What's your personality type?

I've always avoided this question, but today I didn't. I'm at a loose end right now, so I did the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Keirsey Temperment sorter Test .

It seems I'm an INFJ. I was going to roll my eyes at the description: Introverted Intuitive Feeling Judging, but it's the first time that a test has accurately identified me as an introvert, because I am. Even though I can be sociable, and am interested in the welfare of my work and acquaintance mates, I do like to keep to myself. I think that's why I like knitting, or don't mind going camping with the hubby.

This paragraph is frighteningly accurate:

Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. <- that's true. I can write myself into an interview, but in real life interviews, I tend to choke and stumble. Many people have actually commented on my writing skills over the years.

Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious choices, but overall, INFJs can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths. <- that's also true. I'm trying to get out of an 'inspirational' profession, but to quote Michael Corleone in Godfather III, "Just when I thought that I was out, they pull me back in".

Perhaps the best example of this occurs in the technical fields. Many INFJs perceive themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with the mystique and formality of "hard logic", and in academic terms this may cause a tendency to gravitate towards the liberal arts rather than the sciences. <- that's also true. My strong suits were history, literature, philosophy. I always balked at Math, until I started knitting anyway, and seeing how Math follows logic. Dammit, if I'd only known about this fifteen years ago!

Then, if that didn't sweep the rug from under my feet, this bit of prose did:


"They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious "soul mates." While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates."

Man, this feature contributed to a lot of broken relationships over the past couple of years. That old chestnut, "It's not you, it's me" got a lot of use over the years. But I really meant it.


Famous INFJs: Goethe, Chaucer, Robert Burns.

So, what's your personality type? Are our blog personalities compatable?

I'll try and have some knitting on this blog soonish.