INTJ personality type is one of the rarest in the Myers-Briggs classification. These contradictory traits may explain why this type is so misunderstood.
The Myers-Briggs personality test is among the most popular methods of personality assessment where you find out what kind of characteristics you have depending on different preferences. There are 16 different types. One of the rarest is INTJ personality type, with INTJs forming just 2% of the population. Even rarer are women in this group, who make up only 0.8%.
INTJ stands for introverted intuitive thinking judging. The main qualities of INTJ personality are:
- Logical
- Independent
- Skeptical
- Competent
- Intelligent
At the heart of the INTJ personality type, however, is a set of contradictions, which is why this type is so rare. Here are five of them:
1. INTJs are natural leaders but are intensely private
Taking the role at the top is natural for an INTJ, as they are effective leaders and are capable of inspiring others. They can see a big picture and perceive a situation in an objective manner. INTJs work out the best way to tackle it, not being afraid of changing tactics if necessary. They love to strategize and are always looking at new ideas and concepts to see whether they can benefit them.
However, because they live their lives internally and rely on intuition, this makes them very private individuals and they find it hard to express themselves. An INTJ is always thinking and developing a great deal of highly internalized ideas and concepts. For this reason, they find it difficult to translate these into an external form that others can understand.
2. INTJs are open-minded but appear aloof
As INTJs are typically private people they can often appear to be aloof. But this could not be further than the truth.
It can be said that they are not overly demonstrative in their affections or go over the top when it comes to displays of affection. But the truth is that INTJs do feel intense emotions for those they care about. They just don’t see the point in declaring it in a public fashion.
Another misconception about INTJ personality is that they are rigid and prone to being close-minded to new ways of thinking. This is also incorrect, as INTJs are renowned for being curious and are most amenable to changing their way of doing things.
3. INTJs are imaginative yet decisive
INTJs are one of the most curious of all the Myers-Briggs personalities, they are committed to questioning and gathering knowledge. They live mostly in their heads, in their own imagination and find it hard to express these ideas to others.
However, once they have settled on a course of action, they are surprisingly decisive. INTJs take a long time to come to this decision, but once they do, there is no turning back.
4. INTJs are intelligent people but useless at social interaction
INTJs love exploring theories and are renowned for gathering information. They are knowledgeable and intelligent, especially in fields where they have an interest. They can solve any complex problem. At the same time, they are, however, quite poor when it comes to interacting socially.
This is down to the fact that they find small talk tedious and prefer one-on-one conversations where they can get deep and meaningful. They have high standards when it comes to social interaction and personal relationships and won’t waste their time on meaningless connections. INTJs shine when they are in smaller groups who share their interests but definitely out of the spotlight.
5. INTJs are confident and logical except when it comes to relationships
Among the key personality traits of INTJs is that they are supremely confident beings and are defined by their logic and sensible decisions. They do have a tendency to over-analyze, however. And this is this that keeps them from forming close relationships. They can seem to be judgemental and aloof. But it is their failure to deal with any emotional feelings that lets them down.
INTJs are good at finding solutions to complex problems. Thus, they approach feelings of the heart in the same way as they do any other decision or problem. They analyze and calculate their way to the best solution.
This does not work with emotions and when an INTJ fails using this method, they become irritable. They might turn their back on a meaningful relationship because they cannot deal with their feelings.
Closing thoughts
People with INTJ personality are renowned for logical thinking and intellectual decision-making. In areas of emotion and feelings, however, they are not as confident. An INTJ who wants to manage their emotions in a better way should try not to use logical thinking but think with the heart and not the head.
They already have great qualities where it comes to intelligence and strategic thinking. But working on their weaker characteristics, such as developing their feelings, will give them a much more rounded personality.
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