I was sharing descriptions of SP personality types with my mother, and she just kept shaking her head and laughing. "But this sounds nothing like you. The person they're describing here is reckless, selfish, irresponsible and dangerous. You never act like that. I don't think this is correct."
I am fairly responsible. I never drink, never drug. I don't have a thing for tools. I do not go skydiving, nor do I want to. I take my duties seriously. I do not believe in Luck. I am dependable... loyal, etc. And yes, I've read the SJ type descriptions, and that's not me.
So, what say you fellow SPs? Are you a reckless lot who riot, loot and don't give a hoot?
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No, all SPs aren't walking disasters. Most people aren't very careful in how they define "hedonism" and other words Keirsey used to describe the SP temperament. People automatically think of words like impulsive, risk-taking, hedonistic in their worst possible light, so no wonder they think badly of our temperament.
Better definitions:
Hedonistic: focusing your mind and body on the pleasurable aspects of whatever you encounter instead of dwelling on the negatives. Also, having a strong desire to turn everything in your daily life into an object of beauty, sensual delight, and having the ability to turn challenges into fun and exciting games.
Impulsive: instant decision-making. Having no need to analyze in-depth or agonize over what has been done before or what others would do in your situation.
Risk-taking: quickly assessing a situation and making an instant decision (see impulsive) that's in line with what you see as being a desirable outcome, with no waffling around. SPs feel good about taking risks that have potential to bring about a hugely desirable situation. this is what Keirsey means by "having impact" on others -- not that you do stupid things to get attention, but rather that you take a risk that's related to something you want to achieve. Sure, SOME SPs are attracted to extreme sports, but not all of us really care about whether or not we face down death like that (some of us think ther'es a lot more pleasure to be had in creating art, making good food, growing beautiful gardens, etc, than doing death-defying stunts, and that there are many ways of getting ooos and aaaahs from others.
I'm an ISFP, and I've never damaged my body with drugs, do not have any addictions, and do not engage in extreme activities like skydiving (no desire to). I love to cook, but I eat very healthy food because I love my body and don't want to mistreat it. I love to dance and I love to exercise but I hate sports, and was never "athletic" in terms of loving ball games. I am responsible when it comes to jobs and activities I value. Sure, I have to value something in order to want to be responsible, but then, there's lots of things worth valuing out there.
So am I hedonistic? You bet! But only if you define hedonism the way I do.
Am I irresponsible? Well, I don't think I'm too bad. I keep my promises to people I care about, and I do well in pretty much everything I've felt passionate about. I have a husband (an ENFJ) whom I adore and whom I'm faithful to.
Am I an underachiever, or a mute, silent loner (stereotypes of the ISFP type)? No, I don't think so. I have a bachelo'rs degree in fine art, and a master's degree in library science, and and a job as a a professional youth services librarian and I love my job because it gives me a lot of variety, and I get to do a lot of programming for kids of all ages, including art programs. I love to draw, and majored in fine art in college. with the kids. I have a number of close friends whom I love.
I think a lot of what's written about the SP temperament is either about the extraverts or else about people who have not bothered to value personal growth. I don't think you need to have a PREFERENCE for intuition in order to want to be a lifelong learner, and I really despise how the negative examples of SPs out there have made everyone believe that this is all that people of the SP temperament can possibly accomplish.
Sarah
(new poster)
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