ISFJ

The Protectors

Strengths
Strengths

ISFJs are naturally practical, dependable, and flexible. When interacting with others, they are warm, kind-hearted, and generous. They enjoy nothing more than spending time with friends and family. They are accepting of others, but often hold grudges against those who have wronged them in the past.

Although it may take a while to get to know an ISFJ, they make excellent confidants. They always are there for others, offering a shoulder to cry on after a bad day. They have the ability to develop strong bonds with others very quickly. They also have the ability to connect with animals and children easily.

ISFJs are very practical and observant. They are more concerned...

Weaknesses
Weaknesses

ISFJs often seek out the opinions of others, but may have a hard time accepting criticism. They may become reliant on others’ approval to validate their self-worth. Others may view ISFJs as overly-sensitive and emotional.

ISFJs enjoy helping others, but for some ISFJs, this may translate into trying to change others. ISFJs must always remind themselves they can’t help everyone — they can only help people who want their help. This tendency may become particularly troublesome for ISFJs’ romantic relationships. They may initially enter into a romantic relationship wanting to help someone change, but may become frustrated when their romantic partner...

Parenthood
Parenthood

ISFJs recognize the responsibility that comes with being a parent, and rise to the challenge. Their responsible nature makes them excellent parents who are willing to do whatever it takes to take care of their child. They respond quickly to their children’s needs, and love the feeling they get every time they help their children. ISFJs are always their children’s biggest cheerleader and advocate. Their children always know they can go to their ISFJ parent for help and advice.

ISFJs are great at setting boundaries for their children and enforcing the rules. Sometimes, however, ISFJs can become authoritarian parents. They can be somewhat...

Romantic Relationships
Romantic Relationships

ISFJs’ dependable nature makes them excellent romantic partners. They may take a while to open up, but once they do, they are eternally loyal, trustworthy, and loving. They are not just looking for a casual fling — they want to find a long-term, committed relationship.

ISFJs are willing to give a great deal of time and energy to their romantic relationships, but their relationship will not thrive unless they receive the same amount in return. This is especially true of receiving affirmation from their partners. In fact, ISFJs often seek affirmation from their romantic partners, as well as their friends and family. They often become preoccupied with what their partner thinks. They will fish for compliments, and can be very sensitive to conflict within the relationship.

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Friendships
Friendships

ISFJs make very loyal and kind friends, and are always there for a friend in need. ISFJs are always accepting of and willing to help others, even those who have very different personality types than themselves.

Once ISFJs make a friend, they work hard to maintain their friendship. They are always looking for opportunities to spend time with their friends.

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Work Habits
Work Habits

ISFJs are very giving and are willing to help others when needed, and this is apparent in the workplace. ISFJs are great team-players. They enjoy working in groups, and are both flexible and practical when doing so.

People with this personality type have trouble dealing with conflict, and will to go great lengths to avoid conflict. Although they may seek affirmation from others, they are very sensitive to any negative feedback. Oftentimes, ISFJs take negative feedback very personally, and will harbor a grudge about it later on.

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Career Paths
Career Paths

ISFJs are very in-tune with others’ emotions. This, coupled with their dependability and organization, makes them well-suited for careers in leadership or administrative roles. They tend to seek out and enjoy careers where they can directly help others and see the impact they’re making every day. They often are well-suited for careers in child care, management, counseling, administration, health care, public relations, and teaching. ISFJs’ eye for aesthetic beauty, coupled with their organizational skills, also makes them well-suited for careers as photographers or designers.

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Personality Type Indicator - ISFJ

ISFJs make up about 12% of the population.

  • Conflict avoidant
  • Warm, supportive, and friendly
  • Willing to please others
  • Practical, thorough, and consistent
  • Organized and responsible
Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the action that we do.
Mother Theresa