[Geoffrey]

Hello, fellow INFPs.
-----I have always felt like there is a hidden script behind every social interaction. They say something, and then I'm not supposed to actually respond to what was said, but I am supposed to say the next line on the script. The problem is that my copy was never delivered!
-----And so I will be in a conversation and sometimes unintentionally change the whole mood--sometimes negatively--because of something I said. I said the wrong line.
-----Maybe I'm just not a good actor. Reading lines from a script seems like it would offer no comfort to anyone involved (though apparently it does). I'd rather speak from my depths with someone else's depths. Skip the facade, thank you. And if we must read from the social script, please do me two small favors. First, if I yell, "Line!" then please give me my line. Second, please mail me a script, as mine got lost in the mail.
-----How many of you out there can relate?

[dann]

How boring life would be with a set script! Be happy you're without one! Improvise! Don't be boring! Just be confident, fun, and pleasant, and I'm sure your social interactions will be as positive as ever!!

[Luke]

To be honest I think that in many ways I am quite naive in social situations. I always try to be nice to people and I am honest and straightforward in my interactions. But it seems to me that for most other people, there are many unspoken social games being played and they aren't always nice. I just don't get things like that.

[kyliecarefree]

Nope, not usually. (Do any INFPs?) But I agree with @dann. Improvise! :)

[Acey]

I can relate. On good days I can remember some of my lines, but most of the time either my co-star walks out of the studio out of frustration or the director fires my ass. Currently rethinking my career path.. I think I'd make a great mime.

[Mattylad]

I sorta know it, but I usually blow it in one way or another making me seem completely disconnected with the world, when I'm only semi-disconnected with the world.

[Snow Leopard]

-----How many of you out there can relate?

I can relate. Of course after you get to know someone, then they should learn to love our [s]awkwardness[/s] uniqueness and novelty.

As to the people who don't relate, I think you made a wrong turn, see the extrovert forums. Thanks.

[gattodipiombo]

I can relate too.

In my experience, one of the hardest (but also most rewarding) tasks lies in learning to distinguish cases when the script is wrong from cases where you are wrong. Proportions may vary depending on individuals.

Example: my inner dialogue has been shaped quite profoundly by books and music that make extensive use of blunt or harsh language. Think Bret Easton Ellis, Irvine Welsh and similar authors; think heavy metal bands with frequent reference to apocalyptic scenarios; think punk rock with pointed social criticism. I'm not a harsh person in an emotional sense AT ALL, but for some reason I do like that register, and will routinely use it in my mind. Of course this trickles down into social interactions, and it comes out as really off-script. People normally use mild words to describe difficult situations where I go for "disaster" and "atrocity" quite easily; it's meant ironically, just a figure of style really, but it comes across as the language of someone who's intrinsically violent.

Growing up, I started to learn the script by listening to others. So now I say "crisis" instead of "train wreck" whenever the situation requires it. To me it's still weird, but it's so much easier to communicate and interact by putting a little effort into learning other people's language. I wish I didn't have to do this, but I do.

On the other hand, sometimes the script is way off; it can be full of lies, or just too bland, devoid of content. In these cases, you have to recognize you are in the right, and just walk away from the set.

[Sily]

Scripts are too much work. They have to be *written*, then *performed*. Often they are written in someone else's handwriting, the writing can be small & I'll have to squint. Then I get a headache. Then I'll yell at The Director, throw my hands up in the air and walk off the set.

Just pull down your pants and slide on the ice. It's called Improvisational Theater.

[Lachesis]

I didn't miss the script, I got sent the wrong one! More often than not I'm reciting Lethal Weapon on Othello.