Personality Types and Profiles

Today I tweeted something about how I dislike conflict so much that I am stressed even just overhearing a minor disagreement between other people. My twitter pal Becky responded, “Do you know your Myers-Briggs type? The conflict thing reminds me of me. I’m INFJ.”

The last time I did a personality test was about seven years ago, when I was starting work at a church preschool, and all the teachers did a personality test in a meeting and then shared results so we could learn how to best work with our co-teachers. The leader of this meeting explained that Jesus would’ve been a perfect combination of all the introvert/extrovert, intuitive/sensing, thinking/feeling, judging/perceiving personality types. (Side note: I don’t believe in astrology and such, but this is nothing like that; it’s not how the stars align or whatever, but simply how you answer certain questions or respond to certain situations.)

The whole thing was rather intriguing, but I couldn’t remember my personality type, so I found two completely different online tests (kisa.ca and mypersonality.info) and did them both today. Both deem me an INFJ:

INFJ – The Confidant

INFJs, making up an estimated 1% of all people, are the most rare type. They are introspective, caring, sensitive, gentle and complex people that strive for peace and derive satisfaction from helping others. INFJs are highly intuitive, empathetic and dedicated listeners. These traits tend to act as a “tell me what’s wrong” sign on their forehead, hence the nicknames Confidant, Counselor or Empath. INFJs are intensely private and deeply committed to their beliefs.

That “intensely private” thing sounds funny coming from someone who blogs like I do, but it’s really very true. I have learned to share my thoughts and feelings when necessary, but I still get all sweaty and nervous and my heart beats erratically whenever I am in a conversation that involves my own thoughts or feelings. However, you can tell me about your thoughts, or feelings, and I will happily listen!

It’s fascinating how accurate the profiles of my personality type are. One says, “Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills.” I’ve always said if there is something important to be said, I’d better write it, because I’ll mess it up otherwise. That’s why I enjoy writing, and therefore, blogging.

Another profile says, “Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends.” That means, if you are my friend, you must be pretty special! 😉

Most of the suggested career matches fit jobs/hobbies I do now or have done in the past: teacher, writer, photographer, counselor, actor, child-care worker, just to name a few. This profile on kiersey.com is spot-on — and not terribly long, if you’re interested in reading it.

All this stuff is highly interesting to me, but evidently that goes along with my personality type, too, which means you may find it immensely boring!