Nardi describes this type as playful, reflective, action-oriented, and driven by personal values. And as John Hackston, head of thought leadership at the Myers-Briggs Company tells mbg, ISFPs have a quiet, tolerant approach that can lead to them being underestimated by others—and even themselves. “They’re flexible and spontaneous but may find routines and strict rules difficult to cope with,” he notes. Hackston adds that this type also often values and feels an affinity with the beauty of the natural world. Nardi adds that ISFPs have a “really incredible capacity to be present with the other person in the very concrete, physical, emotional way”—but they also have a strong capacity toward retaliation and revenge. “Hell hath no fury like a scorned ISFP,” he says. According to Hackston, ISFPs are often attracted to other ISFPS, and relationships with ESFPs, ISTPs, and ISFJs also often work very well. Nardi says in general, they get along well with other SP (Sensing and Perceiving) types and SF (Sensing and Feeling) types and adds that a relationship between ISFP and an NTP type is “very unlikely to even get started.” And by the way, if you’re dating an ISFP, Nardi says the secret to dealing with them when they’re upset is to change the physical context, such as going for a walk or a drive. A new physical setting will “quickly take them out of the worry mode and back into something that they trust, which is the joy of the present moment,” he explains. “They need some kind of capacity to design—to express themselves and their values. They actually can be huge assets in the workplace when they’re listened to, because they have this keen sense of identity, and they’re practical and pragmatic,” Nardi says. And Hackston notes that ISFPs also want to be friendly and collaborative, enjoying workplaces where these actions are reciprocated by their co-workers. “They look for an environment that fits with their beliefs,” he says, adding they dislike routines and noisy environments, preferring flexibility and spontaneity. “It is not easy to give a list of suitable jobs for an ISFP, because the best job for an ISFP is one that allows them to follow their passions and beliefs; and these will vary from one to the next,” Hackston explains. Because this type can be underestimated, Hackston also notes they should try to avoid underestimating themselves, as well as taking what other people say too personally. ISFPs can struggle with self-esteem, Nardi notes. Nardi also recommends ISFPs figure out the way they learn best, as this type can have the hardest time in a traditional school structure. “I would also say a body-mind practice is great,” he adds, explaining that something that brings their brain, spirit, emotions, and body all together (like yoga or martial arts), really keeps them aligned.
