INTJs are often known for their perceptive thought process, particularly in their ability to apply logic to almost any situation. However, that does not mean INTJs are beyond taking offense. There are a few things you can do to press the buttons of an INTJ and offend them.
Sure ways to offend an INTJ include questioning their logic, criticizing their performance, excluding them, and accusing them of not being mentally present. You can avoid offending INTJs by including them in things requiring logical, strategic thinking and recognizing their critical thinking skills.
Let’s explore sure ways to offend an INTJ and consider ways that you can interact with INTJs without offending them.
Do INTJs Get Offended Easily?
Here are four sure ways to offend an INTJ and tips on how to avoid upsetting an INTJ.
1. INTJs Are Offended When Their Logic Is Questioned
INTJs enjoy analytical and critical thinking, specifically when it comes to logical reasoning and complex problem-solving.
INTJs are typically more focused on logic than emotions. A sure way to offend an INTJ is to question their logic. The only thing worse than questioning an INTJ’s reasoning is to tell them that they are being overly emotional.
As individuals who value strategy and systems, INTJs are generally confident in their ability to foresee logical outcomes and develop strategies to harness potential gains or combat potential harm.
When INTJs share their ideas, especially regarding anything relating to problem-solving, they expect others to follow their logic and praise them for their intellect.
If you disagree with the logic of an INTJ, it will be valuable for you to phrase your criticism in a manner that does not overtly convey that you consider their thought process to be illogical.
2. INTJs Are Offended When Their Performance Is Criticized
INTJs are often perfectionists who hold themselves to a very high standard. These individuals are natural problem-solvers who seek to improve situations with innovative thinking.
INTJs put much thought into their actions, critically thinking before presenting their opinion. Therefore, when an INTJ has their performance criticized, they are offended because they feel that they did not deliver the standard of work they expect of themselves.
If you need to criticize the work of an INTJ, be sure to give them a compliment sandwich. Start by praising their critical thinking and the energy they invested into the relevant situation. Follow up by mentioning their errors without insulting their intellect, and then close by reassuring them that you are able to see the logic in their thought process and merely want to give some feedback.
3. INTJs Are Offended When They Are Excluded
Despite being introverts, INTJs value being included. Often, being offered the opportunity to be included is what matters to the individual.
INTJs most importantly value being included in intellectual spaces. A sure way to offend an INTJ is by excluding them from a discussion relating to their field of expertise or a topic of their interest.
INTJs take pride in making logical contributions in all spheres of their lives. INTJs generally relate their ideas with confidence, expecting others to see the wisdom in their contributions. By excluding an INTJ, you create the impression that their critical thinking skills are not valued.
Given that INTJs invest a large part of their energy into thinking, you will surely offend them if you exclude them from an opportunity to challenge their minds and make meaningful contributions to a topic of their interest.
4. INTJs Are Offended When Accused Of Not Being Present
INTJs are often told that they live in their head. The perception is that INTJs are serious individuals who are not present in the moment because they spend a lot of time thinking about other things.
INTJs take offense when being accused of not being present because they believe they have the cognitive abilities to be present while also trying to solve other issues in the back of their minds.
If you are interacting with an INTJ and feel they could be more engaging, ask them questions regularly so that their mind becomes focused on the discussion. By channeling their energy to answering questions, they will become more engaged, as they will have less time to explore the thoughts in the back of their mind.
Do INTJs Get Angry?
INTJs can get angry. When INTJs are offended, they may get angry too. While breaking out into a fit of rage is possible, it is unlikely, depending on the circumstances.
INTJs try their best to remain in control of their emotions. Given the value that INTJs place on logic, they often try to be guided by logic rather than temporary emotions.
INTJs have the skill of looking at situations from a broader perspective, enabling them to see the various potential consequences of their actions. Their ability to be perceptive to possible outcomes often causes them to hold their tongue or control their fists despite being angry.
Of course, depending on the extent to which a situation occurs, INTJs get angry when their logic is questioned, their performance is criticized, they are excluded from mentally stimulating opportunities, and they are accused of not being mentally present.
Apart from being offended, INTJs are typically angered by incompetence when dealing with inefficient, ignorant individuals. Given INTJs natural flow of concise, logical thoughts, it can be very challenging for INTJs to work with individuals who are disorganized and make various comments without contributing anything of substance.
To keep up with an INTJ, you will need to make sure you are paying attention when they express their thoughts. Being able to respond to an INTJ’s thoughts will indicate to them that you share their logic. Displaying your competence to engage with INTJs on the same wavelength will encourage their desire to engage with you.
Conclusion
While known for their logical thinking, INTJs are not above feeling emotions offense. To ensure you do not offend an INTJ, include them in intellectual discussions, praise their critical thinking skills, and acknowledge their dedication to acting logically.
