Am I an INFJ? I'm pretty sure but want your opinions...

Here we go:

0. Is there anything that may affect the way you answer the questions? For example, a stressful time, mental illness, medications, special life circumstances? Other useful information includes sex, age, and current state of mind.
I'm completely relaxed right now, and in a great mood.
Sex: Yes. Wait...I mean, female.
Age: 42 (!)
Current state of mind: Calm, happy, proud (I'm in sales and had a great week)

1. Click on this link: Flickr: Explore! Look at the random photo for about 30 seconds. Copy and paste it here, and write about your impression of it.
(Please see end of questionnaire for the photo and my comments)



2. You are with a group of people in a car, heading to a different town to see your favourite band/artist/musician. Suddenly, the car breaks down for an unknown reason in the middle of nowhere. What are your initial thoughts? What are your outward reactions?
I have AAA, so I'd call to get us a tow. My thoughts would be something like "Damn, this sucks...but things happen and it could be worse." My outward reaction would be calm - I'd focus on getting help immediately. I'm not one to stand around and complain. There's no point.

3. You somehow make it to the concert. The driver wants to go to the afterparty that was announced (and assure you they won't drink so they can drive back later). How do you feel about this party? What do you do?
I probably wouldn't be thrilled about going, but I'd "take one for the team", so to speak. I don't drink, so I'd stay sober and offer to drive back.

4. On the drive back, your friends are talking. A friend makes a claim that clashes with your current beliefs. What is your inward reaction? What do you outwardly say?
My inward reaction would be "Do I want to have this debate, or should I just keep my mouth shut?" Then I'd probably ask the friend questions to try to better understand his/her stance and their reasoning behind it. I'd use their response to ask more questions. I gather information before I add my own commentary...I like to see where people are coming from before I have discussions that may get heated. I also enjoy debate (but not arguments) and I like the challenge of trying to get people to see another viewpoint. If I feel very strongly that my view is correct, I will probably try to convince them to change their mind.

5. What would you do if you actually saw/experienced something that clashes with your previous beliefs, experiences, and habits?
I'd speak up, depending on the situation, of course. For example: A few years ago, I saw some protesters on the boardwalk. They were Westboro Baptist types...preaching about how we are all sinners, and how god hates certain groups...they had signs with lists of what god hates (homosexuals, etc). I couldn't just walk by without saying anything...I ended up in a debate with two of them for at least an hour.

That's a tricky question, really...I acknowledge that I have unusual beliefs (I don't believe in a higher power, for example), and I try to respect others' right to believe what they wish. I'm very anti-death penalty (too many flaws in the system), anti-spanking, and am not a fan of organized religion...so those topics can get me pretty fired up and verbal.

6. What are some of your most important values? How did you come about determining them? How can they change?
Hmm. I'd say integrity, honesty, hard work, fairness, compassion, and intelligence. I'm not sure that those would change...
I believe that some are innate and some were instilled by my upbringing. My parents always taught me to be fair, kind, caring, polite, and honest.

7. a) What about your personality most distinguishes you from everyone else? b) If you could change one thing about you personality, what would it be? Why?
I'm a great listener, and am very good at reading people. I care enough to listen and give advice, but I don't sugar-coat it...I tell it how I see it, and I believe that being honest is important. I'm good at remaining objective and keeping my own feelings out of things...it isn't about ME, it is about the other person. I can end a relationship without remorse and without looking back if it is the best choice. That's bad and good, I think...sometimes I wish I were more affectionate (I'm not a huggy, lovey-dovey type). I'd say I show that I care through listening and helping with practical, logical advice rather than physical means.

8. How do you treat hunches or gut feelings? In what situations are they most often triggered?
I listen to them - they are normally correct. When I was younger, I often ignored my intuition, which led me to make mistakes. Now I listen to it and consider it (along with any available facts or other information). I'd say they are most often triggered during interactions with other people ("Is this person trustworthy? Are they being honest?" etc). I also follow it when I need to make a decision and my gut is pushing me a certain way.

9. a) What activities energize you most? b) What activities drain you most? Why?
Alone time. Gym time. Reading. Resolving a problem. Those energize me.
Crowds, noise, lots of talking, parties...those things drain me.

10. What do you repress about your outward behavior or internal thought process when around others? Why?
I'm opinionated and I tend to be arrogant. I've been told that I think I'm always right. The thing is, if I'm not sure I'm right, I'm probably not going to say much...I like to be sure first so I don't make a fool of myself. I prefer to gather information before I state my opinion. For example: I have an acquaintance who has been posting on Facebook about doing a "master cleanse". She lost 15 pounds via the cleanse, and of course a lot of her friends are asking how to do it, etc. I am dying to post about how dangerous those kinds of cleanses are, but I don't want to stir the pot...I try to choose my battles wisely. Sometimes I just can't, though...if someone is providing incorrect information I feel compelled to correct them. Not for the sake of correcting them - I actually dislike that part - but so people don't believe things that are wrong and/or dangerous.

I hope this helps...please feel free to ask anything for clarification. I'm really curious about my type. I have tested as INTJ, INTP, and INFJ.

Oops! I forgot to post the image and my impression of it:
scene.jpg

I find the lighting interesting...the contrast between the sky and the middle of the picture, too. Hmm...this is tough...I like photography and art, but I always find it difficult to express how I "feel" about it. I don't know how to put that in words.

I think you can narrow it down to INTx, a lot of your answers point to either Ti or Te. #10 sounds very INTPish.

I agree that you are an INT type, I wish you could have answered the first question because that would have answered if you use Si or Se and would do more help in understanding if you were INTP or INTJ threw the tertiary/inferior function. It's hard to peg but I definitely think you are a T type, I am just not sure if you lead with it (Ti) or if it's an auxiliary (Te). There were times when I saw inferior Fe which made me think INTP, but I noticed that a lot of your thoughts talk about impacting the external world which makes me see you as a Te type. Yeah I think either INTP or INTJ.

I'd speak up, depending on the situation, of course. For example: A few years ago, I saw some protesters on the boardwalk. They were Westboro Baptist types...preaching about how we are all sinners, and how god hates certain groups...they had signs with lists of what god hates (homosexuals, etc). I couldn't just walk by without saying anything...I ended up in a debate with two of them for at least an hour.

You seem to have a strong Fe side. If you still believe you have lead Ni, that would make you an INFJ. However, I can only compare and contrast based on what people of X function/type are like.

I know it's a hassle, but could you explain how you relate to each of the 8 functions? That should make this process much more effective.

Originally Posted by Impact Calculus

You seem to have a strong Fe side. If you still believe you have lead Ni, that would make you an INFJ. However, I can only compare and contrast based on what people of X function/type are like.

I know it's a hassle, but could you explain how you relate to each of the 8 functions? That should make this process much more effective.

I think so too. INFJ seems right, but there's definitely a possibility it is INTP or INTJ...I think.

Yes - here we go. I have included definitions of each to help me with this process.

Se - Extraverted Sensing: Experiencing the immediate context; taking action in the physical world; noticing changes and opportunities for action; accumulating experiences; scanning for visible reactions and relevant data; recognizing "what is." Noticing what was available, trying on different items, and seeing how they look.

I can somewhat relate to Se...it definitely is not a dominant function for me, though.

Si - Introverted Sensing: Reviewing past experiences; "what is" evoking "what was"; seeking detailed information and links to what is known; recalling stored impressions; accumulating data; recognizing the way things have always been. Remembering the last time you wore a particular item or the last time you were at a similar event—maybe even remembering how you felt then.

Hmm. Se and Si are the hardest for me to understand...I don't pay much attention to past experiences...I start fresh each time I do something - does that make sense?

Ne - Extraverted iNtuiting: Interpreting situations and relationships; picking up meanings and interconnections; being drawn to change "what is" for "what could possibly be"; noticing what is not said and threads of meaning emerging across multiple contexts. Noticing the possible meanings of what you might wear: "Wearing this might communicate…"

This one is tricky too. I am good at interpreting things and noticing what is not said, but...I don't like leaving things up to what MIGHT work...I like closure. I also don't worry about what I might communicate...I'm not concerned about that at all.

Ni - Introverted iNtuiting: Foreseeing implications and likely effects without external data; realizing "what will be"; conceptualizing new ways of seeing things; envisioning transformations; getting an image of profound meaning or far-reaching symbols. Envisioning yourself in an outfit or maybe envisioning yourself being a certain way.

Heck yes. I relate to this more than any of the other functions.

Te - Extraverted Thinking: Segmenting; organizing for efficiency; systematizing; applying logic; structuring; checking for consequences; monitoring for standards or specifications being met; setting boundaries, guidelines, and parameters; deciding if something is working or not. Sorting out different colors and styles; thinking about the consequences, as in "Since I have to stand all day…"

Yes. I constantly organize and re-organize things, and create systems (especially at work). I create binders, manuals, files...etc...and I don't just "wing it" - ever.

Ti - Introverted Thinking: Analyzing; categorizing; evaluating according to principles and whether something fits the framework or model; figuring out the principles on which something works; checking for inconsistencies; clarifying definitions to get more precision. Analyzing your options using principles like comfort or "Red is a power color."

See...I do these things too. Again, I like clarity.

Fe - Extraverted Feeling: Connecting; considering others and the group-organizing to meet their needs and honor their values and feelings; maintaining societal, organizational, or group values; adjusting to and accommodating others; deciding if something is appropriate or acceptable to others. Considering what would be appropriate for the situation: "One should or shouldn't wear…" or "People will think…"

I respect other people, I'm good at reading and interpreting their feelings, and I do care and enjoy helping people. But...it doesn't really come from a feeling standpoint...not truly empathy...it is more logical in nature.

Fi - Introverted Feeling: Valuing; considering importance and worth; reviewing for incongruity; evaluating something based on the truths on which it is based; clarifying values to achieve accord; deciding if something is of significance and worth standing up for. Evaluating whether you like an outfit or not: "This outfit suits me and feels right."
This resonates more with me.

I am over-analyzing everything right now...I'm reading everything I can find on the functions and types and it is all a jumble in my mind right now...why do I care so much about this? I enjoy a challenge, but...good grief. lol

I apologize, but those descriptions seem a bit oversimplified.

Fe/Fi isn't really about empathy.

Here:

Fe: Articles - An explanation of Extroverted Feeling (Fe).

Fi: Introverted Feeling


Se: Articles - Extraverted Sensing

Si: Articles - Introverted Sensing


Ne/Ni: Articles - Ne/Ni Jungian Cognitive Function Interaction


Quoting any of these descriptions isn't really necessary. Just check which areas are confusing, and let me/us know what you think. :)

Originally Posted by Impact Calculus

Quoting any of these descriptions isn't really necessary. Just check which areas are confusing, and let me/us know what you think. :)

Thanks! I read all of those, and I also found this...perhaps this will help too?

Cognitive Process Level of Development (Preference, Skill and Frequency of Use)
extraverted Sensing (Se) *********************** (23.8)
limited use
introverted Sensing (Si) ***************************** (29.8)
average use
extraverted Intuiting (Ne) ************************************* (37)
excellent use
introverted Intuiting (Ni) *********************************** (35.7)
good use
extraverted Thinking (Te) ************************************* (37.9)
excellent use
introverted Thinking (Ti) ************************************ (36.1)
excellent use
extraverted Feeling (Fe) ****************** (18.6)
limited use
introverted Feeling (Fi) ********************* (21.7)
limited use


Summary Analysis of Profile
By focusing on the strongest configuration of cognitive processes, your pattern of responses most closely matches individuals of this type: INTJ

Lead (Dominant) Process
Introverted Intuiting (Ni): Transforming with a meta-perspective. Withdrawing from the world and focusing your mind to receive an insight or realization. Checking if synergy results. Trying out a realization to transform things.

Support (Auxilliary) Process
Extraverted Thinking (Te): Measuring and constructing for progress. Making decisions objectively based on evidence and measures. Checking if things function properly. Applying a procedure to control events and complete goals.


If these cognitive processes don't fit well then consider these types: ENTJ, or INTP

No wonder I'm confused! I swear, I'm an INTJ or INFJ at work, and an INTP in all other situations.

Originally Posted by Snakecharmer

No wonder I'm confused! I swear, I'm an INTJ or INFJ at work, and an INTP in all other situations.

It is clear that you have a very strong preference for Judging, hence --INJ, most definitely.

INFJs , by way of the Ni and just like the INTJs, can be rather forceful, and they need not be very affectionate. I'd say Fe though... simply because you prefer to accomodate and play for the team rather than to be self-centered and heavy-handed. INFJs use their knowledge altruistically. And that is all. They most likely keep their feelings to themselves (introversion acting upon the Fe : Fi-effect).

Like you said...

«it isn't about ME, it is about the other person.»

Originally Posted by Ludi

It is clear that you have a very strong preference for Judging, hence --INJ, most definitely.

INFJs , by way of the Ni and just like the INTJs, can be rather forceful, and they need not be very affectionate. I'd say Fe though... simply because you prefer to accomodate and play for the team rather than to be self-centered and heavy-handed. INFJs use their knowledge altruistically. And that is all. They most likely keep their feelings to themselves (introversion acting upon the Fe : Fi-effect).

Like you said...

«it isn't about ME, it is about the other person.»

Thank you - this clears up a lot!

I'm experiencing some ethical challenges @ work right now and I think it is because of Fe...but probably Ni, too. Maybe I'll head over to the INFJ section and ask for some input. I'm wondering if any INFJs have experienced the same type of challenges.