I like putting things into categories. I get the impression most people do. I also love psychology. So when someone sends me a link to a free psychological profiler, I find it difficult to ignore. Most of these tests go on to recommend career paths based on your personality type, which ideally would help me narrow down what areas I might like to do post-graduate/misc study in once my partner finishes his degree.

I’ve done the Myers-Briggs personality test three or four times in my life. When I was a teen, I came out as an INTP – a quiet thinker whose perspective leans towards the holistic, and likes to work with facts and logic. These days my score comes out as INFP and INFJ. I usually score right down the middle when it comes to Judging versus Perceiving, which seems pretty accurate to me. Both INFP and INFJ are described as being the “Idealist” personality type in the Keirsey Temperament sorter.

Recommended careers? Psychologist, nurse, writer, counsellor, nutritionist, systems analyst, missionary, vet… amongst many others. Well, that narrows it down!

“These people are idealistic, self-sacrificing, and somewhat cool or reserved. They are very family and home oriented, but don't relax well. High capacity for caring. High sense of honour derived from internal values.” <- I generally avoid excessive displays of emotion unless I’m utterly overwhelmed, but when I talk to someone I’m genuinely interested in learning about them (I find small talk a waste of time, though I understand its purpose).

“Occurring in only about one percent of the population, [INFP] can easily feel isolated. They value harmony and integrity in human relationships, but often find these values to be out of step with the more concrete pursuits of the rest of the world. Feeling "different," they may wonder whether something is wrong with them.” <-Hello, teenage years!

Apparently INFP/INFJ types represent 1% of the population each. So 2% of the world is on the same wavelength as me. I’M SO ALONE.

Any other people out there reading this who get the INFP/J result? I’m curious. AND ALONE.