INTJ
Profile
INTJs are analytical problem-solvers, eager to improve systems and processes with their innovative ideas. They have a talent for seeing possibilities for improvement, whether at work, at home, or in themselves.
INTJs have a hunger for knowledge and strive to constantly increase their competence; they are often perfectionists with extremely high standards of performance for themselves and others. They tend to have a keen interest in self-improvement and are lifelong learners, always looking to add to their base of information and awareness.
INTJs live in a world of abstraction and theory, and may sometimes be absentminded in their preoccupation with concepts. Often intellectual, they enjoy analysis and complex problem-solving, and are much less comfortable with the illogical and unpredictable nature of other people and their emotions. They may not want to bother with people who they do not perceive to be their intellectual equals.
INTJs are perceptive about systems and strategy, and often understand the world as a chess board to be navigated. They want to understand how systems work, and how events proceed: the INTJ often has a unique ability to foresee logical outcomes. They enjoy applying themselves to a project or idea in depth, and putting in concentrated effort to achieve their goals.
Recognizing an INTJ
INTJs are typically reserved and serious, and seem to spend a lot of time thinking. They are curious about the world around them and often want to know the principle behind what they see. They thoroughly examine the information they receive, and if asked a question, will typically consider it at length before presenting a careful, complex answer. INTJs think critically and clearly, and often have an idea about how to do something more efficiently. They can be blunt in their presentation, and often communicate in terms of the larger strategy, leaving out the details.
Although INTJs aren’t usually warm or particularly gregarious, they tend to have a self-assured manner with people based on their own security in their intelligence. They relate their ideas with confidence, and once they have arrived at a conclusion they fully expect others to see the wisdom in their perceptions. They are typically perfectionists and appreciate an environment of intellectual challenge. They enjoy discussing interesting ideas, and may get themselves into trouble because of their take-no-prisoners attitude: if someone’s beliefs don’t make logical sense, the Mastermind typically has no qualms about pointing that out.
INTJ in the Population
INTJ is the third rarest type in the population, and the rarest type among women (with ENTJ). INTJs make up:
- 2% of the general population
- 3% of men
- 1% of women
Popular Hobbies
Popular hobbies for the INTJ include reading, cultural events, taking classes, appreciating art, computers and video games, and independent sports such as swimming, backpacking, or running marathons.
Famous INTJs
Famous INTJs include Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, Bill Gates, Dwight Eisenhower, Alan Greenspan, Ulysses S. Grant, Stephen Hawking, John Maynard Keynes, Ayn Rand, Isaac Asimov, Lewis Carroll, Cormac McCarthy, and Sir Isaac Newton.
Research on INTJ
Interesting facts about the INTJ:
- On personality trait measures, score as Discreet, Industrious, Logical, Deliberate, Self-Confident, and Methodical
- Among types least likely to suffer heart disease and cardiac problems
- Least likely of all the types to believe in a higher spiritual power
- One of two types with highest college GPA
- Among types with highest income
- Personal values include Achievement
- Of all types, least likely to state that they value Home/family, Financial security, Relationships & friendships, and Community service
- Overrepresented among MBA students and female small business owners
- Commonly found in scientific or technical fields, computer occupations, and legal professions
Work & Careers
INTJ at Work
At work, the INTJ excels at creating and implementing innovative solutions to analytical problems. They naturally see possibilities for improvement within complex systems and are organized and determined in implementing their ideas for change.
INTJs are comfortable with abstraction and theory but gain the most satisfaction from turning their ideas into reality. They often enjoy working independently or with a small team, taking measured, strategic steps to implement change.
INTJs enjoy working with logical systems that they can understand in depth. They enjoy the challenge of comprehending complex ideas, and want to understand how they can improve the way things work.
The ideal work environment for an INTJ is logical, efficient, structured, and analytical, with colleagues that are competent, intelligent, and productive. The ideal job for a Mastermind allows them to use their analytical skills to problem-solve in a challenging environment, and to take responsibility for implementing their ideas to create efficient, innovative systems.
INTJs as Leaders
In leadership positions, INTJs are strategic, analytical planners and problem solvers. They are good at making tough decisions and sorting out complex issues. Masterminds excel at managing projects that implement a vision of improved efficiency or innovation, and although they usually prefer not to have to manage other people, they will take over if no other leader steps up. As leaders, they are democratic and hands-off: they generally prefer to share the overall goal and let their reports determine exactly how to complete their work.
INTJs value competence and decisiveness, and may sometimes neglect to listen to differing opinions once their mind is made up. While they focus on creating logical and innovative solutions, they may sometimes leave out the details of their plans, leaving their teams to wonder exactly how things will be accomplished.
INTJs on a Team
INTJs are analytical team members who focus on strategy. They are often perceptive about systems and how to improve them. They are thoughtful and clear in their analysis, and good at defining team goals. They are capable of synthesizing ideas of some complexity, and often see clearly to a unifying plan of action. INTJs take a characteristically critical approach, and analyze ideas and proposals with a detached, objective logic. They want to be free to make improvements to existing systems, and do best on a team where change is favored.
INTJs are open to ideas, and will consider the perspectives of the team members with an even-handed approach. However, they are firm and clear in their logical analysis, and have little patience for nonsense. They are unlikely to offer support or assurance to teammates who they don’t perceive as useful contributors. They are persuasive in their reasoning and often get teammates on board based on the clarity of their ideas. However, they may have friction with team members who have a focus on relationships; the Mastermind seeks a free exchange of ideas, not a personal connection.
Least Popular Careers for INTJs
It is important to note that any personality type can be successful in any occupation. However, some occupations are well suited to the natural talents and preferred work style of the INTJ, while other occupations demand modes of thinking and behavior that do not come as naturally to this type. Occupations that require the Mastermind to operate outside their natural preferences may prove stressful or draining, and often sound unappealing to INTJs who are choosing a career.
The following occupations have been found to be unpopular among INTJs, based on data gathered from surveys of the general population.
|
Relationships
INTJ Communication Style
INTJs are direct and detached in their communication. They often naturally see how something could be done better and usually communicate their criticism in a straightforward, logical manner. They are typically independent and calm; they are not so much concerned about being liked or appreciated as they are with being competent and thoughtful. Their communications are typically well thought-out, insightful, and strategic. They often plan well into the future and offer big-picture analysis for improving systems.
INTJs as Partners
In relationships, the INTJ is loyal but independent. INTJs can be almost scientific in choosing a mate and make devoted partners once they have found a match that fits their rigorous list of requirements. They often have clear ideas about what makes for a solid relationship and are unwavering in their pursuit of this ideal.
INTJs often have a passion for self-improvement and are encouraging of their partners' goals and intellectual pursuits. However, they do not usually see the need for frivolous affection or romance, feeling that their devotion should be evident. They are more focused on serving their partners with hard work and resourceful problem-solving than they are on showering them with attention.
INTJs' partners often find them difficult to read, and indeed they do not show emotion easily; they find the process of discussing emotions much too messy and disorganized. They enjoy solving difficult problems, but are often out of their depth when it comes to illogical, unpredictable personal issues.
INTJs value a partner that allows them the independence to achieve their goals, and one who appreciates their efficacy, insight, and ability to offer creative solutions to problems.
INTJs as Parents
As parents, INTJs are devoted and supportive. They set firm limits and provide consistent reinforcement, but within that structure allow a lot of latitude for their children to explore their own interests and potential. They are encouraging of their childrens' intellectual pursuits and enthusiastic about sharing knowledge.
INTJs enjoy the process of developing a young mind, and get a lot of satisfaction from parenting. They want to develop productive, competent, and self-sufficient children who think for themselves.
Dynamics
INTJ Type Dynamics
The core of the INTJ personality type is Introverted Intuition. This dominant function guides the way INTJs make sense of things and explore information in their own minds. Using Intoverted Intuition, the INTJ contemplates connections and make sense of patterns. The reflect on their intepretations to develop insight and understanding and to create a clear vision for the future.
The auxiliary function for INTJs is Extraverted Thinking. This mental function supports their dominant Introverted Intuition to help them evaluate information and options in the world around them. When using Extraverted Thinking, the INTJ seeks to order their environment to bring logic to systems and processes. They analyze the options objectively and communicate ideas clearly.
The tertiary Feeling function is less developed for most INTJs, especially early in life. When this function is not well developed, INTJs may have trouble tuning into values and considering the impact of decisions on people.
The inferior function for INTJs, or that function which is least likely to be conscious and well developed, is Extraverted Sensing. When this function is not developed, INTJs may ignore the importance of details in their environment, and may overlook aspects of current reality which conflict with their vision.
INTJ Under Stress
INTJs often become stressed when working with large amounts of detailed information. Activities such as bookkeeping or tedious, detail-oriented household tasks often bring on a stress response in INTJs. INTJs need plenty of private time and space to analyze and process thoughts. Being constantly surrounded by people, especially those they can’t share ideas with, can cause the INTJ stress. INTJs may be stressed by situations that restrict their creativity. They want to have freedom to solve problems innovatively, and being limited by rigid structure often brings stress.
A stress response in the INTJ often manifests as an uncomfortable focus on the external environment. Because the INTJ’s inferior function is Sensing, they are unaccustomed to attending to the details in the world around them. When their focus turns to external sensory experience, this attention often feels stressful and overstimulating. The INTJ may worry that the physical environment will fail them: that objects will break or go missing, or that resources will be inadequate. They may obsessively organize in an attempt to control their environments. Stress can also show itself through a tendency to overindulge in sensual pleasures: eating, drinking, or watching television.
INTJs and Change
INTJs take an analytical, strategic approach to change. They think critically about present realities, evaluating objectively what is working and what can be improved, and tend to have a strong vision for the future. When they see an opportunity to improve upon the way things are done, they are not hesistant about approaching change. Thorough planners, INTJs are likely to think through all the necessary steps of a change, and proceed methodically to implement key goals.
INTJs typically adapt well to the change process, provided that they buy into the overall goal. They think objectively about how to improve systems and processes and have a strong concept of what they’d like to see in the future. Although they are patient in their mission to improve the systems around them, they seek changes that move them closer to their ideals. The INTJ will be enthusiastic about changes which they see as progress toward a goal of doing things more effectively. However, if the reasoning for the change seems illogical, or if the INTJ perceives the change as moving away from their concept of the future, the INTJ will be hesitant to fall in step with the plan.
Comments
That was a great list, loved all the random tidbits at the end!
-INTJ
only 1% of women of women are this type. Now I at least understand why I have no female friends. Yet this survey just served to make me feel more special and misunderstood than I already did, so thanks?
I recognize myself. Luckily I have found one female friend who understand's me, but sometimes it's quite hard to deal with all the emotional issues that she's experiencing and I'm not because I'm a INTJ. But I wouldn't want to loose her for no money in the whole world.
"Now I at least understand why I have no female friends." -- Ditto.
Ditto. No wonder I find it so difficult to relate to other women...
Didn't ever really think about the affect of being an INTJ on forming female friendships, but after reading the descriptions, some questions have been answered and insights have been confirmed. Was beginning to feel so alone with the difficulty of finding and/or maintaining female friendships. Seems like most women have a least one close friend. Some guys seem to be threatened by INTJ women as well; they want the more feeling and nurturing types.
I am female and consistently test as a "crossover" - Type INTJ/INFJ. From my position the world is a strange place, in which I am a friend to many, yet have almost no real friends myself. Interesting...
Thank you for the site. Enjoyable and entertaining read.
I also test as a blend of INFJ and INTJ. What are the primary differences in the two?
Would like to join a chat group online to chat with those interested in personality types. Any suggestions?
Yes! Try PersonalityCafe.com. It's a very lively discussion board all about personality types in action.
I test as a strong INTJ. I am currently in seminary school and everyone was shocked when I tested as that. But reading it over it pretty much describes me.
I understand. Funny, I am thinking of going to seminary school as well and I am a INTJ! Good for us!
Dang, I guess I'm more rare than I thought. I'm an INTJ Schizoid who is an artist and is a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian.
same here
i am yet another lonely, friendless, INTJ female :p
:( sorry.
I'm in the same boat, though I do have the mirage of friendships with coworkers.
Try out the INTJ forums :)
http://intjforum.com/index.php
Lol I understand where your coming from! It makes me mad because the only women who are interested in me are the ones with self esteem issues. And guys always see me the same way, arrogant and unemotional. They think Im cocky, too serious, and non caring which I do not see. I just dont know how to be, or even see the point in trying to be, anything else than reserved and intellectual..It makes me uncomfortable and is exhausting to dumb myself down/pretend like I care about stupid things just to fit in with the crowd!
exactly the same. i always criticize myself to the point of complete worthlessness. question: do any other INTJ people deal with depression? ive noticed a lot of intelligent people are depressed. cant say a lot about school, im only a sophmore in high school. usual story, straight A's, no friends lol
i came up intj in a couple tests and it describes me better than i thought it would, but was not the A student. i didn't feel the need to do much work unless i was genuinely interested within a subject. however at some points when i had to buckle down mostly junior/ senor year i surprised some teachers by exceeding there expectations of me. they thought i was just quiet and stupid or that's a self reflection, but non the less surprised them.
Man, I almost wan't to cry. I find that people see me as quiet and serious. I always wondered why this is the way I am, and now I understand that I am a rare percent of people with this. I can relate to having not many friends, cause my when I am hanging out with people, the person I am with, his or her cell phone would almost be ringing off the hook and mine would be quiet. I am looking for a partner, but my checklist is too long, but on the other hand I am about to graduate cum laude, and about to pursue a B.A. degree. In high school I didn't try to hard. It was until I started trying in college, I found if I put in the effort I can do good. whew!
sweet, i've always wondered what was wrong with me - or the world - since i can't seem to make friends and prefer solitude. the analysis is in general quite accurate and helpful. but the joblist is a disaster - can't stand working under any authoritative institutions, even innovative high-tech companies. Computer programing, engineering, analyst are all too rigid. Need something even more creative and flexible such as philosopher, psychologist, linguists, designer, sound engineering etc., which also needs an analytical mind & innovative solution. just my personal point of view.
Yes, thank you. I totally agree that the job list is not in my field of interest at all. The one's you have proposed are much more to my liking.
Also completely agree with this statement. I need to work in COMPLETE solitude without deadlines. The INTJ mind wants things to be worked out correctly, however long it takes. Someone breathing down my neck telling me when and how to do something elicits a response like, "Well, then just do it yourself. Because, working like this, I won't be able to do it well. What's the point?"
I have only one female friend who doesn't bug the hell out of me. For awhile I was wondering if I should go into construction or welding because I absolutely loathe being around women. I mean, I loathe being around people, but especially women.
It really is a shame that there are no "wise man in the mountain" jobs around...
Personality types are very general. I agree that philosophy and psychology are nice job choices but most people gravitate toward job security and money. There's no money in philosophy unless you teach and there's only good money in psychology if you get your doctorate.
I feel like a modern version of Sherlock Holmes and I'm a loner. I enjoy doing things rather than talking about them. I like observing everything from a completely logical standpoint. I'm very punctual, organized and hard-working and I expect the other people to be like that, but more often than not this expectation is not satisfied. I can't stand overly emotional people, but this in fact says that I can't stand lots and lots of people. As said at the beginning I'm not much of a talker. At least about trivial, daily, mundane things such as the current weather condition, "who did what at the weekend with whom" and all these professional sports/celebrities stuff etc. I mainly like talking about number theory and discrete mathematics(I'm a mathematics Ph.D student), classical movies, chess, great white sharks, animal rights movement, psychology etc. but even while I'm talking about these things, I'm concise and to the point. I hate when the talk/speech becomes repetitive and filled with unnecessary details. I also dislike the fact that gaps or silences in a talk are considered weird and uncomfortable. And in general I prefer writing and I think I'm quite good at expressing my thoughts.
Anyway, almost all the time i have felt like an alien in this world. Even sometimes among the other introverts. I sometimes think maybe my existence is some kind of mistake, in a both positive and negative way. Occasionally I feel depressed and this has become more frequent in the recent months. Sometimes I think about ending my life but then i consider all the unfinished projects/unrealized dreams of mine and give up this idea.
I wish good luck to all the fellow INTJ people out there in their life journey.
I'm an INTJ female so I understand your frustrations. I felt compelled to respond because you mentioned the possibility of ending your life. Coming from you, someone who values precise language and rationality,I can't brush aside those words as solely an emotional and trivial outburst.
Please get help if your depression has you thinking this way. Please.
I can't get over the fact that every sentence you said from being a modern version of Sherlock Holmes to ending your own life exactly depicts my outlook in life. I thought I was the only ridiculous being in the world who would be depressed and think of suicide but then I'd remember all my deadlines and list of things to do so I just decide to "die another day". However, I'm always engaged in self-initiated activities so it never comes. And the reason why I'm always engaged in activities is because I am frequently bored and I thirst for problems and challenges or basically anything that would keep my mind churning.
I thought I was so weird and alone in a pool of people but now I feel 'categorized', so to speak, and finally the universe is in order again (figuratively speaking, of course, because the universe is always in a state of entropy).
like the other two this is a response of relevance and concern. in one hand you have disproved us being robots(i herd cyborg somewhere lol). i recently got over my hump of depression (somewhat) the friends i had turned there backs on me at a pivotal time in my life leaving me hopeless. i had it all figured out, step 1- tax return, 2- unregistered firearm, 3- arrangement of possession and finances, and 4- final resting spot. i even went as far to think of giving people there last goodbys via facebook but apprehension would be immanent. luckily when the check came i had stopped hanging out with my former acquaintances and to be quite frank after i quit smoking pot and drinking i began to regulate myself again. I'm glad to hear your too busy to end it, and wish you the best of luck through this temp possession of life.:)
Dont give up on life. I am a INJT and I never realized "why I am this way". I have been told thati am cold, too serious etc. even though I am INJT I am Christian and I lenjoy reading the word, dissecting it and applying it to my life to better myself and to possibly help others ( cause if I'm going to work with you, we need to be on the same page ; ) ) we are ALL created for a reason and somewhere our personality fits in perfect for different situations. Keep your head up I know the lonely world of the INJT, but keep continuing your quest for life. Life is precious. God Bless!!
Another INTJ female here, and perhaps more rare as an Orthodox Christian, after much historical research into the Christian Faith. If it were not for the experiential side of Orthodoxy via the sacraments, I would probably be agnostic. I have had an interest in history and politics since high school, and science since I was 3 years old when my dad demonstrated eclipses with a pink ball, tennis ball and our living room lamp, sans the shade. I have studied computer programming at the suggestion of a boss, after I was showing him all the flaws the that IT guys overlooked. I considered becoming a lawyer in high school, but would have preferred in the research side, and perhaps not the courtroom side. I have studied many creative things, but was often torn by the practicality of the career. Right now, I am a cosmetology instructor for a vocational college.
Intj female. I plan to be a journalist and I think it fits my personality. Should be on the list.
So very glad to have read this...I'm over 60 and just now am realizing my "type"..always knew that I was different and could not fit in...now it all makes sense... thanks for a great article! wish I could have known this 40 years ago...still--so very good to know...thanks
I am a female INTJ. A friend introduced me to all of these studies and sites just yesterday and I have been reading everything I can find on the subject and it is so interesting! I am a Christian, straight down the middle in Calvinistic and Armenianism theology. That's what I have found to be most logical, and what I read in the Bible. I have done lots of research and inquired as to many opinions. I had a 4.0 all through high school and I studied computers (Web Design) in College. I decided that instructing and cultivating young minds was a much more useful and rewarding career choice, so I switched to Child Development by my second semester. I have never dated because my list of requirements has never even close to been met. My brother always told me that I had affection issues because I hardly ever enjoyed cuddling when I was younger and I never wanted a long hug, and rarely saw the need to hug at all. I do find it majorly difficult to understand most outbursts of rash emotions, most often in women. That does not, however stop me from having female friends. I do find that in most, if not all cases I am more of a friend to them than they are to me. I have always had many friends and place great importance on maintaining friendships, even over long periods of not speaking. I see a great need to love and cherish other humans and show them through quality time and listening that they are important. I am a terrible shoulder to cry on, however and I imagine it would be quite awkward for the tearful party... I think that I do have heart problems(I haven't gotten it checked out yet)... So I find it interesting that we are least likely to have heart problems. I am not easily excitable and tend to show very little emotions, I realize a need to work on that for other's sake. (Receiving gifts has always been tough!) I have absolutely no problem with confrontation, in any situation/relationship, boss, friend, teacher, etc.
Anyways, as I am sure you can tell, I could go on and on. I have found all of this to be such intriguing information and I have so enjoyed reading all about it and seeing what other INTJ's think. Thanks for the post!
i guess as INTJ being.. a direction is normally a priority. without that INTJ seems lost. And since it's mastermind, it thinks more than anybody else thus more ideas in result. However, ideas are different from daydreaming. Because INTJ is able to convert the ideas to reality implying their rational, practical and logical thinking. Thus, i guess when INTJ is looking into career aspects.., what's suitable might be those that requires flexibility, creativity, independent skills.
i'm one INTJ here. I talk less but think alot. And somehow it helps or works in the course that i'm currently studying.. industrial design. It allows me to think if ideas work, and this actually trains me up in my thinking pattern, problem solving and also activate my creativity and sensitivity.. Although it's tiring to think of ideas and test if they work.. but it's fulfilling if the ideas turn out successful, it will be a great satisfaction. there's nothing that INTJ can't make out. Hence, engineering is also possible. Engineering is broad and allows space for INTJ to learn continuously, just like design.. trade of all jobs. But still, I must say.. it has got to depend on one's interest because only with interest the career is able to bring up that person to a higher level. Speaking with honesty- 'hardykid'
I am also in that 1 percentile of woman who test INTJ. I am a Christian. Now I know why I love science and math. I really care about people but I have always loved animals more than I love people. I think it is because they donot talk. I liked taking the test. They are like taking surveys, fun!
Re: "because animals do not talk"
I am so with you there. Give me a quite afternoon with my kitties any day!
I'm an INTJ male. Took the test in 2005 when I went to a career pshycologist; I was 16 then. I'm a devout Christian. I love these discussions on personality types; it's good to see all the different perspectives people have about personalities. I don't like reading that much. Guess cause there isn't always good stuff to read and when I read something my intuition runs off in a thousand directions and it frustrates me taking so long to finish a good read. I have forced myself to develop my social skills as I see a need for such in the future. I love to sometimes talk to strangers in public places just to balance my seriousness with some impulsiveness. Strange that after I learned about my type and I talked to my friends bout it, their tests showed that they all are intuitives, ENTJ, ENFP, ENTP, INTP, INFJ and INFP. Birds of a feather flock together I guess. I've since learned to tollerate everyone paying attention to their personality type. For someone like me with no natural feeling towards people this MBTI surely works!
Now I know why I can relate to all mastermind villains who carefully plan out brilliant courses of actions to a goal unmatched by others, just to have it smashed by a foolish hardheaded moral preaching hero. >:|
That has to be one of the best INTJ quotes I've ever heard! :)
Haha, cheers. That reply made it worth to register a username. Ever since I came into more contact with this site I've been discussing things at an INTJ forum where I feel that I am among equals and likeminded individuals. So I thank you for the indirect guidance this site has provided me.
Also it further explains these thoughts about eternal life through cloning and brain swapping I've had, renewing the brain with the help of stemcell research... but as always, there are certain... morals and religions that would be ready to stand in my way. So I settled for a computer animation career rather than biomedicine early on. If I can't have eternal life in real life, I shall achieve it in my fictive worlds!
interesting idea.... im thinking of going into a biology or psychology feild, and ive sometimes thought about possible immortality. for now, however, i guess im trying to make myself immortal via memory. i think we only truly die when people forget who we are, and im pretty sure noone will ever forget me.....at least at this school ;P
Yes! Especially in Disney movies....the villains have everyone in the palm of their hand. Their plans are well thought out and well executed. I secretly cheered for them because I knew they were brilliant but then always....they laugh a little too long, or explain a little too much and the damn hero comes and miraculously saves the day. Nonsense.
Like many of the others making comments im one of the lonley people where I live among people of my age, i have friends but i dont consider them interesting because they wont litsen to me and they only keep talking about stuff im not interested in but i still litsen to them.
Sadly not the other way around again.
I'm 13 and took the test and this is my personality. I always considered myself different from others, although i have friends, they don't understand me. I find this really cool and i would love to have a friend who has this personality type :).
Im exactally the same- 13 yrs old i have friends but they dont understand me-even my sister ( who is the closest person in the world to me) dosnt get me and often hurts me with out knowing it then i dont know how to tell her about it and fix the relationship
Id love to have an INTJ friend even to just see how they overcome problems like communicating emotions with others
wow, i knew i was somehow different than my friends,i always feel like listening to my friends,while not really enjoying their talks. except when i met someone almost like me, whom i can talk my ideas with.I feel more confident knowing myself, specially that im an intj, this personality test gave me more ideas in life, i find being an intj cool :) coz we think differently, critically, deeply, and systematically than others. I wonder how it feels like having a lifetime friend or companion as an intj, wouldnt it be fun? talking all your ideas out, and having someone listen and interest with it.anyway, since im in phils, somehow, i manage to become more social, but still. most of the time i'd rather be alone.Oh and my gf is an ENFJ, i wonder if were gonna be confertable, but weve been together almost a year now.. Thanks to this personality test, i find my life more interesting
This is all very interesting. I have ALWAYS been the odd person in the room, I'm currently a scientist but in the past have been a model which means i stand out visually which i hate most of the time, then when someone talks to me i have this atypical personality which rarely is accepted with enthusiasm. I get SO sick and tired of being different, which of course other people won't understand as they are trying to set themselves apart or just assume (if you were to reveal how you feel) that you are being narcissistic. it feels like I just cant win. I inevitably end up with low IQ morons for supervisors. Even when i explain why they are doing something wrong.....as gently as i can, they still cant grasp the concept. I have to break everything into tiny pieces, and literally draw them a visual so that they can understand. personal relationships stink as well as men cant cope with someone who is mentally light years ahead of them, and i just cant be bothered to explain anything as i feel that if they cant comprehend what i'm saying, we probably shouldn't be together anyway. the one chap i have found who is smarter,faster, etc also has even less emotion than i do which of course drives me nuts. I love him very much however find the whole back and forth nature of our relationship exhausting. why cant he just see the logical conclusion is for us to spend the rest of our lives together and just get on with it. lol. Again, i cant win. I know i need friends but find keeping them a massive effort as i would much rather be alone and read a book or engage in a myriad of things i like to do....alone. Good grief i hate being weird. sorry for the rant, but this is anonymous and therefore i can do what i want. yippi!!
Your comments struck a real chord with me. I don't suffer fools gladly. And being alone is excellent. However, when I made a major move after college, I found I did need a few close friends. And I'm with you on the exhausting nature of most 'friends'- they just don't seem to reciprocate. At any rate I thought I might share my situation where it is not like yours. The man I made the relocation with is my ex: a high scoring ISTJ. Most of the INTJ men I meet, and the aforementioned ISTJ, have deep interests and are very intellectual and knowledgeable about those interests. The rub: they generally are not the same areas I'm interested in. So I decided to try something a little different.
Where I found success with a male partner was unexpected, and outside of my logical predictions. My guy is a cross between an ESTP and ESFP. We get along well because he is logical and very grounded. And, since he is secure in who he is, when I am intellectual or planning for the future, he just takes advantage of it, since that isn't his primary interest area. And he does many things that I am just not very good at; entertaining, and social networking are a natural for him. For us it is about the balancing of strengths against weaknesses, which we are able to maximize because of other shared traits: logic, solid common sense, and a desire to learn and work with our hands, by doing.
I didn't take your comment as a rant (because mine would qualify also). Best of luck and hang in there!
Oh, I am an INTJ woman and it is men that I have a problem with - most of them don't like that I actually have an opinion and am not afraid to express it. Women are much more accommodating of me.
I am INTJ male and I have a friend similar to you except she is extraverted. I respect her opinions, but the fact that you take a stand doesn't justify the validity of the opinion and shouldn't result in a sense of pride. Some people go by principles and some by social norms and some by pure logic. Many people take that for granted and become offended when they are rejected for it. Thats what patience and perseverance are for. Stop complaining.
Post a comment