Mirror, Mirror: ISFP

ISFP

Estimated to be between 5 and 7 percent of the population

ISFP children are like puppies – warm, affectionate, and unconditionally loving. They tend to be very sensitive and emotional people who have deep feelings and passions. They are gentle but intensely loyal friends who, at their best, possess impressive interpersonal skills. They tend to mediate with quiet persuasion, calm, and grace. While ISFPs are typically quiet and hesitant with strangers, once they get to know you, they are usually very expressive and eager to please. They hold their personal relationships in high regard and will respond immediately to help or comfort a friend. They like to do little, thoughtful things and show you how much they care, like making a beautiful picture or writing a love note. They need plenty of attention, affection, love, and supportive guidance in their daily lives. They want the reassurance of a parent's physical touch and closeness and the security they feel when they are really understood.

ISFPs are highly tactile people. As young children, they often have special dolls, stuffed animals, or blankets that they never want to part with. Even as they get older, they always seem to have something in their hands. They usually love small, beautiful objects and will surround themselves with huge collections of meaningful things. Often highly discriminating about textures and colors, ISFPs prefer bright colors and soft or silky clothing. Many ISFPs have an excellent sense of aesthetics and well-developed artistic talents in drawing, painting, music, and dance. Most ISFPs adore animals and are content to sit and tenderly hold or pat one for a long time. They often enjoy sensory activities like cooking or mixing food coloring or other ingredients together just to see what will happen! ISFPs tend to be very excellent observers, noticing the tiniest detail. While they can sometimes get lost in the details of a project, they can tell amazingly factual and accurate stories.

Not usually the initiators of activity, they are happy to join in when invited but also need plenty of time along, among their special things, to calm and center themselves. They tend to be private people and aren't especially adventurous. Easygoing and fun to be with, most ISFPs struggle with organization and getting projects finished on time. They need lots of time to get themselves ready; for example, carefully brushing their teeth and hair may result in their having to rush to catch the bus. They don't like other people trying to boss or control them, but because they rarely plan ahead and don't especially like making decisions, they are often left submitting themselves to choices others have made for them. Happily, they are fairly adaptable and quick to forgive and forget.

[Source: Nurture by Nature: Understand Your Child's Personality Type – And Become a Better Parent by Barbara-Barron Tieger and Paul D. Tieger]

flip. this was me as a child!! and nothing much has changed. very interesting article. thank you for posting it!

I used to have a blue (I think silk?) blanket I carried around with me everywhere. I'd probably still have it if my mom didn't get rid of it... >_>

This is way too fluffy and cute. Dislike.

I relate to some of this, but I'm pretty sure I wasn't that sweet and reserved as a kid.

i actually had a crocheted blanket that i would not sleep without. when i was little we lived in singapore and i used to get a sweat rash on my face because i refused to sleep without it. i had it till my 20s (although by then it was relegated to a cupboard!) i would probably still have it but it disintegrated.

I remember making personal notes and cards to people all the time.. Had a stuffed owl for YEARS.. favorite toy was technic lego where I would build things that interested me with bright colors.. decorated my room with pictures.. good times Thanks for posting Grey.

awww this is so me...
It's especially frustrating when people who love planning WAY TOO FAR IN ADVANCE keep reminding you of what to do. +_+ I plan, but I plan at the right moment. Unlike some people who are aggressive and like to stress me out.... *glares at family members*

But hey, I love them. I love everyone. I need to stop looking at the computer...

Hmm...well, I do agree with the parts about not finishing projects or not liking to make decisions.