Friday, April 29, 2011

I'm an INTJ Woman and a Freak of Nature

I'm an INTJ and I'm a woman and that makes me kind of a freak of nature.

I discovered this in the past few years as I have learned about Myers Briggs, a personality indicator based on Carl Jung's theory that asserts that we all have innate preferences that direct how we see the world and how we operate in it.  When broken down, you get 16 different personality types and I am an INTJ: Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging.  In other words, I am introverted, I focus on the big picture and exciting connections between ideas, I prefer to make decisions based off of objective logic and focus on systems and theories, and I like closure and structure.   INTJs are known to challenge the status quo and also get the reputation of being just a little arrogant and callused when it comes to feelings because we tend to think we're always right and hold our emotions close to our vest.  And, well, we have been described as "masterminds," I'm just sayin.  (For more information about Myers Briggs check out the Myers Briggs Foundation.)

In the process of becoming certified in Myers Briggs I not only discovered that you can explain every oddity  about me (well, almost every one) through the lens of my personality but also that as an INTJ I am part of only about 1-3% of the population and as a female INTJ I am probably represented in less than 1% of the population of the WORLD.  So, just when I was starting to feel more normal I realized I really am a freak of nature!

I wouldn't have necessarily let you know it but before I knew anything about Myers Briggs and my personality type I thought there must be something wrong with me. I've been "different" since I was very young, just ask my parents.  But as I grew older I began to realize that not only was I just different in general, but I was also very different from most other girls.  At the risk of stereotyping all women, I didn't cry at sappy romance scenes in movies, I didn't "awww" over small puppies and babies, I hated baby showers, wedding showers, teas, and any other activity that was filled with lots of high pitched squealing and "frivolous" activities.  I'd rather talk world politics, literature, philosophy, and connect with someone through a a deep intellectual wrestling than discuss the type of food we like or the best places to find sales on purses.

In fact, being different has become part of my identity.  I have always been the tall girl, the Christian girl, the homeschooled girl, the girl who didn't drink, the girl with her nose in a book, etc., and if those weren't enough I was the girl who didn't really think or act like a girl. That's a whole lot of different.  On a good day I believe that God made me just this freakish because He has a special role for me here on earth.  On a bad day I just feel frustrated, misunderstood, and insecure.

Yes, being an INTJ woman can make me a little awkward in social settings, especially those dominated by estrogen, and can make me a little intimidating because I speak my mind with conviction, but what I really wrestle with.is the different ways that I, as an INTJ, see being a woman, a Christ-follower, a wife, a waiting adoptive mother, a missionary.  I see godly women all around me that I admire and cherish, but there aren't many that I identify with or see myself in.  Sometimes I feel like I'm forging a path "less traveled" and it can be lonely and frustrating out here!

However, lest you think this blog is a plea for sympathy let me tell you that even on the bad days I am grateful to be who God made me, and ultimately I just want to create a platform for other women like me to not feel alone or isolated in our pursuit of a godly life as a _____ woman....you fill in the blank with your own "different."  I believe there are god-given roles for men and women in the church, but I'd challenge that they are probably less confining than we make them.  I always come back to the thought that God wouldn't have made me like this if He didn't know that there was a way to be me and be used for His kingdom! And I know that's true for you too.

I'm probably always going to be that woman who tells you what I think, will remind you that it wasn't just us women who were commanded to be meek and submissive, will make some men intimidated when I wear heels and my I'm-OK-with-being-in-charge-if-I need-to be face.  I will not feel that my god-given role is confined only to the home, and I will want to barf when I see men knowingly or unknowingly diminish the roles of women in the church to babysitters and "pulpit candy."  But I am working on saying and doing these things in love and humility and reflecting Christ as best as I can in the person He made me to be.  I don't always get it right but I'm trying.  If this describes you as well, then know you're not alone and even though it sometimes feels like an uphill battle the Lord can use you and your gifts and talents and personality.

Be you in Christ, and if you (and I) sometimes feel like a "different" kind of freak, embrace it...God may have something different for you to do today.

***CHECK OUT MY NEW BLOG The INTJ Life***

73 comments:

  1. Sweetheart Adria,
    It is fun taking the Myers Briggs, but if you take several times you will find that you can adjust your answers to become any type you want. I went through as a guinea pig in a class my high school principal was taking. We drove him crazy since we were different people each week that he took us to his class. Oh well, I am different too! Mostly aggravating and passive-aggressive.
    Love you, Pepere xoxo

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    1. I've come across and taken the Meyers Briggs test 3 times over the past years. Happened to become an INTJ every single time, despite having no idea whether or not I answered the same things every time.

      Each time I ended up finding a random link to the test, then not realizing it was the same(ish) one until I got the result. And honestly, the description of the INTJ probably fits me more perfectly then anything else I've ever read. Almost makes me feel like a 1% stereotype.

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    2. Never have tested anything different than an INTJ. Have too the actual real test more than 3 times. Also there is a big different between taking the actual paid test real test versus the fake ones you will find on the internet. If in your mind you feel you can manipulate it, you will end up manipulating it. Especially if it's an internet test based on the Myers Brigg.

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  2. Missed first post AGAIN?!
    While I'm sure Pepere's mischievous friends enjoyed manipulating the system, our true selves are hard to hide, especially from the one's close to us. You were always a tough nut, Adria. You're certainly more "Popeye" than "Olive Oil" - pugnacious, confident, and with little patience for the trivial. But I also know the side of you that has deep love for those truly hurting or being abused, the side that so wants to be affirmed in your work, and even the side that is so afraid to make a "mistake" that she has trouble choosing what flavor of ice cream to have...

    We were certainly privileged to be a part of your growing up, but we were relieved that you chose missionary work instead of crime boss. It could have gone either way.... :)
    Love,
    Daddio

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    1. Reading this made me smile. As an INTJ woman, it was a struggle growing up to make sense of why I felt and acted differently from other girls my age. My family gave me space and humor and always had my back. I am so grateful for that.

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  3. I'm an INTJ woman too. And I can definitely relate to a lot of what you're saying. I've always been "different." I've always been sort of awkward, and a little left of where everybody else was. The description describes me almost perfectly. Almost lol. I've been praying on it, and I guess in the end I'm beginning to understand and accept my uniqueness. God made me this way for a reason. Maybe I always had such a hard time blending in because I was never supposed to blend in. God didn't call me to be like everyone else. He called me to be me.

    I love me now, a lot more than I did before. It was a long process to recover from a lot of the emotional abuse I had gone through as a kid. But again, I'm grateful. Sometimes you just know that God put you here for a reason. And it's a good feeling to have :) I didn't always feel that way.

    Anyway, I don't mean to ramble. I just want to let you know that this post means something to me, and it made me smile at a time when it's much easier to sigh. To know that I'm not the only one, and to know that I too am fearfully and wonderfully made...it's nice. Thank you :)

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    1. Thanks for sharing your story. I never realized how many women felt the same way I did. The response to this post inspired me to start a blog all about being an INTJ woman. It's tough to do it alone, so maybe we don't have to! http://theintjlife.blogspot.com/

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  4. I really appreciate your comments. I have been struggling with being an INTJ. Depending on how I view myself at the time, I can change the MBTI test results. This was frustrating for a while, till I realized that I have just been struggling against my true self. As I am finally accepting it I am actually feeling some relief and a sense of pride in who I am. As a girl I hated pink! I loved blue: the color of the sky. I loved to stare out my window at night and watch the moon slowly float across the sky. I have always been different. I remember a point in my early childhood that I came to detest any kind of fiction book (because what was the point of reading if its not true?) Then, at my school library I discovered the "how to.." books and I think I checked out and read every one of them. In junior high I discovered that I loved to write after a teacher made us keep a journal. At that time in my life an avid writer was born. But its nothing of value, really. Just observations. I got into church at 16 (severely neglected child, I was) and the church took me under their wing. At that point I dove into theology. I challenged ministers, asked questions they couldn't answer. I went on to bible college for two years and then took a trip to Russia for 8 months. After this I almost got a ministerial license but did not feel that it was my calling so I stepped down. By this time (I was building my system) I started to notice some inconsistencies. It took some years (by the way, about relationships: totally non interested till my late twenties, got married to the first man I dated in my adult life at age 28...and now am separated as he turned out to be abusive, but that's another story) and during the earlier years of my marriage (we have been married for 5 years) I realized that the denomination I had invested 16 years into was preaching false doctrine. I left and now am wandering. I gravitate to the churches that are the nearest to what I believe, and I don't make waves. Recently, amidst my separation with my husband I have realized that I have a deep love of science, and in particular: physics. I am contemplating returning to school to major in physics but I have quite an internal conflict about it. I have always felt the need to help people. Maybe this is because of past traumas, abuse and abandonment. But I have come to realize that this exhausts my energy and is extremely difficult for me. It is not my strong point. I would much rather use knowledge to help people rather than directly. Where the guilt comes in, is with physics I can't see any kind of an impact I could make toward humanity from a Christian standpoint. I have thought about majoring in English and then at least I could be influential that way. But to be totally honest, I love science most of all (not more than God, of course). I don't see science in conflict with religion. When I think about physics God is connected to my sense of awe. I constantly am reminded of how He created things in amazing ways! I feel that it draws me closer to Him the same way staring at a starry night should draw anyone closer to him. Yet still, I am struggling with guilt about taking my life in this direction. I was delighted to read that you are a Christian and thought that perhaps you may understand where I am coming from. No one else really seems to get it, and I don't have many people to talk to right now anyway. I would love some advice.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your story. I love that you have a passion that leads you to a deeper understanding of God. That's what we were created to do...to know God and make Him known and we're all going to do that a little bit differently. The response to this post inspired me to start a blog all about being an INTJ woman. It's tough to do it alone, so maybe we don't have to! http://theintjlife.blogspot.com/

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    2. Finally- another girl who hates pink! - another INTJ Christian female

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    3. Hi, I am a broken INTJ who is in a process of accepting myself as God's wonderful Creation as well. Thank you for sharing about your life. It was encouraging.

      In my process of healing, I took a class at my church using a text book called "Making Peace with Your Past(Help for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families)" by Tim Sledge last year and currently taking a class using a text book called "Untangling Relationships(A Christians Perspective on codependency)" by Pat Springle. Both books were excellent for my healing and understanding of myself. You may find it helpful as well.

      Even I married with INFP who is pretty much a great healer, there still is a hard works I have to do to look at myself from God's perspective. I am thankful though that God revealed himself to me. : ) Psalm 40:1-3.

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    4. Good post. The last place I worked we had an actual Myers Brigg expert explain the test and personalities, and she says if you receive different results with the actual real test, its probably because you aren't answering the questions based on your actual true self or you are intentionally prefer another personalty trait & are manipulating the answers to achieve it. She said Christians & woman will often manipulate certain answers because we answer based on what we think we should be versus who we are in real life....also said childhood trauma can lead to multiple results. A good instruction of the test is to tell people to answer it based on their normal behavior when challenged with the given question and not 'mood'....and yes INTJ females are the lowest percentage of any personality.

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  5. To my INTJ Sisterhood...I never realized that my own struggles of feeling displaced and misunderstood were so common for us INTJ women. Of course there aren't many of us, so I haven't met many others to compare life notes with. But, it has been equally encouraging to me to hear your feedback and to know that I'm not alone in my sentiments.

    I encourage you to pursue the passion God has put in your heart. As long as it is led by God, no societal pressures or self-imposed boundaries should stop you. Find a life partner who embraces who you are and is willing to break some of the traditional molds for marriage to let you flourish. Find a Godly community who understands that women are more than wife and mothers in the Kingdom of God and helps develop your gifts to serve the Lord.

    I feel like I'm learning to embrace who God made me, but then don't always know what to do with that...so it's a journey and an unfinished process...but that's what life with Christ is I suppose! If you feel like being yourself most days makes life a constant battle then you're not alone. But, if you are seeking the Lord and following His design for your life, then it is worth it in the end! God didn't make a mistake when He made us the way He did, so embrace what makes you tick and you will have a greater impact on His Kingdom!

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  6. Hello :) I googled "Christian INTJ woman" and your blog post popped up in the search results. I'm a 22 year old INTJ girl & I can totally relate to your experiences too. It's tough being myself when I can obviously see how different I am & how people react towards my "differentness". And yes, I too wonder why God made me the way I am, as a female. I sometimes think it'd be easier being any other type, I dunno. Your words are an encouragement & in recent years, I have felt God telling me to live my design, just the way He has created me to be. It's a struggle most of the time but at the end of the day, it is who I am made to be & the same goes to all of you INTJ sisters. :) And in relation to men, I guess I need to have faith that God has a very understanding & equally unique mate for me too, who'd be able to love me in all my INTJness.

    God bless you & yes, we need more female INTJ Christian role models. :)

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  7. I am so excited! You are a Christian!!!!I recently discovered that I am an INTJ. I use to be a an INFJ but what happened is that God began to mature my emotions. He had me thinking logically about things. As you know the enemy loves to play with the emotions and my emotions was leading me into all kinds of trouble. I have come to realize that I love people but I don't want to work in a setting where I have to be involved in christmas parties, etc. I just don't like to blend my life with co-workers. I am very professional but I am realizing that my professionalism bothers at alot o people. In a extroverted atmosphere, they are touchy feely, all over emotional about things. I am not. I am friendly on the job but I keep my private life away. I find myself interested in computers or egineering where I can use my logical thoughts and put plans in actions. I just hate when I feel that I have to change myself to fits someone else personality to make them finally feel good. And that has happened on the job and its stressful.

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    1. I think it's a life-long journey of maturing and understanding who God made us to be. If you believe the theory behind Myers Briggs (Jung's theory), we are always the same type throughout life, but sometimes it takes us awhile to arrive at a true fit while we figure ourselves out! One thing that God continues to stretch me in is to be ME, but someone who still reflects His love and care for others...which takes me outside of my comfort zone often! Even though I'd rather not have to put priority on relationships (fankly, it'd be a lot easier!), I can't be an active part of the Kingdom of God without them! I think I'll always be working on figuring out the balance, and I think that's OK :).

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  8. Fun post to read. As a part of the INTJ women's club as well, I've personally never thought it was "tough" being an INTJ woman. Granted, I don't shine in ever social setting (100% agree with you on the baby & wedding showers deal!), but I didn't grow up in a community that gave me cause to diminish my gifts or amplify my shortcomings.

    In fact I've never understood the notion that we "feel less" than others. On the contrary, I think it is that we feel so deeply about things that we pull up barriers for our own preservation. We can't all be bleeding hearts, and someone has to be the strong one when things go down hill. *laughs*

    Yes, I tended to hold grudges, demand complete justice at all cost, and sulk at (what I believe to be) undue criticism...But then I'm usually the one to ask questions no one thinks about, see things in a way removed from bias (or as some would say "human emotion"), and use my love of learning as a daily goal to teach and be taught by others.

    I'm proud of being a female INTJ. Even though occasionally I'm tempted to think myself better than others, I know I'm just one tint on the beautiful color-wheel of God's many shades of personalities. And even though we drive each other crazy sometimes, I glad for all the variety. ^-^

    My thoughts on being an INTJ:
    http://paradeofinsanity.blogspot.com/2009/07/intj-or-why-im-weird.html

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  9. It's awesome to know there are others out there like me (even if we are only 0.8 of the population). I am only 13 and have already begun to notice so many differences between me and all the other girls. I hate romantic movies and books, shopping, weddings, etc. I prefer to watch action and horror movies and talk about politics, the Bible, etc. I am also extremely independent and have no desire to marry. I believe God will use me in his own way.

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  10. Your comments have touched me deeply. So very glad to find Christian intj women. I cannot begin to tell of all the struggles I have had in my 54 years but it has been difficult. A lot of rejection betrayal and disappointment. Never finding anyone to confide or connect with yet always trying. Have been a Christina for 25 years. I am finally starting to realize that I am not weird, but unique. Praise God.

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  11. Wow...Here I was thinking that the probability of religious INTJ's was low. Maybe there is some sort of sampling bias related to this blogs advertisement patterns. It might not be desirable, but never the less I hope you all had lots of kids (with other I/ENTP/J's) since personality is probably strongly heritable.

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  12. hELLO.. THANK YOU. i NEEDED TO HEAR WHAT YOU PUT DOWN HERE. iT IS GOOD TO KNOW THERE ARE MORE LIKE ME...

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  13. Wow! Reading these posts I realise I'm not alone. I, too, am an INTJ female. I'm currently almost 40, yet still, I struggle with feeling "un-girly" and socially inept. Sometimes I feel really shy, yet I'm very assertive which throws people off. It seems like I've been given the message all my life that "you're not OK as you are". Just the other day, I described myself to a coworker as a "freak of nature" so I was pretty shocked to see a fellow INTJ describing herself precisely the same way! As far as my faith, I struggle profoundly, especially given the attitude many churches take. It seems that most don't even like introverts, let alone INTJ females. We're supposed to be bubbly, cheerful, huggy, touchy-feely, beams of sunshine-and I'm really, really not. I'm married to a much older man (who is wonderful!) and want no children. My career is in bacteriology, and I love math and science. The level of solitude I crave is almost pathological at times, and I struggle with "not liking people" (another big no-no in the Christian world). There have been times I've wondered if I have Asperger's-but really, I think I'm just an extreme female INTJ who is struggling to find herself and accept herself, even now. I still cannot figure out why God made me this way and I'm so glad I found this blog! What a blessing.

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    1. Made me laugh, your confession about not liking people. God's work cut out for Him: I love to debate, I love to read motives, self-evaluate, analyze, and I adore sharp, hilarious stand-up. Don't know about my mbti, but I can't stand cheesy hallmark movies. Give me hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy and conan o brien over sappy any day. Sorry if I come off as an arrogant prick (disclaimer*) :) I like the honesty. -Megs

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  14. Am 22 an a Christian and INTJ as well, coming to terms with it. I'm already in management and I do my job with vigour but without even knowing why I seem to rub people the wrong way. I love being alone and sometimes I feel lonely this is perhaps my biggest struggle right now... that and shopping!I simply just am not interested in buying clothes.
    Thanks all for sharing

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  15. Awesome post Adria! I've known for well at least 6 years that I was an INTJ, having taken the personality test on a random boring afternoon but never actually looking into it beyond knowing that I was in the 1-2% of the overall range (I even took it a couple months ago and it came back the same..lol just wanted to double check). It always seemed more like a guy's personality to me- as I come off way independent and not prone to being super emotional. Then tonight looking for women INTJ I stumbled upon here :) Definitely an encouragement (since we make up 0.8%). Sometimes in my Christian walk it has seemed at odds with how independent and creative God has created me-but His plans definitely have turned out way better than anything I ever could have hoped for. He's given me a job which I love (doctor) and a passion for others by which I can show His love. I haven't met the man he's planned for me (if it's meant to be)- well one that could stand up to my crazy independence and opinions while also giving me the personal space to be introverted. But I just wanted to encourage you back...because even in this tiny way your ministry and His love shown through. You and yours will be in my prayers (I grew up in the church- mpk) since the life you lead truly requires someone with such a strong personality and love for God. May God bless you in all that you do :)

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  16. Christian, Woman AND INTJ? Me too! And the weird gets all over me all the time.

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  17. Aww I feel like I've finally found friends (but not in 'real life'.. bummer). I struggle with ALL the same things.. I don't get along with other girls AT ALL. I try, but they just don't get me. The thing is though, I think I'm super awesome and I can't figure out why they don't feel the same way about me! I also feel shy most of the time but then I surprise people with how UN-shy I am. I also rub people the wrong way, even when I'm really trying to be nice, loving, and accepting of them. It isn't good.. I can't have ZERO bridesmaids at my wedding! I try to try different methods all the time to blend in.. but trying to carry on an uninteresting and emotionally draining brainless conversation just kills me and I'm not a good liar at all.

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  18. Sorry, but you cannot be an INTJ and have ALL of the characteristics and also be a "Christ-follower." It is non-sensical.

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    1. Thanks for the comment, I love an opportunity to think more deeply about things and your comment certainly made me do that! I actually wrote about it:

      http://theintjlife.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-faith-of-intj.html

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    2. As another Christ-following INTJ, the logical fallacy of Anon's statement annoys me. There are more ways of gathering and processing information than the limitations of the secularly approved scientific method/5 senses. Humans are limited beings--why would any thinking person assume that we are capable of perceiving every truth in the universe through such narrow confines?

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  19. (I accidentally deleted this comment...so I'm posting it here.)

    Ironmistress has left a new comment on your post "I'm an INTJ Woman and a Freak of Nature":

    I am an INTJ woman as well, and I have a most atypical profession for a woman as a metallurgist. What you wrote on INTJ women could describe me just as well - it was as if I had looked on the mirror and seen myself on your text. I have always been somewhat awkward on social situations and never really fitted in, but intellectual pursuits are bread and water to me. I also like sailing, flying, archery, historical re-enactment and other similar activities which combine both intellect and physical performance.

    INTJs make excellent scientists, engineers, researchers and designers because of their analytical approach on life and nature, and because they can compartmentalize their emotions, intuition and reasoning in different niches and work on one at a time. For me, being a woman in an atypical, stereotypically masculine, profession was a natural choice of career. And after all, both the white lab coat and thermal protection suit hide quite well your carnal shell, leaving out only on how you act and behave, not what your form or appearance is.

    If you have seen the TV series "Sherlock", which is about the Sherlock Holmes adventures transferred to modern era, the main character is an INTJ to extreme. Arthur Conan Doyle originally meant Holmes as INTP, but he is more alike INTJ.

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  20. Hi,

    I saw this page and also your INTJ Life blog.

    I know INTJ females often feel like freaks. They face specific challenges.

    On my page on INTJ, which I've linked to, I write about that topic. I hope you'll check it out and share it.

    I've gotten to hear from a lot of INTJ females through that page. There are some great people among them.

    It's also interesting that you are INTJ and religious. I've actually had people tell me before they didn't think an INTJ could be religious but I've met enough INTJ's that are religious to know that isn't the case, necessarily.

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    1. Christianity is really about a relationship with the Creator of the Universe more than a religion, although there are "Christians" that turn it into religion. He gives us wisdom and understanding that science alone can't do. He shows us how to use all that knowledge we INTJ's crave for a higher purpose than just for ourselves.

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  21. my twins...so nice to meet you. Let's connect further. Gretchen Smith. http://www.facebook.com/people/tallartist

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  22. just wanted to chime in a hello... christian woman here, INTJ and fellow freak of nature :) thank you for sharing your thoughts. its good to see a sisterhood on this post.

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  23. I am an INTJ female. I don't think of myself of a freak of nature, but I feel rather extraordinary. I have always noticed that I think in a different, more rational way than most people I have met, no matter if they are older or younger. But I notice that most people come to quick conclusions based on little or no information or reasoning. I have been INTJ all my live, and I have taken the Myers Briggs many times. Its so funny that you view yourself as a freak of nature, and I was talking to a friend at work who discovered he had a very common personality type and was "just like everyone else." He said he wanted to be special! He wanted to be like you and me (and the other INTJ female at my job).

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    1. This. She's right, you're not a "freak of nature."

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  24. It is so nice to hear about other INTJ women, especially ones who are family and religion oriented. I, too, found it comforting to know that I can be "explained" through this test. Now I know I'm not "crazy," just different and that my differences make me special. Sometimes, I think it can be lonely being an INTJ women, especially at a baby shower where everyone is giggling, squealing, and hugging. Thanks for sharing

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  25. As one of those rare INTJ women, I have a hard time believing that an INTJ would deign to believe in the Imaginary. Sorry but I reckon you're full of it.

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  26. I'm an INTJ as well..and not ally INTJ's are atheists or agnostics like that blogger above me..I've been a Christian since forever and didn't change it no matter what school I went to. I think faith is actually the most logical thing we have as human beings.

    I never get along with other girls easily unless they are easy-going. Most women annoy me to death. The clingy-feely type are the WORST to me and I cannot stomach being around them for more than ten minutes..

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  27. I just stumbled upon your blog. Knowing I am an INTJ for several years, I have never meet another woman who is also a Christian. So, very happy to know that there are others in the FON (freak of nature) clik.
    Totally relate what ya'll are saying.

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  28. „I have always been the tall girl, the Christian girl, the homeschooled girl, the girl who didn't drink, the girl with her nose in a book, etc., and if those weren't enough I was the girl who didn't really think or act like a girl.“

    Thank you for this. I found out about Myers Briggs (and INTJ) today. This sentence could be word after word written in my curriculum, even with the homeschooling! :D

    If you heard of tiny country called the Czech Republic, that's the place where I've been living for 20 years. And if you've heard about Václav Klaus, that's our ex-president and the only INTJ person in our country I know about (right now). I liked him a lot ealrier before I KNEW we share the same personality :D

    But even if I am OK with myself, I still get surprised by hearing words like this from fellow student:
    „You know, earlier I thought I would ask you for phone number, but now i realize...“
    „What, you are scared of me?“
    (...) „..yeah.“

    Good luck with people! :)

    Ludmila

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  29. Hey, I just found your other blog. My name is Ruth and I am a believing INTJ woman as well, how delightful it is to find you! I definitely don't fit the female stereotypes, but that doesn't bother me. If it bothers other people, I'm pretty sure that's their problem and not mine ;) since they are obviously wrong and I am right. (Being an INTJ is so TERRIFIC sometimes, don't you think?)

    Don't worry about the forging a new path thing, eh, sister? Sounds like you are doing good things! "If the whole body were an eye," and whatnot...God made each of us, and as you are no doubt aware, every "type" has its own strengths and gifts, and since we are sinful, its own potential pitfalls. God is good and does what He wants.

    Thanks so much for your blogs. Fun read!

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  30. I, too, am a INTJ Christian woman. I have struggled for years with who I am, spent so much time in prayer asking God to change me, and have finally come to realize that God made me the way I am for a reason. The area I live in is very clannish and I am not from here, I am very different from all the other women (as you well know). God has placed me where I am so that I can see how isolated and alone Jesus must have felt when He was on earth. I have a new found respect for who I am and now carry the INTJ personality with honor. I'm so glad that I found this post. Thank you!

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  31. lol you sound like an esfp...this coming fr. an intj x 100. no offense , being humorous

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  32. This is a great blog. After reading the posts, I will find some strength through my faiith. I've always felt awkward, a rarity, alien, etc. I've even gone to the extremes of attempting to strengthen my E, S, F and P with no success. So I've proven that God has indeed made me this way. Today, I will embrace being an INTJ and see what happens. Thanks.

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  33. Thank you for the blog and posts. I just did the test again after many years and whaddaya know- INTJ! Fascinating. That explains some of the sense of rejection over the years. Now I can let that go, it will take some work tho. In the meantime, maybe you gals can help me, I would LOVE to have FAITH! Where does GOD exist for you? How can I reconcile having belief, when I cannot FEEL or rationalize GOD. I have studied science and physics and medicine and the universe and the more we learn the more there is mystery, is that God? I would love to have this comfort. I cannot stand organized religions and "rules" and "rituals". I cannot stand Church gatherings and boring teachings and lectures. I love the teachings of Jesus does that make me a Christian? I love Buddha's teachings on the mind, does that make me a Buddhist? I can see miracles in creation and the infinite complexity- is that God? Can quiet appreciation of that complexity be my faith? I don't feel like an atheist tho either. I have 2 young kids and I don't know what to tell them. Any heart warming words of advice? Thanks!

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    1. Those are great thoughts. Thanks for sharing. I've struggled my fair share with frustration towards the church and trying to grapple with the reality of God. What I've come to understand over the years is that if there was a way for me to rationalize God, He wouldn't be God. Faith in Jesus is completely that...faith that the testimonies of the apostles, as told in the Bible, are true. I love Christ, I want to live my life for Him, I know I can do nothing good without Him...that is what makes me a follower of Jesus. My pastor, Dr. Davis, taught on our need to not argue and rationalize Christ, but accept on faith, in a great sermon you can listen to here http://tumimedia.org/index.php?option=com_biblestudy&view=studydetails&id=489. I'll pray that the Lord meets you as you seek truth.

      I also understand working through feelings of rejection, etc. I still struggle from time to time with feeling so different that I feel alone...but the more I accept who God made me to be and make an effort to reach out to others as He has made them, it gets better. Blessings.

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  34. I am happy to hear thoughts from other female Christian INTJs! Thanks! I have known about Myers Briggs since 1999 when my personality was different----I was extroverted. But at some point I kept coming out INTJ and have accepted it. I spent a good number of years really learning the Word of God and worked at being TRANSFORMED by it.

    I am still an INTJ but I have found that less of the 'weaknesses' of the personality apply to me now. People can easily mistake me for being an extrovert when they first meet me because I come off friendly.....I just can't be socializing all the time, I love my alone time. Even on a highway I try to find the sense of being alone by driving past the traffic or slowing so that its not congested at all.

    I think every one of the 16 personality types has its strengths and weaknesses yet as Christians we all have the same commandments and instructions. God knew about this. What I am saying is you can be what God says and still maintain your uniqueness.

    My biggest question is WHAT type of man marries 'us'? I feel like I've managed to scare off so many of them, and it's not by being cold and unfriendly, but just by being me. I love who I've become in God and I make no apology for it......most men seem to be intimidated by that confidence.

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  35. How can intelligent intj believe in God...bizarre!

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  36. TO AnonymousAugust 7, 2013 at 7:10 AM
    It's because we ARE intelligent so we believe in God, duh!
    Only a moron pathetic irrational person who don't.

    To Adria, it's nice to read your personal story. It feels really comforting to have someone similar since I feel like I am an alien to this world for a long time, LOL.

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  37. Herp...derp.

    INTJs can't remain christian. I look forward to your first post as an atheist.

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  38. Ah yes. I took that test also with Chris Thomas and I believe that was EXACTLY my result also. What you wrote echoed with me 100%..which is why I never had girlie girl friends growing up and even now don't easily form "just because" relationships with other women. Most of my relationships I have forged with women in my community are cause-oriented. Meaning I am in their lives as a result of a bigger reason. Since I'm a Certified Health coach it usually involves helping someone get healthy. I can only talk casually with others in light conversational banter of "how is the weather" and "I like your blouse" because I have intentionally developed that skill so as to put others at ease. If I wore my mind on my sleeve they would see I care not about the weather OR their clothing but am aching to get to something deeper, and QUICK. Such as philosophy. Such as our place in the world. You know, the stuff that makes MY internal world make sense.

    Thanks for posting this, Adria!

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  39. Greetings to everybody... I've just come across this site while searching for information about my personality type. I have done the test multiple times and it seems that I'm an intj female as well.Never accepted for who I am,always having to deal with others telling me I'm not normal,I'm odd,alien,strange...The story of my life...Since junior high school I couldn't understand other girls and connect with them as was supposed to...Feeling lonely,misunderstood,angry,psychopath most of the time....It has been a long way to be where I am today.I have always been single,never found anyone who could understand and accept me for who I am. We, intjs, are a huge challenge and most men don't bother with us.We threaten their sense of identity,since most of them aren't self-confident enough to deal with us.But after a huge struggle with men and women alike,I have come to terms with being me,not willing to change in order to be liked and accepted. The ones who make the trouble to understand us, devoid of preconceived notions,deserve a place in our hearts...As far as others are concerned,we will just endure their presence and realize that it's not their fault that they cannot understand.They are just wired differently. Embrace and love yourselves my fellow kindred spirits and believe that God has a plan for everything and everyone,even if we don't quite get it sometimes....

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  40. Adria and all, I loved finding your Christian INTJ woman blogs and it helps me not feeling so alone! Thankfully, God is faithful to fill our hearts, just the way He made us! At 55, God has helped me understand my personality so I can help loved ones know how I function best, and I can also try to understand where they are coming from. This honesty revolutionized some relationships when I could finally understand myself and explain it to others. We then had a basis for dialoguing about how to find a win-win situation, such as whether seven of us were going to pack into a van for a 6 hour drive both ways after a long, hard week to visit an ill relative (trapped in a van--a nightmare for me!). Thanks to everyone on this blog for identifying yourself and encouraging each other.

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  41. As an INTJ man I totally understand how you feel. I too am a follower of Christ and never fit in with nearly anyone. I am also tall 6'5" and always thought there was something wrong with me too, until I took the mbti which was scary accurate. So many questions would be answered if people would just read the entire Bible.

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  42. INTJ's are supposed to be the least likely to believe in God. This is because they are very logical. The problem people have is that everyone's belief system, even the atheist, is based on faith. No one wants to admit it because the implications are vast. God is the most logical option when considering the probability of existence, the complexity of cellular biology which scientists do not completely understand, the overwhelming historical documentation that the Bible is true, the complete system of belief which answers every major question ( who, what, where,why, how, of existence), and the fact that science cannot make a judgment about the existence of God because God is not emperically observable and repeatable.

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  43. I can only speak for my self, but hopefully within this forum there is identification between INTJ females (males, too, for that matter). With that being said... I was feeling lonely today. Which I'm sure you can relate is very sparse and almost foreign, the 'feeling' of loneliness (or at least the acknowledgement thereof). After stumbling, by supernatural coincidence, onto this blog my spirit has been encouraged and uplifted. The truth is, being this rare form of processor, we are most oft times beside ourselves. Being able to hold an in-depth conversation with those around us is like stumbling upon an enchanted jewel, otherwise undiscovered. It is these 'unspeakable' connections that keep us engaged. They are rare, and extremely treasured. I was fortunate to learn at a very young age that God, in all of His 'unspeakable' sovereignty, is more real than most people like to admit. I believe INTJ's have a special place among the harvester's in the fields of God's finished work. I believe this because Jung was onto something profound in his work, there is a finished work that lives within every personality. A completion, if you will. A completion of work that comes easily to the INTJ. A finished work that we are easily able to partake in the resting of. And since The Word of God eludes to earthly labor only consisting of entering into this place of rest, we INTJ's have sort of an advantage. I would like to think the author of this blog, and the many commentators for bringing this back into my remembrance this morning. I was 'feeling' lonely. Now, I feel much more at rest, and unique. Praise God for His Son, and His Perfected Work that has been completed on our behalf! ~Jess

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  44. I have found that social norms have been established by extroverts. We get our power from establishing our own set of norms by respecting our identity and not someone else's. Don't be bullied by ignorance.

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  45. Wow. I've known I was an ITNJ for multiple years now (I'm a freshman in college), but it took me awhile to connect that with why I feel different and lonely among other girls. I thought I wasn't being Godly enough because I didn't enjoy childcare or baby sitting. Or that I wasn't dreaming of children at 18...I know girls who see the love of Christ in joyful children and raising them. Me, on the other hand - I find that I appreciate God for different things like science and theories. And that's okay. Maybe I'm not emotional and obsessed with cute kids...but I can admire the Lord's handiwork on this universe. And I can still follow Him and let Him live through me. For awhile I felt like something was wrong with me as a typical human and as a Christian woman - but today I found your post and realized that I'm not alone. And we were made this way. Jesus loves us just the same :) What a peaceful reminder. I'm glad that there are other women out there like me. Thanks for sharing

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  46. I never really connected my INTJness with my Christian walk...so thanks for making me not feel so outcast about it. I always am thinking I don't do things the same way everyone else does and does that mean God loves me less? I know He doesn't, He made me who I am...but He probably scratches His head sometimes. :)

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  47. Dear Adria: Thank you so much for this post. I am a 19-year-old INTJ female, and like you, I am also Christian. Like you, I have been considered "different/weird" for so long that it's become an indelible part of my identity ("you're homeschooled," "you're Christian," in my case sometimes "you talk funny", etc). Amongst many of my Christian friends, I stick out amongst my female peers because while many of them are perfectly content to say "all I want to be is a wife and mother," I'm not quite as happy saying the same thing. My response would be: "OK, but how do you provide for yourself if, heaven forbid, something happens to your husband and you didn't put in the time to acquire a marketable skill set?" Additionally, there seems to be a predominance of extraverts/feelers in many Christian circles (ESFJs and similar types come to my mind) that make people with more reserved/'thinking" tendencies feel out of place at times. That said, however, I can't reconcile myself with the "all INTJs have to be atheist" stereotype...just doesn't fit my view of MBTI, which is religion-blind.
    Bottom line, I feel a lot less alone. Thanks for sharing these thoughts with us.

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    1. Thanks for your post! I had no idea when I wrote it that it would connect me to so many like-minded INTJ sisters! It is encouraging to me as well.

      In regards to life in the church, I highly recommend Introverts in the Church by Adam McHugh, if you haven't read it already. It talks about some of the very same things you mention and was so affirming for me in the way I express my faith and service.

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    2. Cool! I'll look into it. Thanks!

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  48. Hi Adria,
    I just came across your blog looking for a few answers. I've been desperately trying to find Christian girls that are INTJs. I can't hardly find any articles, but reading yours and all these comments, I know I'm not alone. I kept wondering, how could a personality type define religious belief? But it doesn't. That's just it.

    I am 17 and going into my senior year. I definitely am always the 'different' one. I used to be schooled, I'm just not girly either. I've never dated or kissed any boy. I've been told I'm intimidating and rude so many times, I can't remember how many. While I love my alone time, nobody likes to be lonely, but I was. At least I know there's other like me out there though. I hope to meet a few someday.

    If I could somehow personally email or message you, I have a few questions that are kinda personal, I guess. It's really just about my faith and God. I just want somebody who thinks in a similar way as myself, logically and rational, and maybe has eve been put in the same situations. Based on this article, I can very much relate.

    Hope to hear something soon!
    M.A.

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    1. Thanks for your comment. It has been encouraging to hear from so many others with the same struggles that I have always dealt with! I am on Facebook, so feel free to add me on there and I'd love to chat more.

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  49. Good morning Adria - I, too, am a Christian, female INTJ. I wanted to ask you some further questions regarding that unique interaction, however I'm trying to figure out how to contact you directly (I don't use Facebook, alluding to reply to someone's post in August). How can I go about doing this? Thanks!

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  50. Hi there - I emailed you a couple of weeks ago (to your Facebook email address). Not sure if you received my email? Thanks. A

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  51. INTJs, like all other personality types, carry traits that can either propel us into greatness or keep us away from it. We have to allow God to make us a constant version of our best selves. This takes honesty, a willful heart, discipline, and continual effort. One we focus our mind on this road, beautiful things happen. Our time in solitude is intensified by knowing this is how God chooses to use us. From there, all of our idiosyncrasies that used to concern and limit us become tools that God uses to show His glory to us and others.
    Know who you are and be that proudly!

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  52. "I have always been the tall girl, the Christian girl, the homeschooled girl, the girl who didn't drink, the girl with her nose in a book, etc., and if those weren't enough I was the girl who didn't really think or act like a girl."
    Are you my evil twin or am I yours?? Eh, probably me. I drink. 4oz of wine over the course of an hour on a full stomach because I don't enjoy disorienting side-effects of alcohol. XD

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  53. My question still remains: I know that i am an INTJ and I realize that I don't do well with female settings. So, I have been trying to stay away form these females. But, I have to say, I don't have any choices now that I am part of a church and I am part of the moms group. I don't know how to deal with them and they don't know what to do with me. I don't know what it is that makes them feel like I am such an enemy in the state. Now, I do have a lot of questions of why they do things. Like why do you dress up when you are just going to grocery shopping? Why do you need to dress up and put 9 oz of makeup when you are not trying to attract other men and your husband is happily married to you? Or, emotional or identity issues like I went through when I was 14. Anyway, I do' know who to deal with them.
    It'll be wonderful to know if anyone know how.

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  54. I am a INTJ female. Thank you for bringing the topic of being a female INTJ who is a lover and disciple of Jesus Christ to the table! I think it's a natural fit for a spiritual INTJ to be prophetic and wired for all verities of heavenly Visions and supernatural encounters. I have befriended two other women over the years who are Christian INTJ's and we all spoke if same ease and natural God given ability to See into the unseen realms. As a strong woman I was automatically encouraged in church to join the women's prayer group. At my first meeting I was appalled by the lack of freedom and intensity in which the woman prayed. I was not expecting a circle of women who's prayers were more like gossip then effective. (Lord, help so and so find a job sone... instead of... Lord, uniquely you made so and so and you placed your god-given ability talents and personality in so and so. Stir up heavens atmosphere over so and so. We declare that where ever Your child's feet tread they will have favor from heaven. Lead them courageously down a clearly Lighted path so that they may occupy there destiny that You have planned for them in your Kingdom...or something like that.) Frustrated, I joined a more seasoned group of prayer intercessors and was meet with a whole nother set of problems I won't go into. So I have settled for my own powerful prayer closet but at times I find it lonely because I wish I could share all the wonderful insights that the Holy Spirit reveals. Is it me, or do others see this too? I can't help but wonder if male prayer groups are any better? If course we women INTJ's will never know because lord forbid women and men can pray in a group! By the way, my husband loves it when I pray and has committed how men in his prayer group could learn from me. I find his comments interesting because 'woman groups' refuse any change and his suggestion make me wonder if men would be more open to improvements? Anyhow, thanks for letting me vent.

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