Ever feel like some people live right in the moment? Like they can see, hear, and feel everything around them more than anyone else? That’s Extraverted Sensing, or just Se for short. It’s one of the ways people take in the world, and it’s full of energy, thrill, and sharp focus on the “now.”
If you know someone who loves action, fast cars, wild sports, or even just exploring new places—they might be tapping into that Se vibe. Let’s break it down and keep it simple, just like Se likes it.
So… What Is Extraverted Sensing?
Extraverted Sensing is one of the eight cognitive functions found in personality types, based on Carl Jung’s theory. But don’t worry—we won’t get all textbook on you.
Se is all about what’s real, what’s now, and what’s out there. It picks up stuff with the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, touch. Then it reacts fast. It doesn’t need to think for hours or daydream about “what if.” It just does.
People strong in Se like to:
- Notice details in their space
- React quickly to changes
- Live in the moment
- Enjoy physical things like sports, food, or dance
- Take risks
- Feel grounded in the real world
Which Personality Types Use Se?
In the world of MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), some types rely on Se more than others. Here’s a simple table to show who uses it, and how.
| Personality Type | Se Function Role | How They Use Se in Life |
| ESTP | Dominant | Action-first, thrill-seekers, live fast |
| ESFP | Dominant | Fun-lovers, entertainers, social butterflies |
| ISTP | Secondary | Cool, calm, quick problem-solvers |
| ISFP | Secondary | Artistic, quiet, in tune with surroundings |
| ENTJ | Tertiary | Use Se to help with fast, real-world decisions |
| ENFJ | Tertiary | Pulls in Se to lead in social, present situations |
| INTJ | Inferior | Use Se under stress, can struggle with details |
| INFJ | Inferior | Not strong in Se, may miss real-world clues |
Everyday Signs of Extraverted Sensing
If someone has strong Se, you’ll probably notice things like:
- They drive fast but stay in control
- They love loud music and wild colors
- They move with purpose—walking fast, reacting faster
- They might talk with their hands or express with full-body moves
- They notice smells, sounds, changes in the air
- They love spicy food, bold drinks, or strong textures
They’re like human sensors—taking in life full force.
Se Strengths You’ll Want on Your Team
People with strong Se bring some serious perks to the table. Here’s what they’re really good at:
- Staying calm under pressure: When the heat is on, they act fast.
- Handling real-time stuff: Like sports, emergencies, or last-minute plans.
- Noticing changes: If something shifts in a room, they see it first.
- Bringing energy: Parties, groups, teams—they hype things up.
- Fixing with their hands: A lot of them are great with tools, crafts, or machines.
They’re not sitting around thinking about “someday.” They’re making today awesome.
What’s Hard for Se Users?
No one’s perfect. Even Se types have their tough spots.
- Long-term planning? Not their favorite thing.
- Deep feelings? They might not stop to deal with those.
- Boring routines? Ugh. They need action.
- Slowing down? Not easy—they like fast and wild.
Also, too much Se can lead to risk-taking or not thinking things through. They might act first and go “oops” later.
How to Get Along with an Se-Dominant Person
If you know someone who runs on Se, here’s how to vibe with them:
- Be in the moment—don’t talk too much about far-off stuff
- Be open to adventure—they’ll love a surprise road trip
- Keep it real—no fluff, no fake
- Show, don’t just tell—use visuals or actions
- Let them move—don’t force them to sit still for too long
Se people can be wild fun if you’re down for the ride.
Extraverted Sensing vs Other Sensing Styles
Not all sensing is the same. Some folks use Introverted Sensing (Si), which is about past memories and order. Here’s a chill comparison:
| Feature | Extraverted Sensing (Se) | Introverted Sensing (Si) |
| Focus | What’s happening now | What happened before |
| Trusts | The five senses | Memories and past experience |
| Action | Fast, in the moment | Careful, slow and steady |
| Enjoys | New thrills | Familiar comfort |
| Energy | Outward, lively | Inward, calm |
Both are cool. Just different flavors of sensing.
Can You Build Up Your Se?
Totally. Even if Se isn’t your top function, you can sharpen it. Try this:
- Go outside more—walk, run, touch the world
- Taste new food—spicy, sweet, bitter, bold
- Take dance or yoga—feel your body move
- Pay attention—notice colors, patterns, sounds
- Try something risky (but safe)—get out of your bubble
It’s about tuning in. Less thinking, more feeling.
Why Does Se Even Matter?
Because the world isn’t just thoughts and plans. It’s sights, sounds, smells, and wild motion. Se brings life to life.
Think of a world without people who see beauty in a sunset or hear the beat in music before anyone else. That’s what Se gives us. A sense of now. A connection to what’s real. A reason to move.
Whether you’re full Se or just have a dash of it in your mix, it’s worth getting to know this high-powered, thrill-loving function.
Final Thoughts
Extraverted Sensing is like riding a bike downhill—wind in your face, eyes wide open, heart pumping. It’s not about overthinking. It’s about being alive.
So, if you’re someone who lives for the rush, the spark, the here-and-now, you might just be running on Se. And if not? That’s okay too. We all have a bit of it inside, waiting to wake up.
Next time you feel the sun on your skin, hear music that moves you, or get lost in the color of a city street—remember: that’s Se saying hello.
