15 January, 2010

E with a strong I shadow

Way back when we were applying to OMF International to go overseas, we had to see a Psychologist and have a personality profile, among other things, done. My Myers-Briggs came out as ENFP with strong I and J shadows. It amazed me at the time because I'd always thought myself to be an introvert - something that most people who knew me were amazed at, because they'd always pegged me as an extrovert. The 'shadow' thing is interesting. Today I've been feeling the I shadow. We've had lots of people over the last few weeks and I've been loving it. Just last night David had to drag me away from a party when it was getting too late for the boys. This afternoon, though, I've felt like I want to go and crawl into a shell for a little while. Good thing we now have a 'just us' holiday coming up. Well planned! You may not hear a lot from me in the next fortnight. But no fear, I'll be back, all refreshed and ready to go!

6 comments:

Simone R. said...

We should present fairly similarly - I'm an ENTP. Suspect we don't because of your J shadow. I have no J what so ever.

Anonymous said...

No way are you an introvert. :) But still, the fact that you always felt like an introvert is a good sign that you can't peg people into boxes...you probably are an introvert in many ways!

Wendy said...

I think I'd confused shyness with introversion. I am actually quite shy. Also, I am not really an up-the-front person, either. I'd observed those kinds of people - those who'll talk to anyone and those who are happy to stand up and lead and decided they were extroverted and I wasn't. Turns out my definition was not quite right. Also missed the understanding that there are degrees of extroversion and those I'd pegged as extroverts were probably on the extreme end.

Tim and Susan said...

I have heard that if you are an "extravert" then you are energied with being WITH if you are an "introvert" then you are energized with being ALONE.

Shy and outgoing are different altogether...

I am a shy, boarderline extravert. I think in our ministry with constant people (and kids at home too) I get peopled-out quick....

Wendy said...

Trouble is, I get energy in both places. I get tired of people and need space. But other times I'm craving adults to talk to.

Footprints Australia said...

Hi Wendy, same thing happened to me, I was surprised to find I was an ESFJ. See, for years I thought I was an "I" (introvert) - I am a writer after all! But what I have learnt is that not all writers are "I"s and we can't just put people including ourselves in a box.

Also, I think for many years particularly as a youngster, I adopted the "I" personality to avoid trouble as I came from an abusive home. I learnt fast to keep quiet to stay out of harm's way.

It's only as I've gotten older that I've felt free to be me!!!!

love Janet xxx