ISFPs are possibly one of the most humble, kind, and empathetic personality types, yet sometimes when interacting with them, they will become defensive and seem self-centered if you bring up a problem. It makes you wonder, are they selfless or selfish? Here is the ISFP mystery explained.
ISFPs are selfless and care deeply for their loved ones. They are empathetic, highly attuned to others’ needs, and do everything to make others happy. ISFPs sometimes seem selfish because they can be defensive and competitive if confronted, especially if they are emotionally unhealthy.
ISFPs are known to be selfless and thoughtful of others, so when interacting with an ISFPs that do not give off these same energies, you might wonder if that is an accurate description of their personality type. To fully understand the selfless nature of ISFPS, let us dive into the article.
Are ISFPs Selfish?
Many people think that ISFPs are more selfish and less considerate of others. That is far from facts. ISFPs are not selfish, self-centered, or arrogant; they are simply protective of their energy and feelings. There are times when ISFPs seem selfish, even though it is not in their intention or nature to be that way – here are those reasons:
- They are introverts
- They want to protect themselves
- They are emotionally unhealthy
Each reason is explained in detail below:
ISFPs Seem Selfish During Their Introverted Times
ISFPs are introverts and require a lot of time alone in quiet, private spaces where they feel comfortable. They can sometimes selfishly claim this time because they need it to process information and feelings to show up better for others.
Many people, especially extroverts, don’t understand this need ISFPs have and can label them as self-centered when they honor their need for isolation and privacy instead of giving their time and energy to others or joining social interactions. People think this is a selfish action because they don’t realize that for an ISFP t function efficiently, they need to do things that way.
ISFPs Are Protective Over Themselves
ISFPs are highly protective of their space, energy, and feelings. They will not readily share personal details about their lives and feelings unless they are comfortable with you. ISFPs will also avoid adding their opinion to matters they don’t feel fully equipped to discuss. This often makes them quiet and reserved because they don’t want to be judged or rejected.
This can look selfish to others who are open to an ISFP. People tend to feel some way about not having shared information reciprocated, so they will not understand that when an ISFP hides how they think, it’s because they are protecting themselves. They prefer to share their feelings with those they feel safe around and can trust to receive them gracefully without judgments.
Selfish ISFPs Are Emotionally Unhealthy
Any person from any personality type, including ISFPs, can have selfish behaviors and habits. If someone is genuinely selfish in a negative manner, it is because they are mentally and emotionally unhealthy. ISFPs that are not emotionally mature can often be self-centered and make every situation about themselves. They will not accept when they are wrong and blame others.
Unhealthy ISFPS dislike confrontation and will turn things back onto you if you call them out on their wrongs. They will make everything a competition and can easily withdraw or cut ties with you because they don’t want to take accountability for themselves. A healthy ISFP will take responsibility, apologize, and try to improve the situation, but unhealthy ones cannot do that.
Are ISFPs Selfless?
ISFPs are some of the most selfless, kind, thoughtful, considerate, and empathetic human beings on this planet. They put everyone before their personal needs and will do everything in their power to care for others, even if it is at the expense of their own feelings.
They are highly aware of their environment and attuned to everyone else’s moods that they often forget to take a minute to care for their own emotions. They dislike conflict and never want to disappoint anyone, so they try their best to make everyone happy to the point that they become people-pleasers.
ISFPs are service-oriented. Most ISFPs’ love language is acts of service, so they portray that in their manner of expressing love to others. They take note of everything and do the little things many forget about. ISFPs accept people as they are, have a relaxed and sensible attitude, and are patient and sympathetic.
Are ISFPs Sensitive?
ISFPs are intuitive feelers (auxiliary function) and extraverted sensors (tertiary function). Both functions work together to help perceive the world around them. The tertiary extraverted sensing feeds the auxiliary function and allows the ISFP to experience intense emotions from all their senses.
That means they are highly in tune with their surroundings and the people around them. They feel and understand everything deeply. Their senses are heightened, which makes them more alert. That gets overwhelming sometimes, making them particularly sensitive individuals.
A person who is sensitive and feels so deeply, especially for others, cannot be selfish unless they cannot manage their emotions and are mentally unhealthy. Sensitive people are typically the kindest and most thoughtful people because they don’t want to hurt others, just as they also dislike feeling hurt.
ISFPs’ sensitivity extends to caring for others and protecting those they love. In some way, they are protective of themselves and want to avoid getting hurt, judged, or rejected as much as possible, so they tend to retreat inward – especially as introverts. That can look selfish to others, but they are intelligent for taking the initiative of protecting their energy to save and maintain relationships.
Conclusion
ISFPs are selfless, kind, compassionate, and empathetic human beings who love and care deeply. They are thoughtful about others’ feelings and moods. They are often people-pleasers and service-orientated. They seem selfish when they take time to take care of themselves, but that is the only way they know how to show up as their best self for others. Emotionally and mentally unhealthy ISFPs can be selfish.
