[DevilWithAHalo]

There are many threads about how we stereotype ourselves into our functions, but I have been unable to locate one on how we break them. Given that INTJ's are often stereotyped as not believing in the functions to begin with, it's suprising we at least don't have one. So here it is, how do you break your own INTJ stereotype?

- I hate reading. Can't stand it. If anyone suggests I might find something enjoyable to read, I want to take the book and cram it down their throat.

- I have strong emotions. My friend have told me at times I have violent mood swings.

[TheWaffle]

Where is this stereotype that INTJ's don't believe in the functions?

[SweetSurrender]

Perhaps due skepticism, at least initially, would be a better general term than the state of not believing in.

I'm not into reading books, myself, at least not anymore- that was something I enjoyed as a child and teenager. What I'd read at a young and highly impressionable age seems to have been enough for me in that arena of intellectual stimulation. I prefer reading magazine articles and collecting information from the internet than reading books, whether fictional or non-fictional, because it's cheap, quick, to the point and usually evolving. Once something is printed to paper it can be subject to errors that can't be easily updated, as that is a limit of the medium. I'm not very interested in e-books, either, nor audio books. I have a visual/auditory memory so I like to see what I'm reading in order to take a mental picture to associate with other thoughts I have at the time, or else I gradually tune out what's being said. My affinity for fiction is best played out watching movies than reading books and my affinity for non-fiction is better served browsing for just what I need to know when I need to know it, on demand.

I'm not a big fan of chess. I prefer playing speed checkers with relatives while in a very good mood because I won't care about who wins just about acting silly.

I can become reflective to the point of tears pretty easily with the appropriate focus. Growing up dealing with depression made it second nature to pull out my emotions whenever I've felt the urge. Caring about something, anything, is an exercise I can do because I've had a lot of practice at it. If I don't find a way to care about certain things, I can turn into a veritable asshole. A lot of things anger me on a foundational level, so it's necessary for me to feel that and deal with it in the healthiest way I can and move on with my day with a positive attitude.

The biggest way I break the stereotype of INTJ is that other INTJ have a way of invoking aggravation in me for how limited their understanding can be of certain factors going on around them. As much as I acknowledge how similar I am to many of them, there are times when I don't care to even converse with others of my type because they are too busy trying to prove or assert something rather than just participate in casual discourse. I would have to become so passive in comparison just to avoid escalation of a particular subject that it causes me to no longer care about what is being said. I'd rather just tell some of the people here to come back and talk some more after 10 years have passed in their lives.

[DarkAutumn]

-I'm considering an artistic career.
-I can be very social sometimes.
-A times I am very expressive.
-I don't plan ahead. I'm messy and spontaneous.

[Hemoglobin]

- I live in a commune
- I used to be a belly dancer (have to now focus on a career)
- I have a trade in floristry
- I work with brides on a regular basis
- I can be exceptionally girly
- Cuddle monster behind closed doors
- I am artistic and sensitive
- I enjoy openly showing appreciation for people

[bethdeth]

I don't think I really have a "stereotype" of myself. I don't really have a stereotype of INTJs. We have an awful lot of similarities as a group but everyone is different.

Since rediscovering my type I feel more at peace knowing that I can be more readily understood by people. It comforts me that I can find similarities in logic.....but there aren't any ideas that I am some cloned soldier marching for an INTJ army.

[petals of stone]

So here it is, how do you break your own INTJ stereotype?

How about developing other lesser used functions of INTJ such as say Si or Fe. That should give you some less stereotypical INTJ tendencies.

[rednet2]

I'm in touch with my feelings, to the extent that I'll value them over logic for some decisions.
Also, I love physical affection (esp. cuddling) with my girlfriend (when I actually have a gf, that is).

[ChanceyRose]

The stereotype I break most often is that of introvert. I have consciously developed my social skills. Aside from an occasional flash of irritation, my coworkers would swear I was the friendliest person they know. I can work a room as well as a politician. If I truly want to get a man's attention, I do a very good imitation of an ESFP female.

I can be indecisive, especially when the decision involves value judgments and not ones based on fact.

I can be extremely affectionate. However, this is limited to physical expressions toward my partner.

[bored_1]

I value the emotions of family and close friends enough to slow me down when making decisions - I often feel that I have to try and balance others' needs and it can be very stressful (I prefer being alone partially because of the many guilt trips I've been put through).

I procrastinate like a motherfucker.

I can change how I act drastically among different groups of people - among family I am commanding, among friends from High School I am ridiculous and silly, and among friends from college I am logical and sensible. (now that I think about it I'm pretty sure many Ni's can do this)