From a 45 year old INJ ... one of the most succinct posts I've received and well worth the read whatever introverted type you are ...
I should have known I was an INTJ when, after taking the Myers Briggs test prior to one of these corporate training courses, I walked in late. The teacher said I had to be either "Person A" or "Person B". I replied "yes". The instructor laughed and said she immediately knew who I was, as "noone else would answer that specifically". They said I tested as THE most analytical person in THE most analytical organization their firm had ever tested. Wowser. And I'm a
female--plus I was TOTALLY oblivious of this aspect of my personality. Such benign emotional ignorance is probably typical INTJ.
Here is my own quiz to determine if you are indeed an INTJ:
1. Are airport security lines your most teeth gnashing scene of frustration,
due to the mindless incompetence and inefficiency?
2. Do you find strangers coming up to you in train stations and other public
places to help them solve their bollixed up predicaments?
3. Is your laughter delayed about 1-2 seconds from the crowd, while the joke
meanders through an additional 10 miles of neurons?
4. When on vacation do you find yourself pondering various contingency plans, such as ways to "split the passports and wallets in multiple hiding places", in the event of remote yet possible muggings? Do you think the GPS navigational devices to be THE greatest invention ever?
5. Do your closest friends sometimes look at you like you've seen them naked, just because you have voiced some insight into their minds and motivations? Have you learned to keep these observations to yourself so you don't scare people off?
If you answered "Yes!" then you too are an INTJ.
Take hope, I have been highly successful, particularly in work (investment banker).
But I would advise that you do need to get enough education and to find an analytical field where you are appreciated. Otherwise you could be characterized as a "loose canon" or "voice in the wilderness". [Nancy's note: I agree with this so much, I'm highlighting it.]
Also, do take the time to convince yourself of the importance of good grooming and social skills. An INTJ can do anything once convinced of its expediency--and there is good reason to "play the game": You get to make sure things are done the "right" way! What INTJ joy!
I have also been lucky enough to have several very great long lasting friendships, much deeper than most people. (I will always value a single deep friendship to broad popularity.)
It shocks me to reach middle age and find that I am recognized as a leader, respected, and a role model for younger women. Also I have also managed to achieve a fair bit of popularity (at least for me) but no Homecoming Queen by any means. But mostly through being steadfast, honest and having a good sense of humor. So my point is: INTJ's aren't oddballs.
In love, well, in love I am truly humbled. I am in some ways a complete incompetent in love. And the emotional incompetence is particularly shocking compared to my intellectual incompetence I think.
I do have great love, loyalty and insight--but I simply canNOT understand flirting, the "chase", love power struggles, etc. Its a foreign language for me, I am at sea. I find myself studying movies to observe flirting behavior--as if I was an alien species watching a documentary!!! But, in spite of this handicap, my loves are great, deep and very intense. Sort of esoteric
too--but remember what the sexiest organ of the body is...
My divorce nearly killed me, and virtually no one had the insight to even recognize it. My ex-husband realized my complete vulnerability in the area of emotions and took cruel pleasure in annihilating me there. I was totally efenseless. Even my parents have never grasped this....they mistook my silence for strength.
Nancy's note: Notice the incredible level of communication once we decide to say something.
