I think we're all different, but there are definitely some patterns emerging that I've noticed upon reading all of these prior posts. In many ways I relate, of course, but there are a few things I do that haven't been mentioned yet or might be more elusive INFJ traits.
Regarding appearances, my clothing is very put together and bold. I wear form-fitting, unusual cuts and textures, with lots of buckles and straps. I love high-contrast things, so I wear a lot of black and white. And a lot of soft, feminine items with heavier, edgier items (think white delicate dress with big black boots). As you may guess, I'm into fashion. The clothes I wear are just one more way that I can express myself.
I also change my hair color with some frequency; it'll be anything from jet black to platinum blonde or fiery red (or some other bright color). But in spite of an expressive "look," I am actually quite reserved until I get to know you.
Physically, others have described me as looking cocky and irritated. I don't mean to come off this way. Sometimes, I'll be in the middle of a completely neutral moment when a friend or coworker asks if and why I'm pissed off. I guess my neutral face looks pretty stern.
When I'm out in public, I always have a purpose to my presence and I carry myself accordingly. I get very annoyed with people who hold me up, whether they're strolling idly in front of me or engaging in small talk. I have no patience for that stuff.
In a classroom situation, I'd be sitting toward the back of the room, on one side or the other - but not in the middle. I ask questions more than I offer answers (not because I don't know the anwers, but because I will learn more by making additional inquiries). I sit and quietly absorb everything while most of the other students do the talking, speaking up only when I feel strongly about the topic or really believe that I have something interesting to add. I always took very organized notes...but doodled silly pictures everywhere in the leftover negative space.
If out at a restaurant, I usually choose a booth seat. I prefer to be on the inside, closest to the wall, facing the door. On a train or airplane? Window seat. When walking with a group of people, I slow up and fall to the back. I like to watch other people, but I feel strangely exposed when they're in a position to easily watch me.
I can handle group outings if I absolutely have to. (It's easier if I have a drink.) I tend to stick close to my most trusted friend and look to him or her for cues. If I still feel very uncomfortable, I can become moody or impulsive, at which point I will act out on my emotions. This is more pronounced when I'm in an unhealthy state of mind. My preferred social interaction is definitely one-on-one with a trusted friend! I can spend the whole day with him or her, but eventually I'm going to need to recharge my batteries.
Oh, yeah - I'm also a jerk about spelling and grammar. Every little error jumps out at me and rubs itself all over my eyeballs. I can wink at the occasional typo, but when I see loads of blatant issues in someone's writing (especially regarding rules that everyone knows), I involuntarily pass judgment on the individual's apparent laziness. It's a big turn-off.
Where you are likely to find me:
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My bedroom. My ultimate happy place, with multicolored walls and art supplies tucked into one corner - everything is organized and clean.
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Movie theaters. Film is one of my first loves.
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The gym. I work out regularly.
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Bookstores and libraries. It's all true.
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Art museums and cultural places of interest. I love to learn and get new ideas.
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An open road in the middle of nowhere. My
other ultimate happy place.
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Mountain waterfalls and desolate canyons. I really like to explore and be connected with nature.
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Amusement parks. I love rollercoasters.
Where you will probably never find me:
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Dive bars and sports bars. I am very occasionally dragged here by a friend, but the overall vibe of such places just makes me feel gross.
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Fast food restaurants. Puke.
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Shopping malls. Okay, so I'm forced here sometimes out of necessity, but I leave as soon as I can. No hours and hours of, like, totally shopping with my girlfriends.
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Rodeos/NASCAR races. I'm lumping the two together.
I have
some experience with regard to the differences between ISFJs and INFJs. I lived with an ISFJ for a while and while we had many things in common, we also endured a disconnect in several areas. (We're both unique people and probably don't represent the poster versions of our MBTI types, so take my descriptions with a grain of salt.) He and I are both fiercely moral characters with personal codes of right and wrong that we pretty much live by. We are both very dedicated to the people we care about. We are stubborn, introspective, and emotional. But!
- He's very traditional. Some of my outside-of-the-box perspectives make him nervous, or even annoy him.
- He thinks about the present and the past. I think about the present and the future.
- He is content, as long as he has a job that he doesn't hate and enough money to pay the bills. I can't live with "just okay" circumstances, and have been known to quit jobs without having new ones lined up if it means following my gut and pursuing happiness.
- He needs security and tranquility. I like those things, but need some adrenaline also.
- He talks about concrete, factual, day-to-day events. I go off on meandering abstract tangents that sometimes bore him.
- He thinks it's a person's obligation to do what they
should, and not necessarily any more. I feel that, in addition, one ought to pursue everything he or she
can, because you've only got one life to explore countless possibilities.
- He is afraid of change. I thrive on it.
- He is definitely a little more grounded and responsible than I am, and I'm probably a little more creative.
I tend to extrovert more when I'm excited like this and I lose some of my poise. All of the other activities make me extremely content though.
