ISTPs are known as virtuosos and crafters. While this personality type is more common among men, only 2.3% of the female population are ISTPs. ISTPs are creative, goal-centered individuals with a curious nature. They can be difficult to get close to, and some prefer privacy if they have a highly introverted personality. But with all of these fantastic qualities, are ISTPs argumentative?
ISTPs are prone to arguing and may even enjoy arguing but don’t argue for fun. In addition, ISTPs have difficulty reading emotions and are logical and factual in their approach to relationships. This makes them quick to argue when the other person does not share the same viewpoint or easily offends the ISTP.
There’s nothing wrong with an argument once in a while. Arguments happen when someone is hurt or offended, and boundaries are crossed. This being said, some Myers-Briggs personality types may be more inclined to argue than others. But do ISTPs enjoy arguing, and what makes them have an argumentative personality?
Are ISTPs Argumentative?
The most argumentative personality types are the intuitive thinking types. The ISTP is not an intuitive thinker but an introverted one. ISTPs are often misunderstood and may sometimes come across as distant or rude. They struggle with their own emotions as well as with reading the feelings of others. ISTPs have a good sense of humor and, in social settings, may like to flaunt their sense of humor.
More times than most, their sense of humor and straightforward, abrupt personality can get them into trouble because they are not in tune with the emotional states of others. As a result, they can make a situation worse and come across as insensitive.
ISTPs can have an unpredictable nature and can be spontaneous. However, they are not rigid and have an aversion to rules which can get them drawn into arguments when they feel like they are in a box. They also detest too many strict rules and processes and avoid doing what everyone else does.
Each ISTP will have a different personality and upbringing; this plays a role in how argumentative they are. For example, while ISTPs are stubborn, not all of them may be seen as argumentative, and a surprising few often avoid arguments.
What Makes ISTPs Want To Argue?
ISTPs have an objective rather than an emotional approach to situations. They quickly walk away if an argument isn’t worth their time. Some of the ISTP’s most significant weaknesses are their stubborn nature and insensitivity. These two traits alone are a reckless combination when facing an argument.
While ISTPs may like to argue to get their viewpoint across, they avoid getting into arguments with a lot of emotion since they have no time for this.
The main driving factor that makes ISTPs want to argue is their nature and the need to present factual evidence to others. They may have easily offended someone and unexpectedly been drawn into an argument. This often happens because they are un-emotional logical thinkers and simply want to add their perspective to the argument.
Although ISTPs may spend a lot of time processing and think about the world around them, they are not known for thinking before they act. This is especially true in their personal relationships. In some situations, they may see many friends and family members easily offended by their cold and closed demeanor.
According to the Myers Briggs personalities, the ISTP is the most likely to act out when they are angry or upset. Although the ISTP isn’t the most argumentative, it is among the list of personality types that tend to argue. The ENTJ, ENTP, ESTJ, and INTJ are some of the most argumentative personality types.
Do ISTPs Like To Win Arguments?
ISTPs don’t like to lose and can be pretty persistent. When it comes to arguments, they may be precisely the same. ISTPs don’t like being wrong, primarily when their arguments are based on facts.
They only argue about important things, so winning those arguments is why they want to argue with the other person. ISTPs also argue if they believe it will benefit the other person, they do this by relaying their facts in hopes of changing the other person’s mind.
Some topics are uninteresting to the ISTP, and they will avoid entering an argument of this nature. But, on the other hand, if the argument is about something they are passionate about, they are more than likely to go into the argument headstrong and want to come out of it victorious.
How Do ISTPs Win Arguments?
ISTPs are known for their persuasiveness when it comes to arguments. They hate nothing more than an over-emotional person arguing with them. They dislike going round in circles and too much talk and prefer to simply state the facts.
ISTPs don’t argue for fun and must have a valid reason to argue, unlike the ESTP personality. If the argument does not impact the ISTP, they will generally keep to themselves and not get involved.
When ISTPs try to use emotion and empathy, it doesn’t seem to work, leading to more arguments. Because of their rational and factual nature, ISTPs lead with this in their arguments and often disregard feelings.
The ISTP will repeatedly go over the facts of an argument, changing and adding more points where applicable to win the argument. But, as they aren’t the best at expressing their emotions, they remain relatively calm in arguments and approach them with a logical outlook.
ISTPs are witty and charming, which gets them out of many tense situations. However, they easily charm more emotional personality types or leave them thinking that the ISTP is cold and heartless.
Conclusion
ISTPs are not the most argumentative Myers-Briggs personality types, but they like to argue. They don’t argue for fun or enjoy creating arguments. They do, however, argue when they need to defend themselves or argue about something they are passionate about. Despite being inclined to argue, ISTPs are interesting to have as friends and are excellent problem solvers when faced with tough decisions.
