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The ISFJ Personality Type Explained

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The classification of personality types defines ISFJs as the loving caretakers of the group. Since ISFJs are always looking to be useful and helpful to others, there’s no wonder ISFJ nicknames range from “the most considerate personality type” to “The Defender.” In fact, The Defender is the official nickname of the ISFJ personality type.

In a nutshell, any good ISFJ description speaks of loyalty to tradition, dedication to helping others (especially those in need), a strong need for order and stability, and a deep devotion to family.

Not sure if your personality type is an ISFJ? Take our free personality test to know for sure!

If you already know you are an ISFJ, keep reading to find out things like:

  • What ISFJ stand for and what the main characteristics are of the type
  • Strengths and weaknesses
  • ISFJ celebrities from today and in the past
  • ISFJ career matches based on their preferences
  • ISFJ compatibility with the other personality types

Before we go there, let’s first take a closer look at The Defender personality type.

ISFJ Description

As a personality type that falls into the SJ Temperament, the ISFJ is an empathetic listener with a strong moral compass. As an introvert, the ISFJ personality type is focused on their inner world and processes information internally. Yet, for an introverted type, they also have strong social skills, which allow them to communicate and connect with the people they want to help. Still, in order to recharge, The Defender personality needs to spend time alone and will prefer to socialize in small groups or one-on-one conversations.

The Defender personality is a Feeling type and uses their emotion and their core values to make decisions and relate to others. They also aim to please and require the respect and validation of others in order to feel valued.

As Sensing types, ISFJ people are focused on the here and now; they see the world as it is. As literal and pragmatic thinkers, ISFJs prefer practical ideas that are anchored in reality rather than idealism and theoretical concepts.

ISFJs don’t like to play games or take things lightly when it comes to romantic relationships or friendships. They want to build deep and meaningful connections that can last a lifetime, which is why they may sometimes seem like they take life a bit too seriously.

When you love someone, when you care for someone, you have to do it through the good and the bad. Not just when you’re happy and it’s easy.” – Lauren Olivier

For the ISFJ personality type, their family is their heart, so they will do their best to create a warm and loving home environment. The Defender will protect their family and fight for them in a quest to offer them a kinder and more beautiful world.

Key ISFJ Facts

Grounded in reality and a bit set in their ways, the people with ISFJ personality type characteristics are also kind and compassionate. They are methodical and persistent, always looking to fulfill their duties and to show the world just how reliable they can be.

Here are a few key facts to keep in mind about The Defender personality type:

  • People-centric, ISFJs take action whenever they perceive an injustice has happened.
  • Dependable and organized, they will see their tasks to the end.
  • Quiet and sometimes shy, they rarely share their opinions (their focus is on others).
  • Highly accurate with figures, facts, and names, ISFJs have a great memory.
  • Not comfortable with change, they can be reluctant to accept something that’s out of the norm.
  • Their core personal values include taking care of others, upholding tradition, and working diligently.

ISFJ Meaning

What does ISFJ stand for?

Before we get to that, it’s important to understand that the personality indicator system uses four pairs of opposing Personality Preferences to highlight the natural tendencies of a personality type. Therefore, the system uses letters to describe the preferences specific to each of the sixteen types.

In the case of The Defender personality type, the letters stand for the following four preferences: Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging.

Now, besides personality preferences, each type is defined by four Cognitive Functions ordered in a stack, from dominant to inferior. These functions describe how each type perceives the world and define the processes they use to make decisions and take action.

Below, we will use the concepts mentioned earlier (Personality Preferences &andCognitive Functions) to answer a very popular question – what is an ISFJ like?

ISFJ Preferences

The Introversion preference describes a person who will direct their energy inward, toward their own thoughts and ideas. People with this personality preference need to spend time alone to recharge (social interactions are draining to them) and prefer small groups or one-on-one encounters. They tend to be good listeners who think things through before they speak. As introverts, ISFJ people share these personality traits, but they also have strong social skills that come in handy for their quest to help others

Focused on reality and oriented toward concrete facts, people with the Sensing preference tend to be aware of their surroundings and notice tangible details. They prefer practical solutions that have a direct world application and enjoy the comfort of certitude. With a strong need for order, ISFJs like structure and clear-cut guidelines. They are also meticulous (sometimes to the point of perfection) and value common sense

Feeling types can seem overly emotional at times (compared to Thinkers), but this happens because they use feelings and values to guide them in decision-making. In true Feeling fashion, ISFJs are focused on pleasing others and value harmony over conflict. They are also empathic and can easily relate to other people’s feelings.

Lastly, the Judging preference speaks of a person who values organization and structure and enjoys completing tasks. This preference is quite strong in the ISFJ personality type, as they take their responsibilities in life seriously. They don’t feel inspired or motivated in a dynamic environment where things can change easily. Therefore, they thrive in career paths with a clear set of rules (like education, healthcare, or counseling), where everyone knows what needs to be done.

ISFJ Cognitive Functions

In the personality type indicator system, each person uses four Cognitive Functions to perceive and judge the world. The way these four functions are ordered in the stack is important, since the order affects a person’s main thought process when making a decision.

Additionally, these functions can be introverted or extraverted, which describes how the energy flows (inward or outward).

For instance, the ISFJ function stack has SiFe as dominant and auxiliary functions, which means they will mainly use Introverted Sensing (Si) and Extraverted Feeling (Fe) to get the information they need and make decisions. Likewise, there are two other functions (the tertiary function and the inferior function) that we need to consider to build a complete personality profile.

Therefore, let’s have a look at the ISFJ cognitive function stack and dig a bit deeper under their calm and sometimes stoic exterior.

Si – Introverted Sensing (Primary Function)

ISFJs use their Sensory (S) preference to pay attention to their surrounding environment and take in facts based on reality. This is also the cognitive function that allows them to be detail-oriented and meticulous, while also having a great memory. With Introverted Sensing as their dominant function, the ISFJ personality type is focused inward, but they remain friendly and approachable.

Fe – Extraverted Feeling (Secondary Function)

With Extraverted Feeling as the secondary function, it is no wonder that ISFJs are so skilled at connecting and communicating with others (especially people in need). As Feelers, ISFJs tend to use values and emotions to make decisions, but since they use Fe, it is easier for them to be social. And since the energy is directed outward (extraverted), their attention is geared toward how others are feeling.

Moreover, they will adapt their style and behavior to accommodate the needs of the people with whom they interact.

Ti – Introverted Thinking (Tertiary Function)

While ISFJs cannot be categorized as purely logical thinkers, they do like to use clear data, reality-based facts, and logical analysis. They also love structure and order, feeling uncomfortable in situations and/or environments that require spontaneity.

All these personality traits are driven by Introverted Thinking (Ti) – the third of the ISFJ functions. Because it is placed third in the cognitive function stack, ISFJs do not base their reasoning on analysis alone. Still, their Ti function allows them to be well-grounded and happy in careers that other, more eccentric,  personality types would see as too dull and routine.

Ne – Extraverted Intuition (Inferior Function)

The last function in the ISFJ stack is Extraverted Intuition or Ne, which means its influence is quite weak for the ISFJ personality type. Still, it helps them keep an open mind for possibilities, even though their main focus is in the present. It’s that nudge that sometimes makes these pragmatic personality types wonder: “what if?”

ISFJ Characteristics & Traits

ISFJ Preferences and Cognitive Functions are a great start to understanding this personality type, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. In order to get to understand how The Defender personality thinks and behaves, we must also take a look at their most prominent characteristics and traits, their strengths and weaknesses, and their relationships.

For this, we have an in-depth article on ISFJ traits and characteristics that will help shine light on their gentle souls. Also, if you want to know how ISFJs relate to other personality types, you should read our analysis of ISFJ relationships and their compatibility with the other 15 personality types.

ISFJ Personality Traits

Just to give you a peek into the depth of their personality, here are some of the words most used to describe the ISFJ personality type:

  • Loving
  • Caring
  • Nurturing
  • Reserved
  • Composed
  • Serious
  • Reliable
  • Meticulous
  • Organized
  • Accepting
  • Private
  • Detail-oriented
  • Empathetic
  • Compassionate
  • Helpful
  • Fair-minded
  • Thoughtful
  • Loyal
  • Focused
  • Practical
  • Warm
  • Friendly
  • Tenderhearted
  • Well-grounded

Lastly, there may be some differences in personality between the ISFJ male and the ISFJ female due to social constructs. For instance, the male ISFJ is encouraged to tap more into his practical and composed side, while the ISFJ female is praised for her devotion to family and home.

ISFJ Strengths and Weaknesses

As human beings, we are all a mixture of strengths and weaknesses – it’s what makes us unique. But the same can be said about each of the 16 personality types – each one has a specific set of strengths and weaknesses that, to a certain degree, influence their lives.

For ISFJs, these are the most significant strengths and weaknesses (keep in mind that their influence varies for each individual):

ISFJ Strengths

  • Practical, dependable, and meticulous
  • Always there for others
  • Compassionate and friendly with good social skills
  • Well-grounded in reality
  • Loyal and hard-working
  • Observant and detail-oriented

ISFJ Weaknesses

  • Have a hard time accepting criticism
  • Avoid sharing their opinion unless they are specifically asked to do so
  • Can allow others to take advantage of their kindness
  • Their desire to please can drive them to take on more tasks than they can handle
  • May be overly concerned about how others see them, due to their desire to belong

ISFJ Percentage

According to the 16 Personalities Institute, The Defender is the most common type out of all the personalities. This means that there’s a high chance you are close to an ISFJ or you are one yourself.

Here are a few interesting statistics to highlight the ISFJ’s presence in the world:

  • They make up about 13.8% of the US population.
  • Most representatives of this type are female – ISFJ males make up only 29% of the total.
  • Sensing personality types make for about 73% of the population.
  • The SJ Temperament type is the most common (around 46% of the population).

Given that a caring nature and desire to help those in need are hallmark traits for an ISFJ individual, we can really believe the world is in good hands.

Other ISFJ Names

As the online world gets to know more about the 16 personalities spectrum, it’s quite common to find the description of the sixteen personality types on all sorts of sites. Moreover, we now have specialists in various fields debating the validity of the system.

As a result, it’s just as common to find new names for each of the types. For instance, while we know the ISFJ as The Defender, other sources label it differently:

  • The Conservator or The Protector – labeled by David Keirsey, American psychologist and university professor
  • Amiable Helper – a label promoted by Jonathan P. Niednagel, the founder of the Brain Type Institute
  • The Protector–Supporter – a label created by Linda Berens, a human and organizational development practitioner

And last but not least:

  • The Practical Helper, according to the official 16 personalities website

BONUS: The Internet is quite vast and varied, so there’s a good chance you may find other names for the ISFJ personality type (besides the ones we mentioned above). We found some of the most interesting descriptive names and mottos people like to use (a fair warning – not all are positive):

  • Service before self
  • Super-dependable
  • Nurturer
  • Supporter
  • Nurse
  • Guardian
  • SEI
  • Duma
  • Compassionate steward
  • Conservator
  • Castiel
  • Heedful host
  • Weaver bird
  • Doormat
  • Sentinel
  • Composer
  • Best friend
  • Curator
  • Humble hero
  • Always-ready helper

Famous ISFJ People

With nicknames like “Supporter” and “Helper,” it may seem unlikely to some to find examples of famous ISFJs. However, even though it’s true that ISFJs don’t actively seek out the spotlight, this doesn’t mean the spotlight doesn’t find them. Also, while it may seem that ISFJs don’t have a lot to say, this initial impression isn’t necessarily true, especially when they find a cause worth standing up for.

Finally, as we mentioned above, the ISFJ personality type is one of the most common, so it’s only natural to find lots of famous people with ISFJ traits. With such amazing traits and a strong drive to help others, there’s no wonder that ISFJs make amazing presidents, social activists, artists, actors, and more – not to mention the perfect supportive fictional characters in books, movies, and other works of fiction.

If we managed to pique your curiosity, make sure to check out our piece on famous ISFJ people, where we name over one hundred fifty famous ISFJ personalities from all walks of life. If you’re someone with an ISFJ personality type, you may find this list an inspiring motivation to move forward in your own projects.

Here are a few of the names that stand out when we’re talking about ISFJ celebrities:

ISFJ Actors & Performers

ISFJs have well-developed social skills (which is a very interesting characteristic for an introverted personality type) and use them to understand others and relate to their troubles.

These skills allow ISFJs to connect with the roles they play as actors and performers. Moreover, ISFJs are meticulous (to the point of perfectionism), observant (well above average), and people-pleasing. As a result, even though ISFJs are not that comfortable in the spotlight, there are a few stellar ISFJ actors and performers out there.

Here are a few examples:

  • Vin Diesel, American actor, filmmaker, and singer ( Fast & Furious series, Bloodshot, Guardians of the Galaxy)
  • Bruce Willis, American actor and film producer (Die Hard; Pulp Fiction; The Sixth Sense)
  • Halle Berry, American actress (Catwoman; Gothika, Die Another Day)
  • Sir Anthony Hopkins, Welsh actor, composer, director, and film producer (The Silence of the Lambs; Hannibal; Hitchcock)
  • Kirsten Dunst, American actress (Spiderman, Interview with the Vampire; Little Women)

ISFJ Musicians

There aren’t that many famous ISFJ musicians out there, but the ones who choose this career path pour their hearts and souls into their creative endeavors. Moreover, some famous ISFJ musicians use their platform to draw attention to worthy causes like human rights or social injustice.

And to give you an idea of how stellar famous ISFJ musicians can be, here are a few names almost anyone knows:

  • Beyoncé (Queen B), American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer (Lemonade; Beyoncé; Dangerously in Love)
  • Aretha Franklin, American singer, songwriter, actress, pianist, and civil rights activist (A Natural Woman; Respect; Think)
  • Barbra Streisand, American singer, actress, and filmmaker (Guilty; A Star is Born; Yentl)
  • Selena Gomez, American singer, actress, and producer (Wizards of Waverly Place; Lose You to Love Me; Wolves)
  • Brian May, English musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and astrophysicist (member of the famous band Queen)

ISFJ Writers

The Defender personality type is grounded in reality, so they like to think about the here and now. As writers, ISFJs use their strong observational skills and innate empathy to create interesting characters, which they place in challenging situations. Moreover, some writers like to use their work in order to discuss current social issues that plague a certain minority of the population.

Here are just a few examples of amazing ISFJ writers:

  • Louisa May Alcott, American novelist, short story writer, and poet (Little Women; Little Men; Jo’s Boys)
  • Dame Agatha Christie, English mystery novelist (Murder on the Orient Express; The Murder of Roger Ackroyd)
  • Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, English author (the Sherlock Holmes series; The Lost World; The White Company)
  • Robin Roberts, American journalist and television host, author (From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By; Good Morning America)
  • Marcus Aurelius, Roman Stoic philosopher and Emperor (Meditations – a literary monument for governmental duty and service)

ISFJ Leaders

As leaders, ISFJs tend to be fair but strict, always looking to improve the world around them and support those in need. Their in-depth understanding of concrete facts and their solid communication skills help them create strong relationships with other leaders and get their message across. Moreover, the ISFJ individual doesn’t lose their moral bearings easily, which protects them from the risk of being corrupted by power.

A few examples of great ISFJ leaders and activists are:

  • Mother Teresa, Albanian–Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary (charity work that helped save hundreds)
  • Prince Charles of Great Britain, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II (he established 16+ charitable organizations in the UK)
  • Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State
  • Rosa Parks, American civil rights activist (best known for her role in the Montgomery bus boycott)
  • Mary, Princess of Denmark, wife of Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark

ISFJ Fictional Characters

Because of their loving nature and strong desire to please others, the ISFJ fictional character is hardly ever the main protagonist. Instead, they usually are the trustworthy sidekick who offers their love, guidance, and support to empower the main character and help them discover their power.

Here are a few great examples:

  • Hercule Poirot, from Agatha Christie’s Novels (one of the rare ISFJ protagonists)
  • Meg March, from Little Women
  • Neville Longbottom, from the Harry Potter series
  • Dr. Watson, from the Sherlock Holmes series
  • Sansa Stark, from Game of Thrones

ISFJ Compatibility

Loyal friends, reliable coworkers, and dependable life partners, ISFJs look like they would get along with pretty much everyone. In most cases, this is true, but there are some matches that simply don’t work. For instance, you will usually notice some friction between the somewhat shy ISFJ and types from the NT temperament (ENTJ, INTJ, INTP, and ENTP).

Strong-willed and confident, NT types are dominant and outgoing, which can put off the calm and reserved ISFJ. Moreover, NT types use logic and like to see the whole picture, while the ISFJ is a Feeling type with a strong focus on the present. In short, if ISFJs and NT types want to get along, they must compromise and be understanding of each other’s quirks and shortcomings.

Still, if you take a look at our ISFJ compatibility chart, you’ll see ISFJs are quite popular with other personality types.

ISFJ Relationships and Dating

For ISFJs, there’s nothing more important than family. This personality type is known as The Defender or The Protector (according to different sources) because they will go through great lengths to create a safe and warm environment for their loved ones.

ISFJs look for commitment in a romantic relationship, and they harbor very intense emotions. However, they rarely express the full intensity of their feelings using words. Instead, they will make their relationship a priority and take all the necessary actions to ensure their partner is happy.

Moreover, the ISFJ romantic relationship is usually based on loyalty and respect for their partner. It follows, then, that most romantic ISFJ relationships are monogamous and can grow into a lifelong commitment. This may scare away some of the more free-spirited personality types who don’t look for a commitment right away, but this will help ISFJs filter out incompatible partners.

According to the compatibility chart, when it comes to love and romance, the ISFJ best match tends to be with an ISTJ or an ESFJ.

ISTJ and ISFJ 

An ISFJ dating an ISTJ can lead to a lifelong relationship based on harmony and mutual respect. Both personality types share the Introverted, Sensing, and Judging preferences, which means both types have a firm grounding in reality, an appreciation for traditional values, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Still, the ISFJ–ISTJ match can run into trouble because of the opposition between Feeling and Thinking preferences. The ISFJ representatives use emotion and their own personal values to make decisions, while the ISTJ representatives use logic and facts. This can be a point of conflict in the relationship or a point of growth – it depends on the partners and how they approach this difference.

ESFJ and ISFJ

While introverts and extroverts seem like polar opposites, they can make a great pair in a romantic relationship. In this case, the ISFJ is reserved but has strong social skills, which helps them stay in tune with the gregarious, extroverted ESFJ.

Also, ISFJs and ESFJs share the Sensing, Feeling, and Judging preferences, so it’s easy for them to see each other’s point of view. True, they both may get a bit too set in their ways, but both types enjoy helping others and being of use. This means they will usually be open to overcoming any conflicts and difficulties that may come their way.

ISFJ Friendships

The ISFJ is warm and supportive, so people are naturally drawn to them. However, someone with The Defender personality won’t open up that easily. An ISFJ is shy with new people at first, and they can be a bit protective of themselves. However, when it comes to friendship, the most important thing for the ISFJ personality type is the depth of the emotional connection.

Simply put, an ISFJ will not consider someone a friend if they can’t establish a deep connection after a period of getting to know each other.

On the upside, once an ISFJ is convinced that they have a true and deep connection with another person, they will let their guard down and enjoy the friendship. From this point on, there’s a high chance that the friendship will last a lifetime.

ISFJs don’t really have a strong preference when it comes to their friends’ personality types. However, their desire to feel a strong bond and their tendency to avoid conflict and large crowds act as a natural filter. Therefore, they usually form friendships with types who have familiar interests and are comfortable with a slower pace while getting to know each other.

As part of the SJ Temperament group, ISFJs are most likely to form strong bonds with other SJ types like ESTJs, ISTJs, and ESFJs.

ESTJ and ISFJ

ESTJs possess Extraverted and Thinking preferences, which can be a bit of a contrast with the Introverted and Feeling preferences of the ISFJ. However, the ISFJ feels safe around an outgoing ESTJ friend who understands the practical nature of things.

Both types have a general interest in doing things the right way and like to see the world as is, without getting too involved in idealism and visions of the future. There’s also a good chance these types will have common life experiences, which will only help strengthen their bond.

ISTJ and ISFJ

Traditional and deeply practical, ISTJs and ISFJs have quite a few similar values and beliefs. As a result, their friendship can bloom easily, especially since both types have a strong sense of duty. These two personalities can also bond over their desire to see commitments through and embrace social responsibility with grace and patience.

ESFJ and ISFJ

Since they both share Sensing, Feeling, and Judging preferences, ESFJ and ISFJ types are quite similar. In fact, you could say they are kindred spirits, so it’s common for them to feel a strong connection based on shared values and beliefs.

Both people-oriented and warm, the ESFJ and ISFJ personality types are well-grounded in reality and enjoy being of use to others. Of course, there is an evident difference between the two, since one is an introvert and the other is an extrovert (quite a passionate one, we might add).

In addition, they enjoy the same activities, so it’s easy for them to find ways to spend time together and have fun.

The ISFJ as a Parent

Family plays a crucial life in the life of someone with The Defender personality. Therefore, they are naturally warm and caring parents who work hard to create a safe and rich environment for their children.

Their altruism and patience are extremely helpful, especially during their children’s formative years. Moreover, since they are comfortable in traditional roles, the ISFJ will try to create a standard family, where the parent and child roles are well-defined. They also want to make sure their offspring grow and develop into adults who understand the importance of responsibility and dedication.

The Defender type suffers when children don’t behave as expected, especially as they go through their teenage years, but their altruistic side may allow them to see past tradition. Thus, even though there will be some conflict, especially with kids who seek to claim their independence, ISFJs are capable of rising to the height of the role and be amazing parents.

ISFJ at Work

Meticulous, organized, pragmatic, and detail-oriented, The Defender personality type values a strong work ethic and strives to accomplish all their tasks as required. They also enjoy lending a helping hand, offering their services to customers or colleagues, and overall making themselves useful.

The ISFJ personality type feels comfortable in a well-structured work environment, where everyone knows and respects their role. They are also traditionalists and believe there is a specific way to do things correctly. As a result, they are reluctant to accept change and may miss out on new and innovative ways to improve work efficiency.

While their social skills are well-developed, ISFJs rarely use them to communicate their opinion (unless specifically asked by an authority figure). They are also so eager to feel valued that, in their desire to help, they can get overwhelmed with work from colleagues and superiors who fail to see they are struggling.

Still, when in the right work environment, the ISFJ personality type is likable, naturally warm, helpful, calm, and sociable. Therefore, the best jobs for ISFJ types are often service-oriented positions.

ISFJ Careers

The best ISFJ career matches are in areas with a clear hierarchical structure (like in healthcare or academia), where The Defender can be of use to others. Therefore, the best ISFJ jobs may not always seem glamorous or important at first glance.

For someone with an ISFJ personality, careers are not about becoming famous or getting rich. An ISFJ career is about gaining others’ approval and validation while they quietly continue to lead the way from the shadows.

If you take a closer look, the ISFJ personality type can be found in some of the most difficult walks of life. In addition, they are not put off by routine and don’t run away from responsibility. Therefore, you’ll meet ISFJs in areas like healthcare, administration, or counseling (among others).

Healthcare

Naturally caring and nurturing, ISFJs fit well in the healthcare sector. When it comes to specific positions, the ISFJ will often feel most comfortable as a nurse or in a similar support position close to people in need.

As a nurse, an ISFJ can use their social skills to connect with patients and can feel fulfilled in their search for a higher purpose.

Other positions that suit them well in the healthcare field are:

  • Physical Therapist
  • Registered dietitian nutritionist
  • Radiation therapist
  • Medical researcher

Administration

Always looking to keep things organized and running smoothly, the ISFJ is the ideal administrator. Whether they are running an office building or keeping track of a business’s finances, an ISFJ type is happiest when they can be alone with their detail-oriented work.

As a result, an ISFJ career that’s well-suited for them is the position of office manager. In this case, they do have some leadership responsibilities, which may put off some ISFJs, but it’s not a front-row position (so to speak). As an office manager, the ISFJ gets to use their love for structure and organization to keep the office under control (but they are not the official leaders and get to work behind the scenes).

Other administrative positions that might work for ISFJs are:

  • IT administrator
  • Bookkeeper
  • Administrative assistant
  • Account manager
  • School administrator

Counseling

As counselors, ISFJs get to connect with their clients on a personal level and truly invest in providing the best possible service. Their social skills and natural empathy allow them to be flexible when talking with different clients and to adapt to fit other’s needs.

The Defender can thrive in a wide range of counseling positions, from financial counseling to technical support. Because they are good listeners who inspire trust, people open up to them quite easily. Moreover, ISFJs can relate to people’s emotions and provide the best counsel for each individual.

As a result, you can find them in positions such as:

  • Counselor
  • Social worker
  • Technical support
  • Human resources professional
  • Registered childminder

ISFJ Humor

ISFJs are known to take life a bit too seriously, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t have a good sense of humor. It’s just difficult to see it since their circle of friends and close people is quite small.

As an introvert, The Defender is a bit shy in the presence of new people, so it’s less likely they’ll start cracking jokes. When they do, however, they practice a bit of sarcasm mixed with playful arrogance and some self-deprecating humor (interesting blend, right?). Still, they’ll never go as far as hurting someone’s feelings!

In general, ISFJs don’t even realize they are funny. They just need to feel comfortable enough to bring out their witty and giddy side. To prove just how funny they can be, we have a great collection of ISFJ memes we found on different social media platforms in our detailed guide to The Defender humor.

Meanwhile, here are a few quotes that can provide some insight into the ISFJ brain and their thought processes:

  1. “By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever harmed his stomach.” Winston Churchill
  2. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” – J.K. Rowling
  3. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Choose wisely.” – Jim Rohn