ISFJ

A blog dedicated to the ISFJ personality type. My Personal Blog

[chryswatchesgot]

Chrys Watches Got [x]

[mbti--junkie]

Pros: -Loyal and disciplined -Very loving, and caring. -Protective, no matter the circumstances. Cons: -May respond to logic with anger. -May rely on rules and traditions too much, making them look inflexible. -May overly distrust sponatnity.

[mbti--junkie]

"When I go to shows, I’m really looking forward to hearing the songs I know. I don’t like it when a band tries to expose me to new stuff."

[i-s-f-j]

A (semi) brief explanation of functions:

So I’m sure some of you are wondering how functions come into play when talking about personality types. I know I certainly was when I started to learn about Myers Briggs types. I thought I’d make a post explaining how the functions work and what that means for ISFJs

Here’s how this website explains functions:

“Each type consist of 4 main functions that comprise most of their personality.  They are as follows:

Dominant Function - This is the function that most strongly governs the personality.  It holds the strongest influence and is the function that one is most comfortable using. 

Auxiliary Function - This is the second strongest preference and helps assist and balance the dominant function.

Tertiary Function - This function can be a handicap early in life, but as one grows will develop into a helpful and eye-opening asset.

Inferior Function - This function is a point of weakness.  It is mostly unconscious and often the cause of misunderstanding and stress.”

So that’s their definition of functions. For us ISFJ folks, the functions are

Si (Introverted Sensing)

Fe (Extroverted Feeling)

Ti (Introverted Thinking)

Ne (Extroverted iNtuition)

For ISFJs, our dominant function is Si. This means we take in information from the world around us, and process it internally. We gather knowledge from trusted sources (usually close friends and family or our own senses) and store that information away. This then becomes a reference point, and we begin to build up a directory or database of past experiences and knowledge which we use to understand the world around us. 

Our secondary function is Fe. This comes into play when we interact with others around us. ISFJs are characterized as sweet, loyal, caring, etc. This comes from our secondary function. It’s not as strong in ISFJs as in an extrovert type, like say an ESFJ, because it is our secondary functions and ultimately falls behind our Si. Where ESFJs will expend this function on many people, ISFJs tend be a bit more reserved; however, it is this function that allows ISFJs to care so fully for their close friends and family. 

I think a better definition for a tertiary functions is a “last resort”. When ISFJs are presented with information that conflicts with what is already set in the database that our Si has developed, ISFJs first rely on our Fe. We’ll talk to close friends and family, who’s opinions we trust, and try to rectify the problem. When that doesn’t work, our Ti comes into play. The Ti functions allows us to step back and rationally examine the information presented. It is what allow us to mend, change and fix information we have that is incorrect. 

The inferior function is what makes each type crazy. For ISFJs, our inferior function is Ne. ISFJs like comfort. We like routine, knowing how to do things and knowing what to expect. That is the opposite of Ne. Ne is about new experiences and jumping into the unknown. This conflicts with our dominant function, and leads us to imagine in any given scenario everything that could go wrong and to fear the unknown. We see the possible failures, the mistakes, and the worst that could happen. This is why ISFJs are often seems as “worriers”- because our inferior function forces us to worry about what could happen, and to fear what we don’t know. Good news though. When we take what we know from our database (and our dominant function) and apply it to our Ne, we’re able to wipe away some of the mystery and fear of the unknown, because we’re able to see the patterns from past experiences and apply it to the future. 

If anyone has any questions about anything here or anything they’d like to add, please feel  free to message me!

[i-s-f-j]

reblogging again in case anyone has any questions about functions!

[i-s-f-j]

Do you think it's typical of an ISFJ to want to save text messages/regret deleting text messages/conversations?

That does sound pretty typical for an ISFJ. If the text message had important meaning or was special, it wouldn't be at all uncommon for an ISFJ to hold on to it. 

This quote here explains a little why:

"ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ."source

ISFJs like to hold onto thing that are important to them, or made an impression on the emotionally, so they would naturally regret getting rid of something that holds a memory for them. 

Hopes that helped!

[i-s-f-j]

Hey! I'm thinking of an programmer/informatic profession. Do you think it would fit to my personality?

I think, as an ISFJ, you could do well as a programmer. From what I've seen, it seems like the field attracts a lot of ISTJs, who enjoy the logical consistency offered in the job, but that ISFJs end up in the field as well. 

One aspect of an ISFJ is Fe, or extroverted feeling, which is what drives ISFJs to want to help people and often into careers involving social work; however, that doesn't mean that you can't be happy doing something more founded in logic. ISFJs do tend to enjoy having a set of rules to work within, and a consistent expectation which programming could offer. 

The most important thing is to do what makes you happy. If you enjoy programming or an informatics profession, than do that. Personality types are just a jumping off point to help you understand yourself better, but not the be-all-end-all of how to live your life. I personally am pursuing a career in the arts, which is a bit atypical of an ISFJ but I found a way to make my strengths work for me (time management, perfectionism, etc). If, knowing what you know about yourself personally, you feel that the profession is a fit than that's the most important thing. 

Hope that this helps!

[mbtifictionalcharacters]

Ted Mosby from “How I Met Your Mother” is an ISFJ

 ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people’s feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.

ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ. 

ISFJs have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain. They value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work. Therefore, they’re not likely to buy into doing things in a new way, unless they’re shown in a concrete way why its better than the established method. 

ISFJs learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. For this reason, they are not likely to be found in fields which require a lot of conceptual analysis or theory. They value practical application. Traditional methods of higher education, which require a lot of theorizing and abstraction, are likely to be a chore for the ISFJ. The ISFJ learns a task best by being shown its practical application. Once the task is learned, and its practical importance is understood, the ISFJ will faithfully and tirelessly carry through the task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable. The ISFJ personality type is perhaps the most altruistic and supportive of all types. ISFJs rarely sit idle – there is always a worthy cause awaiting their attention. Most personalities are quite willing to reciprocate when it comes to good deeds; however, ISFJs take that to a higher level, often going above and beyond what is actually expected of them. People belonging to this type thrive in areas that are both traditional (they are SJs, after all) and involve a lot of activities where their input could make a huge positive difference. Many ISFJs seek careers in the academic sector, medicine, social work or counselling; their personality traits also shine in administrative or clerical roles, or even in somewhat unexpected fields such as interior design.People with the ISFJ personality type often have very good memory and exceptional imagination. These traits can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. For instance, an ISFJ can easily notice discrepancies in someone’s story when the person repeats it again after a long period of time; ISFJs also find it very easy to choose the right gifts for persons they know well; finally, they may have no difficulties whatsoever making and maintaining personal and professional connections simply because they remember so many details about other people’s lives and habits – a very unusual trait for an introvert.

Introverted Sensing As for ISTJs, the dominant Si is oriented toward the world of forms, essences, generics. Again, “for both of the IS_J types, the sense of propriety comes from the clear definition of these internal forms. … A ‘proper’ chair has four legs,” etc. (Jung saw IS as something of an oxymoron: sensing, which is a perceiving function, focused inward and thus away from that which is perceived (the “object”). In this light, he described this sensing as something removed from reality, full of archetypes/mythical figures/hobgoblins; sensing of one’s own set of forms.)

[sperhoven-krispies-deactivated2]

[detailsofsilence]

“More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people’s feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for their powerful emotions. Just as the ISFJ is not likely to express their feelings, they are also not likely to let on that they know how others are feeling. However, they will speak up when they feel another individual really needs help, and in such cases they can truly help others become aware of their feelings. The ISFJ feels a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them. The ISFJ has a difficult time saying “no” when asked to do something, and may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike conflict, and because they tend to place other people’s needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted. ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that “everything is all wrong”, or “I can’t do anything right”.”

—

[imperfected-tulip-deactivated20]

ISFJ Breakdown

I – Introversion preferred to extraversion: ISFJs tend to be quiet and reserved. They generally prefer interacting with a few close friends rather than a wide circle of acquaintances, and they expend energy in social situations (whereas extraverts gain energy).

S – Sensing preferred to intuition: ISFJs tend to be more concrete than abstract. They focus their attention on the details rather than the big picture, and on immediate realities rather than future possibilities.

F – Feeling preferred to thinking: ISFJs tend to value personal considerations above objective criteria. When making decisions, they often give more weight to social implications than to logic.

J – Judgment preferred to perception: ISFJs tend to plan their activities and make decisions early. They derive a sense of control through predictability.

[blackintrovertedandqueer]

Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas. They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. They tend to dislike conflict. Many have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions.

Susan Cain, The Power of Introverts (via sapereaude789)

[i-s-f-j]

In what ways does Si manifest in the normal day-to-day? -- like, how would one know that the person around them, is Si dominant.

Sorry it took me so long to answer this!

For ISFJs, our dominant function is Si. This means we take in information from the world around us, and process it internally. We gather knowledge from trusted sources (usually close friends and family or our own senses) and store that information away. This then becomes a reference point, and we begin to build up a directory or database of past experiences and knowledge which we use to understand the world around us. 

The best way I've come to recognize an Si from an Ni is how they reach a conclusion. Si's tend to draw conclusions from experiences, and it takes a little longer to form a full pictures. For example, when meeting someone new for the first time an Si will note the way he/she speaks, what is said, various interactions and will use this information to formulate a picture and get an opinion on this person. As an Si interacts more with this person, bit by bit the picture becomes fuller and more realized and the opinion become more and more refined. It's all about taking the information gathered by the senses and using that concrete information to formulate an opinion. 

In contrast, an Ni person will use connections made in their mind and form quick opinions. When they meet someone new for the first time, they form an opinion very quickly, almost instantly. They form opinions based on instinct, without necessarily having concrete evidence. These opinions rely on the Ni's "gut instinct" and are often right. Ni's have their picture formed quickly and usually pretty accurately upon meeting someone. They rely more on connections made from past experiences and abstract ideas, rather than sensory experience to come to these conclusions. The difference is that, while the Si takes longer to form, their picture has a bit more to it. 

Si's rely a lot on past experiences to predict future experience. It's all about using the date gathered previously to understand the world around them. Hope this clears things up, send any more questions my way

-Jamie

[disneyyoungprofessionals-deacti]

[disneyyoungprofessionals-deacti]

The 16 Types

I just realized it would probably make sense to consolidate all of these into one post.

[i-s-f-j]

hi i don't know if you care but i just need to like, get it out. at school, i get "bullied" by my friends, (they say things like "jesus, katie, did you gain some weight over the summer?" cuz they think they're being funny) and they hurt me and i don't really think they like me, but i always pretend it's fine, and i always forgive them, even though i know they'll hurt me again. i just don't want them to feel bad. oh god, sorry for this ask -katie x

Hi Katie,

I'm sorry that you're going through that, but I am glad that you sent me a message about it and please don't feel bad or apologize for it!

What you're going through is something that, unfortunately, is pretty common for ISFJs. By our nature, we avoid conflict and want to help others without seeking praise or accolades for our efforts. This means that we are often overlooked and unacknowledged, and don't step up in our own defense to fix that. 

I know what it's like to have toxic people in life. It is very hard to deal day to day with people who you feel are your "friends" who don't value what makes you great. What I want to tell you is that you do have great things to offer, I can tell just by your message. You are kind, considerate, humble. These are great things, but it's important to balance these as well. 

As hard as it is, and I do acknowledge that it's especially hard for us conflict-phobic ISFJs, you have to stand up for yourself. I understand wanting to spare your friends feelings, but that shouldn't come at the expense of your own. You don't owe them or their emotional well being more than you owe yourself. You don't have to be angry or rude about it, but let them know clearly that what they say hurts you. If a joke comes up again, just say something along the lines of "maybe you're just trying to be funny, but I'm telling you now so you realize that what you're saying is actually hurtful to me and I want you to stop". Be clear and firm, because you matter and if they're really your friends they'll stop. If they continue their behavior, it might be best to simply remove yourself from the situation because a friendship without respect isn't healthy, and ISFJs are especially prone to getting caught in these relationships. 

The best thing I can tell you is that it gets better. I went through a similar experience in high school and I was afraid that, with the exception of a few close friends I had, I'd always be under appreciated and overlooked. I went to college though and met some great people who truly value me as a person, and I'm in a much healthier place than I was. As people mature and begin to grow, I believe you'll find that what you bring to the table as a friend (which I already know are a lot of great things) while be recognized and appreciated. 

Please feel free to send anymore messages my way, and I really wish you the best of luck with everything

xoxo Jamie

[i-s-f-j]

My gf is an ISFJ and she tends to worry a lot about everybody else. What are some ways you find help you relax or some ways i can help her relax? -- she never lets me help her do things.

Worrying about others is a very common ISFJ trouble, and is something that has a lot to do with the very core aspects of being an ISFJ. As a type, ISFJs care about others and have a need to help them out. It's very hard for an ISFJ to see someone in trouble and not try to help them. It's instinctual. ISFJs can be easily taken advantage of because of this fact. 

I have to remind myself a lot that it's okay to say "no". That it's better for me to just be upfront and say no than it is to take on too much work and become stressed out. In terms of trying to help others with their problems, you can only help someone who is willing to be helped. Recognizing where your efforts are of use so that your time and energy don't go to waste is important. Of course this can be hard when it's someone close to you, but it's still worth acknowledging. On the other end of the spectrum, I find it's important to remind myself that I have no obligations to fix anyone's problems but my own. I'm glad to help out friends, but not if helping them with their problems begins to cause problems for me. 

I'd try to remind your girlfriend that she is important to. It's great that she wants to help people, but she needs to take care of herself too. She should take time to relax, whether that means reading a book, watching a movie, knitting a scarf, or whatever she likes to do. She should say "no" from time to time if she finds herself being overburdened with tasks. Let her vent to you too. Venting about my frustrations helps me immensely, so lend her a judgment-free ear if she seems steamed up about something. 

In regard to her reluctance to accept help, that's another common ISFJ trait. ISFJs hate the idea of burdening anyone else. She most likely wants to handle thinks on her own to avoid the worry of burdening or bothering you. ISFJs also just have a hard time delegating tasks and want to take care of everything themselves. Just let her know that your assistance is available, without pressure or judgement. Let her know that you want to help, but be aware that sometimes it's very difficult for ISFJs to accept help. I know it's frustrating, but just let her know that you're there for her and hopefully she'll get used to that fact and begin to let you carry some of the burden as well. 

Hope that this has been helpful!

-Jamie

[giulianomedici]

Could somebody explain what is an ISFJ? 

[i-s-f-j]

ISFJ is a Myers Brigg Personality type that stands for

Introvert

Sensing

Feeling

Judging

and the functions are Si, Fe, Ti, Ne. Here's a post to better explain what the functions are and how they affect the ISFJ type. 

"ISFJs are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed." In extreme cases, this need is so strong that standard give-and-take relationships are deeply unsatisfying to them; however, most ISFJs find more than enough with which to occupy themselves within the framework of a normal life. (Since ISFJs, like all SJs, are very much bound by the prevailing social conventions, their form of "service" is likely to exclude any elements of moral or political controversy; they specialize in the local, the personal, and the practical.)" -Source 

Feel free to message me if you have any other questions or are still unsure. Here are also some resources that I found helpful in case you'd like to learn more!

Portrait of an ISFJ

Personality Nation 

TypeLogic