Introducing myself (WARNING - LONG POST)

[EmergingAlbert]

So I'm pretty new here. This isn't my first post, but it's the first thread I've started. If you want some more introductory information about me, you can just go to the Introduce Yourself (I think that's what it's called) thread and read my post there.

Anyway, I've known i'm an INTP for about four years now. I took the MBTI right before I started college as an aid to help me pick out a major, which I ended up not doing until two years later. That's my P-ness, waiting until the last moment to make a decision.

Anyway, I didn't get REALLY into the whole MBTI thing until about a year ago, when I met my amazing ENFP girlfriend. Her ENTJ friend had introduced her to the MBTI before. Anyway, if you know anything about socionics and/or intertype relations, I'm sure you know how challenging a relationship with an ENFP can be for INTP's like us.

I think I've been an INTP for pretty much all my life, but I'm not sure. I've always been...different. I have always very much fit the "absent-minded professor" archetype. I'm completely oblivious to details that most "normal" people notice. At the same time, I occasionally notice details to which nobody else really pays attention.

My N is very weak. I sometimes test as an ISTP. I really don't consider myself a very intuitive person. That's not to say that I don't have any intuition, but I don't really pay any attention to it. I find intuition to be illogical, so I guess you could say my weak N and my strong T contradict each other, and the T almost always wins.

Sometimes I wonder if my INTPness is just really strong or if something is actually wrong with me psychologically. Several people, especially those who claim to love me the most, have brought up (some to my face, some behind my back) that I might have autism. I do display a lot of the diagnostic criteria of autism and Asperger's, but I feel that if I did have it, it would have been diagnosed a long time ago. I have been seeing psychologists and counselors since I was a child, and none of them have suggested that I have any psychological disorders. Except for one thing, that is. I did take a neuropsychological test, and my score for processing speed was so severely low that I qualified for extra time on tests such as the ACT. i also am granted extra time on tests now that I'm in college through disability services. However, you can't really say I have any "disorder" because low processing speed isn't really a disorder. And it doesn't explain all my quirks.

Anyway, I guess that's all I have to say for now. I thought this was going to be a lot longer. If anything else comes up, I'll make another post. Please give me feedback.

 

[ElvenVeil]

hello and welcome
Although you may score low on intuition , you should still have a good time on this forum.
The absent minded professor would at least be a way to describe the INTP ..
It is always interesting to read these introit posts, so I will be looking forward to see more from you

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Firstly, welcome.

Secondly, don't blame your Pness for keeping you from college. It had nothing to do with that.

Thirdly, yes, I know something about Socionics.

Fourthly, yes, I also find intuition to be illogical. Though I think that's why it's called intuition.

Fifthly, if your Pness is really strong, there's something wrong with you physically.

Sixthly, I'd like extra time. Quality > quantity.

Seventhly, what are your interests?

 

[Da Blob]

welcome!
rejoice in your difference! who would choose to be normal, when normal means average?

 

[EmergingAlbert]

EV, I will definitely be posting more...probably even today (in addition to this post itself). Stay tuned!

ISC, firstly, I like the way you write. I can tell you're an INTP or INTJ just from the way you say firstly, secondly, etc. It's very logical, and I like logical people. Well, most of them, at least.

Secondly, I thought I made it clear that I am in college. My P-ness doesn't keep my from college, but it certainly presents several stumbling blocks along the way.

Thirdly, my P-ness isn't THAT strong. It's moderate. My strongest function is my I-ness, my second strongest is my T-ness, my third strongest is my P-ness, and my weakest is obviously my N-ness.

Fourthly, I use the suffix -ness too much.

Fifthly, I'm not sure if what you said about my P-ness being strong is intended to be a dirty joke or a serious statement.

Sixthly, I agree with your statement about quality over quantity. I personally don't believe in timed tests. I think they should measure intelligence and knowledge, not speed. Unfortunately, as a student, I have to deal with them. The extra time certainly helps, though.

Seventhly, I listed many of my interests on the Introduce Yourself thread, but I'll list them on here again. I enjoy psychology (which just so happens to be my major), surfing the Internet, making and watching YouTube videos, spending time with my fair lady, singing, writing poetry, wasting time, procrastinating, avoiding my family, and horseback riding. How about you?

 

[EmergingAlbert]

Da Blob, I just noticed your post...you must have posted right at the same time I did. Typically I do rejoice in my differences. As you said, normal and average are boring...I prefer to be above average.

 

[ElvenVeil]

*would be interested in seeing some of the poetry you have made*

 

[EmergingAlbert]

I think I could do that. I'll start a new thread and put some of my poetry on it.

 

[Bird]

If this is your idea of a long post we will
get along marvelously.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

ISC, firstly, I like the way you write. I can tell you're an INTP or INTJ just from the way you say firstly, secondly, etc. It's very logical, and I like logical people. Well, most of them, at least.

Not sure if it's logical, it is ordered though.

Secondly, I thought I made it clear that I am in college. My P-ness doesn't keep my from college, but it certainly presents several stumbling blocks along the way.

Thirdly, my P-ness isn't THAT strong. It's moderate. My strongest function is my I-ness, my second strongest is my T-ness, my third strongest is my P-ness, and my weakest is obviously my N-ness.

Fourthly, I use the suffix -ness too much.

Fifthly, I'm not sure if what you said about my P-ness being strong is intended to be a dirty joke or a serious statement.

Quick note: It's not that important in general, but if you're getting into MBTI, it'd be best if you focused on functions and not the Four Letter Code and its dichotomies.

Oh and whether or not that was a joke is up to you.

Sixthly, I agree with your statement about quality over quantity. I personally don't believe in timed tests. I think they should measure intelligence and knowledge, not speed. Unfortunately, as a student, I have to deal with them. The extra time certainly helps, though.

Same here. But the focus is on industrializing education.. so yeah. We have to deal with it / work around it.

Seventhly, I listed many of my interests on the Introduce Yourself thread, but I'll list them on here again. I enjoy psychology (which just so happens to be my major), surfing the Internet, making and watching YouTube videos, spending time with my fair lady, singing, writing poetry, wasting time, procrastinating, avoiding my family, and horseback riding. How about you?

Oops, seems I selectively read.

Those all seem like interesting interests that you are interested in. I share the same minus three. I've been horseback riding though that was several years ago, I think it'd be much different if I went now - faster. I think everyone should be able to try it at least once though, it's pretty cool.

 

[EmergingAlbert]

Thank you for correcting my usage of "logical." You're right..."ordered" is a much more accurate way to describe that writing style. "Orderly" would be a good word too. What are the three interests of mine that you don't share?

About the functions vs. the four-letter code...I am just starting to understand that, but I don't quite understand it in full. A friend tried to describe the idea of the "function order" to me, but I didn't quite absorb it. After doing some reading and research, I'm beginning to get the concept, but it's still not completely clear to me. Doesn't it have more to do with Jungian personality theory than MBTI? Could you explain further?

 

[Jennywocky]

The OP was perfectly fine and not long at all, really, and you sound like a decent-enough guy; but I would ask that you don't put pictures larger than most people's profile pics in your signature; it's going to show up every time you post and will clutter the threads. (Usually mods restrict pic sizes in sigs anyway, I'm not sure why that isn't being done here.)

 

[EmergingAlbert]

Jenny and Bird, I was actually anticipating this post to be much longer, but I overestimated it. I had a lot more thoughts in my head than I could actually remember to express (typical of an INTP, I suppose).

Yeah, I guess two pictures is a bit much for my signature. I think I'll delete the "life of the party" image.

 

[Gather_Wanderer]

You who hath a strong P-ness, are too much man for us here. Is this the emerging part of yourself that you've taken note of?


.....

giggity

.....

welcome

 

[EmergingAlbert]

Well, let's just say it is! That wasn't originally the meaning of my username, but it is now. I am Albert with an emerging P-ness.

 

[GottabeKB]

Well, let's just say it is! That wasn't originally the meaning of my username, but it is now. I am Albert with an emerging P-ness.

That's kind of embarrassing. *Introduces myself to Emerging Albert* , Me: "Whoa your flying low... and I guess you're happy to see me!"

Welcome to the forum. And you have fun with that emerging P-ness!

 

[EmergingAlbert]

Hello, KB. Nice to meet you.

 

[digital angel]

Welcome to the forum. I prefer to think of you as "emerging albert." Considering your major, perhaps you should find a famous psychologist that is allegedly INTP and call yourself and an "emerging ___________."

Have you inquired with your psychologist about why your score for processing was low? Is it possible that you don't feel comfortable with exams? If so, what would help you feel more comfortable with them? You don't have to answer the questions; it's just something to think about, if you haven't already.

 

[Synthesis]

Welcome to the forum, try not to get lost as there are blessedly unfortunately few roadsigns around here. Perhaps that's a good thing, considering the denizens...

 

[EmergingAlbert]

DA, that's not a bad idea...I could be EmergingJung! I dunno though...EmergingAlbert just has more of a ring to it because of the alliteration.

Well, I'm currently not seeing a psychologist...I'm seeing an LPC. I have thought about asking him about my low processing speed and if I have any disorder(s), but I'm not sure if he'd know. I've only been seeing him for several months, and that's mainly for the sake of my relationship. Interestingly, he is also an INTP.

Anyway, I have thought about going back to see the neuropsychologist who tested me and asking her more details about my results, but that would cost a lot of money. The reason I'm seeing the LPC is because he works at my university, and counseling is free for students if we use one of the school counselors.

 

[Tyria]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Jennywocky]

Your musical quotient is high on your testing... any instruments that you prefer to play, or is it just general interest?

I noticed the Asperger's diagnostic criteria manifesting in your writing style (and it kinda couples with your statement about your "N being low.") Aspies typically are very powerful thinkers/systemizers but without intuitively being able to grasp/appreciate the social ramifications/currents around them, and the need for structure (codified rules that compensate for lack of intuition for social and practical considerations sometimes) can sometimes come off as rigid ST despite the topics considered are usually more the domain of the NTs. Your delivery is also very very straight-laced (which is typical), although I think I noticed one or two things in the OP that could have been very dry humor.

My N is kind of quirky. When I see your name, I keep getting images of
Matthew Laborteaux AKA Albert (Little House on the Prairie) in my head... Arrrg.

 

[digital angel]

Emerging Albert, who says you can't be an emerging jung, too. Take the time, to decide what you want to do.

Another thing (I'm sure you've thought of it), you could take advantage of your major to learn more about yourself. Having said all of this, you should know I'm not a psychologist or a psychiatrist. I'm a tax attorney.

 

[EmergingAlbert]

Jenny, I adore music. I can play the tenor saxophone, but I haven't played since I quit the marching band (too much stress in addition to being a full-time student, full-time boyfriend, and part-time caller). What I really enjoy is singing though. Unfortunately, I no longer have that many outlets to express my singing talent, and as a result, I've noticed that my vocal quality has declined. I used to sing a lot in both my high school and college choruses, but I had a bit of a falling out with the college a cappella chorus director, so I no longer participate in that. I also used to be a member of a SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of BarberShop Quartet Singing in America) chorus, but we broke up after a year due to such a small size. There is another local SPEBSQSA chorus in town, but their dues are too high for me to afford, and I fear that, like marching band, it will take up too much of my time. I still occasionally sing in my free time. I like to sing along and harmonize with songs I like on the radio. I'll often hum the bass part (I sing bass, baritone, and occasionally 2nd tenor) or just the harmony. I also like to sing to my girlfriend, and vice versa. One of the big things that attracted me to her was the fact that she liked to sing too.

I am a very logical and rational thinker, and I have very little, if any, appreciation for social customs. I also interpret most things literally unless it's something intentionally artistic like poetry. However, I don't really like structure that much except in certain situations (hence my P-ness). I'm actually quite messy, and I like change. I get bored with monotony and routine. To all Aspies have this quality?

Could you elaborate on what you mean about my delivery? Interestingly, I have found that I write on this forum a little bit differently than usual, mainly because I know that I'm in the company of fellow INTP's. I always try to be very clear and grammatically correct in my writing, but I feel like I actually write more systematically on here just because I can. It's kind of subconscious, but I'm still conscious of it, if that makes any sense. What do you mean by my delivery being "straight-laced," and what are the things that I said that you thought were dry humor? I can tell you if I was joking or serious.

Also, pardon my ignorance, but what is the "OP?" I've never seen Little House on the Prairie, but I just Googled Matthew Laborteaux. He doesn't really look like me, but that's funny that my name makes you think of him.

 

[EmergingAlbert]

digital angel, how did you know I was a psychology major? I can't remember ever saying that, but maybe I just forgot. I do think studying psychology has helped me understand myself a bit better.

 

[digital angel]

Emerging Albert, you stated your major in your original post.

Out of curiosity, what do you want to do with your major? Do you want to be a clinical psychololgist? Do you want to go to medical school?

 

[EmergingAlbert]

Okay, I guess I did...I can't remember specifically, but I'm sure you're right.

I want to be a clinical psychologist, and I want to specialize in researching and diagnosing mental illnesses. Less on the counseling side. I'd like to either work at a mental hospital or for the government.

 

[digital angel]

Emerging Albert,

That's cool. Good luck.

 

[EmergingAlbert]

Thanks :-)

 

[Jennywocky]

Could you elaborate on what you mean about my delivery?

You are very methodical, thorough, processed, rational in your writing style here. Which also results in longer posts.

I think I took somewhat of that tone when I was much younger, but the more I developed other parts of my personality, the more I became casual in much of my writing. You'll see me changing how I talk based on the context/type of conversation I am having. (If I get into a serious philosophical/rational discussion, for example, I'll drop back into more the style you have habitually used so far.)

Interestingly, I have found that I write on this forum a little bit differently than usual, mainly because I know that I'm in the company of fellow INTP's. I always try to be very clear and grammatically correct in my writing, but I feel like I actually write more systematically on here just because I can. It's kind of subconscious, but I'm still conscious of it, if that makes any sense.

I understand what you mean there.

What do you mean by my delivery being "straight-laced," and what are the things that I said that you thought were dry humor? I can tell you if I was joking or serious.

Well, this whole response from you is very straight-laced, for example. Fairly dense, complex sentence structure. Straight-forward. Explanatory. Covers all the details/bases in providing information. Not really any bouncing around or making asides, or joking about something. (Ne tends to add a more playful flair to INTP writing, if they indulge themselves.) You'll notice right now I'm taking a more conversational approach in my tone... because I'm talking to you as a person, I'm not just "conveying information" for the general populace. It's as if you were talking to me, rather than reading something I've written.

As far comments that might have been "dry humor":

I think I've been an INTP for pretty much all my life, but I'm not sure. I've always been...different.

Fourthly, I use the suffix -ness too much.

(actually, that one is obviously humor)

...wasting time, procrastinating, avoiding my family, and horseback riding.

heh

other stuff too, i'm kind of out of time (or I'd respond to your music comments as well... maybe later)

But there are other things like where you tell someone, "Thank you for correcting my usage of "logical."" Statements like that are just... funny... when I read them. Almost absurd. People really don't talk like that in conversation, if you listen to them. It's a very "rational" and almost formal response to what most people wouldn't even respond to.

And there are many opportunities where I see you COULD make a joke or a little twist on something... but typically you just give the straight-forward, serious, literal response.

(I'm more N, and my brain is constantly firing and pinging as I read things and respond to them, and I have to constantly choose how I'm going to respond.)

Also, pardon my ignorance, but what is the "OP?"

Original Post(er). In this case... you.

I've never seen Little House on the Prairie, but I just Googled Matthew Laborteaux. He doesn't really look like me, but that's funny that my name makes you think of him.

It's kind of bizarre. I haven't seen that show since I was young. I think part of the reason is because I just don't know very many Alberts ... in fact, none IRL.

Eddie Albert
Fat Albert
Albert Einstein
Albert Camus

But that's all I can think of...

 

[EmergingAlbert]

Jenny, the first comment you pointed out where I said that I've always been different was not intended to be humorous, but the other two were. Well, definitely the one about -ness was, and the one about my family was just kind of sarcasm, yet true.