ISFJs make very compassionate company. With Introverted Sensing (Si) as their primary function, otherwise known as subjective sensation, and Extroverted Feeling (Fe) as their secondary function, otherwise known as objective ethics, ISFJs are usually in their heads or spending time with friends and loved ones. They are a naturally submissive personality and can be very easy going. Their moods are slow moving and not easily changed. With Si as their primary function, there is always a sort of homeostasis the ISFJ is striving to maintain, both emotionally, and physically.

They are very reflective and in the moment. Being introverts, they are prone to melancholy when by themselves, and their art can reflect this sort of lost emotional state. They often feel completely satisfied when they have someone they can take care of, and fully apply their nurturing qualities. With Extroverted Feeling, ISFJs usually hang out in larger groups of friends, and their circles of friends are fairly dynamic. When angered, an ISFJ can become passive aggressive and biting, but this is usually short lived, as they do not want to stay this way for long, and resume their state of tranquility. This state of tranquility and stillness energizes the ISFJ. When a TV is broken, it needs to be fixed because, “its supposed to be working.” In a way, Si can often give an appearance of Te as, “this is the way it is.” But that is not the case, it simply has to do with their expectation of what constitutes the equilibrium point in all facets of life.

With extroverted intuition (Ne) and introverted thinking (Ti) as their lowest functions, ISFJ’s will sometimes show their creative and eccentric flare, appearing to act like an ENTP. Deep down, ISFJ’s are often scientists of their own body. Experimenting with different types of foods, drugs, everything. They take great care of their bodies, and it is not uncommon to find an ISFJ who is striving to reach perfection with nutritional supplements, and experimenting with the effects of these supplements. ISFJs are often master cooks, and make great nutritionists.

Physically, ISFJs can appear rather closed off, or very open. Regardless, they are very friendly and accepting individuals. They have no problem welcomming you into the group, but can be off put if you tear the predictable group dynamic apart or change it. In most cases, ISFJs will have a friend in every clique, and they will alternate between cliques. ISFJs will also focus on the efforts of others too far, to the point that they have no time to develop themselves. They might accept too much work from others to the point that they become overwhelmed. Their eyes have a lazy dreamy quality to them.

Overall, ISFJs are secretly eccentric, but outwardly tranquil and friendly. Their constant focus on tranquility and predictability, can often alienate them from their own creative genius, and they can spend too much time unmotivated to change the course of their lives or experience the world. The ISFJ needs someone who is fun, adventurous, and adds an element of chaos into their life, but also needs the ISFJs care and can satisfy the ISFJs nurturing needs. The ISFJs best match is the ENTP.

Common identities include: The caregiver, the companion, the tagalong, the cook, the aesthetic connoisseur, the lazy hedonist.

Recommended Careers: Construction, Catering, Chef, Nutritionist, Nature guide, historian, personal trainer, counsellor, expedition guide, Musician, Singer.

Commonly mistype as: ISFP, INFJ, ISTP, ISTJ, ENFJ

Common Enneagram Typings: 1 2 6 9

Famous ISFJs include: Johnny Depp, Tiger Woods, Barry White, Kirk Hammett, Lindsay Sterling, Dido, Geraldine Chaplin, Bjork.

Fictional ISFJs include: Rex (Toy Story), Winnie the Pooh, Watson (Sherlock Holmes)