X types

[Solaris]

I've been thinking about all these "borderline" personalities. I know that I can test ENTP or ENTJ, depending on my mood. However, the majority of the time, I function as an ENTJ, though I have fairly ENTP interests (maybe why I come across as a softer, less domineering ENTJ). Many others here are "borderline" INTJ/INTP types. This X in preferences exists all over the spectrum. We get labeled as "borderline" only because the existing system makes it so. Well, I think that ENTx and INTx , or INxJ etc are valid personality types. I'd be interested to see the similarities and differences within this subset of people who feel they are Xs of some sort. It would validate, or invalidate, my theory. Of course, now this requires more research so that I can piece together some sort of ENTx personality description, which would not exactly have a lot of weight as I have no qualifications (other than being one). This would lead to MBTI being more of a contiuum, rather than a series of neat little boxes.

Are you an X? Where is your X? Which preferences do you most strongly identify with in the two types you'd merge?

[AgentofGaming]

I think my J & P are pretty close I seem to have some of these traits:
Hesitant, Indecisive, disorganized desk, procrastinates, keeps options open
vs
Controlled, organized, structured, likes plans, responsible, appreciates closure

Which is why me making decisions ends up painful. I tell myself to stop hesitating and don't lose out, then after I make a decision I lament that it was impulsive and not well thought out. So the next time I have to plan more carefully, however that will make me hesitant. Vicious cycle that's why I like letting my parent's choose, they have more experience and are responsible, so if it ends up bad I can blame them ;).

Changing my mind and having afterthoughts after is so annoying but I keep doing it.

[Solaris]

I think my J & P are pretty close I seem to have some of these traits:
Hesitant, Indecisive, disorganized desk, procrastinates, keeps options open
vs
Controlled, organized, structured, likes plans, responsible, appreciates closure

Which is why me making decisions ends up painful. I tell myself to stop hesitating and don't lose out, then after I make a decision I lament that it was impulsive and not well thought out. So the next time I have to plan more carefully, however that will make me hesitant. Vicious cycle that's why I like letting my parent's choose, they have more experience and are responsible, so if it ends up bad I can blame them ;).

Changing my mind and having afterthoughts after is so annoying but I keep doing it.

Sounds like something you'll probably grow out of one way or the other. But I can see how it would be annoying.

[curious1]

I agree. The original system is flawed. if you think about it, like with most things, a bell curve is a more accurate way to probe these functions. I think everyone is within different ranges.

[lowbrass]

My N and S often switch and it seems that I've gotten that way as a result of trying to confront my own personal challenges. I've been doing more of the sensing, especially to improve social interactions. But, I still do heavily rely upon N to fill in the blanks.

My inner conflict with this X is the balance of relying on concrete facts, "black and white", and rules, versus ideas, "grey areas" and exceptions. I mean, it's sort of hypocritical, because I tend to dislike people that adhere to one extreme or the other, when, at the same time I can behave one way or the other. This is my very own unstable equilibrium!

[RoqueBear]

I am an xNTJ. I vary structured vs non-structured areas. Some tests Ill score a lower on my N but, I would see my self with a strong vision for what I do... just not totally disconnected like many tests seem to assume.

My N is very developed, I just like to slow it down and indulge my S when I have fun.

[stasis]

With respect to the internet tests, it seems to me that percentages would have more to do with test certainty than with any actually borderline usage of the functions. In other words, a per-cent illustration of the degree to which the test is able to draw a conclusion about your function order. I'm not an expert, but I don't think that the notion of borderline cognitive inverses (as for example an INTx being somehow 'inbetween') would work very well.

[Solaris]

With respect to the internet tests, it seems to me that percentages would have more to do with test certainty than with any actually borderline usage of the functions. In other words, a per-cent illustration of the degree to which the test is able to draw a conclusion about your function order. I'm not an expert, but I don't think that the notion of borderline cognitive inverses (as for example an INTx being somehow 'inbetween') would work very well.

You can say that all you want, but it won't hold any meaning until you explain your thought.

If I take a test that measures how well I use each of my cognitive functions, I fairly consistently score highest Te, then Ne, then Ti. After that, it varies depending on my mood, though Ni is usually next highest.

The brain is immensely complex, as we know, and it doesn't adhere to simplistic rules. My use of my cognitive functions is a case in point. According to whichever expert you prefer, I should introvert one and extrovert the other, I don't. This is why I see ENTJ and ENTP in myself, though my Te is so strong, I more strongly identify with ENTJ.





Solaris added to this post, 2 minutes and 48 seconds later...

My N and S often switch and it seems that I've gotten that way as a result of trying to confront my own personal challenges. I've been doing more of the sensing, especially to improve social interactions. But, I still do heavily rely upon N to fill in the blanks.

My inner conflict with this X is the balance of relying on concrete facts, "black and white", and rules, versus ideas, "grey areas" and exceptions. I mean, it's sort of hypocritical, because I tend to dislike people that adhere to one extreme or the other, when, at the same time I can behave one way or the other. This is my very own unstable equilibrium!

I find a very similar thing happening to me. I've spent the last year really working on dealing with my own personal shit (we've all got some), and it's brought out some of my weaker preferences -- Si and Fi especially. I'm not fantastic with them, but the whole process is helping me to be a more balanced person, I believe.

Also, I'm finding that I get more J as I get older -- or I express it more because I'm more comfortable with who I am.

[Hdier]

I'm an INxJ. I will display the T side of me more readily to people, and I tend to be extremely logical in my approach towards solving problems. However, my F dominates my 'inside', decides what problems I solve. My F also defines many of my preferences and all of my principles.

[INTJoe]

My J only scored 11, which is understandable.

On a day-to-day basis, I think I'm very P-ish. I show up places late, I don't like making commitments, I'm sloppy.

But on a long-term basis, my J totally takes control. I can see where I'm at in 5 years, but perhaps not where I'm at this weekend. I also form pretty strong opinions and convictions like a J.

[Solaris]

My J only scored 11, which is understandable.

On a day-to-day basis, I think I'm very P-ish. I show up places late, I don't like making commitments, I'm sloppy.

But on a long-term basis, my J totally takes control. I can see where I'm at in 5 years, but perhaps not where I'm at this weekend. I also form pretty strong opinions and convictions like a J.

I hate being late, and usually arrive early. If I am late, it's usually a result of some aspect of my N self being distracted or forgetting things and having to go back and get them.





Solaris added to this post, 2 minutes and 41 seconds later...

I find that I mainly function in an ENTJ way, but can be creative and spontaneous in action like an ENTP. However, I sometimes wonder if that's just me not fully understanding ENTJ. When I am in action, being productive, I will change tactics so whatever is most effective/efficient at the time. Beforehand, I have to start with a plan in mind (even if others are not aware that I have one).

[BlackHawk]

I'm an INxJ. I will display the T side of me more readily to people, and I tend to be extremely logical in my approach towards solving problems. However, my F dominates my 'inside', decides what problems I solve.

INxJ here, too.

[Antares]

I always thought that I'm an INTx because I like to improvise quite a lot. My personality tests disagree. I've gotten ENTJ, INTJ (most of the time) and ISTJ as results, but never xxxP. Not even once.

But on a long-term basis, my J totally takes control. I can see where I'm at in 5 years, but perhaps not where I'm at this weekend. I also form pretty strong opinions and convictions like a J.

;D That's just SO me.

[BadMojo]

I could be considered an IXTX or perhaps even an IXXX.

My initial scores was:

Introverted - 56%
Intuitive - 12%
Thinking - 25%
Judging - 11%

or:

# moderately expressed introvert
# slightly expressed intuitive personality
# moderately expressed thinking personality
# slightly expressed judging personality

[HackerX]

With respect to the internet tests, it seems to me that percentages would have more to do with test certainty than with any actually borderline usage of the functions. In other words, a per-cent illustration of the degree to which the test is able to draw a conclusion about your function order.

Hooray! That's exactly how it is :)

I don't think people are half as close to being border cases as they think they are. If they have nothing to compare with, it might be easy to come to the conclusion that you're a border case, and comparing your personality to the portrayed personality of another type might give a false sense of comparison.

The best way to confirm (imo) what type you are is the put yourself under a lot of stress and see what shadow type you become as your primary functions break down under the pressure. Types break down in a very clear and obvious way.

[dayguard]

INxx here.

With regards with my T and F.... I recently realized that when dealing with situations whereby the feeling side greatly stirred... i will let the feeling side creep in almost unnoticed and it will appear as a logical reaction to that particular situation. Convincing myself that I am reacting logically in the process.

[quentin]

I'm an xNTx.

I'm an ambivert. I lean somewhat - about 25% - towards introversion. But I am extroverted enough to be able to talk to other people. And I am very confused as to exactly what J vs. P means, exactly. Depending on my mood, I'm either very confident to the point of arrogance (when it comes to my knowledge) or an absolute abject coward (when it comes to personal relationships, particularly towards gurls that I am attracted to).

[Solaris]

Hooray! That's exactly how it is :)

I don't think people are half as close to being border cases as they think they are. If they have nothing to compare with, it might be easy to come to the conclusion that you're a border case, and comparing your personality to the portrayed personality of another type might give a false sense of comparison.

The best way to confirm (imo) what type you are is the put yourself under a lot of stress and see what shadow type you become as your primary functions break down under the pressure. Types break down in a very clear and obvious way.

Did that (though not intentionally, of course) and when I am under the most extreme stress (the kind that made multiple seriously tell me they were glad not to be me all of last year), I freak out and enter INTP mode. I retreat and try to figure things out because I don't trust others to understand my very personal emotions, because I don't understand them. It feels very unnatural to be in that mode however. I don't desire the isolation the average INTP seems to express/need.

[robin.]

I am an IXTJ.

Here are the descriptions of S and N from PersonalityPathways.com, and I've highlighted the ones I agree with from both sides:

Sensing Characteristics

-Mentally live in the Now, attending to present opportunities
-Using common sense and creating practical solutions is automatic-instinctual
-Memory recall is rich in detail of facts and past events
-Best improvise from past experience
-Like clear and concrete information; dislike guessing when facts are "fuzzy"

Intuitive Characteristics
-Mentally live in the Future, attending to future possibilities
-Using imagination and creating/inventing new possibilities is automatic-instinctual
-Memory recall emphasizes patterns, contexts, and connections
-Best improvise from theoretical understanding
-Comfortable with ambiguous, fuzzy data and with guessing its meaning.

When I test myself, I normally lean slightly towards S, but never more than 10%, and even that is rare. I don't think I'm S, though, because I'm hardly what one would call "locked in tradition," which seems to be a common sentiment about S types. Also, female ISTJs are supposed to have a low sex drive and treat it as something that just has to be done as part of an effective relationship. I'm waiting until I'm married, so I obviously don't know for sure, but I really, really don't think this is me.

I also don't quite know where I stand on the "practical vs. theoretical" issue. I see the value in both things--I think that everything should be practical, but in order for it to be novel, relevant, and beneficial (not just a rehashing of the old), there has to be some theory and abstract creative thinking going on behind the scenes. Just practicality can be reinventing the wheel, and just theory can be useless.

Edit: After reading some of the replies in the "Do STs annoy you?" thread, I am even more convinced that I am not a definite S. I am certainly not rigid for the sake of being rigid, although I do think linearly. I don't desperately adhere to the rules, but I am of the mindset that if it doesn't severely impede you, then you should stick to the rules. I make a point to look after the details, but only the ones that really matter (they matter if they make a difference in how effective the thing will be). At least I hope not. I do believe in an objective truth, but I realize that certain things are very dependent on the situation. At the same time, I am not at all eccentric, and I am the very definition of stable, which is very S. I think I'm pretty balanced in this way.

Honestly, I think that we've been born/raised a certain way, and now that we can start to really analyze ourselves, we can break out of the INTJ etc molds and start becoming more XXXX. That way, we can use whatever tool we need according to the situation instead of being limited to a small range of tools.

[denaria]

As an Ixxx all I can say with certainty is that there are some combinations I am not, eg anything E, INFJ or ISFP. I certainly have no difficulty in thinking both theoretically and practically, I don't break rules for the sake of it but have no problem doing so when necessary, I like considering the options but am perfectly happy to make decisions when it's time, and I am quite capable of thinking my way through the abstractions of higher maths without losing my ability to feel for my fellow humans. I always test out as introverted plus mildly NTJ but I think I swing according to circumstances. I can even be ISFJ from time to time - though it's not somewhere I try to stay.....

[Kotetsu]

I have no borderline trait (of course, I've only sat online tests, but I've had a fair few and repeated most).

[coffeeloverfreak]

I'm an IxTJ and have posted extensively on why.

But MBTI wasn't designed to be scientifically valid for simply describing yourself as one or the other, not for assessing strength or percentages as so many of the tests do:

Type not trait—The MBTI sorts for type; it does not indicate the strength of ability. The questionnaire allows the clarity of a preference to be ascertained (Bill clearly prefers introversion), but not the strength of preference (Jane strongly prefers extraversion) or degree of aptitude (Harry is good at thinking). In this sense, it differs from trait-based tools such as 16PF. Type preferences are polar opposites: a precept of MBTI is that you fundamentally prefer one thing over the other, not a bit of both.

So when people say "I'm a strong F" or "I'm a pretty moderate N", it doesn't really mean anything, because the tests aren't valid that way.

For me, describing myself as an IxTJ is more because I haven't quite figured out which is most accurate. I'm pretty sure I'm an INTJ, but I test ISTJ an awful lot and I know there are ISTJ elements in my personality.

[ElstonGunn]

But MBTI wasn't designed to be scientifically valid for simply describing yourself as one or the other, not for assessing strength or percentages as so many of the tests do:

Right. I come out as 100% introvert on a lot of tests. All that really means is that I chose the introvert answer on every E/I question. Even if I was only half-sure on my each of answers (implying that I'm 50% introverted), I'd still come out as 100% introvert. Each question is an all-or-nothing scenario, and then your answers are added up at the end.

If you take an E/I question, like True or False-- I often stay home and read on Friday nights, you could think, "Well, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. It depends on the particular day. And anyways, couldn't I read until 8:00, and then go out to the movies?" But the question isn't looking for a really in-depth, precise answer. If it were, it could tell you your E/I strength. Instead, as far as this one question goes, if you say yes, you're 100% introverted, and if you say no, you're 100% extraverted.

Then you repeat the all-or-nothing process with a few other questions, and all your answers are put together. So you might have chosen the introvert answer on 7 out of 10 E/I questions. That doesn't mean that you're 70% introverted. As Stasis said (bold to give credit where it's due :)), it just means that the test is 70% sure that you're an introvert.

And also, the MBTI is a psychological tool, in the same way that a hammer is a carpentry tool. You don't need a hammer on every home-repair job. Sometimes you need a screwdriver. A hammer is still good to have around, though.

All that being said, I would call myself an IXTJ, or maybe an InTJ at most.

[karen]

I always seem to border between P and J... I think its because I can be both linear and abstract (which I always thought was a characteristic of INTJ's but according to the tests, is not). It's like 52% J, 48% P but usually on the J side.

[elsdfr]

From what I've seen the E can be easily mistyped just like the P and J.

Two male friends I know who I thought would be INTJ tested as ENTJ. Unlike me though they could seem E as they often out themselves easily in strange social situations.. just not all the time. So I guess they would be xNTx types as they can seem just as withdrawn at others. The other guy is definitely an ENTJ and yes he is a master of "social chaos" as he is up to something all the time and likes to tell people about it.

Currently my iNtj % is all in the 50-60% bar N which is 80%+. Two years ago I was scored 80%+ on T so while its not the be all and end all at least there might be some slight change. So yeah go th xNxx's. I have no idea how to tap that S part to be honest.

Ahhh you've gotta love pop. psych :p

[ElstonGunn]

From what I've seen the E can be easily mistyped just like the P and J.

Yeah, I misjudge the E/I a lot. I think just about everybody I see or talk to is an extravert, but it's a relative thing for me. The vast majority of people I meet seem to be more extraverted than I am. But then again, furniture seems extraverted when compared to me.

[coffeeloverfreak]

On the I/E dichotomy:

What do you think of the idea that introversion is merely extraversion with a defense mechanism?

In other words, everyone is naturally an extravert. Everyone naturally would like to be around people, be comfortable with people. But people who struggle with social interaction, or who have experienced rejection or fear rejection, or who feel lonely, claim to be introverts because it makes it seem like a choice/preference? It's the old variation of "you can't fire me, I quit!"

I'm not necessarily saying I agree with this. But it's interesting to think about, no?

[rwyatt365]

On the I/E dichotomy:

What do you think of the idea that introversion is merely extraversion with a defense mechanism?

In other words, everyone is naturally an extravert. Everyone naturally would like to be around people, be comfortable with people. But people who struggle with social interaction, or who have experienced rejection or fear rejection, or who feel lonely, claim to be introverts because it makes it seem like a choice/preference? It's the old variation of "you can't fire me, I quit!"

I'm not necessarily saying I agree with this. But it's interesting to think about, no?
That’s an interesting posit, however I don’t think that the “everyone is naturally an extrovert” statement could hold up under close scrutiny. There seems to me to be a continuum of extro-/intro-version, as there are people that completely do not like people (we call them sociopaths). I don’t think that they could be identified as “an extrovert with a defensive mechanism” (“I’m going to kill you without remorse, but it’s not because I don’t like you!”). Certainly that is an extreme case, but it illustrates my point.

[coffeeloverfreak]

I'm just suggesting that maybe introversion is learned. Most little kids are pretty open and friendly, but introverts start putting up walls in response to reactions they get from the outside environment. Maybe if all introverts got a lot of positive encouragement in response, they'd be more extroverted. ???

[ElstonGunn]

What do you think of the idea that introversion is merely extraversion with a defense mechanism?

In other words, everyone is naturally an extravert. Everyone naturally would like to be around people, be comfortable with people. But people who struggle with social interaction, or who have experienced rejection or fear rejection, or who feel lonely, claim to be introverts because it makes it seem like a choice/preference? It's the old variation of "you can't fire me, I quit!"

I'm not necessarily saying I agree with this. But it's interesting to think about, no?

That sounds more like shyness than introversion to me. They're not the same thing. If some people want to justify their shyness by usurping the concept of introversion, I can't prevent them from doing that. I'd prefer it if they didn't do that, though.

[luminous beam]

Are you an X? Where is your X? Which preferences do you most strongly identify with in the two types you'd merge?

I am an IxFP. Whenever I test I score an INFP, but when I test in percentages I always get that I'm 50% N and 50% S. I believe that most of my S is compressed onto my musical side and that I can switch the N or the S when I need be. It's a bit strange no?

[Solaris]

I am an IxFP. Whenever I test I score an INFP, but when I test in percentages I always get that I'm 50% N and 50% S. I believe that most of my S is compressed onto my musical side and that I can switch the N or the S when I need be. It's a bit strange no?

I've never really believed that people must really have to choose one preference over another. From my understanding, we come to prefer one function more over the other via life experience. If we have equal success with both, then we would use both equally.

This brings up something else interesting to me. For those with x's in their type. I wonder if both of those functions share the same attitude (mainly), or if they are opposite. For example, being Ni, Si equally, or being Ne Si equally.

To anyone who has taken a test measuring the functions and attitudes of each, would you care to report? I'm interested to see if there's a pattern. Although anyone can really reply, I'm especially interested in X types here.

[denaria]

I'm just suggesting that maybe introversion is learned. Most little kids are pretty open and friendly, but introverts start putting up walls in response to reactions they get from the outside environment. Maybe if all introverts got a lot of positive encouragement in response, they'd be more extroverted. ???

I can certainly relate to that. I think I was a very friendly little soul; unfortunately small girls (I was single sex educated from age 6 onwards) seemed in those days to be utterly hostile to anyone "brighter than the average bear." Given the choice between coming top of my junior school, and having friends, I would have chosen the latter any day - but you play the hand you were dealt...

[Latte]

I'm a clear Introvert and a clear NTP, but i behave more like an ENTP in social contexts and think more like an ENTP, my strongest function being Ne and Si being pretty much unused.

I decided the best way to describe me is as an Introverted ENTP. Which seems pretty paradoxical unless one interprets the "ENTP" part as being the whole archetype personality.

[SShack]

I'm a clear Introvert and a clear NTP, but i behave more like an ENTP in social contexts and think more like an ENTP, my strongest function being Ne and Si being pretty much unused.

I decided the best way to describe me is as an Introverted ENTP. Which seems pretty paradoxical unless one interprets the "ENTP" part as being the whole archetype personality.

I get that way at times too, Latte, especially when I get frustrated at work when I'm not being listened to. I start to withdraw and get introverted. ("Well fine, if nobody wants to deal with this problem then I'll just ignore it too") And while I'm comfortable spending long times alone, I start growing lonely if I don't have people (especially other NTs) I can bounce ideas off and provide unexpected intellectual stimulation. Essentially, I only feel fully extroverted around other NTs.

[paradanmellow]

hehehe I fully agree with the two ENTP before me! does that mean we are E after all? or shall I say IENTP?

[ps646566]

IxTJ

Feet more on the ground, more comfortable with detail and routine, and not so fazed by social contact as the typical INTJ.

More imaginative, less plodding, and less anal-retentive than the typical ISTJ.

[Merle]

My J only scored 11, which is understandable.

On a day-to-day basis, I think I'm very P-ish. I show up places late, I don't like making commitments, I'm sloppy.

But on a long-term basis, my J totally takes control. I can see where I'm at in 5 years, but perhaps not where I'm at this weekend. I also form pretty strong opinions and convictions like a J.

This is exactly like me:)

also I find that in relationships and just social interaction I am much more INTJ...left to my own devices I am a bit more INTP.
Also, I think I had somewhat misconstrued myself as a quite spontaneous person when, in fact, I'm really, really not...which may have been why I used to test INTP.

But yeah, the organization thing... I don't lose things, I know where everything is, I always have what I should have and know where things are... but there is something flaky about me in day to day life....I'm always late, my library books are always late, my room is messy...
I suspect it's actually sheer laziness and disregard for rules rather than actual disoragnization - because it's not like I forget to take back my library books , I remember and then just don't do it lol





Merle added to this post, 5 minutes and 37 seconds later...

I'm just suggesting that maybe introversion is learned. Most little kids are pretty open and friendly, but introverts start putting up walls in response to reactions they get from the outside environment. Maybe if all introverts got a lot of positive encouragement in response, they'd be more extroverted. ???

You know it's really funny, at a family party a couple of years ago some friends of my parents who I hadn't seen since I was a child remarked that they would have thought I'd have been an actress or on tv by now... at which I visibly balked... and they said I was so self-confident and outgoing as a child that I seemed like a natural performer.
I thought that was very odd, because I remember being the age at which they knew me and I felt exactly as I feel now at 26 when I test as a strong introvert.

[Learning]

Are you an X? Where is your X? Which preferences do you most strongly identify with in the two types you'd merge?
I've tested as Ixxx before. Pro would be that a balance of traits would be beneficial for having a wider range of functioning. Con would be that it can be frustrating at times to have the option of choosing a facet for how I want to respond to something. (I've tested INTJ with way more consistency- and identify with it best- so that's what I go by.)