lirazel | let's have a discussion, shall we?

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let's have a discussion, shall we?

So Emmie and I are talking about Myers-Briggs personality types. Generally I HATEHATEHATE personality tests and anything that labels me and especially things that require me to choose one answer in a multiple choice question (well, it's mostly B, you know, except when it's D). But this is the one personality test that actually seems accurate (at least in the Western world; I have it on good authority that if you don't come from a Western worldview, none of the questions even make sense), and I like to talk about it. We may have even talked about it before? I don't know.

Anyway, I am an INFP. Oh, man, am I ever an INFP.

As an INFP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

INFPs, more than other iNtuitive Feeling types, are focused on making the world a better place for people. Their primary goal is to find out their meaning in life. What is their purpose? How can they best serve humanity in their lives? They are idealists and perfectionists, who drive themselves hard in their quest for achieving the goals they have identified for themselves

INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings...On the other hand, INFPs make very good mediators, and are typically good at solving other people's conflicts, because they intuitively understand people's perspectives and feelings, and genuinely want to help them.

When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".

When it comes to the mundane details of life maintenance, INFPs are typically completely unaware of such things. They might go for long periods without noticing a stain on the carpet, but carefully and meticulously brush a speck of dust off of their project booklet.

INFPs may have problems working on a project in a group, because their standards are likely to be higher than other members' of the group. In group situations, they may have a "control" problem. The INFP needs to work on balancing their high ideals with the requirements of every day living. Without resolving this conflict, they will never be happy with themselves, and they may become confused and paralyzed about what to do with their lives.

INFPs are usually talented writers. They may be awkard and uncomfortable with expressing themselves verbally, but have a wonderful ability to define and express what they're feeling on paper. INFPs also appear frequently in social service professions, such as counselling or teaching. They are at their best in situations where they're working towards the public good, and in which they don't need to use hard logic.

The one thing that doesn't sound at all like me is this:

In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right.

Because I do like to be right. I like it a lot. I think I'm doing better about needing to be right, but my need-for-rightness is a byword in my family.

What're y'all? Which bits seem most like you and which seem least like you? I am interested!

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INFP, represent! Except I also care way too much about being right.

The one that resonates the most with me is not being great at communicating verbally, but being able to best communicate through writing. Honestly, that's one of the reasons I love fandom so much. Because I feel like I don't give off a very good impression just from talking with people, blerg.

Honestly, I feel like I vacillate between three personality types in terms of this test describing me: INFP, INFJ, ISFP. So the idealist, the protector, and the artist. And bits of each description fit.

So I'm three people? But I'm a Gemini, I'm two! This is getting confusing.

Honestly, that's one of the reasons I love fandom so much. Because I feel like I don't give off a very good impression just from talking with people, blerg.

I so know what you mean. I absolutely love communicating through writing.

So the idealist, the protector, and the artist.

I can see all three of those in you.

I am an ISFJ. It is not surprising to me that we are a bunch of introverts here in fandom (I'm sure there are some extroverts around as well, but I bet we skew introvert).

So, that things in the description that are accurate:

They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's feelings.

ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems.

With the key words about memory being "things that are important to their value system". I have an excellent memory for things that strike me as important or interesting, and will forget every other detail.

More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set.

The ISFJ has a difficult time saying "no" when asked to do something, and may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike conflict, and because they tend to place other people's needs over their own.

In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do anything right".

Ah, if I had a penny for every time I've said or thought "I can't do anything right", well, I would have a bunch of pennies.

And from on of the other links to descriptions of the types, there's also this:

ISFJs make pleasant and reliable co-workers and exemplary employees, but tend to be harried and uncomfortable in supervisory roles. They are capable of forming strong loyalties, but these are personal rather than institutional loyalties; if someone they've bonded with in this way leaves the company, the ISFJ will leave with them, if given the option.

Which is INCREDIBLY accurate, and almost a perfect description of me in my last job, though in the circumstance I'm thinking about, leaving with the person I'd formed a loyalty too was not an option (because I needed a paycheck).

As for what is not accurate about me:

The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior decorators.

HAHA I WISH.

It is not surprising to me that we are a bunch of introverts here in fandom (I'm sure there are some extroverts around as well, but I bet we skew introvert).

I am also certain you are correct.

Huh. A lot of that sounds like me! Interesting stuff!

ISTJ. Yeah, I bet most of fandom skews introvert.

Like me:

ISTJs are quiet and reserved individuals who are interested in security and peaceful living. They have a strongly-felt internal sense of duty, which lends them a serious air and the motivation to follow through on tasks. Organized and methodical in their approach, they can generally succeed at any task which they undertake.

The ISTJ is extremely dependable on following through with things which he or she has promised. For this reason, they sometimes get more and more work piled on them. Because the ISTJ has such a strong sense of duty, they may have a difficult time saying "no" when they are given more work than they can reasonably handle. For this reason, the ISTJ often works long hours, and may be unwittingly taken advantage of.

The ISTJ will work for long periods of time and put tremendous amounts of energy into doing any task which they see as important to fulfilling a goal. However, they will resist putting energy into things which don't make sense to them, or for which they can't see a practical application. They prefer to work alone, but work well in teams when the situation demands it. They like to be accountable for their actions, and enjoy being in positions of authority.

ISTJs have tremendous respect for facts. They hold a tremendous store of facts within themselves, which they have gathered through their Sensing preference.

The ISTJ is not naturally in tune with their own feelings and the feelings of others. They may have difficulty picking up on emotional needs immediately, as they are presented. Being perfectionists themselves, they have a tendency to take other people's efforts for granted, like they take their own efforts for granted. They need to remember to pat people on the back once in a while.

ISTJs are likely to be uncomfortable expressing affection and emotion to others.

ISTJs have an excellent ability to take any task and define it, organize it, plan it, and implement it through to completion. They are very hard workers, who do not allow obstacles to get in the way of performing their duties. They do not usually give themselves enough credit for their achievements, seeing their accomplishments simply as the natural fulfillment of their obligations.

ISTJs usually have a great sense of space and function, and artistic appreciation. Their homes are likely to be tastefully furnished and immaculately maintained. They are acutely aware of their senses, and want to be in surroundings which fit their need for structure, order, and beauty.

Under stress, ISTJs may fall into "catastrophe mode", where they see nothing but all of the possibilities of what could go wrong. They will berate themselves for things which they should have done differently, or duties which they failed to perform. They will lose their ability to see things calmly and reasonably, and will depress themselves with their visions of doom.

Not like me at all:

ISTJs tend to believe in laws and traditions, and expect the same from others. They're not comfortable with breaking laws or going against the rules. ISTJs more often tend to believe that things should be done according to procedures and plans. If an ISTJ has not developed their Intuitive side sufficiently, they may become overly obsessed with structure, and insist on doing everything "by the book".

The ISTJ has little use for theory or abstract thinking, unless the practical application is clear.

They may have difficulty understanding a theory or idea which is different from their own perspective. However, if they are shown the importance or relevance of the idea to someone who they respect or care about, the idea becomes a fact, which the ISTJ will internalize and support. Once the ISTJ supports a cause or idea, he or she will stop at no lengths to ensure that they are doing their duty of giving support where support is needed.

Not bad as personality tests go, but there aren't any questions to tell the computer that you're also lazy, callous, and emotionally incapable of empathy so I get a lot of inaccurate results all the time.

Hey, fellow ISTJer! *high fives*

but there aren't any questions to tell the computer that you're also lazy, callous, and emotionally incapable of empathy so I get a lot of inaccurate results all the time.

HAHAHAHA. I do not know why that made me laugh so much. I am extremely lazy, though, so I know what you mean.

I mean, it's like the multiple choice thing. A computer is never going to give you perfect results.

Mine changes. I'm usually INFP, but sometimes INFJ or ISFP. Always I and F, though.

And I totally agree about choosing answers on personality tests--I always feel like I'm trying to figure out what they're really alluding to--like, when they ask if I prize justice over mercy? I don't know. I think they're both important. How am I supposed to answer that?

That question was really hard to answer for myself, but when I took the test answering for Buffy it was easy: mercy.

Mine changes too: but always I and F. *nods*

Edited 2011-07-09 19:52 (UTC)

Hee, when in doubt, WHAT WOULD BUFFY DO? xD

I always feel like I'm trying to figure out what they're really alluding to--like, when they ask if I prize justice over mercy? I don't know. I think they're both important. How am I supposed to answer that?

SERIOUSLY. It depends on the situation! I am all about specific context, and those tests are not at all, and I think that's one of the reasons I get frustrated while taking them.

ha, I get different answers every time I take a personality test, so I don't even know. The Enneagram test is even less useful for me, as I am apparently a 1 and a 3 and a 5 and a 6 all at once.

The MB I took just now had pretty terrible wording, so I don't know. "It irritates me when other people...." fail to go away. I so don't care about half the things it asks. Possibly why I seem to be basically a tie between all the I--Ps.

"It irritates me when other people...." fail to go away. I so don't care about half the things it asks.

FAIL TO GO AWAY. Are you me?

First off - love, love, love your icon. Calvin forever!

I took the Meyers-Brigg years and years ago (before you were born, I'm guessing). Hubby to be was studying to be a M-B tester or evaluator or some such thing that I can't remember. I also hate (and rarely complete) tests that insist on A,B,C or D - there needs to be a "sometimes" "maybe" or "none of the above" option, IMHO. However, I think the MB did a decent of job of wording the same question enough different ways that it did come up with a pretty good description of me. What I liked about it, was that after my own type was explained to me (and BF's type) and I learned more about it, it helped me understand my mother (and one of my ex's) so much better. Instead of just referring to them as "insane" or "out of touch with reality", I realized that they were just very different types from me and operating on different emotional and logic levels.

I'd say that wanting to be right would be all about how a conflict makes you feel (I'm right, dammit!), and therefore, that last description is also accurate for you. You feel you are or need to be right. :)

there needs to be a "sometimes" "maybe" or "none of the above" option, IMHO. However, I think the MB did a decent of job of wording the same question enough different ways

Agreed on both of these.

it helped me understand my mother (and one of my ex's) so much better. Instead of just referring to them as "insane" or "out of touch with reality", I realized that they were just very different types from me and operating on different emotional and logic levels.

Definitely! I have had this experience as well. It can be very valuable in that way.

I'd say that wanting to be right would be all about how a conflict makes you feel (I'm right, dammit!), and therefore, that last description is also accurate for you. You feel you are or need to be right. :)

Ha! I didn't think about it like that, but I suspect you are right!

I haven't much time right now because I'm writing something and need to get it done before 7 p.m., but I am pretty sure I'm an INTJ. Which I think makes sense. I am pretty happy to be an NT, at least, because I think it seems more frequent for people to be ST or NF (ha ha looks like Nathan Fillion/backnow) but I do think I think about things in an intuitive manner which I like about me. Mostly I think Ns rock, though of course Ss rock too because we all rock, and the people who suck certainly don't suck because of their MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE MY GOD, but anyway, N solidarity! And Introvert solidarity too.

*nods*

Fellow INT, though I vary on the J and P (Usually J, but it seems on the borderline).

*fist bump* :D

I think about things in an intuitive manner which I like about me. Mostly I think Ns rock, though of course Ss rock too because we all rock, and the people who suck certainly don't suck because of their MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE MY GOD, but anyway, N solidarity! And Introvert solidarity too.

I may have giggled like crazy at this. But yay for solidarity!

I AM AN INFP TOO! *fist bump*

I AM SO SHOCKED!

INTJ represent! Though I think sometimes that T can be an F.

I actually really like personality tests, not that I like labels but I guess I enjoy... thinking about my own personality lol? Even if the results aren't all that useful.

but I guess I enjoy... thinking about my own personality lol? Even if the results aren't all that useful.

I am the same way. I spend more time than I probably should trying to figure out if I'm a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff, actually. Which is ridiculous because those categories were made up for a children's fantasy book and not by someone who actually know what they're talking about, but still, it's fun!

I'm an INFP.

Like you, I like to be right!

ETA: Have you ever read the book The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron? There's a website here: http://www.hsperson.com/. It's helped me a LOT.

Edited 2011-07-11 23:41 (UTC)

This does not surprise me at all! :D

I have read a little bit of the website! And I've meant to read the book but forgot about it, so I'm very glad you reminded me. I should check it out.

I am also a INFP, though the NS is very close cal for me,as I have a very strong practical streak. The Meyers Briggs personality test has been an interest of mine for years. "The Introvert Advantage" by Marti Olsen Laney is an excellent book, if you are interested in reading further about the introvert trait. I found it really insightful and it also helped me understand some tendencies typical of introverts which I had felt embarrassed about for years.

"The Introvert Advantage" by Marti Olsen Laney is an excellent book, if you are interested in reading further about the introvert trait. I found it really insightful and it also helped me understand some tendencies typical of introverts which I had felt embarrassed about for years.

I really do need to read that. I have ~feelings~ on being an introvert in a world geared towards extroverts, and I'm sure it's fascinating. Thanks for reminding me about it! :D

i am immediately wary of personality tests of any kind but one of my best friends cajoled me into taking this one because she's researched the hell out of myers-briggs and makes everybody take it and it's one that i give credit to after reading about so many of my friends' personality types. it's a bit addictive!

i'm an INFJ. apparently i am just more keen on details than Ps, hah. (but oh man I HATE CONFLICT and am always mediating.)

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