Vala, that's an eye-opener that you say their moods affect others. I think a lot of people don't see how that could possibly happen, or do and assume it isn't important to read people that way. This is the kind of response that I hoped would turn up!
Is that a ninja? Awesome,
I can't stop thinking about NINJAs!
It is
I struggle with this too. My attitude is, what you do doesn't bother or affect me,why should what I do bother you? You do your thing,I'll do mine,so what's the problem?
Ok this isn't a very PC comparison, but bear with me. Suppose you're focusing on an important job that needs to get done, and the person next to you is deaf. Meanwhile though, he's doing nothing but grunting, screaming and venting his frustration vocally. *He*'s not bothered by the sounds...but you cannot for a second focus on what's in front of you coz of the decibels he's producing. He's clearly angry though so you're not sure if you wanna approach him, since he might take it out on you. And, if you do find the balls to go up to him and *somehow* communicate that he's bothering you, he's likely to go: what noise?? I'm not making any noise! If you can't do your work, that's your problem, don't make it mine!'
Granted, I'm NF (and btw I
ISTPs soooo much), but I'd wager that most people are at least more sensitive to the emotional 'noise' you guys produce than you are yourself.
I've had ISTPs ask me 'wtf is *with* everyone that they constantly think I'm in a bad mood, are scared of being near me, don't dare to approach me, etc'
And then I have to explain to them that your bodylanguage comes off as very confident but you tend to also always be ready for something new. Something to happen. And it shows in your attitude, and your expression. And that's at your best. But, since you often don't bother to even acknowledge people or make a connection with them, they have no way of gauging what you're up to, and if it will harm them. Now, if you've had a crappy day, *you* aren't bothered by the feelings coz you've detached, but you vibe impatience, frustration, annoyance and anger all over the place. Couple that with your rather to the point way of conversing with people and the detached way in which you do that (no connection/trust building), and it's no wonder people respond that way.
Boredom is another one. I swear ISTPs (but also ENTPs and ENTJs) have this way of making you feel like you're responsible for alleviating their boredom *NOW*, or otherwise it's your fault that they're bored since they're in your presence and gracing you with theirs. ( Took me a couple of adjustments before I was able to block out that emotional responsibilty and went 'no, you chose to be here, now deal with the boredom yourself. I'm willing to help though if I can.' Still, I had to consciously decide that everytime I talked to one that was bored *lol*)
Anycase, add to all this that most people have some insecurities, and you're bound to have a lot of people wondering if they caused this, if they triggered this in you and they'll either feel guilty and try to avoid doing so next time (by avoiding you) or become passive aggressive towards you coz 'they did nothing wrong, what's YOUR problem?'
I used to compare a 'happy' ISTP with a tiger lying down for a rest. Even in that state, it's a fucking predator that's seen everything and is ready to jump up and do *something* you didn't expect. And it shows. A tiger is constantly alert. Thing is, it makes people very antsy to constantly see you be that alert coz it means they have to as well (predator, plus you might be responding to something that they should respond to as well), and that's just draining to those who aren't sp
Funny thing is though..once that tiger focuses on you and shows how gentle he can be and actually takes caution to do so...it's a fantastic experience to be in the presence of such a creature. And in stead of in immediate danger, you suddenly feel very *very* safe. The tiger just has to be willing to acknowledge your presence and show he means you no harm. And that requires actually taking notice and taking the time to connect to people (inferior Fe anyone?)
Otherwise, expect people to grab their pitchforks and torches..if only to protect themselves and keep you boys in the woods where you can roam free without harm to anyone
Others can please pitch in with advice...
ditto! 
