Of Simple Words & Simple Things

Thursday, November 17, 2005

That means you are more Introverted than Extroverted, Sensing than Intuitive, Feeling than Thinking, and more Judging than Perceiving. Understanding your combination of these traits will help you understand why you get along with some people and not others. And what types of people you should seek out for fulfilling relationships. But what do these terms really mean? And how do they affect your relationships with other people? You're about to find out.

The most important thing to remember about the dimensions is that just because you are an Introvert doesn't mean you don't also have some Extravert characteristics. The fact that you are an Introvert simply means that you have more Introvert characteristics than Extravert ones. The same goes for the other dimensions. Therefore, when you take a look at your relationship personality type, know that you probably possess some tendencies of the other dimensions as well. It's just that more often than not, you a have a tendency to approach the world on one side of the scale than the other — as an Introvert instead of as an Extravert for example.

A closer look at the dimensions
Below is more information on each of these dimensions and how you score on each of them.

(I)ntroversion/ (E)xtraversion:
This dimension describes how you approach and interact with the world and how you typically direct your energy.

Most times, people simply associate introverts with being shy and extraverts with being loud. These descriptions are not entirely correct because those two qualities are only part of what determines whether someone is an introvert or an extravert. For example, typically, to an extravert, the outside world represents both excitement and opportunity. Extraverts often think and perform better in front of others. Also, because an extravert's energy is often directed outwards, extroverts like being around people most of the time. Introverts, on the other hand, usually direct their energy inwards and often need alone time to replenish their energy stores.

When it comes to communication, introverts will tend to formulate their thoughts before they speak up. Extraverts will often think and talk at the same time, saying whatever comes into their heads. This more immediate approach makes extraverts spontaneous, but it can also get them into hot water. Socially, introverts prefer more intimate settings where they have the chance to get to know fewer people on a deeper basis. Extraverts typically feel that in social situations, the more the merrier. As mentioned above — not every introvert or extravert will display every trait tied to this dimension. In fact, people are apt to display a mix of traits.

I(N)tuition/ (S)ensing:
This dimension demonstrates how people tend to process information.

What kinds of information do you naturally notice? That's the main question this scale answers. Sensors tend to focus on concrete information. Intuitives tend to focus on possibilities. By using their five senses to gather data, sensors trust what can be seen, heard, touched, tasted, or felt. By staying attuned to their five senses, sensors are also apt to focus on the present and to have great attention to detail. If you are looking for accurate information, ask a sensor.

Intuitives, on the other hand, are more imaginative types who tend to look for deeper, abstract meanings in the world around them. They do this by inferring things from the data that's in front of them. For example, when presented with information, intuitives usually enjoy pondering over implications of those facts and anticipating future consequences. Intuitives aren't often interested in details and tend to see the big picture of a situation faster than sensors.

(F)eeling/ (T)hinking:
This dimension demonstrates how you make decisions.

The way each one of us makes decisions is influenced by whether we are primarily thinkers or feelers. Thinkers value analytical thinking and tend to be methodical and logical when evaluating their options. Thinkers pride themselves on being objective, rather than letting their subjective feelings or opinions enter into their decisions. Feelers often see thinkers as being somewhat cold. Feelers have a very different decision making process. Theirs takes into account how others will be affected alongside of the objective facts. By putting people's individual situations in the forefronts of their minds, feelers are more likely to make exceptions to rules than thinkers are. Feelers are highly empathic, and sometimes this bent can make them seem too emotional to thinkers.

(P)erceiving/ (J)udging:
The last dimension describes whether you prefer closure or openness.

The final dimension describes whether you prefer closure or openness in your life's situations. For instance, because of their high need for control, judgers like structure and order in the world around them. Judgers are typically organized people who focus on goals and accomplish what they set out to do.

On the other end of the spectrum are perceivers who usually prefer to experience the world spontaneously. Oftentimes a perceiver can't tell you their schedule from one day to the next because they don't know what's going to happen. Perceivers usually like keeping their options open and can pride themselves on adapting to whatever situation they confront. Judgers are most excited when they have finished a project. Perceivers tend to be most excited when a new endeavor begins.

Now that you know more about each of the dimensions, we can give you more information about your specific four-letter personality type. This type was derived from your answers on the Love Personality test.

Your love type
About 7% of the U.S. population possesses the combination of traits that make up this personality type.Being an ISFJ, you can be the ultimate team player. This may be largely due to the deep and abiding loyalty you tend to exhibit toward the important people in your life. It can also be a result of the typical ISFJ philosophy that puts the needs of the group before your own desires. The bonds you share with people can run deep, so even those you don't see very often may be considered dear friends. Chances are, your loyalty and caring toward others is duly noted. It's no surprise that people naturally gravitate to such a warm spirit.

In relationships, you appear to use both your head and your heart. It can pain you to see those close to you unhappy and you'll often go out of your way to take care of others. However, in your case, being caring doesn't necessarily mean being gushy or overly sentimental. More often, you believe that your actions will simply speak for themselves.

When it comes to your relationships, in general you like to be needed but aren't typically the needy type yourself. Be aware that your loyal, caring nature may sometimes make you stay in relationships longer than you should. Fortunately, most times your head will kick in before you really get in too deep. ISFJs like you are known for being generous with your time and spirit. You'll often expend your energy seeking ways to make life better for everyone around you. Such efforts are to be admired.

What makes you a good partner and friend?

Your reliability makes you a source of comfort to others
You make everyone feel special
You know how to be sensitive to other people's feelings
You're not the kind to leave when the going gets tough

So now that you know about your personality and the many special qualities that you possess, it's time to learn which other types you're most compatible with in life and love. You'll also find out why those types are more suited for you than the others. Ready to find out who you connect with best?

Your most compatible types
Because you're a Sensing Feeler (SF), you're someone who can be there for others emotionally while still maintaining your pragmatic side. SFs like you are known for having a wonderful head for details. You're not one to forget a birthday or flake on a lunch date. Because of this mix of traits, you typically appreciate those who are emotionally in tune with you and supportive of your needs. As a result, you're most compatible with Intuitive Feelers (NFs). NFs are creative, expansive thinkers who can help you appreciate the big picture when you get bogged down in the daily grind. An SF/NF pairing often results in a caring, tuned-in relationship. There are four SF/NF matches for you: ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP, INFP.

Introverts vs. extraverts:
Getting alongIn addition to knowing that you get along best with NFs, it's important to understand how your social style and activity preferences will impact your relationships. That's where the Introversion/Extraversion dimension comes in. Check out how you're likely to get along with those who are similar to and different than you in this respect.

Introverts with extraverts
You are an Introvert (I) . So when it comes time to relax and enjoy yourself and you are with an Extrovert (E), it's not surprising that you'd both propose different activities. Perhaps your Extrovert wants to get together a group of friends to go out dancing and you'd rather just make a quiet dinner together and pop in a video. Such is the nature of an I/E relationship. Keep in mind that having different preferences is not a bad thing. In fact, your different activity levels can keep life interesting for both of you and help you to grow as people. Also, as an Introvert, there are likely to be times when you really appreciate having someone around who shakes things up for you. The most important thing for an I/E mix to be successful is to maintain flexibility and appreciation toward one another's differences. By both making efforts to meet each other's needs, you can become a happy and well-balanced team.

Introverts with introverts
Being with another Introvert (I) like yourself can make for very smooth sailing in a relationship. That's because your activity levels and preferences are likely to be well matched. Small group gatherings like dinner parties or one-on one quality time are apt to be the kind of diversions you both seek when it's time to relax. You'll also both be quite comfortable taking time apart to focus on each of your diverging interests and hobbies. So, if one of you is a sports nut and wants to spend the whole afternoon watching the game and the other one would rather go on a hike, chances are you'll both feel okay going your own way. This is sure to make you happier as individuals and when you're together.

Detecting others' type
Now that you have all this information about who you're most compatible with, you might be thinking, "Great. I know my perfect types by letters, but how am I going to know them when I see them in real life?" Well, short of dragging everyone you meet in front of a computer to take this test, you can play detective to look for clues. Below are some ways that you can discover what types people are.

How to tell if someone is an introvert or an extravert
One way to figure out if someone is an Introvert (I) or Extravert (E) is to see how loud they like their music. See where they set their volume dial on the radio. Based on a study conducted by Geen (1984), you should expect that Es prefer listening to their music on high volume and Is prefer listening at a low volume. It's not true that all extraverts are loud, but they do tend to prefer highly arousing environments.

How to tell if someone is an Intuitive or a Sensor
Doing an activity that requires following instructions, such as following a recipe, can quickly let you know if someone is an Intuitive (N) or a Sensor (S). Try to choose a dish that allows for some leeway in following directions and gauge how closely the person follows the instructions. Are they extremely focused and wonder how much a dash or a pinch really is? Or, do they glance at the recipe and just start winging it? Sensors will want to follow instructions as closely as possible, whereas Intuitives tend to get the gist of things and go by their gut instincts.

How to tell if someone is a Thinker or Feeler
One easy way to tell if someone is a Thinker or Feeler is to ask for their opinion on a variety of provocative topics. Are they diplomatic and cautious in giving their opinions or do they easily relay their strong ideas on the topics without too much concern for who might be offended? A Thinker is usually much more upfront and honest about their opinions, even if it means disagreeing with someone else. A Feeler has many opinions as well but will usually wait to see how others feel about a topic before revealing their true opinion fully.

How to tell if someone is a Judger or Perceiver
A good way to tell if someone is a Judger or a Perceiver is to call that person at the spur of the moment and suggest an outing. Your answer won't be determined so much by whether the person is available, as it will be by how they react to your invitation. If they seem a little taken aback or consult their day planner, chances are that they're a Judger. If the person seems happily surprised and receptive to your suggestion, then they are most likely a Perceiver. This isn't always true, but it's a good rule of thumb.

Research behind the tests
A brief history of personality types
As early as the fifth century B.C., the Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates recorded the first known personality model. He based his four types on the amount of body fluids an individual possessed. The Greek physician Galen expounded upon Hippocrates' theory. He believed a predominance of blood led to a confident person who was cheerful and strong. A predominance of mucus led to an indifferent, slow personality. A predominance of black bile led to a depressed personality, and a predominance of yellow bile led to a violent and strong personality.

German philosopher Immanuel Kant later popularized these ideas in the 1700's, when he organized those ideas along two axes: feelings and activity. Depression represented weak feelings, confidence reflected strong feelings. Indifference represented weak activity, violence represented strong activity.

The next big step came from Wilhelm Wundt who started to think about these categorical groups as not finite but continuous dimensions. He proposed that the four temperaments fall on high or low positions on two axes: changeability and emotionality.

The idea of four basic temperaments existed eventually became the basis of a number of late-19th- and early-20th-century behavioral theories. Some of the most significant work on the subject was done by the Swiss psychoanalyst Carl G. Jung. In 1922, he introduced four categories of mental functioning: sensing, intuition, thinking and feeling in his work Psychological Types. At the time, Jung's ideas about personality types went largely unnoticed, due to the frenzy surrounding the modern psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud, B.F. Skinner, and others. However, in the 1950s, however, Isabel Myers and her daughter Katherine Briggs revived Jung's ideas and re-popularized the idea of personality type testing.

Personality tests and daily life
Today, personality tests can help us understand and better relate to ourselves and the world — to understand why we are the way we are. We can also use them to understand people who are important to us. If you want to find out how you score on a similar test, try taking the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator on the Consulting Psychologists Press website http://www.cpp-db.com/.

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