Personality
ISTPs have a compelling drive to understand the way things work. They’re good at logical analysis, and like to use it on practical concerns. They typically have strong powers of reasoning, although they’re not interested in theories or concepts unless they can see a practical application. They like to take things apart and see the way they work. ISTPs have an adventuresome spirit. They are attracted to motorcycles, airplanes, sky diving, surfing, etc. They thrive on action, and are usually fearless. ISTPs are fiercely independent, needing to have the space to make their own decisions about their next step. They do not believe in or follow rules and regulations, as this would prohibit their ability to “do their own thing”.
Strength : Understanding
ISTPs seek to forge a functioning logic of the world around them in order to have a precise and deeper understanding of everything. During their lifetime, ISTPs accumulate a great deal of knowledge about the world, and more specifically, about their fields of interest. Prioritizing their own understanding of how things work, they are able to come to inferences that regularly turn out to be true, even when they have no explicit proof of what they are saying. No matter how complex a situation, they take the time to dissect, analyze the facts, locate the flaws and answer their questions, making them masters in the art of problem-solving. These users tend to excel in trades that require great analytical skills. Proud of their objectivity and competence, they take responsibility for opening people’s eyes to the truth (which they cherish so much) in order to lead others away from ignorance.
An immature use of this strength can cause an over-use of logic, and thus an over-consideration of what is true or false. This may generate hurtful rapport with others, which can harm social relationships.
Developement Point : Relating
ISTPs have an inability to receive or give love, or more generally, to understand the most human language there is: emotional language. ISTPs lack empathy and are often unable to understand people in depth, preventing them from developing true intimate and trusting relationships with others. This lack of understanding of others can lead ISTPs to isolate themselves, or even to adopt anti-social behaviors or develop social anxiety. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for them, humans are social beings and are made to live with other humans. This means that ISTPs are bound to have to talk to individuals one day or another—so how will they do it? Some are aware of their inability to understand others, so their greatest fear is that they will be rejected from the social group because of it. In response to this, they will try to display a minimalist empathy, being constantly kind and trying never to frustrate anyone for fear of being rejected. Conversely, others will never want to be limited by the “social nonsense” of a group’s recognized emotions and values, which are far too illogical for their understanding. They will not hesitate to tell the truth without ever worrying about what others feel. ISTPs have the same approach with themselves on their sentimental plane. They are unable to understand what they are feeling, sometimes to the point that they are unaware of actually feeling something. Understanding that they have feelings towards someone—whether they are angry, anxious, depressed, or happy—is a very fuzzy concept for them. They understand emotions in theory, but they don’t know what they really mean. This is why it is difficult to really communicate with them; they will rarely communicate their real desires to you, so you will never really know who they are behind this wall of logic. However, when they feel emotions, they often act like a tidal wave—whether positive or negative. When emotions appear on the surface, it is often already too late. In spite of the users’ effort not to communicate those emotions, when they do occur, they are uncontrolled and felt with intense purity so that the user can even lose control over reason. From an inability to speak because of love, to trembling during anger, to violent emotional outbursts, ISTPs know that this is a part of them that they do not have access to.
However, some ISTPs can become the most protective people in society in a mature and selfless way. When they are able to grasp what they feel, show empathy and understanding, and improve their emotional intelligence, they get rid of the one thing that blocks them from exposing themselves to the happiness of true friendships or romantic relationships.
Relationships
ISTPs don’t play the push and pull game and don’t waste their time talking for the sake of it. They’ll invite their crush to the bar or to take a ride with them, or directly ask them out. Expect actions as proof of their love, like defending their crush physically or winning a sports competition to present them with the winner’s prize.
ISTPs need someone who is very direct and pragmatic, not overly emotional or requiring constant validation, nor pushing them to talk about your feelings. Someone who appreciates their logic and their ability to solve practical problems but who also helps them achieve their goals.
Once they are in a relationship, ISTPs always appear distant and mysterious, but they just don’t know how to deal with their feelings. Try to be affectionate with their partner, hoping that they realize and appreciate it. Fiercely independent and crave alone time to explore their many interests, but they simultaneously love their partner and will support them when they need them to fix something. Very direct and literal. Invite their partner on unique adventures they won’t want to miss.
Sources : Birdy, Personalitypage
