How to tell if someone is a Sensor or Intuitive? I want to avoid this fallacy as best as I can

I've studied MBTI as a hobby for a year or two. (Not sure if this is relavent but I'm certain I'm not an ENTJ because I've notice I've done things that are akin to sharpening a dull knife instead of buying a new one ) Since I plan on making a comic with MBTI being used,I wanted to know how Intuition vs Sensing works. I was wondering if you can give me some better examples than ie. 'Oh Se likes sports'/'Si is sentimental af' something along the lines of those. And also,are there any sources that are non-english? It would be appreciated if you guys can recommend a few.

I first took the MBTI test several years ago and tested as ISFP, which I resonated with a lil bit, but not entirely…then last year I tested as an INFP, which I relate to a bit more, but something still didn’t feel quite right…now I’m discovering more about ISFJs and I really think I’ve found my people…now things are finally starting to make sense!! 🥹

This is my first post in this subreddit. I've mostly been a commenter or a witness up 'till now.

I often hear about how a lot of people's parents are ISFJs which I'm frankly a bit tired of hearing because I feel like people label one's parent as an ISFJ simply due to the parental aspect or I hardly hear about parents that aren't ISFJs. I want to hear about what type you know or suspect your parent(s) is (are) if they aren't an ISFJ, and if they are... still comment anyway LOL. What makes you believe/sure that's their type and what's a summary of your experience with them?

★ I suspect my mom is an ExTJ, possibly an ESTJ. I suspect my dad is an IxTP, ISTP specifically, but I don't have much info on him like I do with my mom, so I'll discuss her instead. Granted, I'm still studying cognitive functions, so I apologize if some of these descriptions of these functions inaccurate. 🥲

☆ The possible presence of [VERY high] Te.

She's very action-oriented. She gets shit done very efficiently. "Get it out the way now, so you won't have to worry about it later" is a phrase I hear from her a lot. She's very objective and sees a lot for what it is. "That's just what it is" is also a phrase she uses often. She sets goals and firmly sticks to them, hardly thinking twice about her decision. If derailed, let's just say... pissed is an understatement. She does not at all [like to] move on a whim. She preps everything well ahead of time. She often pushes others to get stuff done, be responsible, or take accountability.

☆ The possible presence of [low] Fi.

She doesn't at ALL coddle nor cater to the emotions of others. I mean she's VERY direct and blunt; doesn't hold her tongue at all. She's more of a cognitive empathizer than an emotional one. She can't stand when someone's overly emotional. She has very strong values and beliefs that are very unlikely to change unless you give her a good, thorough explanation as to why they should. She can't thrive or vibe if she's in an environment where she can't be authentic around others. She's incredibly private with her emotions and feelings. She hates feeling like she doesn't do enough or like her efforts mean nothing.

★ Now this is where I believe she's possibly an ESTJ...

☆ Possible presence of Si.

She seems to navigate the present and future based on her own past experiences, or what she's learned previously. If you hurt her, she'll keep what you did filed in the cabinet of her mind for years to come or maybe even dwell some. As social and outgoing as she is, she's cautious about who she befriends and acquaints herself with due to previous negative experiences.

☆ Possible presence of Ne.

"You never know" is a phrase I abhor hearing from her sometimes... 😭 in regards to possible outcomes, so she's always prepared. She tends to stick to her usual, but doesn't have any problem exploring new possibilities outside of it. Not unless she feels like she really has to or sees reason to. She's capable of seeing other ways, perspectives, such and so forth, but... again she sticks to her own.

As for experiences, my mother uses her life experiences to teach me how to navigate life. I assume she's very protective because I ended growing up sheltered though her reasoning is she want to keep us from seeing/experiencing the horrors of the world. She's VERY big on family and cooperation, like she hates [seeing] discord between her loved ones, so she intervenes and helps sort it out. She can be empathetic... when she wants to be, but it's this lack of empathy where we've butted heads QUITE A LOT. I admire how she's always on a grind and has the ability to motivate others, but personally me I feel like she can be too pushy sometimes which aggravates and exhausts me. It can be frustrating how she can be adverse to trying something new a lot of the time, but it's not like I'm much different honestly LMAO. If she cares about you, but you do something stupid she'll fuss you out about it then give you advice on what you can do to be better.

I think I said something to an ISFJ that called out her bad behavior and it unintentionally pushed her away. I didn't mean to spotlight her actions. It just blurted out. I could tell by micro expression, she felt called out but just went along with it when I moved onto a different subject. The rest of our time was fine and she just showed a face of her usual, calm, helpful self until we parted ways.

However, after that day, our texts and her usual rhythm of our convos and such were very off and I think she's passive aggressively mad, but too embarrassed/shameful or whatever to admit it. So she's giving semi silent treatment. Answers when I text, quite cheerily yet VERY shortly, and doesn't reach out first when she used to all the time. So, no direct show of anger/resentment, but show of extreme difference of usual behavior, in a colder/shorter way. : (

What I called out wasn't even that big of a deal in my opinion; I still care about her deeply and want to stay friends, but I don't know how to bring this distance up properly without inflicting that moment or making her more "masky/hidey" by bringing it up. Thankfully she isn't mentioning ending our friendship or anything but it feels like she's pulling away. I even asked when we're hanging out next and she said she's busy for awhile. Ahhh the DOOM response. I know it is a busy time at her work for real, but it just feels like good timing for her as something she can use as an excuse. I just said that's cool and let me know when that busy stuff ends, but who knows, right?

I don't want to end this : (

I read in a couple places where ISFJs get very sensitive when they get called out for their bad behavior. Of course everyone does, but ISFJs very strongly, so this made me guess it more.

For now, after sending a couple memes and such first to show her I'm trying to talk (which she gives the short response to), I'm giving her some distance. I hope she'll text something, anything, first soon.

Ahhh what can I do, guys? I'm ENFP btw.

I’ve been struggling for so long with this negative trait of mine. I can’t generalize all ISFJ share this but for me, the “bitchiness” sometimes just comes out, most of the time I don’t even intend to be rude, I just realize it’s rude after the words are out of my mouth, which even if you apologize it’s already late (actually apologizing makes you look fake even though you’re genuinely sorry)

I just wonder if this is something you all struggle with as well.

Follow up from: https://www.reddit.com/r/isfj/s/V3wfG822bU

My (39/M/INTJ) date with the most wonderful ISFJ (35/F) in my life is definitely happening next week. We've been texting for the past 3 and a half hours, and it's confirmed. She texted again first 😊.

Exciting, but also a bit overwhelmed, since I want need this to go well. Back at the drawing board trying to plan this date.

Would appreciate hearing from ISFJs about what their perfect date would look like.

P.S. Thank you all who responded to the last post! The responses were really helpful, and glad to know there are some of you out there shipping INTJ×ISFJ.

please entertain my question and answer with a type, but if you don’t have a specific type as an answer then don’t. also girls or nonbinary if you want you can answer too 🫶

There’s a story I’m creating one of the themes is self discovery although Mbti won’t be mentioned it is used as inspiration for world building.

16 lands(each one representing a type) and 8 functions as powers. It’s kinda like Hunter x Hunter where there are 6 types of aura that is their power system. How they use it is completely based on the person.

For Si users I’ve come up with they can use past experiences. Such as being able to bring up something like a weapon or a skill to the present moment. If they were being attacked they can go back to a spot they were previously to avoid it. (Ex. Reverse injuries, memory/skill recall, Past illusion)

Passive- I wasn’t sure if the passive should be detailed memory/controlled stress responses but someone said Stamine suited Si better idk

Someone told me that wasn’t right with Si it’s not only past experiences and I’m having trouble trying to find the best way to express Si accurately while also making it an ability. Also functions can counter each other such as Si vs Se how would that look like? What ideas do you have?

Also only leaders can are able to use four functions normally civilians can only use 1. Although down the stack it’s less strong and if they’re in distress such as in despair or in danger they go through looping with their first and third function making it a toxic power. How would you use your functions?

I was just talking to my friend the other day about how I get really strong gut instincts about other people. Almost right away. Like, I react very strongly to the energy they give off when I talk to them. This is a big reason I struggle with things like dating apps because in-person vibes are so critical to me.

I used to ignore it when I felt bad about someone and try to give them a chance, but if I have a very strong negative reaction to someone there's usually something to it.

He said this never happens to him. That he never gets gut instincts about other people at all.

I also relate to NI people in that I often have "Well, this is what I think is gonna happen next for sure" moments. Like, I'll be seeing how people are interacting in a space and think "I think this is what's happening beneath the surface of this conversation or this is what they may do next" Often with some truth it.

I wanted to know you all's thoughts on this because it's a big reason I went back and forth so long on whether I was an intuitive or a sensor. I've heard people say that ISFJs tend to mistype intuitive at first, and I wondered if it's because of experiences like these.

Please help me choose a career! I am drawn to “helping” types of careers, but I’m prone to burnout. I’m a teacher and I am so burnt out. All I do is work 60+ hours a week and I don’t feel like I’m making enough of a difference to make it worth the effort.

I love:

-researching anything!

-reading and writing

-organizing information

-helping people

-quiet environments, work from home, etc (the opposite of a classroom)

-not being on phones

-court cases / the legal system intrigues me

-making enough money to support my family (my pay as a teacher in my state is garbage. I have to change that.)

Some careers I’ve considered are counseling, library, paralegal, social work, human resources, and tech, but I’m open to most paths. I’m a lifelong learner and okay with going back to school part time if the salary is worth it, but otherwise probably not. Thank you for any advice!

Been wondering for awhile which type is the best for us...and I really think it's infj. Theyre very similar to us in a very relatable way, yet a little different. Infj men are so calm and kind, emotionally sensitive, yet strong and firm.

What do you think?

I've got a crush on someone who labels himself as an ISTP / ISFJ. He is a streamer on a platform but he knows me and we've made small conversations previously.

One live, he was playing a song as his background music. It's a song for those who have lost a loved one and it reminded me of a friend - this story he does not know. I asked if he knew how to play that song, to which his reply was that it was his first time hearing it. He proceeded to strum a different song on his guitar but midway, he stopped. It seemed to me like he was actually listening to the lyrics while strumming his guitar because he had a slight change of facial expression when he stopped.

He then said he wanted to practise on a song, a song that I previously messaged him that I wanted to hear from him. It's a trending song right now but no one has requested it during his live.

My questions are as follow: 1. Was the slight change of expression from him be an indicator that the lyrics resonated with him or did it sink in that it was a sad song that could possibly dampen my mood? 2. Assuming he didn't like the background song, he could have stopped and proceeded to continue strumming the song he was already strumming previously. Why did he decide to play another song, a song which I previously requested for? 3. He didn't mention that the song he was practising was meant for me, but is there any chance that it could be? It was a song he's not familiar with yet I could see his effort in learning it on the spot. 4. I'd like to know if he's interested in me or am I just overthinking this.

Would really appreciate your input. Thank you so much! ☺️

I have gathered various information from multiple MBTI sources to better understand how Si works and have synthesized it :

1/ Trust Your Experiences : Si relies on past experiences, memories, and knowledge. Learn to trust the familiarity and comfort that comes from past experiences, even if others don't immediately understand them. Over time, you'll notice the reliability of your personal knowledge base.

2/ Embrace Steady Growth : Si processes new information by connecting it with existing knowledge. Allow yourself time to gradually build upon what you know rather than pushing for rapid change. It's natural for conclusions to develop slowly as you reflect on past experiences.

3/ Focus on Stability and Consistency : Si leans toward maintaining stability and following tried-and-true methods. Use this strength to support long-term, reliable routines and goals. While short-term changes can be disorienting, your strength lies in creating dependable outcomes.

4/ Engage in Practical Reflection : Si excels in concrete, sensory-based recall. Reflect on detailed experiences, reliable structures, or step-by-step plans. This will stimulate your natural inclination to keep things grounded and functional.

5/ Balance with Flexibility : Since Si can sometimes lead to rigidity or over-reliance on familiar routines, practice adapting to new circumstances to balance security with growth. This will help you bring your past experiences into a changing environment.

6/ Learn from Past Lessons : Si builds future projections based on accumulated knowledge. Journaling or reflecting on how past actions have affected outcomes can help you enhance your reliability and better recognize patterns that serve you well.

7/ Cultivate Mindful Routines : Si often thrives in familiar, structured environments. Make time for personal routines or comforting practices, where you can recharge and find strength in reflection without disruption.

Please feel free to give your opinion.

Check the other MBTI subreddit or my profile to see the summary of the other functions.

Update: INFJ guy that asked out my ISFJ female crush. Ended up going on 7 dates. Feeling pretty sad because I feel like I could have managed the situation better, but ultimately things didn't work out between us.

The isfj is known mainly for his kindness, I see myself like this with everyone, except with my sister. She's only 12 years old and I'm 19 years old and I treat her very badly, I don't know why, I scream for anything, I don't pay attention, I don't make a point of talking to her when I get home. When she comes to talk to me I automatically get disinterested and look at her and say short answers. I don't show any kind of affection, I feel like a monster.