My parents met in the university through a mutual friend. My dad had just graduated from the Navy Academy and had started working as a merchant marine. My mom was becoming a medical doctor and doing her residency at the hospital. Both were living in Dalian, China at the time.
After a mutual friend introduced them, they dated for 2 years mostly on the weekends because they were very busy. After meeting each other’s parents and they decided to get married.
My mom had many men chasing after her but chose my dad because he didn’t have any bad habits like smoking, gambling, and drinking. He was well-educated with a master’s degree (which was rare in China at the time and why Chinese people obsess over education now because they saw how education could lift people out of poverty). And lastly, he wasn’t wasteful with his money, which was a value that appealed to my mom.
Their relationship was mostly long-distance even after they got married and had me. He was on the ocean for 6 months at a time and my mom would be busy working and teaching at the hospital. When I was three, my mom left to study in Manchester and Cambridge which made seeing each other even harder. Every few months, she would call home by spending a fistful of her hard-earned golden coins (8x£1) to make a one-minute long-distance phone from the UK to China just to hear our voices. This separation lasted for 3 years.
We were united around the time the Berlin Wall fell.
It was only then when we all truly started living together and seeing each other on a regular basis. Growing up with them, I came to understand how vastly different two people can view travel.
My mom views travel as a positive. To her, it’s exciting. It makes her feel alive. It is what makes living beautiful– to see the world, to explore new places, people, and cultures.
Just take a look at her. I think this picture says it all.
A Photo Of My Mom
My dad, on the other hand, has absolutely no desire to travel. He would always say “pay money to endure hardships.” To him, happiness is to sleep. It’s to lie in bed all day.
There is no right and wrong, just two different perspectives. They both worked really, really hard. My mom had 3 jobs at one time: scientist (9-5), hotel maid (weekends), and overnight caregiver (nights). My dad would collect coals that fell off trains along the railroad tracks after work. So I don’t think it’s a matter of being too tired to travel.
Courtesy: Sarah Anderson
I was thinking about this recently because sometimes people would tell me Fairytrail is stupid. Why should I date someone farther away when there’s people to date near me? To me, that sounds like my dad. Why should I leave this bed of mine when I can be so comfortable AND save money?
Then there’s people like my mom. She sees the world as a gift and something to be experienced and appreciated. I am largely in this camp. When I meet incredible people and have amazing experiences, it makes me feel alive and in love with life. Sure, it’s more effort and cost more money, but isn’t that what makes life beautiful?
We are only on this planet for a while, so for me, I’m going to be kind to people around me and enjoy myself while I’m here. I’m going to appreciate those who love me and cherish all the fragile, beautiful moments that life brings me.
Fairytrail is a travel adventure dating app that connects single travelers on group journeys and activities. Its mission is to help people explore the world’s cultures and places with someone they like.
Read about the personalities below or look up your MBTI or Enneagram to find the character that most closely represents you. If you don’t know your MBTI or Enneagram, you can take a free test here.
We have 8 female Fairytrail characters.
Little Mermaid (aka Ariel)
The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen // Denmark
ENFP (Extroverted. Intuitive. Feeling. Perceiving)
Enneagram Type 7 (Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered)
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
People with the ENFP personality type value independence and freedom above all else. When presented with a life of routine, stability, security, they are quick to move past it. More than security, they value adventure and freedom. They also place great value in their social relationships.
Free-spirited and inquisitive, she cannot help but question her upbringing; the plans and traditions which her family has set out for her. She has a boundless curiosity for the unknown world. Her collection of ‘thingamabobs’ is a perfect showcase of this.
She yearns to explore; to see the world unseen. At every step of her story, she follows her heart, even in the face of risk and adversity. She throws caution to the wind and pushes past doubting voices; always moving forward in pursuit of her dreams.
Famous people that are ENFP’s: Jennifer Aniston, Cher, Amy Schumer, Ellen Degeneres
Belle
Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont // France
INFP (Introverted. Intuitive. Feeling. Perceiving) Enneagram Type 4 (Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental)
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
INFPs are both blessed and cursed with an extraordinary imagination. Their imagination allows them to see the world in creative and unique ways, but can also alienate them from those who don’t share the same perspective as they misunderstand.
They are able to effortlessly see the true potential in people and situations. They can see the best in others and help them realize their potential. At their core, they believe that people are good, or at least have the ability to be.
Belle embodies these traits naturally. She’s constantly reading books, expanding her mind and point of view. Her creative thinking and big ideas do lead to her isolation from the surrounding villagers, but she is not dissuaded by being different. In addition to being intelligent and creative, she is very open-minded.
While many would run away from the Beast in fear and disgust, she is able to see deeper. She sees past appearances, past judgments, and assumptions. Looking straight into his soul, she sees his potential for good. INFPs, more than anyone else, know how to bring the best out of people.
Famous people that are INFP’s: Sarah MacLachlan, Emily Blunt, Jude Law, Mia Farrow
“When you love someone, when you care for someone, you have to do it through the good and the bad. Not just when you’re happy and it’s easy.” – Lauren Olivier
Have you ever known someone who was admirably humble and kind? Perhaps to a fault? It’s possible they could be ISFJ or INTP. These folks are often responsible, reliable, and dependable. What’s more, is that they are extremely humble in regards to their knack for dependability.
They see it as their duty to keep their promises and maintain their responsibilities. They fulfil their promises with the utmost kindness towards those in their lives. ISFJs and INTPs are intrinsically motivated to care for and help others. Anyone who is friends with an ISFJ or INTP will recognize this sense of selflessness that these people exude, and should count themselves lucky to have someone like that in their lives. ISFJs and INTPs are also full of enthusiasm and loyalty but seldom talk of these traits.
Cinderella had every reason to look at her situation with negativity; to relinquish any sense of hope, and to give in to the defeating feeling of despair. Despite how terribly she is treated by those in her family, she is always able to act in compassion and kindness. No matter what misfortune happens, she is ready to bounce back with positivity and joy.
Famous people that are ISFJ’s: Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Middleton, Beyoncé
Famous people that are INTP’s: Tina Fey, Ellen Page, Kate Moss, Harper Lee
“We were made to enjoy music, to enjoy beautiful sunsets, to enjoy looking at the billows of the sea and be thrilled with a rose that is bedecked with dew…Human beings are actually created for the transcendent, for the sublime, for the beautiful, for the truthful…and all of us are given the task of trying to make this world a little more hospitable to these beautiful things.” – Desmond Tutu
ESFPs and ESTPs are easy to spot. They like to make their presence known. And once you do notice them, you’ll often find yourself drawn in by their magnetic personality. They love to be the life of the party, the center of attention and want to share that energy with everyone around them. You’ll always find them speaking directly and bluntly; they have no time or energy to be passive-aggressive.
They have a strong appreciation for aesthetics and beauty. This leads to an impeccable fashion sense. They love to experiment with different styles and designs in their quest to express themselves fully.
ESTPs and ESFPs love a challenge and will meet that challenge head-on. Jasmine is a strong ESFP/ESTP, both by nature and circumstance. Her lifestyle as a princess led to plenty of extravagant parties. She exudes glamour in everything she does; her clothes, friends-she even has a pet tiger!
Jasmine has a strong desire to be herself. She’ll always speak her mind, even if it means disagreement and conflict. Jasmine longs for adventure, fun, and to be herself. With her quick wit and bravery, she’s able to pursue her goals with ease.
Famous ESFP’s: Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Cameron Diaz, Judy Garland
Famous ESTP’s: Meryl Streep, Amy Winehouse, Milla Jovovich, Judi Dench
Mulan
Traditional Chinese story of Hua Mulan // China
ISTP (Introverted. Sensing. Thinking. Perceiving)
ISTJ (Introverted. Sensing. Thinking. Judgement) Enneagram Type 1 (Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic)
Enneagram Type 5 (The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated)
“I wanted to live life, a different life. I didn’t want to go to the same place every day and see the same people and do the same job. I wanted interesting challenges.” – Harrison Ford
A call to action and exploration is natural for the ISTP and ISTJ types. They would rather dive into a task immediately and learn through trial and error than spend time pondering and analyzing. Action in the physical world is more meaningful to them than thoughts and feelings.
The sentiment that it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission is likely to resonate with ISTPs and ISTJs. This can get them in trouble as it might mean breaking some rules, but the rules they break are often for worthy causes.
Mulan’s story of leaving her home to learn to be a soldier is also the story about her growth into her ISTP/ISTJ nature. She truly values her family and country, she would do basically anything for them — including dress up like a guy and joined the army in her father’s role.
She does struggle initially in training, but over time she learns quickly and turns out to be a competent soldier. Even before leaving for the war, she had a fear that she would live out her life as a housewife. For Mulan, the traditional gender roles of caregiver and nurturer didn’t fit her inborn ISTP/ISTJ nature of physical action and exploration.
Famous ISTP’s: Scarlett Johansson, Demi Moore, Venus Williams, Amelia Earhart, Kristen Stewart
Famous ISTJ’s: Julia Roberts, Condoleeza Rice, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Danica McKellar
Pocahontas
Pocahontas by John Smith // America
INFJ (Introverted. Intuitive. Feeling. Judging) Enneagram Type 4 (Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental)
“Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all — in which case, you fail by default.” – J.K. Rowling
The INFJ type is the least common out of all MBTI personalities. When they do show up, they have the potential to cause great change. Their gift is that they not only have big dreams, they also have the fire and drive to realize those dreams. Often they find themselves pulled to help those who have fallen on misfortune or are otherwise suffering. They are happiest when they can see the positive change they are affecting in the world.
Pocahontas lived through an extremely challenging time for herself and her tribe. Europeans had arrived on their land, and the war was imminent. As the chief’s daughter, Pocahontas assumed a great moral responsibility of preventing the conflict. She had a dream and vision that everyone could be peaceful, and that war was not needed. She knew that the only solution was love and compassion, and worked tirelessly to make her vision of peace a reality.
Famous people with INFJ type personalities: Taylor Swift, Cate Blanchett, Jane Goodall, Simone de Beauvoir
Rapunzel
Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm // Germany
ESFJ (Extroverted. Sensing. Feeling. Judging)
Enneagram Type 2 (Caring, Interpersonal Type: Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive)
“I think love is the through-line and it’s universal and it doesn’t matter what period of time, time or place, or people, that’s something we all connect to. That’s the thin thread that I think keeps it all together.” – Rachel McAdams
Remember the lead cheerleader in high school? The star quarterback? The chances are, they were probably an ESFJ. People from this type are extremely sociable and outgoing. They love to organize social events and are often happiest when laughing and gossiping with their friends. They are naturally skilled at connecting with others, even strangers. Always ready with a warm smile, ESFJs will brighten your day whether you like it or not.
We can see her people skills in action when she is able to befriend a group of aggressive thugs by encouraging them to follow their dreams. We also see her pain as an ESFJ who doesn’t have people to talk with. She gets around this by having conversations with herself in the mirror. It may seem eccentric, but for an ESFJ, not having anyone to engage with is a true struggle.
Famous ESFJ’s: Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nancy Kerrigan, Whitney Houston
Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Sleeping Beauty by Charles Perrault // France
ISFP (Introverted. Sensing. Feeling. Perceiving)
Enneagram Type 9 (Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and Complacent)
“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” – Henry David Thoreau
Adventure and exploration are important for ISFPs. They are naturally curious and able to view parts of the world which most others might deem ordinary as novel. They are able to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. ISFPs revel in aspects of life that many take for granted by uncovering the novelties hidden underneath.
Sensitive and kind, Aurora is used to spending time alone, and read books, but she actually doesn’t mind being alone. Aurora has this same love of life and taste for adventure. Unfortunately, her parents are quite protective and aren’t keen on her doing too much exploration. Even so, she makes the most of what he has. She loves to take walks out in nature and pick flowers. Though some might consider this boring, her ISFP tendencies allow her to see the beauty in seemingly simple things.
Famous people that have ISFP personality types: Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna, Jessica Alba
Conclusion
So who did you get for your character?
By the way, now that you’ve determined your character, you’re officially allowed to enter Fairytrail, a matchmaking app for travelers and remote workers where you can discover new people, cultures, and places.
Fairytrail is a travel adventure dating app that connects single travelers on group journeys and activities. Its mission is to help people explore the world’s cultures and places with someone they like.
When you are feeling a little down, there’s nothing like the instant hit of buying something on Amazon or going on a little shopping spree. Spending money can bring you happiness, but only temporarily. Traveling makes us happier than any material wealth.
Making new purchases may give you a quick rush but it isn’t able to help you maintain happiness.
The problem is we get used to new clothes, phones, cars, and shoes fairly quickly. As soon as we get used to our new purchase, our level of satisfaction decreases. Once the novelty and thrill are gone, we feel compelled to buy something again.
So what’s a better option?
According to research from Cornell University, doing makes us happier than owning. Dr. Gilovich found that people experience the same amount of happiness when making a purchase they want and when they travel.
However, while the happiness we get from a purchase quickly decreases over time, the memories of travel experiences produce happiness for a much longer time.
But why?
Experiences Create A Sense Of Identity
Dr. Gilovich explains our experience is a bigger part of ourselves than our material things. We may feel and like to think that we are a reflection of the stuff we buy; however, they are mostly separate from our identities. On the other hand, our life and travel experiences are strongly a part of who we are.
If you think about it, your most cherished memories probably aren’t from the material things you’ve bought. Rather, they’re experiences you’ve had.
Happiness Comes From Relationships
An 80-year old research study from Harvard University found individuals who were most connected to their family, friends, community, and other people were the healthiest and happiest.
Interestingly, Dr. Waldinger explains that experiences connect you to others in a way that material things can’t. Some of the most important moments in his life are travel which has brought him closer to his family and loved ones.
Traveling brings us in touch with new people, cultures, and places.
In novel environments, our awareness, focus, and experiences are richer. When we experience normal environments that we’ve already adapted to, our experiences blur into one and things are often missed. Why should we bother remembering if we’ve had the 8 or 9th Starbucks from down the street?
When we travel, we experience wonder, joy, and lasting memories that are hard to forget.
Conclusion
A new car gets old as soon as you drive it off the lot, but a travel story just gets better over time. When you travel, you gain richer experiences, create deeper relationships, and make memories that will be a source of happiness and stay with you forever. Traveling makes us happier than any material wealth.
Fairytrail is a travel adventure dating app that connects single travelers on group journeys and activities. Its mission is to help people explore the world’s cultures and places with someone they like.
Why do we have characters from folklore on Fairytrail?
Fairytrail uses widely-recognized characters mapped to Myers Briggs and Enneagram types to help people get a sense of personality before meeting in person. This can help you find compatible travel partners, friends, and even romantic relationships.
1. To elevate personality.
It’s very hard to know what someone is like as a person from their online profile. Who someone chooses as their character on Fairytrail says a lot about their personality and identity. Each character is mapped to MBTI and Enneagram types.
2. To help you understand who you have chemistry with.
Characters also help you understand which personality types you have chemistry with. Had a great interaction with someone? Check their character. Hmm… Robin Hood. Maybe you get along better with people who prioritize doing good.
3. To help you search more effectively.
Many apps let you search for people based on age, ethnicity, etc. but what about the thing that really matters in a relationship, your partner’s essence (identity + personality)? On Fairytrail, you get to search for that.
Who should you choose? Read about our the archetypes we use in our app.
Lastly, we love culture and fairy tale stories are rich in culture.
They are seen across nations and cultures: Native American folklore, Chinese myths, Icelandic legends, African fables, and German fairy tales. At Fairytrail, we are intensely curious about people, places, and cultures. Fairytales, folklore, fables, parables, and stories are what make us human.
Fairytrail is a travel adventure dating app that connects single travelers on group journeys and activities. Its mission is to help people explore the world’s cultures and places with someone they like.
