when it comes to introversion/extroversion, does "opposites attract" apply?

[salparadise]

We all use both our intuition and our rational side, but there's always a dominant one. [...] It can take years to figure out MB, requires tons of reading and interest... but I think it's worth it!

I am not sure if I buy into all of it and putting people into boxes but it is interesting. It's used at work a lot so it must have some merit. I am not sure how some people seem to have this ability to identity types just in [passing].

 

 

 

Yes, we all use all of our functions, but in different orders or to different degrees, and in an extroverted or introverted manner. This produces what is known as the stacking order, which is unique to each type, but also shows how certain types relate to each other more than others.

 

Some explanation of functions and stacking order might be helpful to Rayce and others who are interested. Think of personality as light. At first glance everyone looks like white light... but MBTI is like a prism that breaks the light into it's components such that we can classify and observe differences. But unlike light, the components of personality are ordered differently in different personalities. Sixteen types, sixteen combinations of function order.

 

The middle two letters represent the functions: N/S (intuition - sensing), and T/F (thinking - feeling). Each can be either introverted or extroverted in their expression depending on the last letter P/J. N/S is the perceiving function. This is how we acquire information, and therefore how we experience the world. T/F is the judging function, or how we process the information (that we perceive), which usually determines how we react.

 

So, the P/J tells you whether your perceiving (N/S) or judging (T/F) function is extroverted (expressed outwardly), and the other is introverted by default.

 

The first letter, the E/I tells you whether your extroverted or introverted function is dominant or auxiliary. The stacking order is dominant-auxiliary-tertiary-inferior. The tertiary will be the opposite of the auxiliary function, and the inferior is the opposite of the dominant. The extroverted/introverted characteristic (e/i) alternates.

 

So for an ENFP it breaks down like this: 1. they are perceivers (P), so then N is extroverted. 2. they are extroverted, so the Ne is dominant. 3. the F is introverted Ni, and auxiliary - second in the stack. Ne, Fi.

 

The tertiary and inferior functions are ordered like a reflection of the first two and are the inverse functions. So for the ENFP, the tertiary is extroverted thinking Te, and the inferior is introverted sensing Si. The complete stacking order for ENFP is: Ne, Fi, Te, Si.

 

The most widely accepted theory is that the best matches share the same dominant function, but with the opposite expression (e/i).

 

The INTJ stacking order is: Ni, Te, Fi, Se. So both being dominant N, one Ne and the other Ni, is said to allow these two types to relate like yen and yang. The same will probably be true for other combinations... view stacking chart

 

Although it seems to me that there is something kind of special about sharing iNtuition as the dominant function. It's like you have this indescribable sense of abstraction and knowing things without knowing why, and then find someone else who inherently gets it. Different in interesting ways, yet so alike in terms of thought and awareness. I can't imagine that two people noticing crumbs on the counter produces a similar feeling Like, hey that is so amazing the you noticed the crumbs too!

 

I am not sure how some people seem to have this ability to identity types just in [passing]

 

Not surprisingly, for me it's at first an intuitive sense of knowing, then confirmed with logic. For you (Rayce) it would probably be linear thinking first, followed by an intuitive sense that you got it right or not. That's the beauty of understanding types––when you can see how other people perceive and process, you can relate better and be less judgmental about the differences.

Edited January 15, 2019 by salparadise

[Rayce]

Thank you that was really interesting. I am very visual and I really enjoyed your link. So back in the day I was very knee jerk about things and jumping to conclusions but over the years I have worked very hard on making behavioral changes and now I am less knee jerk. It's a work in progress.

[LuckyM]

I know several older married couples that are opposite personalities. But they have much in common also. Like same religion, ethnicity, values, etc. It can work but I don't feel it is for me.

[edgygirl]

Great points!

 

Gosh I had a really strong laugh with the below :lmao:

 

I can't imagine that two people noticing crumbs on the counter produces a similar feeling Like, hey that is so amazing the you noticed the crumbs too!