Unhelpful Advice for ENTPs: Insights from the ENFP Perspective

As someone who has multiple ENFP friends and family members, Irsquo;ve gained valuable insights into their emotional landscape. One concept that is particularly noteworthy is the way these individuals react to certain types of advice, especially when it involves micro-management and emotional tones. In this article, Irsquo;ll explore why specific advice can be unhelpful and even detrimental to ENTPs, drawing from my understanding and experiences with ENFPs.

Why Micro-Management Is Destructive

ENTPs, much like ENFPs, have a strong aversion to being micro-managed. Whether itrsquo;s a suggestion made by a spouse about the timing and method of completing a chore or a boss dictating precisely how a task should be done, most ENTPs find such advice extremely frustrating. When it comes to ENFPs, the frustration is so intense that it can often be expressed as anger or a silent sullenness.

ldquo;I read this about ENFPs and didnrsquo;t think much of it. Since then, Irsquo;ve noticed the rage I feel when this happens more and more suppressed beneath a glum look nine times out of ten.rdquo; - The author

The Challenge with Meaningless Platitudes

Another area where ENFPs tend to push back against advice is when it consists of cliché or empty statements, such as ldquo;everything happens for a reasonrdquo; or ldquo;look on the bright side.rdquo; While these platitudes are often well-intentioned, ENFPs find them unhelpful because they donrsquo;t resonate with their emotional realities. Instead, ENFPs prefer advice that is more relevant and concrete, something that helps them understand the speaker better and build a deeper connection.

ldquo;Irsquo;ve sincerely made attempts to talk myself into trying to not care as much, but it is basically trying to mask my sensitivity or emotions. That is not going to happen. Instead, we need to work through those emotions.rdquo; - The author

Avoiding Unhelpful Statements

Below are several types of advice that ENFPs, including ENTPs, find unhelpful. Itrsquo;s crucial to avoid these statements to maintain a positive and productive communication.
1. ldquo;If you didnrsquo;t do that, I wouldnrsquo;t get angry.rdquo;
2. ldquo;If you sit still for a minute, Irsquo;ll tell you how I feel.rdquo;
3. ldquo;Take my emotions into consideration.rdquo;
4. ldquo;Do it the way itrsquo;s always been done.rdquo;
5. ldquo;Donrsquo;t ask questions.rdquo;
6. ldquo;Try to be normal.rdquo;
7. ldquo;That they should get over something or just not care as much.rdquo;

Supporting Emotional Sensitivity

Understanding the emotional sensitivity of ENFPs, particularly ENTPs, is key to offering them the right kind of support and advice. Instead of trying to suppress their emotions or masking them, ENFPs need to be encouraged to process and understand their feelings. This approach can lead to more nuanced and empathetic communication, enabling ENTPs to navigate their emotional landscapes more effectively.

Conclusion

Recognizing and respecting the emotional needs of ENFPs, including ENTPs, can greatly enhance the way they interact with the world. By being mindful of the advice they receive and supporting their ability to process emotions, we can foster a more empathetic and understanding environment. Understanding and supporting ENFPs (and their unique challenges) can lead to deeper connections and more productive interactions, both personally and professionally.

Keywords: ENTP, ENFP, Micro-management, Advice, Emotional Sensitivity