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{<b><p18> ENTP <p12><n>}
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{<b>Relationships Are Just Another Challenge<n>

<IB>General Statement:<N> They are the idea people, constantly improving and innovating ways in which relationships can grow and mature. This happens not just daily, but hourly. There are new ways to grow, worlds to conquer, and things to do that will produce growth, excitement, and self-improvement. The danger is that their enthusiasm isn't always backed up with action.

<IB>First Impressions:<N> Easy to get along with, refreshing to be around, though their constant use of puns, plays on words, and other bits of cleverness can become tiring to others. Generally, they are facile conversationalists who can speak on many subjects, often all at the same time.

<IB>Communications:<N> They are skilled with words, so communication becomes an art form for ENTPs. However, they can argue for the sake of arguing, which can make others wary of engaging them in any real depth. For ENTPs such engagements are opportunities to help others think as well as to clarify their own thinking.

<IB>Finance:<N> They are big risk-takers, capable of winning and losing fortunes several times over in their lives. Finances are means, not ends, and so life with them can be a roller-coaster. They always seem to be working some new scheme, investment, or idea that will not only end their financial troubles, but also make the world a better place for everyone.

<IB>Conflict:<N> What is perceived by ENTPs as a simple exchange of clever words or ideas can be viewed by others as a fight-provoking comment. But ENTPs aren't necessarily committed to what they've said; it's merely a matter of getting all the words and points of view out on the table, where they can be confronted. For them, what's important is not to take things personally so much as work things through in order to engender learning. Their need for constant improvement often results in wanting to get in the final word on a subject, even though they know they risk dragging out a conflict.

<IB>Sex and Intimacy:<N> Like everything else, this is a learning process subject to continual improvement. So everything from conversations to body movements can be constantly monitored in order to ensure that each intimate moment brings growth and satisfaction to both parties.

<IB>Commitment:<N> They view it as meaningful and deep, but it can be constantly reviewed in light of unfolding developments in the relationship. By revisiting their commitments on a regular basis they are able to redefine and reorder their commitment based on whatever growth has taken place -- or hasn't.

<IB>Parenting:<N> This is an opportunity to challenge, encourage, and improve young minds. Children, for ENTPs, can be an excuse not only to teach, but to learn themselves. They can turn any chore, event, or family matter into an exercise in self-mastery for both their children, their spouse, and themselves. Their goal is to make everyone an independent thinker, regardless of whether this is appropriate for each individual.

<IB>Contracting:<N> It is a process by which the relationship will grow. For them contracting is a journey, not a destination. Consequently arguing, reframing ideas, and exchanging opinions are all part of contracting. Nothing is in concrete; everything is up for constant redefinition, and the ENTP knows the relationship will be better because of the process.

<IB>Ending Relationships:<N> Generally a relationship's end is a time for ENTPs to examine their competencies, failures, satisfactions, and successes. For them the relationship isn't really over -- even if their mate has left or died -- until they have reviewed and resolved such matters. This gives them one more chance to fit the relationship into the scheme of their lives, and extract whatever learning there is to be had. At that point the relationship is over, and not likely to be revisited.}
