Aware of Your Surroundings

[MakingIn]

Talk amongst yourselves. I'll give you a topic...

Just curious if this is an INTJ thing or a me thing.

Are you generally much more aware of your surroundings than the people around you?

For a simple example, whenever I'm in a group of people and we're somehow in the way of others, I'm always the first to the notice and I'm always the one who has to say, "Watch out guys. We're in the way. Let's move."

I'm always picking up on little things around me like that, where it seems like nobody else notices.

[Lestat]

Well, sometimes I am very aware of my surrounding, but sometimes I'm not. When I'm talking with people I'm always very aware of my surroundings and then I do notice things around us often directly. But if I'm in my own thoughts I often don't notice anything around me and I'm then truly lost in my own thoughts and fantasy. But when I already focus on things outside myself I'm often very aware of the things around me.
Interesting to think about this, I never thought about it before..

[brdmadgrl82]

Sounds like you are talking about intuition...as far as physical surroundings I walk into things all the time (walls and doors)...when it comes to being aware of surroundings as in situational I pick up on things very well...

[trekie4ever]

Sounds like you are talking about intuition...as far as physical surroundings I walk into things all the time (walls and doors)...when it comes to being aware of surroundings as in situational I pick up on things very well...

Lol nothing wrong with being a clutz... sometimes I walk into desks, walls, doors etc because why should I focus attention on things that don't move.... I wouldn't be surprised if this is a common INTJ trait. We are the more paranoid personality type.

[SelfMadeBum]

I zone out so frequently it's embarrassing. I have to keep reminding myself to pay attention to what's going on around me.

I'm also a major klutz.

---------- Post added 11-14-2009 at 01:47 PM ----------

I waitressed for exactly 12 days. The first day I broke 3 glasses, a few days later dropped a tray of plates.

I can't tell you what I was thinking when these things were falling. :confused:

[Roxie]

Then the irony would be that INTJs are more aware of inanimate objects and less than aware of how to interact with people.

Can't say that I am more or less aware of my surroundings. I walked into walls on occasion and then never again after eye surgery.

[trekie4ever]

I zone out so frequently it's embarrassing. I have to keep reminding myself to pay attention to what's going on around me.

I'm also a major klutz.

---------- Post added 11-14-2009 at 01:47 PM ----------

I waitressed for exactly 12 days. The first day I broke 3 glasses, a few days later dropped a tray of plates.

I can't tell you what I was thinking when these things were falling. :confused:

I wasn't allowed to carry test tubes in my chemistry class, but my labs always turned out the best cause I made sure all calculations, ratios, and amounts were as exact as possible. Ohhh and the Bunsen burner?? I melted a test tube one day I got it so hot.....

[t3hrubikscube]

Yes and no.

I do notice little things like needing to get out of the way like you said, but sometimes I kind of zone out and run into things.

[Warrior]

I'm very aware of my surroundings, but I don't think it is anything to do with being an INTJ. Most people walk around in an extreme mental fog. When I walk down the street, I'm very aware of blind approaches, corners, and I always try to make eye contact with anyone walking toward me. It's more to do with just being trained to pay attention and be prepared.

[Talkahuano]

Talk amongst yourselves. I'll give you a topic...

Just curious if this is an INTJ thing or a me thing.

Are you generally much more aware of your surroundings than the people around you?

For a simple example, whenever I'm in a group of people and we're somehow in the way of others, I'm always the first to the notice and I'm always the one who has to say, "Watch out guys. We're in the way. Let's move."

I'm always picking up on little things around me like that, where it seems like nobody else notices.I'd like to know if ISTJs are the opposite of this. Every ISTJ I know (including myself) can't notice this kind of stuff.

[Fanowene]

I'm beginning to notice how unaware I am of what's going on around me. For me, I'm aware of enough to get by, and if I think that other people aren't paying enough attention I will put an effort into paying attention to whatever needs to be paid attention to. Or if I'm in a situation where I've been told to watch out for "bad" people or whatever, then I will pay a lot of attention to everybody and anybody around me.

But if it doesn't matter.......... then I get lost in my head, even if I'm working on something with others. My group members tend to complain that I'm not finishing my sentences, and I don't even notice, because my sentences are just about as complete as the ideas in my head. The ideas continue to morph, and with non-linear thoughts that works just fine, but with linear sentences... not so much. If I weren't making a conscious effort to engage in team work (i.e. incorporate them into my decision making process), then I wouldn't be sharing anything with them... It's kinda hard to pause my brain for a couple seconds while I'm trying to capture a snapshot of my ideas so I can form complete sentences.

In summary: Attention where attention is necessary or interesting, no attention if my surroundings are "boring" and not relevant to my inner world or my immediate well-being.

[Brittle]

I live in a world of oblivion! Part of the reason I don't drive - I just can't trust myself to be attentive enough to everything as much as I need to. Much better sitting on a bus, lost in my own thoughts (or a good book).

When it comes to people around me, I'm usually the one getting moved out the way, or the last to realise the office affair, or to have much clue at all.


That said, like Warrior, if I'm out walking alone I am very aware of my surroundings and potential dangers. It's probably one of the few times I'm truly engaged with the "outside" world.

[AnnaKatherine]

I bounce between being the most oblivious person in the room to the most observant. I tend to notice every little detail when I'm paying attention. I only think I do that because I look at people as things to study, so I watch every movement to analysis body language, listen to what they say to try to get how they think, ect.

[Il Prodigio]

omg not in the slightest. I have to be focusing. Otherwise I am completely oblivious at times. It is seriously a problem when i get in a car and drive because I will start to daydream while driving.

[Takeru]

Unfortunately, it isn't just an INTJ thing. Though I can tune into my surroundings/people and tune them out just as easily.

[Anreader]

Then the irony would be that INTJs are more aware of inanimate objects and less than aware of how to interact with people.


Actually, I don't agree with this. My main problem with social interactions is that I expect people to pick up on cues that they just don't. I frequently use body language cues to admit I did something wrong, or to express an intention, and afterward I realize no one was paying attention, and I thought I was being very OVERT. I am more aware of body language and tone of voice than most people, also I am very aware of inanimate objects.

[Ian Morrison]

I find that it's... variable. If I'm paying attention, I will notice things that everyone else is unaware of, and my situational awareness is very keen. Yet I've earned the "space cadet" label. I'm perfectly capable of drifting off into my own little world.

Sometimes I land somewhere in the middle, which is where the REAL fun begins. I'll notice something everyone else overlooks, and then become utterly engrossed in it. It's not QUITE like being distracted by shiney objects, since the thing I'm noticing isn't necessarily physically shiney or even physical, but the reaction is appropriately magpie-like.

[VerraMulia]

For a simple example, whenever I'm in a group of people and we're somehow in the way of others, I'm always the first to the notice and I'm always the one who has to say, "Watch out guys. We're in the way. Let's move."

Yes! This is definitely my thing. Even when that group of people is still 10 meters away. I also notice that I'm always the one that reminds my friends to leave tips on the table when we eat in a restaurant, and tell them not to smoke when the tables are too close to one another.

[XFire35]

I tend to notice a lot of things which other people do not notice, it is quite annoying at times, especially when they ask "Really?" my mental reply is "I wouldn't be saying it otherwise." my actual reply is "Yes".

[True Rune]

I am not a people watcher, but I'm somewhat aware of my surroundings. I sometimes trip or run into something, but nothing ever to serious. That said, near my school I've been going to 4 years, a building that was there as long as I've gone has recently been knocked down...and I have no recollection as to what it looked like or what it was there for. Same with a building by my house. I guess I'm not detail oriented.

[Elena]

Yes! This is definitely my thing. Even when that group of people is still 10 meters away. I also notice that I'm always the one that reminds my friends to leave tips on the table when we eat in a restaurant, and tell them not to smoke when the tables are too close to one another.

Yes, I do this often but I remeber I walked into a door way thing.. a opened door when it was aganist the wall?:thinking:
Yeah it does not make sense, but when I want to pay attention I go to the finest detail every one else does not realise.
Nice thread idea, I never really thought about this before.

[JCrow]

I think that I'm very observant and aware of my surroundings. I remember when and where I met most people that I know, where we were standing, what we were doing. I also frequently surprise acquaintances when I site things that said to me months(or years ago), this usually freaks them out.

As far as being aware of my physical surroundings, I notice where people are in a room, how cups/dishes are arranged, if there is are any spills or things out of place. I notice what people are wearing when I met them, what they drink. In fact when someone misplaces something I can usually tell them where it is. Sometimes I think I have a photographic memory. I also wonder if this spacial awareness stems from mild OCD.

With that said, I'm sure I come off as distant when I meet people because I am taking in tons of information about them and our environment. It doesn't help that I rarely share personal information.

[Megalomania]

I am always amazed by how unaware people are of their surroundings. I am always scanning the environment constantly and am aware of everything. If I am in public and I run into someone I know, I am always the first person to notice as opposed to them noticing me.

Just recently a professor was searching for a remote to turn on his projector and for 3 minutes a class of 20 people sat there and waited for him to find it until I finally spoke up and told him it was behind a stack of books on the counter.

[reb]

i have a friend who i see infrequently. he will argue with people in stores about 10 cents off. he creates such a scene, i have seen him get 'free' when something was supposed to be 10% off. once in awhile, although it has never happened when i was around, the cops are called. because of this furor, i move away when he starts his routine.

he laughed at me the other day; we were talking about his latest 'public discount beat down', as i said i would be backing away from the cluster fuck. he said 'you and little jesus do the same thing. why?' (little jesus is another guy we know). i said, 'i can't speak for jesus, but for me, it's a better angle of fire, given that 20 people may become involved.' he roared with laughter. 'next time i argue with them, i'll be watching you!'

yeah, ok. i'll still be getting positioned appropriately. it's a form of situational awareness i've practiced since i can remember. if someone is an idiot, i won't ride with them in the safest car made; if they are not hooked into the fabric, i may not let them use anything sharp if we're camping. can't remember how this started, although i would suspect motorcycle riding since the age of 14 has something to do with it...either you pay attention on two wheels, or you may be a paraplegic.

[daydreamer]

outside of my house, i watch everything, look at everything, notice a lot. when i'm in the car with other people, i'm the one to notice birds, planes, what's happening on the other side of the street, pedestrians, dogs, cyclists, kayakers, etc. (not in that order lol) also if i'm driving i notice the traffic patterns ahead of time (if they can be) and pace my change in speed in such a way sometimes people don't think i see what's ahead because i rarely hit the brakes really hard. and of course i keep talking like nothing is happening lol because, slow-ups are the rule here anyway...

i cannot for the life of me figure out what people are looking at when they drive or ride in a car. they seem to miss everything, and notice the impending traffic much later than seems possible (and my farsight isn't that good !)

in my own house though, i can ignore things. even when i'm looking for something sometimes it can be right in front of me but i've tuned it out at some point and so i never really see it again lol. and my house isn't cluttered. and my nearsight is pretty good lol so it's psychological. i wish i could see better in my own house LOL

[JCrow]

In my apartment, I notice anything that is moved. When I wake up in the morning I can tell what my roommates had for breakfast by what type of crumbs that are on the counter. I can tell if one of them shaved that day by if there's any small smudge on the bathroom mirror. I can tell if someone's been in my room and what they touched. I can even tell who has been sitting on the couch by how the cushions are arranged. I can tell who has been watching the TV based on where the remote is left and how high the volume is set. I can tell when someone or someone's guest used my towel (it really annoys me when i confront them on that issue and they deny it, like I wouldn't notice!!)

I always viewed this 'awareness' as an INTJ trait, but maybe it isn't.

Based on what's above, maybe I missed my calling as a detective...

[Synamon]

I find that it's... variable. If I'm paying attention, I will notice things that everyone else is unaware of, and my situational awareness is very keen.
This is how I would describe my awareness to my surroundings as well. Things I see all the time get filtered out and ignored, I'm more likely to notice something trivial. I'll often draw a blank when someone asks me to describe the color of something I see every day.

The empty laundry basket is sitting on a chair waiting to be brought back downstairs, it's been there about a week. I know it's there, but when I walk by the chair I don't see it, which is why it's been there a week. I manage to compensate for a lot of this by having a very good memory, I know where things are even if I don't see them. Otherwise I would walk into a lot of furniture. ;D

[SelfMadeBum]

I would add that I am hyper-sensitive to developments in my surroundings that affect what I'm doing, trying to do or would like to do.

---------- Post added 11-15-2009 at 04:48 PM ----------

I am not a people watcher, but I'm somewhat aware of my surroundings. I sometimes trip or run into something, but nothing ever to serious. That said, near my school I've been going to 4 years, a building that was there as long as I've gone has recently been knocked down...and I have no recollection as to what it looked like or what it was there for. Same with a building by my house. I guess I'm not detail oriented.Oh yes, definitely.

Sometimes I pass somewhere I've gone by thousands of times, and I'll notice that something is different... often I can't say precisely what, but if someone's around and I ask if anything's different, they'd say, 'Uh, yeah, there used to be a gigantic tree there.' and give me a weird look.

[ranwayslo]

I honestly believe that my seemingly heightened sense of awareness has to do with the lack of comfort I feel in public and or crowded places. I believe the feelings of discomfort trigger the evolutionary fight or flight response, or perhaps make the brain more aware of that part of the survival process. This forces the brain to look for those trigger the actual fight or flight. Perhaps my current vocation has heightened these behaviors, or it is my age. Either way as time has gone by I have found that I am increasingly aware of my surroundings, and far more aware than most of the people I venture out with.

[Thoth]

I honestly believe that my seemingly heightened sense of awareness has to do with the lack of comfort I feel in public and or crowded places.

Seconded. Also, boredom in group settings sometimes has my attention wandering.

Otherwise, I'm not really aware of my surroundings at all. I have to constantly "focus on being focused" while I'm driving to keep from running red lights and stop signs. Or stopping at green lights--I'm bad about that one.

[Nightsun]

If I'm focused on something no. Otherwise yes, I'm really aware of my surrounding (sometime too much).

[El Cas]

I am aware of my surroundings (courtesy of my job's training) but when it comes to routine things (i.e. walking around the house, driving to work and back on the same route) I won't notice things unless they are blatantly obvious (i.e. the couch moved, a car accident, etc).

[Smacknrat]

ESFPs, ESFJs, ESTP, and ESTJs are To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. more aware of thier surroundings than INTJS. Meaning they probably know how to react to a given social situation (including screwing you over) if you haven't realized that already.

The difference is that the inferior function of ES in INTJs is WELL OVERDEVELOPED OUT OF NECESSITY compared to all the other types (yes, including INFJs... thanks for the Te go out).

The thing is not to fight them on that front. You should know that the INTJ advantage is the iN, so let the experience and information flow in and let yourself go in social situations and work hard otherwise

[VerraMulia]

ESFPs, ESFJs, ESTP, and ESTJs are To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. more aware of thier surroundings than INTJS. Meaning they probably know how to react to a given social situation (including screwing you over) if you haven't realized that already.


It's likely that we choose what we are aware of. When I'm out there among people it's always my intention to avoid unnecessary clashes or drama, prevent attention to myself, and be considerate toward others. While my Sensor friends get 'lost in the present' they may overlook things that I tend to notice, for example annoyance that's caused by them speaking too loud, etc. I have an ESFP friend who frequently loses things because she has her awareness on something else.

[ambercyn]

I am always so in tune with my surroundings in when in a social situation, but when alone.. hahaha I am oblivious. My boss loves to stand behind me for 10 minutes and the scare the crap out of me from his sheer amazement by how oblivious I am. haha When I'm alone, I'm in MY world.. not theirs

[manutdman]

I am pretty aware of everything around me usually.

[Blum]

Yes I experience the same awareness you are talking about.

I can't help but to be aware of many things, such as the time of day (i usually know what time it is within 15 minutes even though I don't carry a watch), people in the room (and their general moods), and especially things that are "out of place". If somebody near me drops something I normally pick it up before they do, I can't help it. Sometimes this leads to a sort of sensory overload that makes me very paranoid when i'm not in complete control of my surroundings.

Another example is playing games, such as poker or bored (pun intended) games, I'm always keeping the action moving, telling the slow players when it's their turn or even being on the ball lighting a cigarette for that attractive woman at the bar.

[eibuos]

I zone out so frequently it's embarrassing. I have to keep reminding myself to pay attention to what's going on around me.

I'm also a major klutz.

---------- Post added 11-14-2009 at 01:47 PM ----------

I waitressed for exactly 12 days. The first day I broke 3 glasses, a few days later dropped a tray of plates.

I can't tell you what I was thinking when these things were falling. :confused:

Me too! Every time they heard a crash, my name was yelled.. LOL Always zoning out, walking into things....

---------- Post added 11-26-2009 at 12:32 PM ----------

I have to constantly "focus on being focused" while I'm driving to keep from running red lights and stop signs. Or stopping at green lights--I'm bad about that one.


Same here, got into 17 accidents my first year driving. I would just run into random things, trees, fences, poles, other cars, etc. I'd feel a big bump, snap out of whatever I was thinking and realize I was driving on the side walk not the road. Finally got a stick shit and it helped me focus while driving, haven't had an accident since.

[Corvidophile]

I'm very aware of my surroundings if I'm in public, with others. If I'm alone and not engaged with the physical world, it might as well not exist for all the attention I give it.

When I'm "alert" I'm ultra alert. No sight, smell, or sound passes me by without notice. I'd be very difficult to mug.

[vampyroteuthis]

I am not a people watcher, but I'm somewhat aware of my surroundings. I sometimes trip or run into something, but nothing ever to serious. That said, near my school I've been going to 4 years, a building that was there as long as I've gone has recently been knocked down...and I have no recollection as to what it looked like or what it was there for. Same with a building by my house. I guess I'm not detail oriented.

A building down the block from my school just got torn down and I can't for the life of me remember what it looked like. I am absolutely *horrible* at remembering who wore what, or whether someone's hair used to be different, or they used to be fatter or thinner or shorter or whatever. Even when I have a crush on someone, I can't remember clearly what they look like. Most of the time I have to look down to remember what I'm wearing, except when it comes to shoes because I have only one pair for each season. Sometimes I need a mirror to remember my own face. So I used to think too that I wasn't detail oriented.

But this resonated with me:

In my apartment, I notice anything that is moved. When I wake up in the morning I can tell what my roommates had for breakfast by what type of crumbs that are on the counter. I can tell if one of them shaved that day by if there's any small smudge on the bathroom mirror. I can tell if someone's been in my room and what they touched. I can even tell who has been sitting on the couch by how the cushions are arranged. I can tell who has been watching the TV based on where the remote is left and how high the volume is set. I can tell when someone or someone's guest used my towel (it really annoys me when i confront them on that issue and they deny it, like I wouldn't notice!!)

I always viewed this 'awareness' as an INTJ trait, but maybe it isn't.

Based on what's above, maybe I missed my calling as a detective...

I notice things around the house a lot, with my housemates. Not as an irritant, but just to file away as something that I need to take care of or address with them, or more likely as information about the extent to which I can trust/rely on them.

Also, I definitely notice when I'm in someone's way, and for a small and usually fairly invisible person I'm good at walking through crowds very quickly without bumping into people, which is a useful skill in New York city. When I sit in a restaurant, theatre, library or other public place I always am aware, without having consciously thought about it, where the nearest exits are and several efficient ways to leave whatever place I'm in. Wherever I am, I can usually find my way out/home very easily. I think it's like ranwayslo said:

I honestly believe that my seemingly heightened sense of awareness has to do with the lack of comfort I feel in public and or crowded places. I believe the feelings of discomfort trigger the evolutionary fight or flight response, or perhaps make the brain more aware of that part of the survival process. This forces the brain to look for those trigger the actual fight or flight. Perhaps my current vocation has heightened these behaviors, or it is my age. Either way as time has gone by I have found that I am increasingly aware of my surroundings, and far more aware than most of the people I venture out with.


So now I think I do notice details sometimes. It's just that when I do, it's all about efficiency or self-preservation, or if you want to put it less charitably, paranoia. :)

[Shauru]

If i'm in a conversation with someone it's usually deep and focused, so forget everything around me. I'll be the first to stop talking solely because i walked into traffic or ran into a poll.

But when I'm alone and focused, watch out. In classes I frequently knew how many ceiling tiles their were, which door was closest to fire exits, how many seats there were,etc, etc. I often become aware of surroundings like that as i'm planning on how best to utilize the area as a means of escape in event of fire, alien invasion, zombie apocalypse, rogue military group takeover, etc.

[Wtfpeople]

Talk amongst yourselves. I'll give you a topic...

Just curious if this is an INTJ thing or a me thing.

Are you generally much more aware of your surroundings than the people around you?

For a simple example, whenever I'm in a group of people and we're somehow in the way of others, I'm always the first to the notice and I'm always the one who has to say, "Watch out guys. We're in the way. Let's move."

I'm always picking up on little things around me like that, where it seems like nobody else notices.

I like to be aware of as many things I can possibly be aware about. Unless im drunk, then im more concerned about enjoying myself in an effort to remain relatively sane. If I focus too much ill drive myself nuts.

I believe I constantly "size-up" people as a safety measure. This is more physical than anything. Example: New group of guys walk into a bar, I check them out [no homo] to see if they're there to start a fight, or just enjoy themselves. I also run though scenarios, like what I can use as a weapon, what they can use as a weapon, as well as my chances of taking them out assuming no one is going to help. I also note how they stand, how they dress, what they're drinking, and who they're with, and sometimes even what language they're speaking.

After I determine those things, I check out their womanz. Ring or no ring. Cling or no cling.

I think that's normal? Right? LOOOOOL

[gwilendiel]

I seem to suck up things whether I want to or not.

Like lately I've been staying at my dad's instead of my own place because I've been physically ill... and I don't have a lot of privacy lately.

So I have my dad, my dad's new GF, my sister, and some times my ex step mother and co. milling about, and like I'm sleeping on the couch or something, and somebody walks by, and I know who it is and see it in my head as they pass by, even if I'm facing the other way with my head covered. I usually see them wearing the last thing I saw them wearing too. And mere presence of somebody can wake me out of a dead sleep at times, but yet a lawnmower will not.

I don't know how I do it, I think it's mostly sound and spatial awareness, but I think there may be more to it because I still identify even if they are trying to be quiet. I have a sixth sense as it were.

I even know who is in the kitchen without seeing who went in there by remembering the habits and the noises they make, like my dad is more 'to the point' and efficient with his actions, my ex step mom is less organized, forgetful, and has a particular shuffle and ankle pop when she moves around, my sis is well... my sis, and my dad's GF is none of them and somewhat new to me so I guess I extrapolate it.

[Zsych]

I notice possible inconveniences (like possible collisions with people). Otherwise, I'm not sure I'm all that aware of things if they're not likely to affect me in some way and aren't of interest to me.

[Nikita]

I'm highly aware of what's there that should not be there, but oblivious to much else. I will see the insect no one else notices, hear the car door of a delinquent shut outside the house in the middle of the night, hear the water escaping burst pipes a floor below, etc. It comes off as paranoid to some people, but it's just being aware of things others don't pick up on. They notice colors, objects, and general detail in their surroundings, things I tend to ignore unless I have a reason to focus on them. I get a feel for the general "ambiance" or something like that, and then I can immediately tell when something is out of place, when some sort of danger is present.

[JoshuaFairtex]

I'm pretty bad about this, I notice everything going on at all times. When I was living at home just a few months ago (I live on my own now in an apartment) I could tell who was home or who was coming downstairs or leaving just by listening to their foot steps, I hate it, drives me crazy always being so alert.

[mellowmarshall]

Are you generally much more aware of your surroundings than the people around you?


Yes, if I am in my comfort zone. The more anxious I am, the worse my situational awareness is; think improv speaking.


Also as an aside, I think it makes INTJs excellent hunters. Probably save your ass in a hostile situation, too.

[Realcoolchick]

I am extremely aware of my surroundings, to the point where I notice things that most people don't. I always have attributed that to the fact that most people's heads are up their...posteriors. Or, in somebody else's business. Or, yammering about stupid s**t.

[Pachystima]

I tend to be a bit oblivious to my immediate surroundings; I actually put an appointment on my calendar to look to see whether the house needs cleaning. But, in a public setting, I am extremely aware of my surroundings. I am attentive to traffic when driving, aware of people around me when in stores or walking streets and closely tuned to my surroundings when in wild areas.

I don't know if it is an INTJ thing but it is definitely a habit that I acquired when I was in the Army; it was an important survival tool.