INTJ Misconceptions

INTJ misconceptions are all over the internet with online descriptions giving fantastical descriptions of INTJs without the full story. Here are some misconceptions.

INTJ Misconceptions:

Misconception #1: We are not that smart, you’re just not that bright.

INTJs are not the mythical beasts that they would prefer you to think they are. In fact, they can feel that the way they are is normal and it’s everyone else who seems to be deficient. INTJs can feel like they are the only sane ones in a world full of crazies.

Misconception #2: We don’t realize we are offensive, sometimes.

INTJs don’t usually realize when they have said something that others would consider offensive. When INTJs say something, it is something that they would be willing to accept if someone else said the same thing to them. Or at least they like to think they would.

Misconception #3: We have feelings, we just don’t show it.

Behind that cold-seeming intense gaze is a turbulence of contained thoughts and emotions. When INTJs speak, they calm down the storms of their minds to clear a passage for the sailboat of their thoughts. And then they make sure to speak in the most dull way possible so you have no idea what’s going on nor care to figure it out.

Misconception #4: We are the ultimate strategists.

It’s not that INTJs are particularly good strategists but it’s more likely that they do it so often and for such a long time without tire that they inevitably become good at it. This doesn’t mean they are natural planners but they are people who can relentlessly persist at meticulously thinking out each variable.

Misconception #5: We don’t want friends.

INTJs do want friends and to be social. Just probably not with you. No offense, but you’re probably crazy (see misconception #1) and you won’t like us anyway (see misconception #2). They like really smart people, and can find it painful to spend time with someone dumb. Also, it helps if the friends are not too much smarter than the INTJ, lest it hurt their esteem of being the smartest in the room.

Misconception #6: We’re arrogant.

This is half and half. Yes, INTJs are arrogant but at the same time , they aren’t. INTJs know what they are good at and won’t be the type to act as if they knew something when they really don’t. INTJs usually know their place and will say what they are good or bad at openly. This is true as long as the INTJ hasn’t spent their entire life surrounded by dimwits, who failed to teach the INTJ humility.

Misconception #7: We’re clever.

Clever is a word reserved for smooth-talkers who can come up with great remarks quickly. That quality is more reminiscent of an ENTJ, ENFJ, or ENTP type. INTJs would still be in their head before they realize someone has said something and a nearby ENTJ type has already made a response. Where would an INTJ be in a drama show? Doing their work while avoiding all the crazies who keep having petty fights.

Misconception #8: We really hate you if we seem stern and we really like you if we’re nice.

If an INTJ is looking at you with their signature stern look, then they don’t really have an issue with you. Most likely. INTJs do show all sorts of emotions from time to time, but they are still very reserved.

But if an INTJ is going out of their way to seem friendly to you, then beware because they likely see you as a threat that needs to be neutralized and handled.

These are some basic INTJ misconceptions, let us know if this resonates with you or any INTJs you know.