hmmm, this is a strange question for me because I've considered myself more of a sx-dom than the other two options, but I don't think "intimidating" is descriptive of me. I think there can be a few narrow, specific ways it can happen...
Generically, might they be circumstances during which during any given interaction with another person, especially one where prior history (even just a simple interaction on the most basic of terms, business, clerk at a store, etc.) does not exist?
If so, does the wellspring of the reaction perceived as being "intimidated" possibly a "knee-jerk" reflex that despite the simple terms you are engaging with them on; you are more than comfortable relating to them on a deeper level, casually willing to converse as such during whatever dialogue is exchanged between you, and they weren't expecting it?
If so, that happens to me a lot.
Once I get someone to laugh and "break the ice" - this initial awkwardness usually disappears. But some people just aren't comfortable interacting beyond superficial, casual details - especially during a first time conversation with someone who is essentially unknown to them. I understand that; it's not my default, and I take no offense when this occurs, I just close things out cordially, wish them well, and go on about my day.
...but generally I'm the opposite. Growing up I had a lot of trouble connecting and forming friendships or dating, etc. Occasionally someone would tell me it was because I am intimidating, but I can't picture in my mind how that is the case.
This surprises me. You come across to me as very well read, very mature, and very sincere. It might simply been that other people might not have been where you were at in those realms, and for some reason uncomfortable with that. I'm sheerly guessing at this, thinking out loud, regardless this seems to be past phenomena for you...
I have been described as an "enigma". I think perhaps I can be a little intimidating to people who are strongly focused on the "norm" because I almost seem like I fit, but there is a vibe that feels really off, and so they are confused by me?
Ahhhhhh, I totally relate to this!
I too fit "the norm" in many ways, yet am a bit of an extreme example as such. So, the initial "pigeon holing" of me makes sense to some at first, but then my interaction with them begins and their expectations of me are incongruent with their interaction with me in one way or another.
Most typically people assume I am a bit gung-ho and overly mission oriented. Then, I begin conversing with them, and they realize I am quite personable and they weren't expecting that. So, the easiest thing to do is cut to the chase and close out the conversation to make whatever needed to be done initiate, and allow me to hop along merrily to the next stop on my mission. However, subsequent interactions with them are usually very good - they know who I am, they know that I might not fit their normative expectations of someone who looks like me and has movement patterns/mannerisms like me - but most importantly they know that I care as much about them and how their day is going as compared to whatever it is I am walking over to talk with them about.
Am I rambling, or is this type of phenomena similar in anyway to what you were describing. Am definitely curious to hear your feedback.
I am extremely non-intimidating for people who fall outside the norm in most any direction.
THIS.
Because I "seem" like the norm in many, many ways - yet don't at all in some glaringly others; those who are outside the norm tend to have no issues communicating with me, at first event or thereafter. They don't fit the mold, and essentially neither do, at least enough not to be stereotyped by them - and so they focus on my interaction with them at the time of first encounter for what it is "at face value" and thus have a higher overall level of comfort with me than those who formulated a stereotype of me before I met with them, and their stereotype was shattered upon initiation of our conversation. This is very, very common for me; I'm actually very thankful for it.
I'm definitely not a so-dom, and I have elements of sp, but have taken way too many significant risks in my life and am rather comfortable with change, so I couldn't be a sp-dom either. Is there a fourth option?
YES!
You are type: "SX/FIA" - amongst the coolest types one could ever be.
It's a hard job, but someone has to do it.
I have to be careful how I come off to people because I scare them away. Most of the time I pretend to be oblivious to people and act like Im more subtle then I really am, because I tend to come on too strong.
Inconsistencies of any kind tend to throw people off. Have you ever considered just "assessing where you are at" and "composing yourself accordingly?"
Honestly, I'm not trying to oversimplify this.
I sincerely think that a disconnect of perception can be more detrimental to a first impression than most people's "genuine demeanor".
Any thoughts as such?
I don't relate to being called intimidating. I'm just a lot to take on. What I DO relate to (and have problems with) is coming off too strong. Whether people see this as intimidating or not is up to them, but I can sometimes scare people away because being so open, personal, and intense at first. I think my social instinct is more developed for this reason so I have less trouble when attracting a mate - it aids in the art of seduction and makes things easier.
You need to "Simmah' Down' Nah', Sistah!"
No, seriously - that is *WAY* possible.
That's happened to me a lot; thankfully in harmless social connotations.
It is a bit awkward for the people who you meet as such, but if they find the kindness/courage to continue their dialogue with you, they are rarely disappointed? Right?
Am I right, or am I right?
BTW - That is *SO* funny to me; I've lived it - more than once.
Thank you for that.
sx firsts have an inner confidence about them that others usually can feel
it's a sense of not permitting themselves to be pushed around ... sometimes this gets them into trouble if they are not willing to stand down, because in life one must learn how to back down once in a while - you cannot always win
intimidating is not how I would describe them, unless they are feeling hyper-sensitive and too insecure
I honestly don't understand this.
Can you please elaborate?
ive had numerous experiences when other people are ridiculously intimidated of me. i find it very easy to be that way.
This is your perception of the interaction, right?
Did any of these people tell you as such?
"Ridiculously intimidated" is a strong term - perhaps you are mis-reading/over-reading other people?
Or perhaps, you genuinely do come across as "unstable" or "overly tense" and thus make others uncomfortable due to the overly amplified essence of your default persona?
Thoughts?
like once, a person whom i knew nothing of blabbered to me, and it bored me ALOT, so i simply focused all my attention to seeing into his head.
i noticed he started visibly shaking at one point in fear, lols. =D (he also acted all wary of me the next time we spoke.)
Ummm - science fiction much?
"Scanners"?
You don't have special mind powers that can get into other people's heads - I assure you.
and then i once threatened to kill an 8w7 because he would intentionally hurt me physically, he was all trying to pretend strong with a guitar on his hand in a combat stance, and i was mentally laughing at his pussiness in my head.
Disgusting.
You threatened to kill another human being over such a juvenile display?
If you were aware of his "pussiness" - you could have easily diffused the situation and taken the high road.
I offer you this advice.
Threats of killing someone are uncivilized and illegal.
However, you need to be aware that there are those in this world that upon hearing such words will not back down, and will escalate the situation to end it in their favor at all costs - in the rare event that you are either unstable/unethical/unscrupulous/ or immature enough to deliver on such said threat.
The outcome of such situations is never certain - too much is variable - but I can assure you this - no one involved wins.
It's a lose/lose situation - in terms of wasted time and energy, a display of poor form, and stooping to a level of barbarism when totally unwarranted.
Please don't do that again; you know better, and if you don't - then you need *ALOT* of help.
Not being a prick - just sharing my .02.
Be a better person than that.
and yeah, i do realize this isnt healthy behaviour, but sometimes i dont know what else to do.
(1) Breathe deeply
(2) Assess the situation
(3) Ensure you are not in danger
(4) If that is the case - consider the perspective of your adversary,
(5) Diffuse them,
(6) Ensure others are not in danger,
(7) Send them on their way,
- or -
(8) Gather others and leave the premises, keeping your eye on the agitated party.
(9) Do not compromise your safety or the safety of others because of the presence of an unstable/intoxicated/belligerent person,
(10) Do not compromise your safety or the safety of others because of your own tomfoolery
Take the high road; it's worth it - please trust me.
then there was an occasion when someone took rules too seriously, and would leave me to starve because i wasnt allowed to eat due some stupid rule of meal times. i basically melodrmatically exclaimed my frustration at her. later, we went to talk to a psychologist, and she was all afraid when she told the psychologist that im too intense. that made me just mentally roll my eyes.
Really?
You wound up consulting with a psychologist due to meal times and eating in general?
Did you listen to what hey had to say?
Maybe there was some wisdom in it.
Just sayin'.
sometimes when im just extremely frustrated and have no idea why or what to do about it, my words will come all poisonously intense like i was about to murder you. and often, peoples stupidity frustrates me into that state.
I'm going to write this statement off as I think it is totally inappropriate.
It would be a really good idea for you to think before you speak, and to learn to manage your anger.
Other people's stupidity?
Focus on that which you have control of: Your actions.
Give others the benefit of the doubt.
Assume positive intent on the part of others if your reactions are incongruently hostile or just plain belligerent.
Heads up - the universe doesn't revolve around you.
You are not an island.
You need other people to successfully live your life.
IMHO, it would be a good idea if you put a little effort into making your interactions with others more positive and less hostile.
Again, not hating - just reflecting on your posts.
and they took me into mental hospital for a half year because of that. if they just told me its not nice behaviour, i wouldve stopped instantly. but no, i guess they think that social norms are somehow obvious to people.
Please keep engaged with professionals who you trust and who can help you.
It is in your best interest.
Seriously.
I honestly wish you good luck if you are engaged with professionals to help you through these things you speak of.
i guess, intensity is a joke to me.
It's not funny.
You not recognizing inappropriate intensity with regard to your interactions with others can result in innocent people getting hurt, and you put in jail.
Believe it.
Don't risk that.
You know there's an issue.
You know there are people who can help you through this.
You can only benefit by taking the time and making the effort to improve these circumstances in your life.
often i pretend shy, because people would be intimidated by my eye contact.
Possibly not a bad interim solution.
However, not a true resolution to his problem, for you, or for others.
Take care, Bro.
I've been called electric as well as been told that my attempts at softness and weakness were quite futile since I project an air of "independence and that I appear that I don't get intimidated by anything" Also something about "a soul-penetrating gaze" Whenever I look at someone who is looking away, they can feel me looking at them. When I walk into a room, it goes quiet for a bit.
You are very "open" and very "focused?"
I like people like that.
Others might be shy as such though.
It's all in the mix of who you meet, IMHO.
Don't change you - just focus on those who react positively to your true nature.
That's a clear path to success for anyone, as far as my life experience can attest to.
I think you only scare people because you are reading them, and people don't like feeling powerless.
I've *NEVER* felt "powerless" because someone was trying to get a read on me via staring at me.
Honestly, I think this is *WAY* off.
Many people react the same to me...
Stop staring at people, Bro.
Seriously.
It's rude.
and I can often read people immediately when looking at them. Most of the reactions are not good.
Oh really?
What do you think you are "reading"?
How do you know you read others correctly"
Maybe some people don't like to be stared at?
My bet is that whatever you think you are "reading" in others is way off, and you are simply making them uncomfortable by staring at them.
So I don't make eye contact with strangers anymore.
This is to your benefit and theirs since you obviously have not mastered a neutral and non-confrontational facial expression.
Figure that out.
It will do you good, and others too.
It's not hard.
Try smiling.
As for myself, I've met several other Sx/So ESTP 8w7's. Many of them look like cuddly bunnies until you look into their eyes and see "the icon of sin." So I suppose its possible people see the same thing in my eyes at times.
Sounds like horse shit to me.
i suppose, this explains why all healthy sx so's avoid direct eye contact.
when im at my best, im very intense, and it feels like i could literally burn other people into ash if i accidentally looked them to eyes.
Whatever.
I'm as healthy of an SX/SO as you can ever meet, and making eye contact with others is my default.
I remember one time, walking down the hall, someone stopped me and asked who's ass I was going to beat.
Physically confident people who are engaged to make something happen appear to be "on a mission" to most others.
If you aren't smiling, then a lot of folks will assume you're out to kick some ass.
This has happened to me.
The smile counts for a lot.
Trust me.
I've always gotten weird comments in the same vein regarding my demeanor, from "you look like you could run the world" to less ego-feeding statements and inquiries like "you look deep in thought" or "what are you staring at?"
Intensity of any kind is a phenomena that is easily mis-interpreted by those of a more mellow demeanor.
It's simply "the delta" (aka "difference") between your demeanor/state of existence and theirs that makes them wonder - and as such postulate extreme circumstances, IMHO.
So maybe. I also might be Sp/Sx. I don't know.
Naaah.
I don't think people are ever intimidated by me. I think people feel connected to me quickly actually... Which is why I do well with photography.
People feel at ease with me.
Yeeeeah! :moonwalk:
This is my favorite part of being SX-dom.
I love such interactions with people.
It's so much fun; for me and them too.
Just initiate a positive vibe, and if they are receptive then ride it out.
It almost always winds up fun for everyone.
Nicely stated!
Peace to all.
-Halla74