Thanks to the INTPs who responded.

I know Myers-Briggs is not scientifically verified, but I sometimes find it useful when trying to understanding myself and others.

I asked the question because I think my elementary-aged DD is an INTP. Though I'm similar in many ways (ENTP), I notice our differences and try to think about things through her eyes so I can meet her where she is.

Happily, we're a family of NTs (all very practical and logical), which makes communication and connection easy. The differences are more on the social/affection front. DD seems to like a little more space at home, and definitely wants less hugging, touching, cuddling, too. I tend to think of her as more self-contained and less expressive emotionally than DC2.

It's because she's less expressive about her feelings that I wonder sometimes if I'm meeting her needs in this area. Or maybe I'm over-thinking it -- maybe she just has far emotional/social needs than I did when I was her age.

Anyway, I thought it might be interesting to seek a little insight from other INTPs. Especially women. DH is an INTP and we definitely get each other. But I'm curious about the gender piece and how some of these traits play out for women over time.

Any more INTP insights out there?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:INTJ is not rare. If you are one you tend to find a lot of them around.

It is the rarest of the personality types. 1% of the population.

Perhaps overall. But not if you're a big firm lawyer. Or a resident of the DC metro area, generally.

It may not be so rare around here, I'm an INTJ and a lawyer and I once read something about it being the type most suited to that profession, which is kind of funny because I find it suits me only moderately well. There are obviously ranges of these things - I'm definitely a T rather than an F, but unlike PP I'm very much a caregiver and very nurturing, just tend to be very analytical and logical in my approach to situations.

Anonymous wrote:INTJ is not rare. If you are one you tend to find a lot of them around.

It is the rarest of the personality types. 1% of the population.

INTJ is not rare. If you are one you tend to find a lot of them around.

I go back and forth between INTP and INTJ. Recently it's been more INTJ. I like to think I am INFJ, but that is never my result.

I am analytical, rational, and logical, but sensitive at the same time. I prefer one on one conversations rather than big groups. I strongly prefer face to face conversations rather than on the phone in both personal and professional relationships. I think it's because I can tell a lot from facial expressions.

Careerwise, I am in an industry that is dominated by type-A extroverts, so it can be a bit of a challenge at times. The P part of INTP contributes to a laid-back streak in my personality that I sometimes need to overcome to succeed at work. I pick up new things and complicated concepts quickly and easily so that helps. On the other hand, it's sometimes difficult to focus and stick with tasks.

I think relationships for us INTJ and INTP ladies can be difficult. My personal opinion is that most men just don't want to be with a woman who is more logical than he is. I have had multiple men tell me they feel intimidated by me because I am not very emotional in relationships. I am now very happily married to a DH is is pretty opposite of me personality wise. I would guess he is like and ISTP. I dislike chores and housework and my DH takes care of most of it. I'm also really bad at care-giving. I could never be in a nurturing type role or position such as a nurse, health aide, or elementary school teacher.

INTP. I'm logical, rebellious and spontaneous. I rarely encounter people like me. When I do, it's like coming home.

I am less in touch with my emotions. I can sense and understand others' emotional states, but I rarely cry, etc... I still feel, but you wouldn't know what I was feeling based on observation.

I don't understand people who can't stand being wrong and argue against facts. I find joy in being mentally one upped by a peer or losing a chess match.

I'm another INTJ female. Sort of on the border with INTP, but I feel squarely in the J category, until I mmet people who are much more J than I am.

Am an INTJ female. Liked one on one conversations but too tired to make the effort now so I invite groups only.

I was always INTJ through my 20s, but I took the test again and was surprised to see INTP.

I'm somewhat similar to PP, however I'm much better one on one than in groups. I'm a SAHM.

I'm an INTJ female, which I've read is also pretty rare.

Probably similar to PP but with the very decisive J thing.

I'm an INTP female. People would describe me as quiet but somewhat perceptive and funny. I really don't enjoy one-on-one conversations-- I feel like I'm not good at both small talk and emotional sharing. It's better for me to find a group and insert myself into the conversation they are building. I can get along with almost anyone, but very rarely find a person I want to seek a deeper friendship with.

I teach at the elementary level and really enjoy it. It's easy for me to show my students "why" something needs to be done, or learned, in a way they can understand. I really like being able to logically talk them through their crises. Kids seek me out for comfort often-- although I don't really soothe their emotions, but can help them find a quick and logical solution. Pet peeve is long meetings that result in no solution.

I like reading nonfiction or message boards way more than fiction. My friends definitely think my taste in TV is weird! News shows, documentaries, thoughtful reality shows. I have always been nonreligious because I read all.the.time as a child and ended up reading about cultures and religions before being exposed to any certain one.

Flaws: too independant, too much reading and thinking instead of just going out and doing something.

Anonymous wrote:you go first

ha!

you go first

I've read that INTP is a pretty rare personality type, especially for women.

Has anyone here done a Myers-Briggs test and come up INTP? If so, would you be willing to describe yourself a bit? Personality in your own words? Career? Approach to friendships? Types of people, environments and approaches that work for you? Just looking for a little insight.