The ISFJ personality is the most abundant of all the Myers-Briggs types. They make up roughly 13% of the world’s population.
Even though not technically a rare personality type, ISFJs embody a unique combination of shining traits. They are introverted, yet naturally social. They are logical, yet compassionate. They are perfectionistic, yet unfailingly patient with those they care about.
Of all the personality types, ISFJs are the embodiments of kindness, and humbleness. When it comes to giving, ISFJs have no equal.
My relative is an ISFJ. I only found out about this recently, when she took the test. She works in a hospital, which is the perfect position where an ISFJ can flourish!
I’m constantly amazed at how much energy, and pure goodness ISFJs have in store for people. They give so much. It’s simply astonishing to me, an INFJ, how generous an ISFJ personality is.
Every act of kindness makes the difference
Correct me if I’m wrong, but this could be the official anthem for ISFJs. Every introvert personality is kind, however the ISFJ personality takes this to a whole other level. Generosity and a desire to help are deeply rooted into the very being of ISFJs.
Using imagination and the sheer desire to make a difference, ISFJs will cross oceans if it will help someone feel better. This creates a situation where they can forget about themselves. When deeply immersed in helping others, ISFJs often disregard their own well-being.
No obstacle is too big when an ISFJ decides to offer assistance, and attention. Their humble nature allows them to fully focus on the well-being of others. Sensitivity makes them appreciative and courageous.
The ISFJ personality will protect you, no matter what
When an ISFJ befriends you, there is nothing to fear. Throw the fear in the trash can, because you have the best protection available. Some personality types are also called protectors, but ISFJs are the “guardians”.
The best way to understand an ISFJ, is by imagining a hospital nurse, who always makes the time to ask, “How are you feeling?”
Their ability to connect, while staying humble and caring is mind-blowing! They are the foundation of family, and friendships. ISFJs don’t like being in the spotlight. Instead they will motivate you to be the best version of yourself, so that you can shine.
They underplay their achievements so others shine
ISFJs will help everyone they can, even at the cost of their own happiness. They love when their kindness is acknowledged, but only if it doesn’t jeopardize their humble nature.
Naturally social, they establish wonderful connections right from the start. This gives them the opportunity to show their good nature early on.
However, ISFJs sometimes forget that they too need respect and understanding. This is a bi-product of their people oriented nature. If their kindness and desire to help is rejected, they withdraw. Deeply touching the heart of the one they cherish is the greatest achievement for an ISFJ.
Stable and reliable with no exceptions
When it comes to trust, ISFJs set the standard. You can tell them everything, even your deepest secret. They will never leave you, and will always be there to help.
Of course, ISFJs have their limits. As long as you respect that they care so deeply, you will have a friend for life.
ISFJs will support you as long as you accept them for who they are. Always be open towards their honest desire to give. Trust me, you will receive presents from an ISFJ pretty often. This is just one of the many ways they show they care.
Appreciate and accept them for who they are, give them the feedback they deserve. Rarely will you meet someone who cares for you even more than they do themselves. This is exactly what being an ISFJ is all about. ☺
Famous ISFJs:
Halle Berry
Vin Diesel
Beyonce
Tiger Woods
Mitt Romney
Bruce Willis
Queen Elizabeth II
Anne Hathaway
Selena Gomez
Samwise Gamgee (for the LOTR fans)
Dr. Watson (and for the Sherlock Holmes fans)
Lance Reddick
Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts about his kind, and gentle personality in the comments below! ☺
Love,
Marko
This article brightened my day! Earlier this week someone made a negative comment about my introverted nature. This article reminded me of my introverted strengths!
I am so happy to hear that this article made you feel this way Amy! 🙂 You have an wonderful personality, remember that. 🙂
I am an ISFJ and I am so glad about this article.I too, was wondering why there seem to be a lot of IN than IS on introvert sites.
The article described me to the tee so thanks .
Thank you Londiwe for your kind words. You are most welcome! 🙂
hi, I am an ISFJ personality type
Hi Heather! I’m glad to hear that. 🙂
This was beautiful.i’m an INFP with a relative who shows characteristics of an ISFJ.
I saw her in a few of the qualities/traits you mentioned,like her generosity and modesty.
And she’s got great memory,which i think that type tends to have.
Thank you Kaven! Glad you liked the article, and thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
Very much spot on. Thank you for this. Made me understand myself better and why I act this way.
You are most welcome Kim! I’m happy to hear this article helped you to better understand yourself. 🙂 Thank you so much for your lovely words!
Great article! I loved it. I’m a fellow ISFJ too and pretty much an expert in MBTI, if I do say so myself. I’ve been studying it and practicing typing fictional characters in a Tumblr blog for four years now, and I have to say it’s a good description of how healthy high Fe, being more specific (Extroverted Feeling, the auxiliary function in ISFJs) is towards others. While it would require a much longer article (or more than one) to explain the functional stack of an ISFJ extensively and its possible influence in behavior, it at least provides an overlook of common behavior patterns, virtues and strengths in ISFJs, which is good too.
As for the question why there doesn’t seem to be any IS types around here I’ve seen asked in Michaela’s email, I have two answers:
One is they might be busy with other activities that better cater to their sensory necessities, (which doesn’t happen to be my case) or have other hobbies that don’t involve personality theories or blogs or dedication to them. For all I know, IS types tend to be active in sensory fields like arts and sports. Despite I also know some of them are interested in this kind of thing because in the blog I work in we receive collaborations from a wide range of types, ISs among them, this can qualify as a reason.
Second is many of the IN types might actually be IS types, because tests (despite they can offer an useful framework to work with and a general idea and I use them myself for orientation purposes) aren’t often reliable enough when it comes to real typing, which basically is analyzing the type and its functions and figuring out what functions you use the most and how they affect your overall cognitive process, which isn’t easy, to say the least. I understand people who aren’t too interested in MBTI doesn’t take the time to self-analyze themselves in this way, but if they decide to do it, just so they know it’s a powerful tool to understanding oneself and others and totally worth it. It has helped me realize how similar yet different to other people of the same type or types I thought I might be I can be and how an extremely smart person, who could very well be an intuitive and a thinker, which could also be because of Enneagram but that’s a different story entirely, (I’ve traditionally tested as an intuitive and thinker when I started learning this theory; only when I finally learned what type I am by thoroughly analyzing the types could I truly test as the type I actually am) can be a traditionally considered as mostly people-oriented ISFJ, who protects her loved ones dearly but isn’t that much social and has a very hard time making friends.
So, to finish, my point with all of this was to share a bit of my MBTI knowledge and experience with all of you, dear innies. I hope it serves its purpose. I also wanted to add I love this blog; it has taught me a lot of things about introverts and helped me feel better about myself. Keep up the good job!
Thank you so much Rose, for everything that you wrote here, really! I learned so much just by reading this, so thank you! 🙂
Thank you so much.. this article makes me feel good.
Male ISFJ here , very well written, well done
Yes that is so true what you wrote about, “every act of kindness makes the difference.” I completely believe that! And I am an ISFJ ? I always loved that saying, it’s the little things in life that matter… Showing kindness to other people and loving God (since I am a Christian)… Thanks for the article!
How can some people be honestly, earnestly soooo cool? In my next life, I want to come back as an ISFJ! Truly adorable traits – lucky y’all – totally envious of you.
I’m an INFJ and my older sister is an ISFJ. I really think that she’s the nicest person I’ve ever met! I really love this personality, and my love for them increased after I watched a Turkish tele no vila about a girl who agreed to become a surrogate to a rich couple to pay for her sister’s surgery and to let her mother out of jail. The name of the show is kaderimin yazıldığı Gün. The heroine’s character is similar to ISFJs.
Go ISFJs !