What is your Myers-Briggs personality type?

INTJ or INFJ depending on when I take it

kittysbecute said:

I have always gotten a lot of INTP results when I take different online quizzes. I typed myself as INFP rather than INTP before getting my official results back (I took it in 2006 I believe). The results said INFP but the only very clear part was introversion. Everything else was on the border. I didn’t really think about it too much until I revisited it years later thinking I was maybe an INFJ (or basically any of the other introverted types). I realized some things then after learning more theory and learning about cognitive functions. My sister is actually an INFJ and me an INFP but the P and the J have nothing really to do with organization for us (from what I can tell).
We are both messy sometimes and both organized sometimes. Both spontaneous and both planners. I don’t know about other types but at least for us those stereotypes of J and P don't quite work.
I’ve always been a planner, and I still am. And as a responsible person I develop what are considered more J traits. However the P in INFP basically is just telling me my first extroverted function is intuition. Technically as an introvert, the P also tells me my first function is a judging function.
I wonder if it becomes more difficult to type people as they get older and learn new skills.

I took the online test on Truity.com yesterday and my results were: INFJ, INFP, and INTP (I can’t remember in which order.) But I thought that was a bit better than some of the other online tests.

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Oh, I agree that there's more to it. Unfortunately, many MBTI-style tests and type watching guides rely on messy/tidy spontaneous/planner questions when assessing whether somebody is a P or a J. Similarly, some portray T as unfeeling and F as overly emotional, which also misses the point. Ts can have strong emotions, but are less likely to base their decisions on them. Likewise, Fs can think things through thoroughly but prefer to base their decisions on personal values. The cognitive functions model makes this clear, even if they're still painting with a broad brush. People have their own preferred ways of approaching things. It's not that they have deficiencies, but they prioritize things differently.

As far as the cognitive types go, my intuition seems evenly split between introverted and extroverted. That's one of the things that makes it difficult for me to categorize myself. INFPs and INTPs apparently prefer extroverted intuition, whereas INFJs and INTJs are said to prefer introverted intuition. I'm definitely more of an introvert than an extrovert in terms of what energizes me, and I like to maintain balance between thinking and feeling, which means T and F aren't my standout functions. That doesn't help either. lol

bekkilyn said:

I'm only moderate I and J, but very strong N and T, and all of those will come into play when describing my "true self". However in public, I can come across as being very extroverted, and being biologically female, have been socialized into being able to present more F than I actually experience.

I tend to upset or anger others far, far more than they do to me, to the point where I don't even have a clue they feel that way until they surprise me with some sort of attack that seems to come out of the blue.

People get the wrong impression a lot of the time, thinking that I'm very social and then get mad when I don't call them for two weeks just to "chat" about nothing. That one day of being very social took up all of my social energy and so then I just want to be left alone for the next few days, but they got the impression that it's an everyday thing for me, particularly if they are truly extroverted and social.

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US culture places greater value on being outgoing, so many introverts learn to wear an extroverted mask. I do it myself when necessary, but it's exhausting. Although can be quite talkative with close friends and family, and I do well in one on one situations, group situations and meeting new people takes a lot out of me. I find it more natural to maintain a smaller social sphere.

Unfortunately, some see extroverts as natural leaders and introverts as natural followers. I disagree with such a simplistic line of thinking, and will resist if somebody oversteps and tries to exert undue influence in my life. I don't try to boss others around, and I insist that they extend the same courtesy to me if we're to spend time together. I value autonomy and self-reliance as much as I value harmony, which sometimes means keeping others at arms-length. As long as there's mutual respect or tolerance, of course, I can get along well with extroverts and any other type.

Miles said:

US culture places greater value on being outgoing,

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As does Christianity. The whole idea of going out and spreading the gospel is something that suits extroverts far more than it does introverts.

INTJ

Citanul said:

As does Christianity. The whole idea of going out and spreading the gospel is something that suits extroverts far more than it does introverts.

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And after the extroverts give people their shallow ideas of Christianity, we introverts must come in and fix it

In one-on-one conversations, of course. And over the internet, ideally.

Citanul said:

As does Christianity.

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Maybe, if the body was a giant mouth.

Although Christian culture sometimes places inordinate value on being outgoing, Christianity itself doesn't. The body of believers consists of many parts, and neglecting or discouraging the parts that aren't a mouth undermines the whole.

Citanul said:

The whole idea of going out and spreading the gospel is something that suits extroverts far more than it does introverts.

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In some ways, but talk is cheap. Those who live good lives have a more beneficial influence than those who merely talk about it.

Miles said:

Unfortunately, some see extroverts as natural leaders and introverts as natural followers. I disagree with such a simplistic line of thinking, and will resist if somebody oversteps and tries to exert undue influence in my life. I don't try to boss others around, and I insist that they extend the same courtesy to me if we're to spend time together. I value autonomy and self-reliance as much as I value harmony, which sometimes means keeping others at arms-length. As long as there's mutual respect or tolerance, of course, I can get along well with extroverts and any other type.

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I don't mind letting someone else lead if I believe them to be competent or if I know they are sincerely learning and growing in a leadership position. However, I have no tolerance at all for those who think that because they are officially in a leadership position, that automatically makes them leaders even when they are entirely incompetent at the job, are heavily inclined towards micromanagement as a replacement for leadership, and they are unwilling to make changes for the better and work on attaining leadership skills. I have very little if no respect for the latter type. Regardless of whatever official position they hold, they are not leaders.

In a healthy environment, we are all going to be in a number of roles and situations where we are sometimes leading and sometimes following and we will need to learn how to do well at both, or at the very least, be willing to learn and make changes when needed.

One of the best forms of leadership is when the leader doesn't get in the way of what needs to be accomplished, and the quiet guidance, mentoring, and wisdom of the introverted leader is a real blessing.

bekkilyn said:

I don't mind letting someone else lead if I believe them to be competent or if I know they are sincerely learning and growing in a leadership position. However, I have no tolerance at all for those who think that because they are officially in a leadership position, that automatically makes them leaders even when they are entirely incompetent at the job, are heavily inclined towards micromanagement as a replacement for leadership, and they are unwilling to make changes for the better and work on attaining leadership skills. I have very little if no respect for the latter type. Regardless of whatever official position they hold, they are not leaders.

In a healthy environment, we are all going to be in a number of roles and situations where we are sometimes leading and sometimes following and we will need to learn how to do well at both, or at the very least, be willing to learn and make changes when needed.

One of the best forms of leadership is when the leader doesn't get in the way of what needs to be accomplished, and the quiet guidance, mentoring, and wisdom of the introverted leader is a real blessing.

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That's what I had in mind. When somebody assumes a leadership role because they happen to be louder than the next guy (or girl). Being louder has little to do with competence, an openness to personal growth, or even with the ability to manage others in an effective way. Leadership is a role, and roles within organizations and social groups tend to have well defined responsibilities. Something that many introverts are good at. They can also be inspirational and make thoughtful decisions when when given a platform. The challenge, of course, is how to identify them. If they're not making a lot of noise, they can be harder to identify. Of course, a lot depends on the culture.

Although I wasn't in the military, I have family members who were and who currently are. The armed forces seem to manage leadership structure well. There's a clear path for introverts and extroverts alike to rise through the ranks. It depends on a lot more than how loud or pushy they are. Sometimes, in fact, being loud and pushy hurts one's chances. To get ahead, they need to lose the ego. Or at least suppress it when necessary.

Not that I think church or coprorate leadership should follow a military model. Far from it. I just think it's counterproductive to overlook talent because it may not be as vocal.

Miles said:

Although Christian culture sometimes places inordinate value on being outgoing, Christianity itself doesn't.

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That's true, "Christian culture" would have been a better way of putting it. There is obviously a place for introverts, but it does feel like too much focus is placed on the more extrovert-suited aspects.

I'm an INTP-A and have confirmed this using 3 different MBTI tests which I took several times each answering with some wiggle room. I then took a INTJ INTP clarifier test to make sure as I had gotten INTx on two of the tests.

Being a female INTP and a Christian is extremely isolating! This is actually the reason I found this forum. I was looking for fellow INTP Christians and maybe INTJ intellectual companions I can talk to. I throw out the social ecology ideas that opposites attract because all I've had is grief with opposite personalities. I get a long the best with INTP, INTJ, and healthy and balanced ENFJs, ENTPs, and INFPs, but they still struggle with understanding why I can question aspects about my Faith so much, yet still be so steadfast in it.

Miles said:

Oh, I agree that there's more to it. Unfortunately, many MBTI-style tests and type watching guides rely on messy/tidy spontaneous/planner questions when assessing whether somebody is a P or a J. Similarly, some portray T as unfeeling and F as overly emotional, which also misses the point. Ts can have strong emotions, but are less likely to base their decisions on them. Likewise, Fs can think things through thoroughly but prefer to base their decisions on personal values. The cognitive functions model makes this clear, even if they're still painting with a broad brush. People have their own preferred ways of approaching things. It's not that they have deficiencies, but they prioritize things differently.

As far as the cognitive types go, my intuition seems evenly split between introverted and extroverted. That's one of the things that makes it difficult for me to categorize myself. INFPs and INTPs apparently prefer extroverted intuition, whereas INFJs and INTJs are said to prefer introverted intuition. I'm definitely more of an introvert than an extrovert in terms of what energizes me, and I like to maintain balance between thinking and feeling, which means T and F aren't my standout functions. That doesn't help either. lol


US culture places greater value on being outgoing, so many introverts learn to wear an extroverted mask. I do it myself when necessary, but it's exhausting. Although can be quite talkative with close friends and family, and I do well in one on one situations, group situations and meeting new people takes a lot out of me. I find it more natural to maintain a smaller social sphere.

Unfortunately, some see extroverts as natural leaders and introverts as natural followers. I disagree with such a simplistic line of thinking, and will resist if somebody oversteps and tries to exert undue influence in my life. I don't try to boss others around, and I insist that they extend the same courtesy to me if we're to spend time together. I value autonomy and self-reliance as much as I value harmony, which sometimes means keeping others at arms-length. As long as there's mutual respect or tolerance, of course, I can get along well with extroverts and any other type.

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Yes there is more to it. No one is just 4 letters. There are 8 functions in each types function stack with a shadow type as well. There is an entirely mroe complex background to each type which addresses what may be perceived as inconsistencies in the tests. there are a few things that can throw a test off and that can be "peacocking" where your inferior function may be taking over, because that's what human beings naturally do when first examine ourselves. We tend to elevate our weaknesses when asking questions about ourselves, when you ask someone else they may have different views. An example would be when I first took the mbti test...I see myself as overly caring and a shoulder to cry on, but upon further introspection of how I've felt and acted when people have shared heavy stuff with me is that I'm extremely uncomfortable and awkward in those types of situations, not because I don't have empathy, but because I never know how to make them feel better and I don't want to add to their pain. I end up offering advice on what they can do, rather than just feel their pain with them. This has ended up backfiring more often than not and I end up being accused of being a critical jerk, when all I'm trying to do is comfort someone.
So, yeah "Peacocking" oneself can lead to mistyping. Also, it helps to be evaluated by a professional and take the actual MBTI test. This can lead to more accurate typing. If that can't be done, I suggest taking the test from a few different free sources and if you get borderline types on any, to take some clarifier tests. I was getting INTx on mine. I would fluctuate between INTJ and INTP. I had to firmly look up and investigate each one and then take a clarifier because I most certainly was not exhibiting the strong INTJ tendencies in my life and relationships. I had to explore my full cognitive functions stack to be sure. The typing is eerily accurate when you actually know what to look for and you've done due diligence in figuring out your stack. You may exhibit some things from other types, but what it comes down to is how you relate to the world and deal with decisions and circumstances and handle information. I find that no one person truly deviates from the main type. An emotional and pained INTP going through an identity crisis may make them seem like a different type for instance an INFP. It's all about looking at that full functional stack and seeing how you would behave in certain situations. Some great videos to look up on YouTube would be C. S. Joseph's explanation of each type and DaveSuperPowers mbti function type explanation. Just by reading your post I got the impression that you're presenting strong INTP patterns, but I could be wrong.

I seem to go back and forth on INTJ and INFJ whenever I take the Myers-Briggs.

CoffeeClaw_1986 said:

I seem to go back and forth on INTJ and INFJ whenever I take the Myers-Briggs.

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That's actually more common than you think. INFJ are highly sensitive and caring people. But, unlike the stereotypes INTJ are too! it's just that they are a little different in how they make their decisions. Just because a particular decision makes you feel deeply doesn't mean you actually decide using that emotional state though. take a look at their stacks. take this test a few times
INTJ or INFJ Test

be careful not to "peacock", meaning don't answer on what you want to be like or think you are, but answer the way you've mostly been in life in regards to real life circumstances. Think back and remember situations that may correlate to the question asked. it definitely helps.

SheWhoIs_TaughtByTheLord said:

...when people have shared heavy stuff with me is that I'm extremely uncomfortable and awkward in those types of situations, not because I don't have empathy, but because I never know how to make them feel better and I don't want to add to their pain.

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I’m an INFP and I can relate to that. I don’t really know how to make people feel better, and don’t know how to deal with other people’s emotions. Which is contrary to some false INFP stereotypes. Being able to comfort someone is a skill I think, that people can learn over time. I will say that I appreciate it when people confide their problems to me, but if they are crying all I can do is listen or let them cry in peace when they run away, then ask how they are later maybe... I like encouraging people. But that doesn't mean I can handle other people’s actual emotions. I can be present but I don’t feel that I can actually help them. Unless they ask me for advice or my thoughts or prayers.
If I went on surface level stuff it makes sense that I am frequently mistyped as INTP, however when I learned about the cognitive functions it makes complete sense that I am Fi dominant and not Ti. I can deeply relate to Fi, where as Ti is intriguing and makes me curious. Strangely I’ve also always related a lot with ISTJs - which I found out shares the same top 4 cognitive functions as me but in a different order.
I am also an Enneagram 5 which is a head type. When I learned that it kind of explained to me some things that MBTI stereotypes and terminology can confuse.

I’m an ENTJ.

Personality tests have helped me understand the practical side of my calling, talents and place in the body. They highlight why some activities are more appealing than others.

And I understood why some personalities resonate more than others. I’ve dated and befriended my share of INTJ’s. But the connections that had the greatest impact were extroverts. The majority weren’t NTJ’s.

Delving into the enneagram was eye opening. I discovered my tritype and its relation to my personality and purpose came into view over time. And I realized God needed the same from me. I would learn the importance of manifestation and application. There’s specificity embedded in the qualities were given with a divine output in mind.

I went all-in and experienced striking differences in impact and enjoyment when I functioned in my rightful place. The body was made real and being out of position didn’t bring the same results. So I stayed put.

Now I focus on applying the qualities of power, influence and performance where they belong. My extroversion and drive are well-fed. I’m in my element and drawing complementary persons whose mission and makeup enhance my own (and I theirs). We each have something the other needs and our companionship is mutually enriching. We’re helping one another fulfilling our calling.

Personality tests were the avenue God used to refine my focus, build a network of like-minded believers, and affirm His fashioning and its kingdom purpose.

~Bella

LaBèlla said:

I’m an ENTJ.

Personality tests have helped me understand the practical side of my calling, talents and place in the body. They highlight why some activities are more appealing than others.

And I understood why some personalities resonate more than others. I’ve dated and befriended my share of INTJ’s. But the connections that had the greatest impact were extroverts. The majority weren’t NTJ’s.

Delving into the enneagram was eye opening. I discovered my tritype and its relation to my personality and purpose came into view over time. And I realized God needed the same from me. I would learn the importance of manifestation and application. There’s specificity embedded in the qualities were given with a divine output in mind.

I went all-in and experienced striking differences in impact and enjoyment when I functioned in my rightful place. The body was made real and being out of position didn’t bring the same results. So I stayed put.

Now I focus on applying the qualities of power, influence and performance where they belong. My extroversion and drive are well-fed. I’m in my element and drawing complementary persons whose mission and makeup enhance my own (and I theirs). We each have something the other needs and our companionship is mutually enriching. We’re helping one another fulfilling our calling.

Personality tests were the avenue God used to refine my focus, build a network of like-minded believers, and affirm His fashioning and its kingdom purpose.

~Bella

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You being a strong ENTJ seemed to explain a lot about why we sometimes clash as you sometimes say things in a way that make it clear that it's your ENTJ talking if that makes any sense.

It's not like you (or anyone) fall neatly into any personality categories, but can be helpful as you've said in a practical way in understanding others, provided we use these tests within their intended context.

I'm still trying to figure out my enneagram. Seems I get something different every time I take one of those tests and I haven't spent the time to really dig into all the descriptions to make a better determination for myself.

bekkilyn said:

You being a strong ENTJ seemed to explain a lot about why we sometimes clash as you sometimes say things in a way that make it clear that it's your ENTJ talking if that makes any sense.

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That happens for a few reasons. My writing voice is matter of fact. To an onlooker it can appear cold and unemotional because I don’t weave intimacy in my response. My form is more akin to stream of consciousness. I don’t formulate my thoughts beforehand. They flow as my fingers hit the keys.

Familiarity evokes a different tone and verbiage. You don’t encounter it because I don’t have the same connections. Discourse with those you’ve known for fifteen years or more is very different from strangers.

However, you can observe traces of the difference in my dialogues with @MehGuy. My responses are personal. Because I’ve shared more with him than others.

It's not like you (or anyone) fall neatly into any personality categories, but can be helpful as you've said in a practical way in understanding others, provided we use these tests within their intended context.

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My tritype is spot on.

But I exhibit greater empathy than most with that makeup. It’s one of the reasons I have large circles of friends. Especially women.

I’m an encourager. I motivate, inspire, and believe all things are possibles. Obstacles don’t unnerve me. I see the way forward and grab them by the hand. I believe in them. Seeing them grow and prosper brings me joy.

Love is my banner. I gather people around me with fierce hearts and crazy love. Not the wacky sort. But deep waters. I’ve shown glimmers of it when speaking of close friends and the one I ministered to.

I’m polite to strangers. I’m cordial to acquaintances. But my sanctuary is another matter. Entry is earned. I don’t draw people to my bosom because of gender or faith. Our hearts must testify to the other.

That may sound strange to some. But the gains are worth it. I can be myself with them. They aren’t fair weather friends who leave me hanging or make me feel forgotten or unloved. We go to the mat for each other.

I'm still trying to figure out my enneagram. Seems I get something different every time I take one of those tests and I haven't spent the time to really dig into all the descriptions to make a better determination for myself.

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Doing the tritype helps. There’s often overlap with other tests. I took the fascination tests by Sally Hogshead and got the same answers.

From what I’ve observed you’re analytical with strong convictions. You don’t seem daunted by conflict. And that’s needed. Some people need advocates who aren’t afraid and won’t succumb to pressure or bullying.

Oftentimes the elements show up in many places in your life. You’ll see traces in your interests, perspectives, and the characters you’re drawn to.

This is one of many tools we can use to understand ourselves and how He fashioned us for His purposes. We have to be true to that. He doesn’t do anything by chance. There’s always a greater reason.

Keep looking. You’ll find it.

~Bella

LaBèlla said:

From what I’ve observed you’re analytical with strong convictions. You don’t seem daunted by conflict. And that’s needed. Some people need advocates who aren’t afraid and won’t succumb to pressure or bullying.

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That's the INTJ in me.

Thanks for the link on the fascination tests. Haven't seen that one before!

bekkilyn said:

That's the INTJ in me.

Thanks for the link on the fascination tests. Haven't seen that one before!

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You’re welcome! If it asks for a code let me know. I have the books.

~Bella

Tried and true INFJ all the way. it has never changed and the day that I discovered it in 2006 it explained all my life. I never could understand why I was so different or why I thought the way that I did. And along the way when I had others test that I had along with I came to find out that they were INFJ also. Which surprised me because they seemed nothing like me. But I found a uniqueness with each INFJ that I have encountered in my life and looking back in the past.
What's interesting about 20/20 is that for some reason I have attracted or befriended more INTJs this year than ever before. And also more encounters with ENTJ. I think part of that is my development and trying to balance out the F, which has definitely come with the work that I do. My weak areas are starting to find strong points. And also maybe I've overextended the arts area of my life and I'm leaning more towards the sciences and practicality than artistic for my future development.