The ISFJ Personality Type - Assertive Vs Turbulent

What do you think about the ISFJ personality type?
Silly, goofy, friendly, charming, modest, easygoing, normal, habit-driven, eager to help, talktative, moderate, patient, good teachers. An ISFJ can befriend just about anyone.
6 key ISFJ archetypes
The Influencer (SF)
The Leader (IJ)
The Organizer (Sj)
The Caregiver (Fj)
The Healer (Fi)
The Teacher (Si)
ISFJ Cognitive functions
Introverted Feeling
Sensing Judging
Introverted Sensing
Feeling Judging
ISFJ Personality traits
Introverted - Self
Sensing - Fact
Feeling - Values
Judging - Goals
Ideal partner
Contrast pairing: ENTP - Will teach you your unique skills and strengths and make you feel valuable, will clash on values and interests, have to learn to compromise.
Conflicting pairing: ISFJ - Will teach you about yourself and connect you to your true values and passions - but risks competing for same space.
Mirror pairing: ESFP - Will help you grow and open you to other viewpoints will keeping you connected to your values and interests. Potential for misunderstandings.
& also check out: ENFP, ISTJ, ESTP
Turbulent (Blue) vs Assertive (Red)
Conscientiousness vs Confidence
Trusts own leadership and power vs gets easily discouraged by world around you
Can fit in and get along with anyone vs afraid to look stupid
Strong sense of routine and organization skills vs doubts their routine and constantly thinks they need to change things up
Believe they can do good and be of help to others vs worries they will appear selfish or that they will end up hurting others
A natural counsellor and good with feelings vs shuts down own and others emotions
Feel very experienced and practiced in what they do vs constantly worried they’ve missed something
Are you more Red or Blue?
Do you know any ISFJs?
What are your personal experiences of ISFJs?
Hey! My name is Erik Thor, and thanks to all the help from my viewers and patreons at patreons.com/erikthor I've been able to build a living on the side of my part-time job making videos about different personality types. I seek to cover Carl Jung and the sixteen personality types in the MBTI from an original perspective. I believe there are sixteen, not eight cognitive functions. I write about them at www.erikthor.com/cognitive-functions.
I also develop successful personality tests that can accurately predict your personality type. www.erikthor.com/test/personality-test with high accuracy. Try it out and share your results with me!
Why do I do it? Because I want to spread more flow and happiness in the world. I believe we spend too much time going against our own true nature, denying ourselves nad pretending to fit in. We should break free and find ourselves and find a lifestyle more suited to our needs and values. If we can do that, the world will be a better place, for everyone. Join the community @ / discord

[@ellaty5744]

I am an ISFJ and am probably more on the turbulent side right now. If I don't feel that I am fully capable of doing something especially if it entails having someone relying on me then I get distrustful of myself. Competence is very important to me. If I know I am good at something I am confident and can take charge easily and happily.

[@nefelovamon]

I also fear failure even though i'm assertive. I think it is common.

[@yellow_daffodil5689]

Absolutely. Competence is important to me too. If I feel I'm not, then I just shut down or daydream about the nearest exit route. I'm a turbulent ISFJ.

[@thunderbirdice]

I’m exactly the same. Hi 👋

[@sgtkiwi7197]

I can subject myself to Imposter syndrome at times even though I know that I can accomplish goals…..

[@lilbabyangel125]

I'm an ISFJ in my early 20s, who is turbulent as heck... i'm trying to seek out opportunities to build my confidence and feel competent. I went on a date with another ISFJ - Assertive and he was so sure of himself while still being kind, considerate and sweet as ever! Maybe one day i'll get there

[@thunderbirdice]

I’m the same. I’m also Turbulent in my late 20s now.

[@keharacek]

@@thunderbirdice You'll surely get more assertive as the time goes on 😇 From my pov I can say that while the 20s are super challenging, it's the best thing that has happened to me for my personality development. Quite recently I discovered I really need to put myself at the 1st place of my priority list which then brings the more authentic and open version of myself. When I wasn't in this mindset I quite often went through life on autopilot quietly agreeing with everyone, as a top tier social chameleons we are, and wasn't really able to be myself, but really a few changes in mindset and how we view ourselves and it's a whole different story, especially since we're really capable of doing stuff, just doubtful. Hope you're doing well 😊

[@LearningtheHarp]

My sister is an ISFJ. She is the most amazing person - so understanding, encouraging, gentle, kind, and she sees the good in other people. We get along really well and I am an ESFP... so I can totally see why these types are often a good match romantically. When I am around her, I feel appreciated and seen for who I really am. She understands me and my sense of humor, enjoying my fun attitude, and I benefit from her wisdom and unconditional love. We have a lot of fun together! Her husband is an ESFJ and they are a wonderful match ☺️

[@ellaty5744]

My husband is an ESFP and I'm ISFJ. It has taken some tolerance on both of our parts and understanding but I think he's the perfect match for me. He challenges me to be more social and to try new things and I make sure he's not used as a doormat because he's too nice and way too trusting. He thinks everyone is a friend.

[@FrownyMascot]

My sister is too I feel, which brings me here haha

[@Kaori57]

My uncle/Godfather is an ISFJ. He is definitely an assertive type! He became a mechanical engineer and the CEO made him general manager of the company. While doing this job, he was taking classes for theology and received his Masters in it. Now he switched careers to Director of Religious Education and is much more happy there! When I was younger my mom would have me call him to help me with math homework and he was great at explaining things too. He's very understanding and gets along well with people. At times he does try to make me think more than I feel like, making sure I go through steps to understand what I'm doing, but that's too much for me! Haha. I'm an INFP and I can see why my mother has struggled with him in that sense in the past. She's an ENFP. But even though we've struggled at some points, he has always been there for us. :) It's nice having someone to rely on when I didn't always have a father. And since he has no children, he looks to me as a daughter. It's very comforting and I'm happy that he's this type. :D

[@rianamomo6597]

An ISFJ here, I am very protective towards my loved ones and I always want to do what is right and follow the rules. I get the joy everyday for being good to others without expecting anything in return.

[@juni260]

as an assertive ISFJ, I can relate to this description.

[@tamaraindigoqueendoyle4894]

Me Too

[@anandaalvarez4336]

An ISFJ saved my live,metaphorically speaking, I’m so thankful!

[@jennkarol3150]

Isfj female, this is the most accurate representation I've heard... Both the positives and the negatives, I related to all of it! I am a teacher, and while I'm teaching I end up often being a healer as well. I am T, so I relate to the struggles of never feeling confident enough, even when I am an expert in my subject. The only thing I'm curious about, both my husband and my best friend are INFP, which doesn't seem to be my ideal match in theory but in reality are obviously my favorite. Thank you for such a kind and accurate description of isfj!

[@heatherhafer3333]

Guess what? I am an INFP female married to my ISFJ husband! This sooo neat to hear of you appreciating two INFPs who are in your inner circle. Thank you for sharing!

[@wendymurray8756]

Both types have Te in a triggering position, both are feelers who are sensitive to others, both share Si and Ne, and both are introverts.

[@Petig2002]

I have quite some ISFJs in my social surrounding and I also love and value them very very much. As an INFP, I I love their ability to easily come up with a structure and to transfer ideas into actions, visions into practical steps- something I personally, as a perceiving type, often cannot do. Anyways, in some occasions, they appear very controlling and dominating to me and as if they want to impose their concepts and structures on me, which sometimes results in conflicts as I enjoy my individual freedom and want to do things my very own way :)

[@ellaty5744]

Yes but we're right and you just don't understand that yet LOL It's easier if you just do what we say....Haaha! Jk

[@alisaa3999]

Stefanie Gitep so true as an INFP with ISFJ!

[@n8vtxn935]

I am an ISFJ and I fluctuate between assertive and turbulent. Somedays I feel on top of it and in control while other days I feel discouraged and lost.

[@bubby2325]

ISFJ-T here. Good data. Appreciate your breakdown of the subtypes A & T. Thank you.

[@Lycosa]

Fantastic video Erik :)! I'm an ISFJ (male). Most ISFJs are females but there's some isfj men as well. MBTI is interesting. I'm turbulent, as far as I know. But it's not all bad and it's not fully turbulent like that.

[@ErikThor]

Theres grades to A and T so most people dont position themselves strongly on this scale, but somewhere in the middle! :)

[@kjdaniels3267]

I'm an ISFJ Male too. I think I'm assertive though.

[@themoonbleu627]

KJ Daniels my bf is isfj i’m an estp girl he’s a T is that way he seems indecisive i thought it was an enneagram 6 thing

[@stephanierose6035]

Great video. Just learnt my personality type a few months ago, was turbulent in my personal life but assertive professionally . I'm staying to myself for now until I get it all together .

[@dinalouis223]

Why are you exposing me ?? -Great video

[@ErikThor]

the truth had to get out eventually !! -Thanks

[@irenemcnamara9699]

My husband is an assertive ISFJ, and he is a wonderful person! Everybody loves him. He is irreplaceable with family, with friends and at work. I wasn't sure of his type, because he doesn't like to take personality tests. But when I hear anyone talk about the Defender type, that is him!

[@kjdaniels3267]

Good take on ESFPs. I have one ESFP mom and a one friend that is a ESFP. That's pretty spot on about my relationship with both of them. I'm an assertive ISFJ.

[@Leverquin]

ISFJ-T here. Sad but true... all that you said. I worry all the time. how to change that?! and yes i DOUBT Myself all the time.

[@noraconnelly2584]

I am an ISFJ-T. Absolutely 💯 on the nose with your description. Although, sometimes I flow in and out of being assertive/turbulent. Being a turbulent is VERY DIFFICULT and I wish I knew how to change it...

[@najwasakina5733]

I'm ISFJ software engineer 👩‍💻 yeah, i love to standardize n clean codes

[@sheralynsilva2850]

My husband is an ISFJ-A coder as well!

[@sheralynsilva2850]

I’m an ISFJ-T myself

[@najwasakina5733]

@@sheralynsilva2850 yeayyyy!! **high five** 👋

[@Gustavo-Moretti]

The way of you speak and explain everything here was so relatable as ISFJ! Usually I cannot relate that much with ISFJs biased descriptions.

[@Taitianaful]

I'm definitely a turbulent ISFJ but I've recently been put into a position to be more assertive so I'm growing to be assertive

[@lexiekelley302]

Awwww thank you I'm ISFJ-A this was very good!😇😉

[@eddanecki6177]

As you describe, I'm an assertive ISFJ. The characteristics you present are a reasonable summary of me; including, both the positive and negative. My wife of 14 years was definitely extroverted; but, I never knew her MBTI cohort. We were inseparable initially (and during the early years), but from the beginning of our relationship, she seemed to, actually, enjoy periodically antagonizing me - something I always found peculiar...and that along with other issues, eventually, lead to the end of our marriage. Your videos are great...both your presentation style & flow are conducive to this platform format. I wish you well☺

[@wirzflavio]

Dear Erik Great Video as always. Helped me for my wife who seems to be an ISFJ Turbulent. As ENTJ assertive we have biggest differences in personality. This is an issue. Would you mind to make an ENTJ Video about Turbulent vs Assertive? Thanks a lot. Greetings Your ENTJ Community which is not so big but growing

[@themoonbleu627]

Funnel5 SEO entj is only assertive

[@MsJerrySparkle]

@@themoonbleu627 lol right? alternatively: no entj-t would EVER admit they are t

[@CathAlexandra]

Assertive, but currently a bit turbulent(midlife issues). This will pass. Also, thank you for the fair coverage/assessment of the ISFJ type. ISFJ

[@Leverquin]

my best firend is INTP. he can understands my ISFJ need and I am here to support his.

[@hawk6143]

I think the ISFJs best match is XSFP, all tge archetypes are accurate for the ISFJ-T I know, I was doubting if I typed him correctly but this video is spot on -INTP

[@darkghostonline]

I am ISFJ People misunderstood me like INTP/ISTP/ESTP . 😂 I am fully J type, doing things on time and well time scheduled meeting all deadlines. I usually try to avoid conflict and try to create harmony. I am Patient. I am ISFJ Engineer, Entrepreneur. ISFJ can be a business leader and Engineer as I am example.

[@cosminsava1151]

I am Turbulent 100%, you described me without missing a thing.

[@forevera5241]

Imagine asking your date what their personality type is...

[@rayalvarez7247]

"Have you ever heard of the Personality Test?" Maybe?

[@killslayer1526]

I KNEW IT, THE TEST DIDN’T LIE, I am indeed ISFJ-A. 🤣

[@Leverquin]

i thought isfj has Si Fe Ti Ne

[@tamaraindigoqueendoyle4894]

Assertive ISFJ Here!!!! 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💛💛💛💛

[@EmilyMiki]

I am a super Assertive ISFJ

[@savedbygrace6108]

I'm happy for you😊👍🏼🙏🏼

[@pkumar7990]

Hi Thor Com Compliments on the excellent description of an ISFJ personality type. I am an ISFJ male turbulent.

[@justlovemusic8182]

Do you think it's common for ISFJ males to love and appreciate female INFPs? I think they have a lot of common values

[@MsJerrySparkle]

yess we are supposed to be a good pairing

[@anandaalvarez4336]

I’m INFP girl and my boyfriend is ISFJ, and I consider we get along pretty well

[@heatherhafer3333]

I love your question because I am a female INFP married to my ISFJ husband. We do have common values, definitely. In fact, I am not aware of a single value that we aren't on the same page. We are very happy, committed, and growing together.

[@moniquecarpintero3761]

I am a ISFJ but I like to be busy I love music and royalties and video games like the sims1'2'3'4 but I also like to help others people to like a doctor

[@MrsSimoneHill]

The way you are describing my life.......

[@alvirfrancisco3691]

I keep retaking the 16 personally test and i keep getting isfj. I thought ill get to be debater. Lol

[@hawk6143]

The ISFJ I know always debate with me, with every possible topic there is - INTP

[@habibmkhan]

my ISFJ partner debates really well - if I'm dumb enough to try. And due to Si, she actually remembers all kinds of relevant data

[@LionessOfBeauty]

I think the reverse side is ENTP, maybe you exercise your weaker functions alot?

[@rogerhuggettjr.7675]

I think my ex was isfj and she lost her mind over anyone smacking their gum, chewing with their mouth open or talking too loud. Hoping its not a universal thing as I'm dating another isfj and as an intp I am not as conscious of those things.

[@ErikThor]

ISFJs are some of the more relaxed and forgiving partners and while they need some routine to not get overwhelmed and anxious they are unlikely to snap at you like that. There are some people born with a brain anomaly which means they are really sensitive to the sound of people eating? Maybe that's why?

[@themoonbleu627]

Erik Thor yessss

[@R20104]

As n ISFJ, obnoxious sounds, behavior and bad manners bother me.

[@cusny01]

I’m an ISFJ and I’m bothered easily by noises and social etiquettes. Dragging feet and slow walkers are my pet peeves 😂

[@rogerhuggettjr.7675]

@@ErikThor Narcissism was an overriding problem that isn't any one type's issue. I've found a wonderful relationship with an ISFP now. If anything she lets me get away wtih murder, though she's so sweet I try not to take advantage.

[@mercedbread9045]

Great video bruder. Wish you had spoken more about the ENTP connection! :)

[@Kate98755]

Assertive isfj, however, now that I now have a daughter in law I feel insecure, like a 12 year old again. I work to be liked, I’ve haven’t felt like this since 12...because I was usually always confident, doing my own thing, happy and content. This insecurity is annoying. I didn’t know what an introvert was when I was younger, that would have helped, although I did my introvert thing even though I didn’t know what it was, I just stayed to what made me happy

[@bethmendoza1847]

I’m definitely turbulent isfj

[@stevenbehrmann9068]

Yea, ISFJ-T is me😒. I have acknowledged this. I want to be Assertive.

[@hawk6143]

You're alright, I feel turbulents lean more to thinking, skipping Fe parent?? -INTP

[@Maverick305Bliss]

Definitely turbulent

[@R20104]

Dude you got this so right!

[@bananas6243]

ISFJ-T Spot on 😦

[@leekeeboo]

ISFJ-T here and uuuh yeah. You’re correct af.

[@heartofsteel8808]

I wanna hug the shit out of you bro

[@cosmofox]

Eric I thought you were INFP but now I see INFJ. I am a heartbroken INFP.

[@jhatcella]

I just wanted to make clear that ISFJ’s cognitive functions go as follow; Si, or Introverted sensing, Fe, or Extroverted feeling, Ti, or Introverted thinking, and finally, Ne, or Extroverted Intuition. We do not have introverted feeling as our function, or only use it when we are using our “Devil” function. The Fe function is what helps us be in tune with other people’s needs. We are often associated with the stereotype of the nurse, because our introverted sensing allows us to know a lot of concrete data (like learning how to heal someone’s wound), and our Extroverted sensing helps us to know when someone needs help.

[@gypsylady179]

My partner and I are both ISFJ. He is assertive and I am turbulent. He is the love of my life. And that’s scary lol he is Mind and I am Defender

[@heatherhafer3333]

Fascinating.

[@lwad3128]

Hi Erik, I just took your test twice and got ISFJ-Si/Ti (A-). I watched your video and it does fit me quite well, however, I have almost always scored as an ENFJ on the regular MBTI tests with the first time being at age 18 in 1991. In 2019, I scored once as an ENFP (it was a stressful time in my life) and again as an ENFJ-T. After taking your test twice today, I went back to the standard test and scored ENFJ-A. Just curious about your thoughts, thanks!

[@ashleyfortey6288]

This guy is very cute!

[@evelynleneschmidt]

ISFJ female married to ISFP male 🙌😏😍 I think people with P are the most special of all types, it's like they're the perfect human😁

[@Blackridge.]

Thank you for the compliment🙏

[@anandaalvarez4336]

I consider the IFJ’s beautiful

[@amychan5286]

isfj-a

[@briangonsalez2173]

Are ISFJ’s and INFP’s a good love match?

[@capricel8296]

Brian Gonsalez isfj wanna help infp for coming down to the earth hahaha

[@themoonbleu627]

Brian Gonsalez no

[@alisaa3999]

No it’s a real struggle.

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

They seem identical, tbh

[@stevensamuel7967]

Definitely.. 👌

[@georgebunny1910]

What happens if you have disintegrated to an ENTP? Especially if you don't have anybody you can take care of.

[@baller3275]

I’m a turbulent isfj

[@sandracross483]

Aren't powerful emotions part of the description of an ISFJ ? Turbulent is a familiar old soul..like a young mother walking into a room strewn with stuff for the thousandth time. The world is a messy place..we like order...I pray..it helps me not to be bitchy.

[@themoonbleu627]

how compatible is the isfj estp ?

[@NavesNiche]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. Please may I ask, is sir INFJ?

[@ErikThor]

Hey Nave, no I am not 😄

[@ch9476]

We have extroverted feeling it says online.

[@ErikThor]

It's a bit of a misnomer, ISFJs actually do not have Extroverted Feeling, not in the sense an ESFJ or ENFJ does, you have Introverted Sensing. Your extroverted feeling is aspirational rather than natural, a desire to work to meet people's expectations, to feel counted upon, to feel connected to others, something you push yourself to put on and develop in yourself, rather than something you always exude or express outwards. ISFJs are more accurately described as introverted feeling types because it fits more with your normal style. You're sensitive, you keep your own feelings to yourself, you introspect and process your emotions and reflect a lot on who you are and what your purpose is.

[@heatherhafer3333]

@@ErikThor Fascinating. This all right about my ISFJ husband, however he also exudes Fe (obviously), and this can appear as natural (he is naturally disarming and puts people at ease). So his Fe is less natural than that of an ESFJ? But yet again, you are right that he is sensitive and keeps his emotions to himself and introspects. However again, I am an INFP and he doesn't seem to manifest Fi in the same way I do. Anyway, I'll have to think more about this because I have noted for a long time now his independent thought processes where he is detached from "group morality", a characteristic which I have attributed to dominant Fe types. Anyway, you have really intrigued me on this one! My mind is semi-blown!

[@asalane20]

You said and posted introverted feeling, but that is not one of their dominant functions.

[@ErikThor]

That's a part of my system, www.personalitopia.com/cognitive-functions 16 functions with Fi, Fe, Fj and Fp being made into functions, isfjs leading with IF and FJ as their primay thinking styles. IF mixes some of the properties of introverted feeling in jungs model with some of the FP methods depending on how you relate to the object, with j, p, i, or e (move towards, away from, against, or with the object)

[@devvratparekh9822]

Dear Eric I think I am turbulent isfj...have done MBBS and how do you think about taking psychiatrist as a master's degree?

[@ErikThor]

if you want to help others becoming a psychiatrist is a great idea :)

[@Petig2002]

What I was wondering... I think I have read multiple times that you cannot change your core personality type. But is it possible to get from turbulent to more assertive for every personality type? And how?

[@ErikThor]

Yes, I think so :) You can build up confidence over time, I talked a little about it in the end of the video, I think, how you have to change your mindset, and also prove consistently that you can live up to your own ideals, and slowly build up your flow.

[@ellaty5744]

I don't think the turbulent aspect is the normal "setting" for us. I think it comes from trauma and not trusting ourselves. Confidence comes with experience for us and measurable competence. What do you think?

[@mariellaleiva7927]

@@ellaty5744 I agree with your perspective. I used to be an A type but became a T type after I was affected by some trauma. I think it's definitely something that can cause a change in personality. However, for example, as a kid I had a type T personality until I grew into my self confidence. After that I was 100% type A, with no hesitation. That's my take on the subject too!

[@anjachan]

oh no, Im turbulent xD

[@ErikThor]

Are you more assertive or turbulent as an ISFJ? Which cognitive functions and archetypes do you relate to the most as an ISFJ? Join the after-discussion on discord.gg/8HWEXrQ

[@calmchaos.]

Sometimes I get Infp sometimes Isfj 🤔

[@xxGuItArGiRLxx89]

Any ISFJs here marry an ENTP? I did 😊

[@ErikThor]

Good match! :D

[@untuned_tune2516]

I'm totally a turbolent one. Sh*t

[@ahmadannuar11]

ISFJ-T 😞

[@romain6063]

How do I know if I am an ISFP or an ISFJ ?

[@ErikThor]

Caring and self-discipline (ISFJ) or honesty and simplicity (ISFP) :)

[@romain6063]

@@ErikThor Thank you ! I love your videos by the way ! (even if I find it lack ISFP content :)).

[@rayalvarez7247]

Learn to flip-flop in life between Fe/Ti better.