Can ENTPs be Introverted? (+7 ways to find out)

In today’s post, we will answer the question – “Can ENTPs Be Introverted?” We will discuss the  ENTPs personality type, how to overcome the introverted nature, some popular ENTPs all according to the cognitive dimensions given by Carl Jung, and used practically in Myers – Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

CAN ENTPs BE INTROVERTED?

ENTPs can be introverted. Contrary to the popular belief, the E in ENTP stands for extraverted and not extroverted. Extraverted means the energy source from which a person gains stimulation. So, an ENTP can gain ideas and energy while being around other people but can still be an introvert. They might come off as an introvert but can warm up to the surroundings.`

WHY ARE ENTPs INTROVERTED?

Here’s why ENTPs can be introverted- 

• The extraverted feeling (Fe) which refers to the desire to associate and connect with others is not dominant in ENTPs.
• Social and Cultural influences
• Parenting style and socializing agents 

THE INTROVERTED NATURE OF ENTPs

Since we have already answered the question – Can ENTPs be introverted, now let’s discuss the introverted nature of ENTPs.

• Recharge Post Socialization 

ENTPs are independent and curious beings. While they love to engage in conversations and brainstorm in social setups, they like to recharge themselves by spending time by themselves. This at times may confuse people who interact with them and take them as extroverts. 

This does not necessarily mean that they won’t participate in social setups but they do like their time. Escaping from clinging and smothering people won’t be something new to them since they are very independent people who like their own space. This could be one of the plausible explanations for the question – Can ENTPs be introverted?

• Shy Away From Shallow Socialization 

The Visionary ENTPs often love debates but if not provided with meaningful or valuable conversations, they will feel drained. Shallow conversations bore them. Intellectual people who can provide deep conversations are their social partners.

They thrive for conversations that will stimulate their minds. An intellectually stimulating environment would give them more joy than banter shows. While they don’t do it intentionally, others might find them arrogant and cold, at times. The fact that they enjoy stimulating conversations, which is not always easy to find could e a reason that they enjoy being by themselves which could be another plausible answer to the question – can ENTPs be introverted

• High Cognitive functioning

While ENTPs may express a part of themselves in social gatherings, they like to work in their internal frame of mind. Their internal frame of mind is full of vivid imagery, ideas, and thoughts. Can ENTPs be introverted? Definitely, yes!  But that does not mean that cannot treat the external stimulation environment for their internal framework for further higher complex processing.

ENTPs like to gather, observe, and absorb valuable information from their environment for higher complex processing and understanding. These covert functions involve cognitive functions such as forming associations, imagination, and decision making. All these functions are time-consuming and can take up most of the time of an ENTP, leaving less room for frivolous conversations.

• Curious Beings and Introvertedness 

ENTPs are curious beings who love to dwell on new topics and ideas which are thought-provoking. While they gather such knowledge from their social interactions, they often need time to work on the newly obtained information or to process it to higher functioning. This surely means that they don’t like to be smothered. 

At times, the introverted ENTPs can take a long duration of time to process the new information and adjust it to their framework to create novel thoughts. This could be one of the very reasons that they are referred to as “inventors”.

HOW TO HELP WITH SHYNESS IN ENTP INTROVERTS?

If you have a young introverted ENTP kid and want them to break away from shyness, follow these for the overall growth of your child-

• HUMANISE THEM –  This technique involves making them believe that everyone feels nervous at times while engaging in social interactions. Connecting them to peers who look or dress alike could be beneficial. This can help break the psychological barrier of thought of social interactions.

• CRUTCHES –  This involves metaphorical crutches where you can make your kid believe that they have some power such as a favourite piece of clothing or accessory, a song, or a quote. This works as a great tool to instil motivation and provide secure and protective warming up in social interaction.

• LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE –  This technique might work for kids with higher cognitive functioning or age. In this, the parent guides the child to use the art of questioning people.  It is scientifically proven that people love to talk about themselves since it is internally rewarding.

One can benefit from this, in the case of an introverted ENTP. Initially, an Introverted ENTP can initiate conversation using the art of questioning. This can act as a great ice breaker. Once the person has warmed to the setup, further interaction will be easier.

It is imperative to practice no forced conversations, which can do potentially more harm if things go astray in a conversation and they start to feel out of place. This could also result in shying from complete social interactions in the future.

ENTP Functional Stack

An ENTP has the given functional stack which lays down the characteristic way of thought and behaviour pattern for an ENTP.

• Dominant: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)- This helps to explore hidden meaning in vast information, juggle between many thoughts, ideas, and interpretations. It helps tie associations between variables and deductive reasoning. It is fairly dominant in ENTPs which further help them to brainstorm ideas. Extraverted intuition helps to shape information in situations. 

• Auxiliary: Introverted Thinking (Ti) – It consists of having a crystal clear internal frame of understanding to point out things, explain eloquently and precisely. ENTPs use this in problem-solving, classifying, and categorizing. This further helps to raise valid points making them entitled to the label of ‘debaters’.

• Tertiary: Extraverted Feeling (Fe) – This is our answer to Can ENTPs be introverted. Fe helps to connect and associate with people, including displaying warmth and conveying mutual amiableness. Introvert ENTPs are low in this dimension. This does not necessarily mean that they are not capable of social interactions; they just prefer intellectually stimulating conversations.

• Inferior: Introverted Sensing (Si) – This function enables us to compare and contrast old information with new information. ENTPs could potentially be on the lower side of the spectrum on this scale. 

Tips for Interacting With ENTPs

• Friendships

In general, ENTPs are great friends but their competitive nature can sometimes take the better of them. They love to grasp information and are curious beings, but this can cause spats in their friendships. It is therefore important that as a friend of an ENTP individual, one tries to keep the opinions concise and make room for healthy debates.

• Parenting

ENTPs are great learners so at times it may seem like they are focused on making their kids learn something or the other. Due to the withdrawn nature of the interaction, they could be a little inconsistent in terms of warmth in terms of their kids. Regardless of this, it is often reported that ENTP parents are very supportive and love to share their ideas and thoughts with their kids. 

ENTPs are naturally drawn towards winning debates since they are competitive, but the parents must recognize their kids as learning beings with room for paced learning and experiences of their own. This will make the entire parenting a little easier. 

• Relationships

ENTPSs are very playful and charming which enables them to pursue partners they are interested in. They come across as very charming with their sharp wit and humour. They are intimate and passionate about their relationships. They often like spontaneousness in their relationships since they are very curious beings who like to explore. To combat this, setting paced goals and plans can help bring stability. 

Some Facts About ENTPs Personality

• Their personality traits On personality trait scales scored as Enterprising, Friendly, Resourceful, Headstrong, Self-Centered, and Independent
• They are very less likely to suffer from coronary diseases
• They are less likely to go through family and health stress 
• Known to have great stress coping strategies 
• Creativity is found to be very high among them
• They often report job dissatisfaction even after being paid well
• ENTPs often make their careers in science, management, technology, and the arts

ENTPs You Might Know

• Thomas Edison, inventor
• John Adams, U.S. President
• Walt Disney, filmmaker
• Julia Child, cook
• Alexander the Great, King and military leader

Conclusion 

In this overview, we answered the question “Can ENTPs be introverted”, explained the reasons they could be introverts along with looking at ways to make developing kids less shy in their developmental ages in social settings. We summed up with the functional stack of ENTPs, various facts about their personality type, and some known personalities with ENTP personality.  In case of any queries and thoughts, don’t feel hesitant to drop a comment. We love to hear from you.

FAQs: Can ENTPs be introverted

Citations 

The Introvert ENTP

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-entp-personality-type-and-characteristics-2795982#

Shyness Guides (2018.12.26) As An Entp How Do You Overcome Shyness? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVrjP_Ny4PQ)