SusanofO
Posts: 5672
Joined: 12/19/2005 Status: offline
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On the Myers-Briggs I am an INFJ (I remember because several folks I know have old M-B tests I took and members of my immediate family took once, but agree putting it online was considerate). Only once did I "straddle the fence" on the T, rather than the F pre-disposition re: How I make decisions about what I perceive as liking most. I am a Feeler. Good question, because I may come across to some as a Thinker instead, to some (not true, accdg. to the M-B, I feel my way through most situations. I Am a thinker but - a thinker who will think something through and then do what her Heart tells her as far as considering feelings (of others) and my own, vs. "just the facts, maa'm." But neither is "better" (which goes without saying). Three of my good friends are Ts and can rely on them for a "logical perspective" which I value because it sometimes makes me speak out or take action when its really important (instead of worrying excessively about hurting others when too much might be at stake, depending on the situation). And the fact I am an I (Intuitive) has never changed when I took that particular test. The J part surprises some people because they seem to think I am just having some "stream of consciousiness" conversation going, when actually, I might be trying to "wrap things up" and conclude a project, topic, paper (whatever) but want to "touch base" w/everyone first to see what they feel (although sometimes I am touching base just because I think a topic is interesting, too). Many people rarely believe I am an I (Introvert), because I can fake being E (and do, and have for several years, in self-defense, especially in big work-places and big groups of people. Es can run the show in companies and Is can't just disappear into the wall or they are done for. Also, most of my immediate family seem top be Es (I am an oddball there). Also sometimes it just looks like more fun being an E. But, since I am not and am really an I - it can be a strain to fake E (but I do it willingly because I am an F and want to "reach out" more than I want to be "shy", esp. if it benefits someone else (or might). I's really relate on a 1-1 level and the ones I know seem to be 'healer types' and "still waters run deep" does seem to maybe describe them well. Good query, Because people can appear to be maybe one thing but deep down have different traits that affect the way they relate to other people. The test was constucted by a human being (and of course we humans all make mistakes, and it might be debatable to some whether its "valid" according to how its constructed, etc. I've heard that comment. To it I say: Well - of course. But isn't it fun to take it anyway?There may be some reasons people can choose answers on any test they take: Mood, amount of sleep, do they understand the question(s)?, are they seriously wanting some answers? Or - is someone "making" them take it and they are just checking off anything as far as answers to get it overwith?, etc. So - even though I am not sure how "valid" it is as far as believing it defines how people will always react, I've heard it's one of the most respected. And for some reason, I think it's darned interesting and like knowing what other people are, too, sometimes (if they have taken it). I am vaguely familiar with the Enneagram and do know that I am a 9 of the 9 types one can be (the peace-maker-mediator) type (supposedly). Under 'ideal conditions' the "9" turns into an ambitious, achiever type (the "5") who puts all of their talents to use (a "9" may keep them under wraps if it will "help keep the peace" in some way, and is concerned more about "ruffling feathers", so to speak. Under duress or exteme strain, I've read a "9" can turn into a "Trooper" (type "6") -concerned mostly with loyalty above all, and a complete worker-bee type. Not sure if that's altogether true either, but do think the "9" part fits (although I've yet to see myself become a full-fledged 6, I have "expanded" into "5" during various periods of time. I've taken the Enneagram twice, and my "types" didn't change the second time. - Susan
< Message edited by SusanofO -- 12/23/2005 6:19:08 AM >
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