The ISFP Personality Type: Key Traits, Strengths, Weaknesses & More

If you've never taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), it's one of the most popular personality assessments out there, with 16 personality combinations a person can have. In the case of the ISFP type, these folks are quiet, creative, and approachable people. Here's what to know about this personality type, from how they are in relationships, in the workplace, and more.

"They're flexible and spontaneous but may find routines and strict rules difficult to cope with," he notes.

If you're looking for an ISFP in the room, they're likely not going to be the center of attention. According to Hackston, this type can often be found quietly taking in what is going on around them. "ISFPS are generally quiet, kind, tolerant, trusting people who are very aware of the people and things in the world around them, in particular the feelings and needs of others," he explains.

While they may not push their values on you, ISFPs have a strong sense of what matters to them (like freedom, and their own happiness), and they stick to it. "They typically have very strong, deep-rooted inner values, and want to live their own lives in accordance with these," Hackston says.

Being a "feeling" (F) type, as opposed to "thinking" (T), ISFPs have a deep emotional world—even if they don't outwardly express it. As Nardi explains, "They tend to have a very strong reflective side and really keep their needs, emotions, values, and so on, close to their chest. Even if they come off nice and relaxed, they're still mostly focused on their own emotional experience."

ISFPs are pleasant and approachable, thanks to their tolerant nature. Hackston notes that they'll rarely force their views on others—and not because they don't have their own opinions. "They like to do their own thing, in their own time, and feel that other people should be allowed to do the same," he tells mbg.

Hackston adds that this type also often values and feels an affinity with the beauty of the natural world.

And by the way, if you're dating an ISFP, Nardi says the secret to dealing with them when they're upset is to change the physical context, such as going for a walk or a drive. A new physical setting will "quickly take them out of the worry mode and back into something that they trust, which is the joy of the present moment," he explains.

"It is not easy to give a list of suitable jobs for an ISFP, because the best job for an ISFP is one that allows them to follow their passions and beliefs; and these will vary from one to the next," Hackston explains.

Nardi also recommends ISFPs figure out the way they learn best, as this type can have the hardest time in a traditional school structure. "I would also say a body-mind practice is great," he adds, explaining that something that brings their brain, spirit, emotions, and body all together (like yoga or martial arts), really keeps them aligned.

Each of the 16 Myers-Briggs types has its strengths and weaknesses—in the workplace, in their relationships, and more. But the good thing about these personality assessments is, the more we understand about them, the better we're able to work with the cards we've been dealt.