ISTJ

My on-line friend, Tammy of SNPNMNMI fame, posted her personality profile.  Back in my teen years we were made to take such a test and from that time through my adult years I registered as an INFP.  More than a few years ago, I retook the test and one of the letters flipped…I can’t remember which one, however.  As a lark, and a lack of anything pressing to do at the moment, I decided to see what the personality test would say about me…you know…just this side of 40.  I’ve flipped almost completely, and now register at ISTJ.  What that meant to me:

Intuitive: This is supposed to be about how an individual primarily senses things (which is truly funny because Sensing is also another category.)  I, however, always read this primarily for the characteristics associated with Intuitives as shy and adverse to both visual and auditory noise.  It also explained my extreme displeasure of people invading my visual and auditory space…and my physical space.  Now, I’ve been told that this doesn’t really mean shy, but rather the preference of the individual.  My preference is not to be placed anywhere near loud crowds, tight quarters or places impossible to see the sky or a breeze of some sort.  Large gatherings of people have always made me feel claustrophobic…I don’t care if it is in a club, Disney World or church.  Now, I can do these things (well, some of them) but I have an exposure limit before panic attacks, vertigo or the need to push people ensues.  I’d like to be different, but it seems that I’m best in small groups.  I have never believed people who claim to register as Intuitive and yet they are all about the “look at me, look at me!” public and private mannerisms or activities.

Sensing: Earlier recorded as an “Intuition” had become a bit of a pride thing with me…you know, it is an abstract way of thinking so I could justify my theories as right (or mostly right, LOL) because I could just “know” on a level that, say, my husband couldn’t.  Really it was my inability to communicate effectively…to stop and explain was either a bother or opening myself up to looking foolish (e.g., wrong).  Yea, I had a bit of an ego.  I wonder if parenting changed this at all?  In reading the comparison chartbetween Sensing and Intuition I can see myself much more solidly on the Sensing side.  I don’t know…I guess it just sounds so responsible as to lack umph…it’s like a big beige shirt dress on paper.  Yet, I have to say, I actually respect those qualities when I find them in others and know, on just the interacting level, that I’d rather have a life long friend with those qualities.  Considering I’m intuitive which means I like small groups to begin with, I have to be picky and start cutting applicants at once (lame-o attempt at early morning humor). 

Thinking: I don’t know about this one at all.  One of the descriptors for a Thinking vs a Feeling is that those in the Thinking camp are thick skinned.  I’m not that at all.  I can come across that way, sure; but, only because of pride.  Why would I allow myself to be seen by the vast majority as vulnerable?  I’m not saying I’m thin skinned, but if I’m cut, do I not bleed?  Yes, I can be easily hurt.  I think the only time I’m not easily hurt is when the one slinging the arrows is mentally off (or at least appears to be so) because then I just tsk-tsk-isn’t-that-a-shame-shake-my-head type thing.  Other than that (and that seems to be the pebble in my shoe) I would say that I’ve always fit its ascribed definition. 

Judging: Oh my gosh, yes!  A few of the descriptors are:  ”Judging is the preference outwardly displayed. Judging does not mean “judgmental”. Judging people like order, organization and think sequentially. They like to have things planned and settled. Judging people seek closure.”  If you want to see Tookshire go freaking batty, just have no plan or process in place when working together on a project or towards a “common” goal.  I do not, for the love of all things holy, understand why people are not more respectful of other people’s times in favor of “whatever.”  This has become my pet pet pet peeve for the last year.

Real ISTJ People

Andrew Johnson – American President Benjamin Harrison – American President Elizabeth II – Queen of England Evander Holyfield – boxer George H. W. Bush – American President George Washington – American President

Harry Truman – American President Herbert Hoover – American President Jack Webb – actor, producer Jackie Joyner-Kersee – athlete (heptathlon) Thomas – Christ’s Apostle Warren Buffet – investor, businessman