Social Map: Truth Teller to Enthusiast
The risk-loving and adventurous nature of Truth Tellers and Enthusiasts can unite them in friendship.
The risk-loving and adventurous nature of Truth Tellers and Enthusiasts can unite them in friendship.
Truth Tellers know who they are and what they like. Enthusiasts enjoy the flexibility of learning and trying new things. How can these two come to a deeper understanding of one another?
In this Truth Teller to Enthusiast social map, we’ll highlight the strengths and hurdles Truth Tellers may face in connecting with Enthusiasts, as well as best practices for conversations and interactions.
Summary
Truth Tellers and Enthusiasts can have high-quality friendships and relationships, if their interests align. Truth Tellers, with their no-nonsense attitude, are perfect companions and friends for Enthusiasts, who are more interested in growing outward than looking inward. If Truth Tellers can accept the flexible nature of the Enthusiast, their relationship is sure to thrive.
Like Truth Tellers, Enthusiasts prioritize their needs over people-pleasing. Both may be prone to last-minute cancellations, without any offense taken or meant. But it will be important for both Truth Tellers and Enthusiasts to stick to some dates if this relationship is going to continue and deepen.
If the Truth Teller’s values don’t align with that of the Enthusiast, this pair might face some tension. But the Truth Teller’s ability to face conflict head-on will balance the Enthusiast’s natural avoidance, letting the two clear the air before things reach a boiling point.
Truth Tellers are loyal friends and Enthusiasts are resilient, so this relationship is sure to bounce back even if conflict arises.
Strengths and Hurdles
Strengths
— Truth Tellers and Enthusiasts don’t ascribe meaning where it doesn’t belong. Last-minute cancellations and missed dates are unlikely to lead to hurt feelings.
— Truth Tellers and Enthusiasts are both driven by their external interests and passions. As long as your interests align, you’ll have a strong foundation for your friendship.
– Truth Tellers don’t mind conflict, unlike the avoidant Enthusiast. By bringing up issues and clearing the air, the Truth Teller will help the Enthusiast overcome their default avoidance.
Hurdles
— Truth Tellers may find the Enthusiast’s flexibility in connections hard to handle. Enthusiasts can compartmentalize people and emotions in a way the Truth Teller would not. This mismatch may lead to conflict.
What to Do
Choose your battles.
Why it works: Enthusiasts are resilient, which means if you have a conflict, the two of you can likely come back from it. But avoid creating conflict when it isn’t necessary. Choose your battles.
What to Say
“I loved the latest episode/that new podcast/that book.”
Why it works: Dive into your interests! Enthusiasts show their love via their words and their myriad interests. By taking an interest in what an Enthusiast enjoys, you show them you care. You also strengthen the friendship by keeping a solid foundation from which you can build.
“You’re one of my good friends, so I just wanted to let you know that this has been bothering me.”
Why it works: Enthusiasts may have trouble bringing things up, but that is no reason to let your emotions boil over. Enthusiasts can let things get to a point of no return, leading them to cut off friends. By making sure to keep in touch and clear the air when you need to, you’re showing that you care. Acknowledging the depth of your relationship up front also helps the Enthusiast remember your loyalty and that this relationship isn’t going to be killed by one confrontation.
Recommendations
“How to Keep in Touch Regularly”: Reaching out and keeping in touch is key to maintaining and deepening relationships.
“How to Navigate Differing Viewpoints”: Even those who care about one another occasionally need to agree to disagree.