points, whereas ENTPs tend to use logic.
In addition, ENFPs are generally open about their emotions. They choose their words carefully and are often very persuasive. Not in a salesy way, but in an authentic manner. ENFPs are empathetic, and they love to offer support when talking to others, particularly those they care about.
ENTPs are straightforward and more detached when they communicate. Seeing as they focus heavily on logic, they place less emphasis on how things make them feel, and this shows in the way they communicate. As one of the most creative types, they are full of ideas, and they love to share them.
Hearing other people’s opinions helps ENTPs to clarify their own thoughts. This is one of the reasons why they love to debate (ENTPs are sometimes known as ‘The Debater’). They will often jump from one topic to another in quick succession, although ENFPs do this too.
At times, they can come across as blunt, and although they are skilled at talking about a wide range of topics, they can struggle when it comes to discussing their emotions. ENTPs often surprise people with their depth of knowledge about obscure topics.
5. Showing love.
ENFPs and ENTPs take different approaches with regard to how they show love. In general, ENFPs are more open about showing someone they care.
ENFPs are always looking for ways to help their loved ones, and they feel happiest when they are able to do so. They are naturally aware of the needs of others, and they have a desire to make life fun and enjoyable for everyone.
As a result, ENFPs naturally let those they care about know that they are loved. They often do this in many ways, including spending quality time with them and verbally showing their affection.
Ultimately, you won’t be left wondering whether an ENFP cares about you or not. They will make it known. ENTPs, on the other hand, are not as naturally inclined to show their love and care in such overt ways.
For ENTPs, actions speak louder than words, and they often express their love through thoughtful gestures. This doesn’t mean that ENTPs don’t care about their loved ones; it’s just that they tend to express it in less obvious ways.
However, they can come across as cold at times, and this is usually unintentional. Seeing as ENTPs sometimes detach from their emotions, they can forget to show their softer side, especially if they feel tired or stressed.
ENTP vs. ENFP frequently asked questions
So now we have explained the key differences between the ENTP vs. ENFP personality types. Even for those who have explored personality types in depth, it can still be hard to tell the difference between these two types.
Let’s now look at some frequently asked questions about each personality to help make it clearer for you.
Are ENFPs vs. ENTPs more empathetic?
Both ENFPs and ENTPs are known for their outgoing, talkative nature. In addition, both types are naturally skilled at seeing both sides of any issue.
ENTPs are skilled at reading a room, but when it comes to empathy, ENFPs tend to be more naturally attuned to other people’s emotions. They are able to put themselves in their shoes and imagine what they are feeling. On the other hand, ENTPs are more likely to focus on the logical side of things and may have difficulty empathizing with others.
Ultimately, empathy is about understanding and connecting with others. Both types have the ability to be kind and caring, but ENFPs are more likely to feel empathy innately.
Are ENFPs vs. ENTPs more independent?
You might be wondering whether ENFPs or ENTPs are more independent. After all, both personality types are known for their desire for freedom and for keeping their options open.
However, when it comes to true independence, ENTPs tend to be slightly more independent than ENFPs. This is because ENTPs are less reliant on other people as a source of their happiness. In fact, ENTPs often pride themselves on their independence.
ENFPs need regular, meaningful conversations with those they are close to in order to feel fulfilled. While ENTPs need this to some extent as well, they often spend more time on hobbies and interests that aren’t related to people.
At the end of the day, both types place a lot of importance on the ability to be autonomous, but ENFPs have a greater need for social connection than ENTPs.
Are ENFPs vs. ENTPs more creative?
When it comes to creativity, both ENTPs and ENFPs tend to excel. These two personality types are often skilled at coming up with original ideas and seeing the world in their own unique way. Arguably more so than any other type, they have an exceptional ability to think outside the box.
However, there are some key differences between the two types. In contrast, ENFPs are more likely to use their creativity for fun and self-expression. They may be drawn to creative pursuits such as writing, painting, or music. As a result, they may seem more fanciful and whimsical than ENTPs.
ENTPs, on the other hand, are known for their quick wit and ability to see possibilities where others see dead ends. In addition, they are more likely to use their creativity to solve problems. This is because they are excellent at identifying patterns and coming up with innovative solutions.
Ultimately, both types have an ‘out-of-the-box’ creativity, but they tend to find different use cases for it.
Final thoughts on ENFP vs. ENTP differences
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our individual ENFP and ENTP posts, which delve deeper into each personality type. Last but not least, you might also enjoy our posts about ENFP vs. ENFJ and INTP vs. ENTP.
