ISFPs (introverted, observant, feeling, and perceiving) are peaceful, caring and open individuals. They stand on their own two feet and will carve their path in the world, being entirely happy with living by their own set of rules and ideals, and not just content with following what people have done before. An ISFP's hidden creativity will take many people by surprise as they are modest in their quiet achievements and will harness their imaginative creativity as an expressive outlet. ISFPs are in touch with other people's feelings as much as they are with their own, instinctually seeing what lies just beneath the surface in their friends and family.
principles
ISFPs are independent and creative. Their demeanour is often so serene that others may be surprised to learn, upon getting to know them, that they have rich inner lives. Playful and observant, they are sometimes nicknamed 'the adventurer’ and ‘the innocent’.
People with the ISFP-type personality are:
• Quietly empathetic with a gentle way of accepting and nurturing others
• Curious observers and spontaneous explorers
• Low need for structure, indifference to rules
• Playful and creative, readily bond with children and animals
• Particularly drawn to nature and art
strengths
kind-hearted and empathetic
Stepping into another's shoes comes naturally to ISFPs. They have a strong appreciation for each person's individual experiences and feel that it's important to nurture each person's growth along their unique path in life.
adaptable and open-minded
ISFPs value peace and harmony. They are often willing consider and accept other points of view.
carefree attitude
ISFPs savour the present moment and don't worry much about the future. They are known for creating a comfortable atmosphere where old friends and new acquaintances alike feel free to relax and be themselves.
creative problem solvers
They have an innate ability to sense how things work, what goes together and what doesn't. They are hands-on learners who feel things through, figuring out how to do something by doing it.
weaknesses
sensitive to criticism
No one knows better than an ISFP how words can wound. They prefer to drop gentle and unobtrusive hints which can easily be missed or confused by types who are less oriented to non-verbal communication. They avoid criticising others and have a tendency to take feedback more personally than it may have been intended.
undervalue themselves
Quiet, gracious, and at times self-effacing, ISFPs can be overlooked and overpowered by others, especially in competitive environments. Their sense of privacy and focus on others often leads to their gifts being overlooked.
difficult understanding and enforcing rules and limits
Experience-oriented ISFPs don't often see in black and white. If they can identify numerous different ways to reach a goal, they are likely to choose a path that is interesting and aesthetically pleasing over the one specified in the rulebook. Others may see them as impulsive or easily distracted.
indecisiveness
ISFPs make decisions based on how they feel. They know that feelings are unpredictable and always changing. This is why it can be difficult to commit to one course of action or plan.
friendships
ISFPs are very interested in getting to know people. They’re fascinated by all of the diverse ways of being. They accept differences easily and enjoy living vicariously through others. While immersing themselves in the lives of interesting new friends, they guard their own hearts with care. They are likely to develop a charming persona as a way to protect their inner lives, about which they are very private.
ISFPs don't usually go out of their way to pursue new friendships. They do often have a playful, open-hearted nature that attracts new friends. They tend to create relaxed and aesthetically pleasing environments where others feel welcome and free to be themselves. Once they've opened up to trusted friends, advice on how they could do things differently, no matter how well-intentioned can lead to hurt feelings. Everyone is entitled to their own quirk.