Wouldn’t it be nice if you could pop open the head of someone of interest and discover anything and everything they were about? Of course this is impossible, but to what extent? Is there a way to pick someone’s brain in order to wrap yourself around that person better? Or perhaps worse, but lets assume we all would have decent agendas.
So first things first, how do we get such information? Recently I partook in a subset of the Meyers Briggs personality test. While the portion of the test I took is in no way as complete as the full version, we can begin to see what my personality type likes and dislikes. Personality tests like this one are a window into someone’s frame of mind. While it cannot predict everything a person might do, it can give some serious insight into how a person will react to different stimuli.
When I took the test my result was an INFJ. In order to replicate the data to obtain a more accurate result, I had a friend take the same test in my place. The results as found on many websites relating to the Meyers Briggs test and on Wikipedia and most likely similar to results the actual test would produce describe my type in detail, and most of my friends and family members agree with them. This leads to an interesting concept. There are things on the test that none of my friends or family members have ever observed in me, and that I myself have not observed.
The interesting part is that these unobserved traits have shown themselves clear over the past few weeks as I interpreted my actions and observations in terms of the test results. One example is that my type experiences physical stress and health problems when stressed. Now, don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that this website told me who I am, but the physical problems manifesting themselves due to the fact that I am mentally stressed from college and work seems a likely constant.
Like I said before we cannot get a perfect picture from someone from just a test. However, knowing someone else’s personality type can allow us to cater to that person in ways we never thought we should. Instead of forcing a hard over introvert to succumb to the woes of a loud obnoxious party, one might cater to such a person by inviting only the friends that person is familiar with and enjoys the company of. Not only will this allow them to feel more comfortable with the crowd, but it will also win you brownie points with them if they are aware of who did the planning; and perhaps it couldn’t hurt to hint as to why.
There are many subtle clues as to what makes people tick. It may not be possible to get the same level of understanding from someone who has not taken the test, but I would encourage anyone interested in improving relationships to not only take the test themselves, but to also read up on the other 16 or so types to understand how each one typically operates. Then when presented with a new aquaintence or old relationship that could use a bit of mending, attempt to find out what parts of their personality types stand out. Then remember what that type likes and dislikes and either avoid or directly confront the person on the strong points and weak points of their personality.
It again may not be a perfect way to understand someone but it can sure as hell stop you from saying something that could ruin a relationship before it even starts. Good luck and happy testing!
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