10 Signs That You Use Extraverted Sensing

In the personality community, there are a lot of misconceptions about sensing and intuition. Many sensors mistype as intuitives or intuitives misunderstand the meaning of sensing altogether. Extraverted sensors, especially, often mistype as extraverted intuitives because they are driven by opportunities and many tests confuse this as an intuition preference. If you’re trying to figure out which cognitive functions you relate to most, you can check out these other articles on introverted sensing, extraverted intuition, introverted intuition, extraverted thinking, introverted thinking, extraverted feeling and introverted feeling.

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What Is Extraverted Sensing?

Extraverted sensing is a perceiving (information-gathering) function that focuses on real-world tangible data. Se-users (SP personality types) focus on the objective, sensory world and are eager to experience it fully. They are highly in-tuned with their senses and the world around them and get energy from interacting directly with objects, people, and situations in their environment.

Carl Jung said of the Extraverted Sensing type, “No other human type can equal the extraverted sensation type in realism. His sense for objective facts is extraordinarily developed.” And this is one of the things that sets Sensing-Perceivers apart. They are so aware of what’s real, what’s relevant, and how to respond to the actual environment and moment they’re in. But let’s find out more!

Which Personality Types Have Extraverted Sensing?

Any personality type with an S and a P in their type code is an Extraverted Sensing personality type. ESFPs and ESTPs are dominant in Extraverted Sensing, while ISFPs and ISTPs have auxiliary Extraverted Sensing. ENTJs and ENFJs have tertiary Extraverted Sensing, and INFJs and INTJs have inferior Extraverted Sensing.

10 Signs That You Might Be An Extraverted Sensor

#1 – I Enjoy Living in the “Now”

I know how to make the most of the moment and use the resources currently at my disposal. I try to avoid fretting over the past or future because it causes me to miss out on current enjoyments and possibilities. Because I’m so focused on what’s happening around me I’m quick to notice opportunities that others miss.

#2 – I’m The Ultimate Realist

I see things for what they are without embellishing them with my own impressions and judgments. I pride myself on being down-to-earth and practical.

#3 – I See Things Others Miss…All the Time

I’m extremely attuned to what’s happening around me and focus in on the details in an effort to see opportunities and experiences. I feel like many other people have their head in the clouds while I’m focusing on what’s really happening now.

#4 – I’m Open-Minded

I think everyone should be free to have their own unique lifestyle and make their own decisions. I don’t feel like imposing my worldview on others or making them subscribe to my experience or opinion unless it’s something that relates to a deeply-held value.

#5 – I Learn Through Experience and Hands-On Application

I like to get my hands on something and really experience and handle it in order to understand it. Written instructions bore me because I prefer to “do” to learn. I tend to be a kinesthetic or visual learner.

#6 – Actions Speak Louder Than Words

I’ll show you I care by doing something for you or making you laugh or smile. Talk is cheap, and even if I enjoy socializing, I’m more likely to want to really engage with you and the world around us than just talk about the world around us.

#7 – I Thrive On Risk

I was the kid that jumped into the deep end of the pool without thinking or learned really early how to ride a bike. I am stimulated by physical challenges and impulse and am usually highly aware of my body when I take a physical risk.

#8 – I’m a Free-Spirit

I hate being tied down to a commitment that can’t be changed. It takes me longer than some other people to decide on a career, a life path, or a relationship. I like to keep my options open and know that I can explore new avenues and experiences as they arise. This doesn’t mean I’m incapable of loyalty. When I really dedicate myself to a friend or loved one I can be extremely steadfast and dependable.

#9 – If You Love Me, Don’t Micro-Manage or Control Me

I believe in “living and letting live”. If I don’t tell you how to live every moment of your life, I’d prefer it if you didn’t do it to me.

#10 – I Fully Immerse Myself in the Sensations Around Me

The world is full of beautiful and incredible details, experiences, nuances, and pleasures. When I’m outside I notice the coolness of the breeze, the smell of the flowers and trees, the sounds of dogs barking, crickets chirping, cars in the distance. I love immersing myself in my senses and absorbing every little texture and feeling in the world around me. I love tactile experiences, new foods, textures, thrills, sights and sounds. I love concerts and recreation and movies and adventures.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Do you relate to these signs of extraverted sensing? What are your experiences? Let us know in the comments!

Find out more about your personality type in our eBook, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type.

Other Articles  You Might Enjoy:

Understanding ESFP Sensing

Understanding ESTP Sensing

What Each Myers-Briggs® Type Needs in a Relationship

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