It’s only natural to wonder whether stoic, goal-orientated ISTJs who always remain cool and calm, even in distressing situations, can be emotional.
ISTJs are not emotional in the sense that they are sensitive or openly express their feelings as they are introverted, highly guarded personalities. However, ISFJs are not emotionless as they demonstrate their feelings by caring for their loved one’s practical needs with tangible gifts.
While ISTJs can seem devoid of human emotions, that is simply not true! However, they are highly adept at suppressing or hiding their feelings even though they are profoundly loving and caring people. So, if you want to know how to help and ISTJ open up about how they truly feel – read on!
ISTJ Personalities: What You Should Know
Approximately 12% of the US population is classified as ISTJs, so they are the third most predominant Myers-Briggs personality type, of which the majority or 16% are males, and only 7% are females.
ISTJ is an abbreviation for a person who prefers to be alone (Introverted), is interested in facts, not concepts (Sensing), reaches decisions based on their reasoning skills (Thinking), and favors meticulous planning over spontaneity (Judging).
They are called Inspector type personalities due to their fascination with minute details, strict adherence to processes, and doing things correctly.
These personality types uphold traditional or conservative values and are sticklers for creating and following rules and regulations. They excel in organizing and creating order out of chaos in the institutions they so diligently serve.
Conservative ISTJs are also continuously focused on maintaining social cohesion and ensuring that their rigid standards are met in all spheres of life. In essence, they are the bedrocks of society and highly adept at managing efficient organizations.
ISTJs possess a strong core value system, and while they are introverted and don’t express their emotions, their feelings form the foundation of their moral code or beliefs that form the basis for their rigid personalities and faith in what’s right or wrong.
So, while certain personalities might base their values or desires on other people’s beliefs, ISFJs pride themselves on their ability to think for themselves and their independence of thought.
While ISTJs are ambitious and continuously focused on achieving their goals, they are ethical personalities and will only do things if they feel that their course of action is noble and morally upstanding.
Though ISFJs are introverted personalities, they are rarely on their own as they know how to contribute to organizations and interact with their co-workers or in niche social circles with like-minded friends.
Are ISTJs Emotionless?
While stoic ISTJs do not openly express how they feel or are openly affectionate, that does not mean that they are emotionless; they simply express their feelings in subtle ways.
ISTJs express their love and devotion for someone by caring for them practically and ensuring that they don’t have to worry about any day-to-day problems.
These types of personalities are their loved one’s greatest cheerleaders, as they want them to have a better quality of life and achieve their personal goals to make them feel truly happy.
While actions speak louder than words, ISTJ’s inability to express their emotions can be difficult to deal with for partners who are used to emotionally expressive and demonstrative people. Especially because most people can verbally express how they feel or declare their love for a partner.
ISTJs inability to verbalize their emotions can cause friction in relationships and make their partners feel unloved, or cared for, which is wholly unfair as they will often sacrifice their own needs to show their love by ensuring that their loved one’s practical needs are met.
These tangible ISTJ acts of affection are also demonstrated in their family lives, where they often go above and beyond to care for their physical needs.
So, while they might not seem mushy about how much they value and love their families or close friends, ISTJs are more caring than most people give them credit for and work incredibly hard to demonstrate love in their own non-verbal way.
Can ISTJs Be Sensitive?
Although ISTJs care deeply about others, they are not sensitive personalities as they can suppress their own emotions to achieve their ambitious goals or simply get stuff done.
By the same token, they are not the types of personalities to feel offended easily and can compartmentalize their feelings if needs be.
While ISFJs are truly caring people, even though they show it in unemotional ways, they can cut toxic people out of their lives if they are hurtful or abuse their generosity.
Overall – ISFJs are intelligent and strong characters who understand people’s true intentions and know when it’s time to move on with their lives.
How To Help An ISTJ Open Up About Their Feelings?
It can be frustrating not knowing how a guarded ISFJ feels and having to continuously read between the lines or play an emotional guessing game.
So, if you find yourself in that situation, the following suggestions may help an ISFJ openly express their feelings, especially if you have a close bond with the person.
ISTJs naturally tend to shy away from large groups, so find a quiet and comfortable space where you can have a frank conversation.
Once you have made the person feel relaxed and at ease, broker the subject in a non-judgemental and loving way that will make the ISFJ realize that your relationship is a safe space where they can freely express their bottled-up emotions.
Renowned ISTJ Personalities
Here are a few well-known ISTJs to shed further light on these fascinating personalities: Warren Buffett, J.D. Rockefeller, Queen Victoria, Harry Truman, Queen Elizabeth II, and George H.W. Bush.
These examples of the more stoic personality types are examples of how ISTJs typically express their emotions in their non-verbal way.
Conclusion
While ISTJs are not typically emotional or demonstrative personalities, they care deeply about their loved ones and display their devotion with tangible acts of love by attending to their practical needs.
