10 Things which could make it easier to understand INTJs,Part 2
6. We are never set on one opinion, how could we be? It might seem like we are very focused and stubborn, and we are. But being an intuitive introvert means having an addiction to changing perspectives. So we strive for new perspectives all the time, and in our heads we entertain all kinds of weird views, also when we seem very strict on the outside. The rational nature of extroverted thinking makes us grasp and use our current best solution in the outside world, and it might therefore look like we are very set on this solution. But that is far from the truth. Logic needs hard facts and a set view, so we entertain our best option and treat it as the truth, but in our heads, I believe it is never truly set. The subplot of multiple angles and realities goes on forever. It’s only thanks to Te that we get out of there and become productive. So next time you think an INTJ is being narrow-minded, confront them, for the ability to talk it out is certainly there.
7. Not all of us are clumsy and hate sports. I’ve pondered on this for a while, and I think this might be true for at least a few of us. I’ve always been really into sports and really good. My key strengths are timing and reaction, and an ability to imitate and respond to movement really fast. I think this can be explained through Ni-Se. When I do sports I’m acutely aware of my surroundings, in a very all-including ‘zen’ way. I see energy gets transformed and led on, and I understand the whole by getting hints from all the details of the real world my Se picks up and feeds Ni, which emerges with this real time connection to the flow of a situation. This makes me able to predict future moves, and understand sequences of movement very well. The difference to a Se-dom, I think, is that I don’t look at for example a martial arts throw and see the details of the throw. I see the principle, I see physics, history, psychology… I see interconnected energy. Nonetheless, it is very acute awareness of the truth, in a totally different way.
8. At least for me, my weakness lies in the awareness of details. In a way, I just spent some time arguing that INTJs are not that bad with details. Now I’m gonna turn that one around. If you read between the lines of 7. you will find that I never said I’m directly good with details, because I’m not. I’m extremely good at unconsciously using details to make up a concept or manipulate the whole, but it is a meaning-to-means chain of reaction. I’m weak at the typical Si stuff (which makes sense, since it is the last function in my shadow stack…), and I trip constantly when it comes to for example simple mistakes in math. I write half of one problem and half of the other, I forget to write a number or I change the sign in front… I’m just not really there, or focused on the details. I usually do really good in figuring out the mathematical principles in a problem, I love that part. But typically I ruin it by some simple mistake. When I am troubled or tired this goes for material things in the real world too. I misplace stuff, or forget things, or mount something in the wrong way. I’m mentally absent, especially if I have not had alone time in a while. Then I start worrying about this, and that drops my energy even further, which again means more mistakes.
9. Ignoring someone usually is not intentionally. INTJs love their plans and ideas. When we go into obsession mode, which happens quite often, we remove all things from our minds, which cannot help deepen our understanding of our current theme of obsession. So, if you have something we need, like knowledge or skills, you might find that you are hardly left alone, and bombarded with questions or ideas. But if you are not so ‘lucky’ that your have expertise in INTJs area of obsession, you are kind of invisible at the moment, like the rest of the world. No harm intended, really! It is just that we get so many ideas and impressions, that it is hard to see through it all. The process might begin by gathering information, but then the unconscious Ni kicks in, and we don’t even want to disturb ourselves. So really, not picking up the phone or replying to a text, it’s not intentionally, it’s just… not getting through to the layer of reality at which we exist in such bouts of obsession. I really hope this makes sense!
10. It really takes time to get to know an INTJ. It does not matter if in friendship or in love, INTJs are usually not the rushing in types. We’re intense in the moment, so if you got to know us through some thrilling and interesting conversation, you might feel that we did not appreciate it, since we usually won’t contact you again immediately. This could not be further from the truth. At least for me, if I had an amazing conversation, I can go at least a week, if not longer, just pondering the questions and wonder of that conversation. I will prepare to ask you more questions and explore your mind, and since it is such an intense experience I want to give us both space to cope and find balance. So, if you had this kind of conversation with an INTJ, and they don’t immediately ask for more, don’t be spooked. Either you contact them, or you wait, but be sure of this: If an INTJ engaged in a long and deep conversation with you, he/she will want to talk to you again. Our thoughts and ideas are the most precious things we have, we don’t share that with just anyone.
