Nr. 40

I was first made aware of Myers-Briggs by a guy I met at a social gathering back in 2009 I think. Something like that. But I didn’t take the test until 3 years ago. I did the proper one and paid real money for it too. I ended up as an INTP. I have done several online tests after that to confirm and have consistently ended up as an INTP (except that one befuddled and drunken INTJ incident...). Now, the test in itself is in no matter perfect, and like most psychological tests they aren’t scientifically waterproof. However it can be a powerful tool in self examination if used “correctly”. 

As an INTP I’m stereotyped as being lazy, socially awkward, arrogant, intelligent, highly logical in an almost robotic fashion, creative, intuitive and brutally honest. I think those are quite extreme and there are differences between a mature INTP and an undeveloped one. Basically on how aware you are of your impact and surroundings. It also depends on what an INTP sees as interesting. I for instance enjoy studying ‘the humanoids’...commonly referred to as ‘people’. This also means I like interacting and gather intel and data to best understand our social behavior. However I also enjoy being helpful and caring. I like being in love and offer my all to another person in a romantic relationship. Not a natural thing for an INTP at all according to the type. Except that it is. Being honest/rude/condescending hasn’t so much to do with our lack of interest for people we find less intelligent than us. I think that means you’re just not developing the potential an INTP is capable of. 

As there aren’t that many INTPs in the world I actually don’t know any other than myself. I may have encountered them along the way, but never as a confirmed type. It would be interesting to one day meet one and talk about the experience she or he has had regarding the stereotype. 

Most of my circle consists of introverts, which sounds like a contradiction. But even though introverts enjoy and need alone time to recharge doesn’t mean we don’t find happiness in social settings. I prefer one on one. As stated, I respect honesty and something happens when you are just two having a conversation. You get a proper connection and you’re able to reach a bit deeper. These are the conversations that I enjoy. I don’t have any problems being in larger groups, I just prefer one on one. 

My point is that I think the test has some real merits on how to better understand yourself. But it’s crucial to learn about the test and the real meaning of each letter. Not just take them as separate traits. If you do then the test might seem incredibly simplistic and void of any nuances, which isn’t the case. 

If you read this and are interested, there is a free online test on ‘16 personalities’ which is one of the better ones if you don’t want to pay. 👍🏻