Soooooo... I was recently typed using the
Myers Briggs scale. I don't usually put a whole lot of stock into those kinds of things, but as I was reading through some of the descriptions online about my type (I'm an INFJ. To get a description of what that means go to the link above), I found that some of the things they wrote describe exactly how I feel sometimes... I just have never been able to put those particular feelings into words before!
Exciting right?
So, I thought I'd share some of the things that I found interesting, or that were a sort of epiphany for me.
So cool.
(oh, and fyi-this is pretty long, so i colored some of the more pertinent text so you can skim if you want :))
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{this section quoted from http://typelogic.com/infj.html}
Beneath the
quiet exterior, INFJs
hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life. Those who are activists -- INFJs gravitate toward such a role -- are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power.
Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends. Such a
friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words.
INFJs enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins. INFJs
readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect. Their amazing ability to deduce the inner workings of the mind, will and emotions of others gives INFJs their reputation as prophets and seers. Unlike the confining, routinizing nature of introverted sensing, introverted intuition frees this type to act insightfully and spontaneously as unique solutions arise on an event by event basis.
INFJs, like many other FJ types,
find themselves caught between the desire to express their wealth of feelings and moral conclusions about the actions and attitudes of others,
and the awareness of the consequences of unbridled candor. Some vent the attending emotions in private, to trusted allies. Such confidants are chosen with care, for INFJs are well aware of the treachery that can reside in the hearts of mortals.
The INFJ's thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject. Perhaps it is when the INFJ's thinking function is operative that she is most aloof. A comrade might surmise that such detachment signals a disillusionment, that she has also been found lacking by the sardonic eye of this one who plumbs the depths of the human spirit. Experience suggests that such distancing is merely an indication that the [INFJ] is hard at work and focusing energy into this less efficient tertiary function.
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{this section quoted from http://typelogic.com/infj.html and written by Marina Margaret Heiss}
INFJs are distinguished by both their
complexity of character and the unusual range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, INFJs
tend to be idealists, and because of their J preference for closure and completion, they
are generally "doers" as well as dreamers. This rare combination of vision and practicality often results in INFJs taking a disproportionate amount of responsibility in the various causes to which so many of them seem to be drawn.
INFJs are
deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact,
sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who
can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, [or] family. While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the
emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent "givers." As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood -- particularly by those who have little experience with this rare type.
This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of certain INFJ talents, as it
can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not uncommon in INFJs; it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex type. For instance, there can sometimes be a "tug-of-war" between NF vision and idealism and the J practicality that urges compromise for the sake of achieving the highest priority goals. And the I and J combination, while perhaps enhancing self-awareness,
may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings.
Usually
self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious choices, but overall, INFJs
can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths. Perhaps the best example of this occurs in the technical fields. Many INFJs perceive themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with the mystique and formality of "hard logic", and in academic terms this may cause a tendency to
gravitate towards the liberal arts rather than the sciences.
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{this section quoted from http://www.personalitypage.com/INFJ.html}
INFJs are
gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.
INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They
put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They
know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see
some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk.
INFJs
have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themself does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently,
most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They
are deep, complex individuals, who are
quite private and
typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.
But the INFJ is
as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are
very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may
tend to internalize conflict into their bodies,
and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.
Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ
stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. On the other hand, INFJ
is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are
rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They
have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals.
INFJ is
a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. They make loving parents and usually have strong bonds with their offspring. They have high expectations of their children, and push them to be the best that they can be. This can sometimes manifest itself in the INFJ being hard-nosed and stubborn. But generally, children of an INFJ get devoted and sincere parental guidance, combined with deep caring.
In the workplace, the INFJ usually shows up in areas where they can be creative and somewhat independent. They have a natural affinity for art, and many excel in the sciences, where they make use of their intuition. INFJs can also be found in service-oriented professions. They are
not good at dealing with minutia or very detailed tasks. The INFJ will either
avoid such things, or else
go to the other extreme and become enveloped in the details to the extent that they can no longer see the big picture.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{this section quoted from http://www.keirsey.com/handler.aspx?s=keirsey&f=fourtemps&tab=3&c=counselor}
Counselors (or INFJs... I will replace "counselors" with "INFJs" to limit confusion from here on out) have an
exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and
find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, [INFJs] do quite well with individuals or groups of people, provided that the
personal interactions are not superficial, and that they find some quiet, private time every now and then to recharge their batteries.
[INFJs] are
both kind and positive in their handling of others; they are great listeners and seem
naturally interested in helping people with their personal problems. Not usually visible leaders, [INFJs] prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes.
[INFJs] are scarce, little more than one percent of the population, and can be
hard to get to know, since they
tend not to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions except with their loved ones. They are
highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life. Friends or colleagues who have known them for years
may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that [INFJs] are flighty or scattered; they
value their integrity a great deal, but they
have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.
[INFJs] tend to work effectively in organizations. They
value staff harmony and make every effort to help an organization run smoothly and pleasantly. They understand and use human systems creatively, and are good at consulting and cooperating with others. As employees or employers, [INFJs] are concerned with people's feelings and are
able to act as a barometer of the feelings within the organization.
Blessed with vivid imaginations, [INFJs] are often seen as the most poetical of all the types, and in fact they use a lot of poetic imagery in their everyday language. Their great talent for language-both written and spoken-is usually directed toward communicating with people in a personalized way. [INFJs] are highly intuitive and
can recognize another's emotions or intentions - good or evil -
even before that person is aware of them. They themselves can seldom tell how they came to read others' feelings so keenly. This
extreme sensitivity to others could very well be the basis of the [INFJs] remarkable ability to experience a whole array of psychic phenomena.
