Identifying with your type description [Archive]

Natrushka

10-17-2007, 01:26 PM

When you first read the description of your type did it click with you? Did you recognize yourself in what you read?

I was reading Mimsical's reply (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)to chocky about knowing what type you are and remembered thecraig's introduction (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)from earlier and got to wondering about this.

When I read my very first INTJ description I felt as though I had come home. I knew it was me. Has that happened to anyone else?

Jennywocky

10-17-2007, 01:42 PM

OneBadMother

10-17-2007, 01:47 PM

ENFP and INTP are alarmingly similar in some respects, but having known enough ENFPs in my life, I know that I don't talk nearly enough to be one. They also seem to have a surprising amount of concern with pop culture, something that I've never been much to bother with.

Firelie

10-17-2007, 02:11 PM

I identify with everything in the INTJ description except the claim that INTJs are really interested in science and technology.

mind_wander

10-17-2007, 03:23 PM

Be honest, we first read it in denial.

Natrushka

10-17-2007, 03:36 PM

Be honest, we first read it in denial.

This is what I find interesting, I think some really do read it and want it to not be so. Most type descriptions for INTJs talk about an ability to know what is "true" and to know themselves and their abilities. When I read about INTJs I *knew* I was one.

Max T

10-17-2007, 03:41 PM

When you first read the description of your type did it click with you?

Yes, but the typecasting related to work setting only and left me thinking "MBTI isn't much use as it tells me what I already am".
Later I wondered why my career was going nowhere and now it all makes sense... ;)

... except the 'INTJ's are arrogant' part. Put myself through enough situations that have exposed so many weaknesses as to not succumb to this idle thought.
Don't get me started :scared: :)

rwyatt365

10-17-2007, 03:50 PM

INTJ "clicked" for me right out of the box.

The only aspect I denied was that of a tendancy towards substance abuse. My first thought was, "no, not me". But then I remembered my smoking/drinking days and 'fessed-up.

Evalind

10-17-2007, 04:02 PM

... except the 'INTJ's are arrogant' part.
Agreed. That part never made sense to me, but maybe it's because I determined at a young age that with all the possible views the people of the world can have, whether mine are any good or not is likely to be subjective.

Natrushka

10-17-2007, 06:40 PM

I think the 'arrogance' often is confused with confidence.

Epicurus

10-17-2007, 06:57 PM

I think the 'arrogance' often is confused with confidence.Yea, I think all the INTJs have an extremely high self-esteem but not that high self-confidence. Were not the ones who cut their wrists and yell and scream about everything, were the excact oppisite of that from my own experience. A more inward confidence that also can be shown outwards as ''arrogance''.

I also ''knew'' i were an INTJ right after I did the first test, everything matched more or less, mostly more.

thegnat

10-17-2007, 08:22 PM

Yeah it definitely clicked for me. I pretty much completely identified with it and was happy because it said ideal career choice was science and I'm into the sciences.

The whole self confidence and arrogance issue is kind of odd for me at least....

I've always been pretty modest, but I've always had a belief in myself. That if I put my mind to it, I could do it. So I suppose that fits too. I wouldn't say I'm a lot more confident now than I used to be because I've always had that belief but I think I express confidence more now than I used to....and even back when I didn't express it as much - I've typed INTJ and agreed.

Natrushka

10-17-2007, 08:59 PM

thegnat

10-17-2007, 09:16 PM

The whole self confidence and arrogance issue is kind of odd for me at least....

There is a commonly used line in INTJ descriptions that sounds something like INTJs know what they know and know when they can help you, or when they can do something, and when they don't / cannot. I know what I'm capable of and I know what is beyond me. I always have. I think that comes off as arrogant to some people.

Hm good point. Because yeah, I've always known what my limits are too. It probably does come off as arrogant in a way, but it doesn't really make senes to me because it's good to know what you know and what you don't know.

I meant it as odd in the sense that I've never perceived myself as arrogant though perhaps I do have tendencies and I have always had that inner confidence. And perhaps not seeing yourself as arrogant is arrogant in itself? I think I'm over-analyzing here and I'll just leave it at that....main message on topic being: I *knew* I fit INTJ when I read the description the first time.

mind_wander

10-17-2007, 09:51 PM

After the denial, I do know 2 things stand out alot. No.1- the introverted was for sure. I can extend the extroverted side, but with limitations. No.2- I am always the one who does not really fit the big picture. No. 3- well I am in here.

The Rose

10-17-2007, 10:13 PM

When you first read the description of your type did it click with you? Did you recognize yourself in what you read? ...I read that happened with Princess Diana when she read the description of INFP.

In my own experience I have noticed that when I figure out what a person's type is and then have them read a description, I can usually expect it to only be about an 85% fit.

blckprljinju

07-06-2008, 12:58 AM

in high school, i was actually tested as ENTJ (because i tried to change my personality and acted more "extraverted"), but I've never thought of myself as an extraverted person. I knew that I was always trying to act extraverted because I thought that's what I was supposed to do, and it really sapped a lot of energy out of me.

I decided to just be myself (Introvert), but I still wasn't sure whether I was NTJ (because at some points in my life, I acted as S, F, P, and whenever I go to the grocery store, I have the hardest time figuring out what type of yogurt I want...). After testing INTJ consecutively... and failing at my every attempt to become more... "feminine" (by societal standard), I gave up trying to be something else and decided to stick with what I am... INTJ. Now, that I've given up on superficiality, and other societal norms, I am able to be more comfortable in my own skin...

unless my parents come into town (one's ST, the other's SF)... LOL.

Erika Redmark

07-06-2008, 01:41 AM

The first time I ever took an MBTI test online (I was probably 14 or so), it was one that was either on typelogic or linked to the typelogic page. I'm pretty sure I got INTJ, but I clicked on some links and ended up reading the INFP page, and thought that was what I wished I were. The references to Anne of Green Gables and The Velveteen Rabbit probably had something to do with it, too. (I still sort of wish that was how my mind worked.) I even took the test again and cheated so it would give me INFP the next time. XD

Probably because I didn't really like my result but knew deep down that was how I was, I didn't think about it very much for several years. Then maybe a year ago, I was talking to some people about MBTI–one of us was quite knowledgeable about it, and some others had never heard of it–and the one who was doing most of the talking, who knew the most about it, said she was ENTJ, and I said, "Oh, I'm INTJ." Somehow I remembered without having thought about it, and then I started thinking about it more. And I like being INTJ a lot more now. I think in my case, too, it did have to do with being comfortable being myself, and not bending over backwards to make everyone like me (which never worked anyway ^^; ).

Eric86

07-06-2008, 01:46 AM

All the descriptions I've read for INFJ fit me absolutely perfectly. I was very surprised at how accurate it was.

True Rune

07-06-2008, 04:35 AM

I identified with much of it, the one sticking out the most being attitudes toward leader ship. I looked at how rare it is and thought "figures..."

Seppuku Savant

07-06-2008, 06:07 AM

It definitely hit home for me. I can't say I was entirely pleased though. Now, I've come to terms with it.

AutisticCuckoo

07-06-2008, 07:09 AM

The INTJ Profile (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.) was the first description I read after scoring as an INTJ on an online MBTI test. It gave me goose bumps. It was like someone who knew me extremely well was describing me, personally.

faedra

07-06-2008, 08:09 AM

The INTJ Profile was the first description I read after scoring as an INTJ on an online MBTI test. It gave me goose bumps. It was like someone who knew me extremely well was describing me, personally.

And the scariest part was that I don't think anyone around me even understands me that well.

But the coming home feeling is exactly what I felt; it was such a relief knowing that I wasn't the only one out there. Then again, that's why we're here, isn't it :)

Marcus

07-06-2008, 04:32 PM

AutisticCuckoo

07-06-2008, 04:38 PM

And the scariest part was that I don't think anyone around me even understands me that well.

Yeah, tell me about it! That's probably why I like this forum: most members do understand.

PHS Philip

07-06-2008, 04:38 PM

As I remember, I did not identify completely with the INTJ description I read the first time, but it included a lot of unexpected insights into my personality that seemed to be independent of the test questions.

That was my experience too. There were some things that didn't quite fit, and some that were missing, but then there were some for which my reaction was "how on earth did the test figure that out?"

I don't entirely fit into INTJ, though. Some aspects of me are more ENTJish, some more INTPish, and some even INFPish, more than INTJ. INTJ's the closest, though.

blckprljinju

07-06-2008, 05:09 PM

at first, i was very skeptical about the descriptions; none of them seemed to fit, actually... and i mean, NONE of them. i read every single descriptions for every single type, and none of them fit me 100%... so i thought i was something entirely different...

so i thought about it... and thought about it... (and since i was labelled as INTJ, joined the forum), and slowly, i'm coming to an understanding that i am an INTJ... it's just that living with ST father and NF mother helped mellow my N and T side tremendously.

LionsPride

07-06-2008, 06:41 PM

When I read the descriptions, I got lost in the generalities. I wasn't sold. You know, that whole "am I reading too much into this like astrology or a fortune teller story?".

It wasn't until I started reading the INTJ humour pages which point out things like...

Be willing to concede when you are wrong. The average INTJ respects the truth over being "right." Withdraw your erroneous comment and they will see you as a very reasonable person. Stick to erroneous comments and they will think you are an irrational idiot and treat everything you say as being questionable.

Expect debate. INTJs like to tear ideas apart for intellectual stimulation.
The ultimate INTJ insult to an idea is to ignore it, because that means it's not even interesting enough to deconstruct.

And that's when I realized that not only was I guilty of these things, but I was suddenly aware that those jokes did not apply to everyone I knew, it was just me. That's when the acceptance set in. I always wondered why other people didn't deconstruct ideas for fun, now I know.

eastman

07-06-2008, 07:37 PM

I discovered the mbti test last year. Every time I took the test, I always came out as an INTJ.

blckprljinju

07-06-2008, 07:38 PM

And that's when I realized that not only was I guilty of these things, but I was suddenly aware that those jokes did not apply to everyone I knew, it was just me. That's when the acceptance set in. I always wondered why other people didn't deconstruct ideas for fun, now I know.

i do this a lot, and people hate me for it... they get defensive and things... as well as the whole ignoring ideas... if I stay silent, people think I'm approving it, and then when I object to implementing it... they look at me as if I have a horn growing on my head... lovely, ain't it?

LionsPride

07-06-2008, 08:29 PM

i do this a lot, and people hate me for it... they get defensive and things... as well as the whole ignoring ideas... if I stay silent, people think I'm approving it, and then when I object to implementing it... they look at me as if I have a horn growing on my head... lovely, ain't it?

I didn't realize until recently that people tend to take the dismantling and detailed analysis of their ideas personally. I considered it a public service of mine... Apparently that is also very INTJ of me:)

Mong

07-07-2008, 09:01 AM

When I read about it I was completely shocked (in a good way). I mean if I was told to write something out about myself it would end up being about half as accurate, descriptive and revealing as INTJ.
When I read about INTP I could see a couple of traits such as indecisiveness and procrastination that applied to me, but I ended up being more J than P, besides when I took the test knowing nothing about MBTI I got INTJ

jikin

07-07-2008, 12:48 PM

When I first read it I realized that most of it fit me completely.
I think my biggest denile was a description I read about INTJ being a perfectionist. When I brought it up to my mother she had a good laugh over my denile of it. Apparently I was without even realizing it, but can see it now.

Uytuun

07-07-2008, 01:53 PM

Be honest, we first read it in denial.

Mno, can't say I did.

Homini Lupus

07-07-2008, 01:59 PM

The first time I read of this typing it was on a psycological self help manual on the net. It was december 2006 (yes, I'm one of those depressed by festivities). I read the descriptions and decided I was INTJ. Then forgot about it, made some MBTI online and sorted repeatedly as INTJ. The description fitted quite enough and didn't seem too subject to Forer effect so I took it for good.

mkay

07-07-2008, 03:34 PM

I had no trouble identifying my type and feeling at ease with it. It's the type that best fits me. All the same, it doesn't reflect many essential parts of my personality. Also, parts of the ENTP descriptions don't fit me at all, and I use all MBTI functions to some degree. ... Even before learning about MBTI, I already knew who I was -- flaws and all -- and was comfortable in my own skin. But it doesn't hurt to know MBTI, use what's useful and maybe keep in background what might come in handy later.

I wouldn't go around advertising my type to others IRL, though. Because, as I've observed on this forum, people tend to make a lot of false assumptions based on people's types. I'd rather be judged on my own personality and actions, and do likewise with others. ... I also don't think you can accurately type people unless you know them intimately. And even then it's not a certainty.

hum

07-07-2008, 07:16 PM

to tell you the thruth, I don't think I could fit in one of those groups. I think I'm a mixure of certain things of them all, and the one that is more accurate to me right now is the INFJ group (I would say is 85% accurate)

Marcus

07-07-2008, 07:29 PM

I wouldn't go around advertising my type to others IRL, though. Because, as I've observed on this forum, people tend to make a lot of false assumptions based on people's types. I'd rather be judged on my own personality and actions, and do likewise with others. ... I also don't think you can accurately type people unless you know them intimately. And even then it's not a certainty.

I type people who I know, not necessarily intimately. I use this knowledge to understand their actions/motives better and try to not make false assumptions.

hauteur

07-08-2008, 01:08 AM

When I first took the test, I was pretty surprised by how well it fit. I'm a relatively weak J - I test anywhere between 11% and 35% - so it wasn't a perfect match. But then I followed a link to some site with an INTJs first person description of himself and it blew me away. It was as though I had written it. After that, I couldn't read enough about MBTI. I felt like there were other people out there like me - for the first time.

I know this wasn't part of the OP, but the comments about arrogance got me thinking. I certainly don't think of myself as arrogant (but then, what arrogant person does?). I have a few ideas on this.

1. I typically keep my mouth shut if I am not confident in the subject matter. This creates the illusion that I am most always right.
2. I don't know how it started, but I had a conversation one time with one of the directors in my division about how people see me. Her comment was that I seem very "directed." She said that I always appear to know exactly what I want and where I'm going. It doesn't matter whether people want to go with me or not.
3. I am not good at small talk, so I can come off as a bit stand offish to people who don't know me.

Plus, there is the fact that I am not timid - introversion be damned.

I think these things can combine to create an impression of extremely high self confidence. Some people view that as arrogance. What's interesting is that the people who know me don't see me as cocky. Or at least that's what they tell me.

Anyway, that's my two cents.

ssrprotege

07-08-2008, 07:59 AM

MBTI came to me when I was in grade 9. The retiring teacher's last lecture was about MBTI. He would briefly explain each of the four traits and I identify my type! Honestly, I don't think I knew myself so well, so I went for my gut feelings. I think I had an INTJ. Brief descriptions described me quite well. Then came back to me two years later, and I would get an INTP or INTJ (preference to J or P as low as 1%), either one of the two. I could partially agree with both of these descriptions. Some of the descriptions described me so accurately:

- Theoretical; likes dealing with concepts, ideas, theories
- May recognise details, but forget quickly
- Absent-mindedness, forgetfulness
- Detached, may seem cold and aloof (was told by many people that I should socialise more)
- No interest in popularity contests, little interests in talks with little value ("small talks" can be quite intellectual, my INTJ mentor pointed out. Depends on how you define "small talks" really. Not meant to nitpick)
- Likes insights, values imagination
- Interests are rather special and 'pointed,' and if someone mentions one of my interests, I get hyper.
- My brain is constantly thinking/analyzing something.
- suck at explaining my thoughts to other people

Yes, so I will say the descriptions were somewhat dead-on. I also realised that even though my mother's S (strong SJ tendency, direct conflict with NT) tendency failed to change my NT tendencies. I still get very high in N and T.

lollardy2000

07-08-2008, 01:01 PM

I very much identify with my type, ENTJ (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.). I got into all this thru Keirsey (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.), which is a similar test as MBTI but he has better and more interesting theory and description - highly recommended (he upgraded Isabel Myers' work)!! Every time I think I could be another similar type or I test with an x (i.e., ENxJ) - I go back and re-read my ENTJ description and think "well I may sound LIKE these other types... but this nails every point right on the head, every time." For example, I have been doing a lot of work trying to balance my Thinking with Feeling. And the ENFJ description is not inaccurate at all. But - I have to make a little bit of effort to be an ENFJ. ENTJ is my baseline, my natural self, it's effortless. Also, I remembered that half a lifetime ago, in high school, I had to take the MBTI as a sophomore and senior. I do not remember what I got, but I remember they were the same both times, except once I got Extroverted and once I got Introverted. And I MUST have tested as NTJ, because I would have been stronger TJ then than now, and I know I have been more INTJ than ENTJ at points in my life.

Here are highlights that stick out to me from Keirsey:

“Fieldmarshals root out and reject ineffectiveness and inefficiency, and are impatient with repetition of error.”
• Strongest type at: marshaling or situational organizing; contingency organizing
• bound to lead others; from early age can be observed taking command of groups; often find themselves in charge of groups while mystified as to how this happened
• strong natural urge to give structure and direction wherever they are - to harness people in the field and to direct them to achieve distant goals.
• more than any other type desire (and generally have the ability) to visualize where an organization is going, and they seem able to communicate that vision to others
• highly developed organizational and coordinating skills: systematizing, ordering priorities, generalizing, summarizing, at marshaling evidence, and at demonstrating their ideas
• organize their units into smooth-functioning systems, planning in advance, keeping both short-term and long-range objectives well in mind
• there must always be a goal-directed reason for doing anything, and people's feelings usually are not sufficient reason
• intent on reducing red tape, task redundancy, & aimless confusion; willing to dismiss employees who cannot get with the program
• tolerant of established procedures, but they can and will abandon any procedure when it can be shown to be ineffective in accomplishing its goal
• Hillary Clinton, Napoleon, Margret Thatcher, Carl Sagan, Bill Gates, Golda Meir, Edward Teller, George Bernard Shaw, and General George C. Marshall are examples of Fieldmarshals

SShack

07-08-2008, 06:52 PM

I didn't identify with the idea that I was an extravert at first, because I tend to be a bit of a loner, but once I read the explanation of what an extravert actually is, particularly as it relates to an ENTP (drawing energy from debate with others and the discussion of ideas) it makes a lot more sense. And then when I read about how ENTP being Ti, my occasional lone nature made even more sense (I get quiet when I'm absorbing new information, which people associate with introversion).

Now I identify with ENTP a lot more, even though I do try a lot to be more considerate of others than some descriptions of ENTP suggest.

lollardy2000

07-08-2008, 06:59 PM

I didn't identify with the idea that I was an extravert at first, because I tend to be a bit of a loner, but once I read the explanation of what an extravert actually is, particularly as it relates to an ENTP (drawing energy from debate with others and the discussion of ideas) it makes a lot more sense. And then when I read about how ENTP being Ti, my occasional lone nature made even more sense (I get quiet when I'm absorbing new information, which people associate with introversion). Now I identify with ENTP a lot more, even though I do try a lot to be more considerate of others than some descriptions of ENTP suggest.

Yeah E and I can be difficult to understand. Especially for N's, most especially for NT's! Plus they can change a lot, they are the most mutable axis. I have switched back and forth INTJ/ENTJ a few times.

jwp4

07-08-2008, 08:36 PM

(strong SJ tendency, direct conflict with NT)

So I consistently test INTJ, but what I have noticed is how balanced my N is with the S. The ISTJ profile seems close, but the INTJ profile fits me perfectly.

Could you explain you thoughts on how a strong SJ conflicts with NT? (Maybe in another thread as not to hijack this one), but I am very interested in your perspective.

ssrprotege

07-09-2008, 12:33 AM

Could you explain you thoughts on how a strong SJ conflicts with NT? (Maybe in another thread as not to hijack this one), but I am very interested in your perspective.

Never a problem :)

I used Keirsey's Temperamental Theory. He divided sixteen types into four "temperament fields" using two criteria: cooperator (getting along with others first over being efficient?) or utilitarian (the other way around)? and concrete language use or abstract language use? NT is an abstract utilitarian, and SJ is a concrete cooperator.

Getting into more details. Some polar differences can be observed: SJ's tend to rather trust authority, whereas NT's trust authority only when it logically makes sense to them. Their interests (theoretical vs. concrete) tend to differ, so one pretty much shuts another's brain down. NT's expect people to be unique, independent; SJ's look forward to belonging to a certain organization and prefer to follow the general trend. Of course, NT's are bewildered. When it comes to discipline, SJ's are likely to say "that's not right because it's not a standard procedure." NT's, not so: "I don't care about 'standard' procedures; I demand logical explanations." If you are dead sure that you are a Judger, look at these differences see which one applies more to you. I recommend To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. or Please Understand Me II by Keirsey. :thumbsup:

I was definitely closer to being NT than SJ. If you keep getting INTJ, no matter how balanced S and N, you most probably are an INTJ. I am just throwing an intuitive guess.

TheLastMohican

07-09-2008, 12:42 AM

^ Take it from the SP.

Liason

07-09-2008, 02:40 AM

The first time I read my description it clicked perfectly into what I already knew about myself. I was 13 at the time and now I'm not too much older. It's probably because I'm a very expressed INTJ. Upon taking several INTJ tests to be sure, all of them came back as expressed for all four categories.

mkay

07-09-2008, 06:00 AM

^ Take it from the SP.

Just curious if you don't mind me asking: How did you go from INTJ to ENTP? Or am I remembering wrong?

ssrprotege

07-09-2008, 07:33 AM

Just curious if you don't mind me asking: How did you go from INTJ to ENTP? Or am I remembering wrong?

Click here (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.). I surmise he became an ENTP for political reasons. I changed my type just to practice acting. :p

jwp4

07-09-2008, 08:27 AM

I was definitely closer to being NT than SJ. If you keep getting INTJ, no matter how balanced S and N, you most probably are an INTJ. I am just throwing an intuitive guess.

I guess I need to check out a good book on MBTI and personality theories. I guess I cannot see a conflict inside a person when it comes to temperament. You are what you are. I don't think that was your point anyway (but it really got my cogs turning). I guess your point was that interaction between certain personality types might have some natural conflict depending on each individuals temperament.

Given that we are not perfectly matched in each category (like my balanced N - S ), I'd assume it is reasonable to say that it would be in those areas where we might be more tolerant of another temperament. The converse applies equally.

Am I back on track?

True Rune

07-10-2008, 04:06 AM

There are things not mentioned. I don't identify completely, but it is mostly a personal interest thing. I'm not much of a science man.. or math (though I catch on quick if I'm motivated) but I guess those are just things that make us unique.

TheLastMohican

07-10-2008, 11:41 AM

Click here (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.). I surmise he became an ENTP for political reasons. I changed my type just to practice acting. :p

Or maybe I got into forum politics because of my new type.

SShack

07-10-2008, 03:42 PM

Or maybe I got into forum politics because of my new type.

Now you're arguing for the sake of arguing. Good work!

BlackHawk

07-10-2008, 04:46 PM

I never denied the description when I first read it. It was just "yup, that's me . . . wait, that means there are others?" It was a revelation. Almost everything was me. My personality wasn't random. It could be explained!

Isabeau

07-10-2008, 05:18 PM

Never a problem :)

I used Keirsey's Temperamental Theory. He divided sixteen types into four "temperament fields" using two criteria: cooperator (getting along with others first over being efficient?) or utilitarian (the other way around)? and concrete language use or abstract language use? NT is an abstract utilitarian, and SJ is a concrete cooperator.

Getting into more details. Some polar differences can be observed: SJ's tend to rather trust authority, whereas NT's trust authority only when it logically makes sense to them. Their interests (theoretical vs. concrete) tend to differ, so one pretty much shuts another's brain down. NT's expect people to be unique, independent; SJ's look forward to belonging to a certain organization and prefer to follow the general trend. Of course, NT's are bewildered. When it comes to discipline, SJ's are likely to say "that's not right because it's not a standard procedure." NT's, not so: "I don't care about 'standard' procedures; I demand logical explanations." If you are dead sure that you are a Judger, look at these differences see which one applies more to you. I recommend To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. or Please Understand Me II by Keirsey. :thumbsup:

I was definitely closer to being NT than SJ. If you keep getting INTJ, no matter how balanced S and N, you most probably are an INTJ. I am just throwing an intuitive guess.
Glad I'm not the only one who can test as an SJ on some of these. Is Keirsey the most accurate? Just bought that book and my very introverted D tested as an E.