Observing Someone’s MBTI Without Direct Testing: A Frustrating Yet Intriguing Challenge

It's tempting to think that we candetermine someone's MBTI personality type just by observing their behavior or reading their words online. However, taking such an approach is fraught with pitfalls and biases that can lead to misunderstandings and even potential harm. Let's delve into why it's unrealistic to identify someone's MBTI type based on outside observation alone.

Why Relying on Observation Is Challenging

First and foremost, it's important to recognize that personalities, just like any other aspect of human behavior, are complex and multifaceted. That's why relying solely on observation can be highly inaccurate:

Contextual Influences:Just because someone behaves in a certain way under one set of circumstances doesn't mean they will behave that way in another. An extrovert who has recently experienced a traumatic event might appear introverted, and similarly, an introvert might act more outgoing in a comfortable social setting. These changes in behavior can make it difficult to make a definitive judgment about someone's personality type based on a lone observation.

Bias and Perception:Our perceptions of others are often influenced by our own biases and how we interpret the actions of others. A shy and insecure person might mistake a confident person for being arrogant, while a person with a low aptitude might think that someone who slightly exceeds their own abilities is highly intelligent. These perceptions can be inherently flawed and not reflective of reality.

Unconscious Behavior:According to the Johari Window theory, humans have four sides to their personality:

The part they know and let others know. The part others can see, but they are unaware of. The part others can't see because they keep it hidden. The part that only shows up in extreme situations.

Even if you observe a significant portion of someone's behavior, you may still miss important aspects of their personality. This is why it's easy to form an incomplete or biased view of a person.

The Importance of Personal Validation:Given these challenges, it's wise to seek direct validation from the person in question. Personal self-reporting is the most accurate way to determine someone's personality type, as they are the best judges of their own behavior and internal state. This can be especially crucial in cases where there are significant life changes or traumatic events that can alter one's personality in unexpected ways.

Why Divorce Happens Despite Familiarity:Even with long-term relationships, people can still be surprised by their partner's personalities. This phenomenon highlights the complexity of personality and the limitations of external observation. If knowing someone for years can still lead to surprising revelations about their traits, it's clear that relying solely on observation is insufficient.

Conclusion:While it might be tempting to draw conclusions about someone's MBTI type based on their behavior or online presence, it's essential to recognize the limitations of such observations. Personal validation through direct communication is the most reliable and ethical approach. By acknowledging these challenges, we can foster more accurate and respectful interactions, especially in the context of relationships.

Lol and no. Not even for any INFJ. If it's that easy, none of them would ever get abused or stuck in toxic relationships. But when you see their spaces, that's all they are talking about. That should inform you about how 'skillful' they are in reading people's personality.