@Silkroad - Thanks for the perspective on such cultures. It's true, your culture may or may not work for you! Thank goodness we are born in this day and age of internet, chosen family, etc. And the US does allow you to move between cultures easily, unlike my culture of origin which is all one way and there are just so many personal space violations. Like your friend, I'm also INFJ. What does the e4 refer to?
It's a balance to get privacy/alone-time within a culture that doesn't allow it, or gain connection and community in one that doesn't. Both ways are pretty challenging, I think. We wanted to be connected, but not demanded of.
E4 = Enneagram type 4. Not sure if you have looked into the enneagram yet, it’s also useful. I think I’m a 6.
What is your culture of origin, if you feel like talking about it?
I do think that’s the thing about living in the West – generally, you have options. Especially as a woman. My friend (who is American, but has lived away from America for a long time and doesn’t relate to it much any more) has told me a lot about the Middle East as she has spent a lot of time there. It does sound as though privacy and personal space can be at a premium, though obviously there are many other cultures where this is the case. I also don’t like the traditional prevailing attitude toward women. Not that women haven’t been oppressed and disrespected in many ways in the West. But at least I have options…for instance, I’m single but I can still have my own apartment, my own life etc. In the Middle East if you remain as a single woman, you’re probably going to be stuck at home your whole life and maybe treated somewhat like a servant by your family. As a Western woman (with dual citizenship, too!) I can choose many countries to live in, what to do for work, where I want to travel, what kind of relationship I want or don’t want, what kind of friends I want or don’t want…etc.
You're right, it is so hard to find a balance, be connected but not imposed upon. Especially for a type like INFJ, I think. My friend loved Jordan and said she felt much less lonely there than she often has in the West. But then, she also said she just wanted to tell people to back off and stop invading her privacy quite often!