Monday, August 06, 2007

The Confidant

As a person who is intrinsically nosy (i.e. why I became a therapist), I have always consoled myself with the fact that while I am overly inquisitive about what’s going on in other people’s lives, I am also intensely interested in figuring out my own dynamics as well. So when my friend Karen, put this personality test link up on her blog, I couldn’t resist. I had to know more about myself.

Here I am:

Click to view my Personality Profile page

Turns out, I’m an INFJ – an apparently rare personality type. I knew it! I knew it! Not only am I one of only four people in the United States who hates cheese, but I am also a characterological anomaly. I’m like the unicorn in the make believe land of personality - except I exist.

And I am, apparently, a little strange.

No matter. I was intrigued by some of the insights about my personality that seemed right on target. For example:

Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right.

Yeah, you got a problem with that?


INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people…On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts…

It’s like looking in a mirror, people, reading this stuff.


INFJs are highly intuitive, empathetic and dedicated listeners. These traits tend to act as a "tell me what's wrong" sign on their forehead…

This trait makes people at the grocery store tell me all about their troubled marriages, their son’s criminal behavior, their daughter’s recent abortion, and their aunt’s third nipple.

(As an aside, I have started wearing my iPod whenever I go out alone so that folks don’t think they should talk to me.)


But here’s the quote that stopped me in my tracks:

At intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent "givers." As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood…

I sent this quote to BFF Zingerzapper, and she cracked up. To her, this is such a part of my character that it doesn’t even bear discussion.

And so…and here you other intuitive types might guess where this is going…I’m taking a bit of a bloggy break.

Not a long one. Just for a few weeks. I’m feeling a need to “withdraw into myself” and replenish.

As proof of my good faith, I leave you with a few blog post ideas that have been rattling around in my head:

  • Good Lessons from a Bad Boyfriend
  • Yoga Toes
  • Occupational Therapy is Magic
  • On Guilt
  • I Quit this Job…So Why Am I Still Working Here?
  • Round Two with the Critical Inner Voice

See, I’ll have to write these up. So don’t fret, ma petite pumpkins, I’ll be back…in a while…it’s just part of my personality.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, nice new* template. I dig the purple.

63% Judging. I suddenly feel so self-conscious.


*New to me...since I also tend to drop off the blogosphere from time to time.

Thea @ It's Me Vs. Me said...

WHO THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO TALK SMACK TO?????

selfish is what you are...

Chris, Renae & Annie said...

Hi Zany Mama,

Found your site via Trail of Cheeries - don't ask me how I found her.

Anyway, came over just to click on the link and take the test. I've taken it before and I'm an INFJ too. I have never me another! So welcome to the very small clique!

Renae

zulhai said...

I will be checking daily for Yoga Toes.

Sue said...

I have been very lax at reading lately. Enjoy your blogging break.

I love Zane's blog. Happy Birthday to him. I've seen those camera's - I'm thinking of Christmas for Kayla.

He's a great photographer. :)

belsum said...

The "judging" is the best part I think. Heh.

Anonymous said...

ESFP in the house! I knew you'd like Meyers-Briggs. I also knew you'd be a big old "I".

Enjoy your hiatus.

Anonymous said...

I got ENFP. 5.5 percent of the population. Also a visionary.

Anonymous said...

I was an INFJ also - surprise, surprise.

Anonymous said...

Hmm... very interesting!!
Will have to check this out!!
Great blog - I found you through Crazy Hip Blog Mamas!
- Audrey
Pinks & Blues Girls

zulhai said...

YOGA TOES!!!
(Dammit)!