#demonstrative function

The auxiliary function in Jungian typology and Socionics is a well-developed but "non-fanatical" function. Unlike the dominant function, the auxiliary does not "buy its own hype." It maintains a degree of neutrality and objectivity, acting as a stabilizing force within the psyche. While the dominant function often takes center stage, asserting itself boldly and sometimes rigidly, the auxiliary function is more balanced and adaptable. This neutrality allows it to interact more fluidly with other aspects of the personality, including its shadow counterpart.

The Auxiliary-Shadow Connection

One of the most intriguing aspects of the auxiliary function is how its balanced nature creates room for its shadow opposite to manifest. For example, individuals with Fe as their auxiliary function often display more Fi traits compared to Fe dominants. This occurs because Fe auxiliaries are less invested in exclusively promoting external harmony and more open to exploring personal, subjective values. They can navigate the interplay between external and internal emotional dynamics without the rigidity of a dominant Fe focus.

Similarly, Ti-dominant individuals exhibit far less Te-like traits compared to those with Ti as an auxiliary function. Ti dominants are often deeply theoretical, perfectionistic, and intensely focused on internal logical consistency. This focus leaves little space for Te's pragmatic and action-oriented approach to emerge. In contrast, Ti auxiliaries are less obsessive and more open to incorporating Te-like efficiency into their reasoning, creating a dynamic interplay between internal logic and external application.

Extroverted Thinking and Perceiving Types (EXTPs)

For EXTPs, the auxiliary Ti is strong but not overly rigid or theoretical. This flexibility allows them to tap into Te—their shadow counterpart—more naturally. Because their Ti is not as dominant, EGOMANIACAL or overly meticulous, it "hears" and integrates Te's practicality. As a result, EXTPs often appear to use both Ti and Te seamlessly, blending internal logical analysis with external, results-oriented thinking.

This phenomenon can make EXTPs (and IXTJs) seem like "Tx" users—capable of combining the strengths of both thinking functions. They possess a unique versatility, switching between the precision of Ti and the efficiency of Te depending on the context.

an infp asked this and she said she doesn't feel like she use ni at all. this is a good question and i can also explain it very concisely.

with demonstrative function (ni for infp, te for entp, ti for intj) you usually give advice to others or criticize them which is a form of advice too. it also, like i said many times, comes in arts because in arts you usually convey ideas for others.

you don't use it for yourself. it's like you are a doctor who drinks but you know very well (maybe even in the chemical and atomic level) how bad it is for your health.

just like this doctor, infp knows "ni most possible consequences" but still wants to go after ne magical but maybe unlikely possibilities.

for example infp looks at this person who is not liked by most people and still gives him or her a chance. which is an ne what if thing. maybe this person is going through hard times. maybe others weren't patient enough with him etc. so as you can see ne used and ni isn't used.

in socionics, esfj aka ESE has demonstrative extraverted sensing which is four dimensional and one of their strongest functions but unvalued. so esfjs are nice and everything but when it comes down to it they can kick serious asses.

what’s the reasoning behind this? let's look at esfj functions:

Fe dom - Fi ignoring Si creative - Se demonstrative ...

if you are so si tough, enduring, in touch with your body, feed yourself well etc. then that would give you the se FORCE to create an impact when needed too. let's do another example from enfj:

Fe dom - Fi ignoring Ni creative - Ne demonstrative

...

if you know which options are the best ones with your ni (which options won't fail you) then you can also know riskier, crazier, wackier options. you just wouldn't value them unless you are doing improv comedy or something.

so eSFj means = strong sensing and strong "feeling". it's just fe and si "valued", fi and se unvalued and used when really necessary.

in socionics, esfj aka ESE has demonstrative extraverted sensing which is four dimensional and one of their strongest functions but unvalued. so esfjs are nice but when it comes down to it they can kick serious asses.

what's the logic behind this? why? well, i can explain it through entp much better since i am one. my demonstrative function is te, it's great but i don't value it. from where this greatness comes? well, it comes from my ti. i understand things through ti so well, that knowledge becomes also applicable to te things in life.

so then, esfj has such great si, eats well, take care of themselves which then automatically gives them the se capabilities. when necessary, they can create that force, they have what it takes.

basically, your amazingness in the auxiliary slot gives you amazingness in its shadow too. esfj si gives great se. entp ti gives great te. infj fe gives great fi.

read in detail here how exactly this works for esfjs specifically and if you are some other type, then find the stratiyevskaya article of that at the same website and jump to "8th" function.

so who are these esfjs who kick ass, if we had to make a list?

daniel cormier (ufc heavyweight champion), john cena, hulk hogan, hugh jackman, sookie stackhouse from true blood, vin diesel, bryce dallas howard, jennifer garner, steve harrington from stranger things, dwayne "the rock" johnson, henry cavill aaand supergirl.