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
john doe (not verified) says...
ISTP Male here, my friends describe me as passive-aggressive during texts, as I don't show my personality in real life. Since ISTP involves being an Introvert, I ALWAYS hide it unless I'm online. When I'm on the internet, I feel more flexible and relieved. I always doubt myself after being scolded and lectured for a mistake as teeny tiny as leaving something not plugged in all the way. For something as small as that, my dad said I should be relieved it didn't cost anything.
I didn't feel relieved, I felt as if I was the dumbest in the world for something like that. I questioned my intelligence because I couldn't find an issue as small as that while tinkering.
This is basically a vent for me, no need to reply. I don't think I'll be back.
jkm (not verified) says...
ISTP female...yeah in my home I have an ISFJ mom, ESFP dad, brothers ENFP, INFP. According to them I am a RAZOR sister...selfish, mean, insensitive, unpredictable etc. 1. It is super hard for me to constantly be ready for the emotional roller coaster each one rides every day...and to save myself I tend to 'cut off' situations where someone has a meltdown. 2. I have a very hard time explaining to *everyone* of my moodswings as they call them...and honestly I just wish for someone to 'get/understand/except' my neutral moods and bad moods as just a = fleeting mood. Nothing personal or planned and it will pass I promise! 3. Definitly have a need to connect but it takes time-time-time, and alot of steel cut trust...before I 'feel' I can share those tender deep thoughts and questions. It amazes me how the Feeling types/Intuitive types have this freedom to express and fluency to say how they feel...wish I could participate or relate but to me ----That's a dangerouse zone.
Serris (not verified) says...
lol, describes myself and my family/friends around me pretty darn well. in elementary school my classmates even gave me a nickname because of those Moodswings.
And my sister described me as passive aggressive, its hella interesting how similiar experiences are.
lourna barnett (not verified) says...
I found that the description is pretty spot on for me at least. Really has helped me understand why I am the way I am.
As a woman, I struggle being an ISTP I'm finding it very difficult to find a potential mate. I hear men want a unicorn but when presented they run the other way, or maybe it is just me.
Shawna Jimenez (not verified) says...
Can verify it's not just you!
Joshua Holmquest (not verified) says...
I can agree with you it is difficult finding a mate that im genuinely happy with or stay interested in long enough to make something meaningful.
soup (not verified) says...
hi, ISTP female here, too. I've dated as many men as possible in my 20s just to see what work for me, and currently end up with a person who is caring but at the same time can give me plenty of freedom in how I run my life. A low maintenance, caring but in a way that doesn't bother me, and very laid back about what I do and how I do my life. This type of mate works for me so far. Maybe you can try one?
ISFJ (not verified) says...
Haha! Sounds like you found yourself a "DOG." Good grief. *eyes rolling*
Leo W (not verified) says...
I feel the careers to avoid section to be incorrect. I wonder how wide and diverse their sampling pool was?
Being a performer and a craftsperson is pretty cool. You get to focus on your abilities and work on challenging things all the time. This makes it seem like we can't be on the creative end of the spectrum. I especially like breaking down a piece of music and turning it into something else entirely. And don't even get me started on making things out of glass.
Christinepl (not verified) says...
Hi, other websites do say that istp's can be very creatieve!
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.
NFer (not verified) says...
You might want to re-evaluate 'honesty'. Do you consider it truth or just your opinion? Hmm? Most often it's just opinions that are shared, although we often believe it's truth. Is it sought, or just offered without invitation?
Assuming the worst for a moment, how would you feel if someone offered you their opinion, without invitation, which they believed to be true (hence why they are offering you this gift) that effectively criticises your competence, standards, values or ethics? After all, most people know how to do that thing better than you.
In this case, how to be humble and caring.
You're welcome! Just being brutally honest. ;)
Pau1a (not verified) says...
I completely understand the problem of being "too blunt." No one has ever told me to my face that they dislike my manner of communication or that I'm too cold, but in my interactions I notice the other participant tends to be uncomfortable. I tend to mask my bluntness in humor, but it's still clear enough to make people uncomfortable with the way I'm bashing on them. Honestly is my tool, truth my sword, and others just can't quite appreciate that. I can assure you, there are people out there who will take quite wonderfully to your charm. I know an ISTP myself, and he and I get along swimmingly. He and I talk often and tend to understand each other's humor in a way few others do. If you want to know, I'm an INTJ. ISTP and INTJ don't have especially high compatibility, but we still make fantastic cousins, especially since we both have ESFP siblings and can sympathize with one another.
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.
Serris (not verified) says...
i just stopped (or never really did) giving a damn of what other ppl think, i dont change my speech just to cater to others, they either like me, or they dont, i dont want ppl to like me for something that isnt me. ppl get what they see, when they hang around me.
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 @$$hole.
Luv you all, my fellow ISTP.
Wife of A** (not verified) says...
That's how I feel about husband.
antisocial tiger (not verified) says...
Bruh same, but nobody says it to me. I just know cause I feel like a jerk when talking to people, but I can't fix it cause of my complete lack of social skills :/
Joshua Holmquest says...
💯💯💯
papi (not verified) says...
i can relate to that @$$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.
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