It goes without saying that in any relationship, friendship, or partnership; you best understand the other individual when you finally understand yourself.

There is so much pressure that follows within any type of person-to-person relationship, which is why the really only easy types of interactions are with those who aren’t able to talk back…i.e. dogs.

There is a pressure to be “the best version of yourself,” a cliché statement that doesn’t even really exist, as you shouldn’t have to strive to perfect…yet rather be comfortable no matter who surrounds you…but that is a whole other article waiting to be written.

Okay, let me get back on track here. Where do you even begin to understand yourself, and why does it even matter?

First off, the importance goes well beyond ourselves, as when we understand ourselves we are actually able to stand confidently within assertion that we know who we are.

It is an understanding that we would be able to catch ourselves when we begin to act unjustified in our character…when we revert back to pleasing others rather than standing in truth.

See, it is these times that we are in that tell us we can’t be different…that we aren’t enough…that we have to be friends with them, or we are nobodies…that it simply isn’t within me…that I will never live to that standard.

Come ‘on guys, don’t you see how these are lies!

It is important to know who you are, so that you don’t become a victim to such deception. Not only that, but even when these lies creep back up…by you being rooted in your character you then become able to fight back with the truth you already know.

And so in order to get down to the point where this declaration is so strong, you need to know your personality type. Why? Well, I just answered that…if you missed it go re-read the last three paragraphs.

Knowing your personality type, although small, is a great way to actually understand who you are on a “pen-and-paper” type level.

What I mean by that, is of course none of these personality types are 100% accurate, yet they do allow you to gain a grip on how and why you react the way you do, how and why you love the way you do, and what your strengths and weaknesses are.

For instance, I am an ENFP, which means that I am an “enthusiastic, creative and sociable free spirit, who can always find a reason to smile” (thanks 16personalities.com).

Basically, when it comes down to it…by me knowing that I am an ENFP, I get that sometimes I am a little stress prone, and that I often overthink things…yet that I also am an excellent communicator, and I am an extremely observant in any situation. I understand how to substitute my weaknesses with areas that I am strong in.

Nevertheless, by me knowing that I am an ENFP I am able to conquer this world assuredly…because when those moments arise where I want to back in a corner and not face a crowd…I am reminded that that simply is not who I am. I am reminded to stand boldly and embody all of the strengths and weaknesses for what they are.

See, now you’re ready to stop reading and determine what four letters represent you…well isn’t it a good thing that I included a link to an awesome website that will let you do just that.

All right, now go and discover…but don’t forget to live out once you do.