ISTPs and Other Personality Types
Kindred Spirits
People of the following types are more likely than most to share the ISTP's values, interests, and general approach to life. They won't necessarily agree on everything, and there's no guarantee they'll always get along, but they're more likely to feel an easy rapport and have plenty of things in common.
Intriguing Differences
People of the following types are likely to strike the ISTP as similar in character, but with some key differences which may make them seem especially intriguing. The ISTP may find people of these types particularly interesting and attractive to get to know. Relationships between ISTPs and these types should have a good balance of commonalities and opportunities to challenge one another.
Potential Complements
ISTPs may not feel an immediate connection with people of the following types, but on getting to know each other, they'll likely find they have some important things in common, as well as some things to teach one other. Although people of these types may not attract the ISTP initially, their relationships present a lot of potential to complement and learn from one other.
Challenging Opposites
People of the following types present the most potential for personality clash and conflict with the ISTP, but also the best opportunities for growth. Because people of these types have fundamentally different values and motivations from the ISTP's, initially, it may seem impossible to relate. But because they are so different, their strengths are the ISTP's weaknesses, and if they are able to develop a relationship, they can learn a tremendous amount from each other.
ISTPs in Love
In relationships, the ISTP is independent and calm. They are often handy around the house, and enjoy being useful to their partners as quick and able problem-solvers.
ISTPs are fun-loving and adventurous, and will often encourage their partners to learn new and exciting physical skills. They are good at responding to their partners’ immediate physical needs, but may be less adept at dealing with emotions. ISTPs are natural troubleshooters, but look for logical, practical solutions to problems; more complex personal issues may leave them stumped.
Often private, the ISTP tends to keep their feelings and reactions to themselves. For the ISTP, this is not about withholding: they simply prefer to move on to the next activity rather than dwell on their emotional experience. ISTPs understand the temporary nature of their emotions, and rarely find them an interesting topic of conversation.
ISTPs are unlikely to offer flowery speeches or romantic overtures, and are more likely to show affection by being of practical service to their partners. They want their partners to appreciate their skills in getting things done, and to allow them plenty of freedom to do their own thing.
ISTPs as Parents
As parents, ISTPs often connect with their children through their mechanical and physical skills, first by teaching their children, and then by enjoying an activity together. ISTPs are rarely demonstrative or particularly verbal, and may show their love to their families by crafting or building something for them rather than being outwardly affectionate. ISTPs are generous and helpful but sometimes unreliable, and may become distracted from family responsibilities when adventure is at hand.
ISTP Communication Style
ISTPs are often reserved communicators, preferring action to conversation. They like to do what needs to be done and may grow impatient with discussion that does not turn quickly to action. They are often observant, picking up on details of the current situation, and evaluate information in a detached and logical way. Typically flexible and tolerant, the ISTP is ready to adapt to the situation at hand, but can be bluntly critical if they see inefficiency or incompetence.
Comments
Vance (not verified) says...
Just went down every letter to find my persoanlity type, and this description is me to a T!
Jennylol (not verified) says...
Enjoy and rejoice, you are the best personality in all of them in my opinion. The most talented and nicest to be sure. Just watch that you don't use alcohol for social lubrication. Try and learn communication styles from others to increase your social abilities. That is the only issue you have and it can impact greatly on the ISTP. Apparently "how to make friends and influence people" is a good book to help ISTP's.
James111111 (not verified) says...
God I love people like you. Thanks for that Info. That is the only problem I have. Otherwise I am deeply empathetic and optimistic, until someone tries to force my way of thinking and living. I find that I am becoming a bit misanthropic due to my inability to understand why people do the most evil things. I also can't understand how a human being could allow themselves to have envy for another person when they cannot change that persons blessing. Being able to immediately tune into things around me and immediately finding solutions, doesn't make it any easier for me to deal with others who aren't the same way. I still have much to learn, but thanks. Thanks for the book recommendation.
Anonymous (not verified) says...
I used to have a friend who was an istp before I moved. He was a little bit truthful but I guess that was the best part about him. He was the best person to go for advice. I'm an esfj but we got along so well.
Lenachek (not verified) says...
Took the test twice because the description didn't quite fit to me being an ISTP: I think I have a very big heart, everyone says they feel very loved by me and I never treated anybody in a bad way.
I agree on being independent and a very logical person as I am in fact an engineer, but I don't agree on the emotional part.
Jennylol (not verified) says...
In my experience ISTP's are emotional and very kind. They just don't display their emotions as other might do more freely. Check out Socionics for a more thorough expansive explanation of the ISTP. It might resonate for you more!
John Uke (not verified) says...
We ISTP's have emotions but don't notice them much. We are governed by logic and care more about how YOU feel than how we feel.
Twinky (not verified) says...
I'm an INFJ married to this ISTP guy.. uggh!
Brian F. (not verified) says...
My wife is an ISFJ married to me, an ISTP. Its wonderful. She gives me space and wonderful home. She really balances me out well.
fyahstarta (not verified) says...
It is great to know that i'm not actually broken and this is just who I am, lol. The people in my life constantly tell me that I am "icy" or that I "have a strong personality" (depending on how polite they're feeling at the time, I guess).
I usually just stand there flabbergasted. In most cases, all I did was be honest. I say what is on my mind, one way or another. If my life, job, or something else crucial is on the line, I will sanitize what I say before I say it. If not, I'll just spit it out whichever way I'm thinking it.
I kinda hate that this is such a big problem for most other types, BUT I can see why brutal honestly would be uncomfortable for people who prefer things to be spun in the most rosy light (what I would simply call being lied to, but I know... nobody asked, lol).
Anyway, I've said way more than I planned to. This was a good read. Hopefully I'll find someone who is okay with my icy variety of charm one day, Haha.
Anonymous (not verified) says...
Awww, don't worry about it. It's okay to be yourself. I'm an esfj so I don't know much about what you feel inside, but keep being who you are no matter what anyone else thinks. :) good luck!
Janhavi (not verified) says...
Hi, istp here. I can totally relate to your answer. Just now I was frustrated with a relationship where I hate not being able to be brutally honest. It is a big problem for everyone around me. I was going crazy that I have to keep up with their feelings not to be hurt in order to be light. Thanks! Appreciate your response.
janinirvs (not verified) says...
I am a very blunt ISTP as well..It is a big challenge for me to soften my feelings or honestly to cater someone else's emotions. I also really enjoy my personal space.
wow (not verified) says...
after read all of that, now I know why all of my friends always keep their distance with me and called me a walking refrigerator
fyahstarta (not verified) says...
same, honestly. I gave up on making or maintaining close friendships a while back. Figured the people who are meant to understand and tolerate me will. Lol. Best of luck to ya
Just a guy who likes Tony Stark =') (not verified) says...
This is me. I feel relieved and like got that good feeling in my brain when everything works correctly. Because I have just accepted my reservancy most of the time, which bothered me because people considered me a cold person. I can be warm and "live"as well (usually with family and friends).
Also liked a list of hobbies. I wanna try everything!
Also: BRUCE LEE IS ON OUR SIDE =D *started throwing random things in the air*
Pepper pots (not verified) says...
I love u 300
Eh (not verified) says...
It's 3000, not 300 pal. ( ;¬{|)>
Lion (not verified) says...
Good to know. Now it's time to work on the weak points.
Ches (not verified) says...
After reading a whole bunch of ISTP facts weakness from a number of websites... I can see why people think I'm rude, a jerk & most commonly... an @$$hole.
Luv you all, my fellow ISTP.
Wife of A** (not verified) says...
That's how I feel about husband.
antisocial tiger (not verified) says...
Bruh same, but nobody says it to me. I just know cause I feel like a jerk when talking to people, but I can't fix it cause of my complete lack of social skills :/
papi (not verified) says...
i can relate to that @$$hole part
shequille oatmeal (not verified) says...
Bruh, that's a fat mood. I get that. And my siblings wonder why I have no friends, huh.
im ur daddy ; ) (not verified) says...
ikr
MR. COMPUTER NERD (not verified) says...
Anyone else notice how creepy "The Craftsman's" eyes look at the top of this page? XD
Eh (not verified) says...
Pretty much x'D. They have some other guy holding a wrench on diff websites, cos they're always talking about "risky behaviour" I seriously thought he lost his leg and replaced it with the wrench... x_x"
TommyGunn (not verified) says...
He looks more like he's thinking about smashing his own hand with that hammer rather than the steel plate :D
Isaiah Moreno (not verified) says...
It just be like that sometimes. Your empty stare into the abyss as you dream of things that are to come. You want to feel pain but the chains of society's ideas prevent you from doing so without going to a mental hospital.
Other than that, funny comment.
Susan Anderson (not verified) says...
And here I always contributed my personality to being a 100 % Capricorn go figure
Pam B. (not verified) says...
That's remarkable Susan, I too am a Capricorn! I also happen to be a retired carpenter as was my ex-husband. This information was very accurate.
Zlaty (not verified) says...
You mean you ATTRIBUTED your personality to being 100% Capricorn.
INFP here. I'm sorry, I couldn't resist.
Twinky (not verified) says...
HA!
Seabell (not verified) says...
Nice one just had a huge row with my ISTP husband of 40 years and as an INFP I'm bloody drained
Thanos (not verified) says...
Wow, this is so relatable! Too bad I had to kill Iron Man... Very cool!
Just a guy who likes Tony Stark =') (not verified) says...
Monster.
Thanos (not verified) says...
Can relate, this really helps me so much. To bad I had to kill Iron Man... Very cool!
Tanold Drump (not verified) says...
yup
Jason cowart (not verified) says...
This is me.
Nikki says...
I don't feel that this personality type fits me. I have done this test twice this year and have the same results. I am pretty unpredictable, unemotional, friendly with a million interests. I like being crafty and finding solutions to any given problem. I don't feel like I grew up as a tomboy, but didn't mind getting my hands dirty and climbing trees. The outdoors are my absolute favorite. I can seem aloof as I don't care about things that are unimportant. I don't get caught up in being emotional. I am in the aviation industry, but not as a pilot. I have always thought about being a police officer but decided against it. Then again, I have thought about many occupations during my lifetime.
Sean (not verified) says...
So... your description is EXACTLY this personality. lol
Suma (not verified) says...
maybe you are grown enough not to consist on one specific kind of job
if you don't have one of the weaknesses that doesn't necessarily make you anouther person
because you make a better person of yourself
TommyGunn (not verified) says...
Marry me
Terralyn (not verified) says...
Lol! You describe this personality perfectly!
Boosey Finn (not verified) says...
Sounds more like a ESFP or ESTP
Sio’Noir (not verified) says...
You said it didn't fit you but everything you said about yourself was described in the texts. Try reading it again maybe. It definitely described you.
J100 (not verified) says...
Military Officer should be in the avoid category. ISTPs fit best in military positions where technical/weapon mastery is key. Officers are overwhelmingly generalist administrators. At the very least if an ISTP is a military officer they should strive for a position like pilot, navigator, platoon leader, special ops, etc. Most officers (in fact most of the military) are in supporting functions that will not be well suited to an ISTP.
jovial kumar shrivastav (not verified) says...
Thoughts of an ISTP
according to me the test can basically change your life. Just think about it, that by knowing each others personalitity can help you to understand others in a better way because you know how to act infront of that that particular person that you like the most and you want him/her to get comfortable while he/she is talking to you. And you can also call it mind manipulating technique.
Mike Kaufmann (not verified) says...
Could you make the book suggestions for ISTPs please? I would be really curious and would try to read them. Thanks for all the given info, love it.
Huien (not verified) says...
I’m very curious as to this point mentioned. I’m a female ISTP who just hit 30 and have been experiencing heart ‘issues’ for the last year. X rays, blood tests and a treadmill test reveal nothing wrong but yet something in me is convinced this is not normal. The doctor concluded ‘stress’. I experience anything from tightness, heart pounding and a prickly pain in my chest when this happens- usually when I feel fatigued and still push myself. Nothing to do with caffeine or mental stress in the moment. It’s a physical phenomenon and can even happen in bed when I experience fatigue. No breathlessness or panting or anxiety attacks. So I usually still remain functional and ignore it until it goes away, most of the time. I have a (relatively) healthy diet but struggle to meet my exercise goals as my heart and lungs don’t get stronger over time. Often I fall ill after moderate exercise. The only reason why I’m posting this here because of a health website is because I would like to know if it’s related to my personality type ? Please any answers or arrows pointing even in a somewhat vague direction would be appreciated.
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