Common ISFP Issues

[highlander]

Based on what I've read, some common ISFP issues include:

Sensitivity to criticism - May be very sensitive to criticism and see criticism where none was intended. May even take the fact that another person has a different point of view as criticism.

In their own world - Because of their dominant Fi, ISFPs may value their feelings and opinions far more than others. The are prone to taking in information that only supports their personal opinions. They can ignore the feelings, perspectives and point of view of others. They may also be unaware of how their behavior affects others. Taken to an extreme, this combination of behaviors can lead others to perceive them as unrealistic, selfish, or eccentric.

Do you agree with these? Other thoughts?

[captain curmudgeon]

I wouldn't say I'm particularly sensitive to criticism, as long as said criticism isn't meant to be hurtful. I do tend to value my own feelings and opinions much more than others though. However, I do try to take in information regardless of whether or not it supports said opinions. It also seems that as I get older, I care less about what other people think, even when I probably should.

[Thalassa]

Yes I agree.

I also think the only cure for it is Ni development. That way one can learn to see things from a distanced, shifting perspective, and realize that everything isn't an affront to one's own values or ego.

On the other hand, SFPs may very much internalize not only their values, but their experiences as personal, making their personal attachment to their beliefs that much more personal. Like if my Fi values are based on what I've seen and experienced in real life, it's all going to seem a lot more dire and serious to me than someone who is just arm-chair philosophizing in a cozy manner. People may be like, "calm down why is this so serious to you" to which my response is "because it affects real people, not just *ideals* of people."

I really think Ni development is key. But healthy Ni development. Fi/Ni loops just lead to further paranoia that everybody hates you, and may be out to undermine your values/vision.

[highlander]

I really think Ni development is key. But healthy Ni development. Fi/Ni loops just lead to further paranoia that everybody hates you, and may be out to undermine your values/vision.

I wonder what the difference is between an Ni/Fi loop and an Fi/Ni loop. They seem like they would be very similar.

[Mia.]

I know an ISFP and we get along wonderfully. The S/N difference can trip us up, but that's the exception. We have a lot of fun.

One issue that hasn't been mentioned that sometimes is levied against ISFPs in general is the potential for aesthetic/sensory snobbery and materialism. This particular ISFP is very much a snob and overly focused in these regards. She places very high value on material goods. She would see it as having refined taste. Which is true in one sense, but it is also largely directed by her environment and peers and perceived sense of status, rather than a pure innate sophistication or appreciation for the item itself, even though I know ISFPs do have fine senses. I appreciate the finer things, but it gets a little eye-roll-y in the room when one suffers elitist, askance "omg - like, I can't believe she will drink that/wear that" looks from what is essentially a glorified label ho (she'll wear anything and everything with a label, just because it has a label).

[highlander]

I know an ISFP and we get along wonderfully. The S/N difference can trip us up, but that's the exception. We have a lot of fun.

One issue that that hasn't been mentioned that I know is often mentioned regarding ISFPs in general is the potential for aesthetic/sensory snobbery and materialism. This particular ISFP is very much a snob and overly focused in these regards. She places very high value on material goods. She would see it as having refined taste. Which is true in one sense, but it is also largely directed by her environment and peers, rather than a pure sense of innate sophistication, even though I know ISFPs do have fine senses. I appreciate the finer things, but it gets a little eye-roll-y in the room when one suffers elitist, askance "omg - like, I can't believe she will drink that/wear that/behave like that" looks from what is essentially a glorified label ho (she'll wear anything and everything with a label, just because it has a label).

I would have thought ISFPs generally wouldn't care about material things. Is this common?

[Mia.]

I would have thought ISFPs generally wouldn't care about material things. Is this common?

As usual, I think it's individual and a matter of development/maturity. Their keen Se paired with dom Fi can appreciate fine things, beauty, art in a way that other types often have to work harder to do. If an ISFP isn't that mature or developed in their expression of it, I've seen it take the road of materialism and obsession with status trophies (rather than actual finer things) that is devoid of logic and real soul.

[Thalassa]

Yes, ISFPs (and INFPs) can have aesthetic snobbery because of being an Fi dom. I've had problems with being an aesthetic snob, I still believe inwardly that I have better taste in film than many people, blah blah blah.

However, label snobbery isn't really having "refined aesthetic taste"...I know an ISTJ who has label snobbery. He is brand loyal, and proud of his $300 jeans. Of course, he also has Fi.

Fi and Si are inclined to have very particular tastes, I think. On the other hand, I don't think her particular penchant for labels necessarily has anything to do with her being ISFP, and may even have to do with her being immature.

I do agree with Highlander, though, that ISFPs aren't necessarily materialistic by nature.

[Mia.]

Yes, ISFPs (and INFPs) can have aesthetic snobbery because of being an Fi dom. I've had problems with being an aesthetic snob, I still believe inwardly that I have better taste in film than many people, blah blah blah.

However, label snobbery isn't really having "refined aesthetic taste"...I know an ISTJ who has label snobbery. He is brand loyal, and proud of his $300 jeans. Of course, he also has Fi.

Fi and Si are inclined to have very particular tastes, I think. On the other hand, I don't think her particular penchant for labels necessarily has anything to do with her being ISFP, and may even have to do with her being immature.

I do agree with Highlander, though, that ISFPs aren't necessarily materialistic by nature.

I don't think their nature is materialistic at all - I just think it can be channeled in that direction and take on that flavor when levels of development/maturity are low in particular areas. She says her love of labels is an expression of her fine aesthetic taste. She says she wants to be surrounded by the best things because her elevated senses and standards demand it.

[Thalassa]

I don't think their nature is materialistic at all - I just think it can be channeled in that direction and take on that flavor when levels of development/maturity are low in particular areas. She says her love of labels is an expression of her fine aesthetic taste. She says she wants to be surrounded by the best things because her elevated senses and standards demand it.

Well Jung describes the Se type as looking for either base sensations in the less developed sort, and having a very refined sense of taste as a more educated or mature sort.

This could potentially be channeled into things that cost lots of money, if the person isn't really looking at quality. Quality is more important to me than labels, to me labels represent Fe or Te actually. Fe would be "belonging to the right social group" and Te would be "I have achieved this status."

Maybe it's how her Te shows itself, I don't know, my Te shows itself by being "tough" or confrontational rather than being consumed with status symbols, but I can see how Te can be consumed with status under some circumstances, as "proof" of their achievement or appealing to a recognized "authority." I always thought that was the issue with the ISTJ I mentioned, because he's quite concerned with achievement, and being dominant, and has dreams of having his own business...and I think he's misusing expensive clothing and labels as the illusion that he's already achieved that accomplishment he wants to have in the world.