Random Nonsense #4

     One of the reasons why I detest Shoujos so much, I think, is the tendency of cheesy romantic scenes to bring out the inherently girly side of me that I don't want to acknowledge. Ao Haru Ride, no matter how I look at it, is a very generic romantic drama, but even as I mock it, I instinctively react to it in ways that disgust me.

     I'm only at Episode 1 and I'm already being so girly with my reactions. For those who have not heard of Ao Haru Ride, which is quite the popular series within Shoujo fans, the story revolves around the female main character, Yoshioka Futaba and the main protagonist, Mabuchi Kou.

     Back in Middle School, Futaba had a crush on a guy named Tanaka Kou. She believed that boys were too rough and violent, but Tanaka Kou was the only exception. He was quite short, soft-spoken and gentle, not to mention, very shy. Futaba herself was a soft-spoken and quiet girl. It was unknown to her then that Kou liked her back. Due to unfortunate reasons (Kou's family issues), he was unable to attend the summer festival that he had invited Futaba too, after which, he disappeared from the school and town altogether.

     The anime starts three years later, with Yoshioka Futaba starred as a drastically different girl. No longer feminine or cute, she attempts to make herself as unattractive as possible, because her popularity with boys in Middle School made her an outcast. She sacrifices her true, girly self for her classmate's approval and hangs around friends that seemingly accept her.

     One day, she accidentally walks into a guy along the school corridor, who rudely calls her "unattractive bread". In her own words, "The voice...the height...It's all wrong...and I didn't see his face...So why did I assume that was Tanaka-kun?" Chasing after him, she finds out that he is indeed Kou, except that he had to change his name due to his parents divorcing. Mabuchi Kou, as he is now called, is also seemingly drastically different from his old self.

     His personality took a completely turn, for he is now more masculine, sarcastic and crude. In addition, he has extremely pessimistic views about his brother and himself. Upon meeting Futaba at the shrine at which they shared a sweet moment as Middle Schoolers, he is reminded that "Oh right, you hates all guys, right? You always have. Seems like you still do."

     Despite Kou being extremely different from the guy she knew before, with her newly gained courage, Futaba brings herself to confess (a little too late, my friend). "Yeah, I hate them, I always have," she admits, but adds that "You were different, Tanaka-kun." Revealing slightly that he has actually not changed, Kou covers his face with his hand (like he did in the past) and admits that "I felt the same way. I...loved you too."

     Even as I was squealing like a little girl at the cute scene...tearing a little because that's how easily I get dragged into this cheesy nonsense, I can't help but notice that he's referring to everything in the past tense. Just as you think, "Wow, it's a 1 episode-long Shoujo!", Kou drops the "We can't go back to that now, though. Things aren't like they were in those days - I'm different. you're different. Which means, that's in the past."

     Futaba's reaction...is what makes me like her more than other Shoujo female characters. Does she cry and burst into tears, embarrassing herself? Despite all the hope she had in her heart that they could return to the past, and having all that crushed, she still thought about him - "Despite the cruelty in his words, there was something lonely in his expression." I know, it's still cheesy, but she's at least a few ranks higher than the other annoying Shoujo females who are either unrealistically strong or way too needy.

     Also, I like the rival guy character, who, in my opinion, is a much nicer guy than Kou. But, we all know who Futaba is going to end up with and it saddens me that poor Touma is going to have his heart broken...

     This guy is probably why I can find it in myself to dislike both protagonists so much. Touma isn't the third person in the love triangle who forcefully inserts himself between the two. Think Shintani Hinata from Kaichou wa Maid-sama and add a dose of gentleness and you get Touma. He is a very earnest person with a strait-laced and honest attitude - a goody-two shoes. Of course, he would suck as a main male protagonist, but he makes for an awesome third character. 

     He does confess and ask her out, supporting Futaba and giving her confidence even while knowing that she still has feelings for Kou. Even then, he doesn't try to persuade her away from those feelings and even encourages her to accept them instead. It's always sad to see characters like this, who have no ill intentions for the main couple, sacrifice themselves for one of the character's happiness. Once again, Shintani Hinata. Although Shintani is probably an Extrovert while Touma is either an Ambivert or Introvert.

Touma and Shintani...why do I always like the side characters more than the main couple?

      Also, Ao Haru Ride has an amazing soundtrack. The Opening isn't too good, in my opinion, but the soundtrack is awesome. It's perfect for a romantic drama like this...although I'm still quite embarrassed that I'm being entertained by a cheesy show like this. I'm certainly not watching the Live Action series though...certainly not (now I'm tempted).

     Now for MBTI stuff, YAY~

1. MBTI Types When Drunk

1. ENFJ

     I don't think that just being drunk...I think that's being high too. That's like...on drugs or something. Scary...ENFJs are known for being surprisingly crazy when they actually manage to go crazy. Next level shit right here...

2. ENFP

     I wasn't trying to take your freedom, man, none of us were. Calm down. If ENFPs are very hyper and scatterbrained to begin with, I shudder to think what a drunk ENFP is. I'll just stand in my safe corner and don't come close until you're sober enough to talk.

3. ENTJ

     Now that's just depressing. I know ENTJs are probably very stressed and everything, but don't turn to alcohol for stress relief. It's going to make you do something absolutely retarded and you will regret it.

4. ENTP

      Probably the only one out of the four that have been revealed that I would go drinking with. It'll be quite hilarious to see these people drunk since they probably don't pose a danger to society or themselves. They are probably just completely out of it in a funny, non-dangerous way.

5. ESFJ

     OH MY GOD, these ExFJs. Crazy people, I tell you. In normal everyday life, they are all sane and perfect and everything nice, and then they get drunk and do the weirdest shit. If you know an ExFJ, probably make sure they stay at least 10M away from the nearest cup of alcohol. You don't want to handle that...Green Man.

6. ESFP

     Please don't get me involved in your "YOLO" nonsense. It's precisely because I only live once that I will never do stupid shit like having one night stands, hooking up with multiple people (yes I know what those are called), smoking weed, etc. I will attempt to persuade these people otherwise but once shit goes down, I'll be out of there real quick.

7. ESTJ

     Girl, is that a challenge? Bitch please, is that water you're drinking? I bet you that I can out-drink you by at least 4 shots. ...I'm probably going to get myself into trouble for this, aren't I? Still, I think ESTJs are probably going to be sane enough not to get both of us into trouble anyway.

8. ESTP

      So your profession is to shorten your life? Great. Still, they probably won't go bat-shit crazy...like those ExFJs over there (I think I need to call the cops on them soon), or the ExFPs (who are getting themselves into all sorts of nonsense I don't even want to know).

9. INFJ

     I don't know what this is supposed to mean. That we INFJs don't get drunk and are just happy to drink with you guys? Well, that's what it is for me, I guess. People drink to get drunk and to get rid of their problems, but I clearly can't do that with my alcohol tolerance and even if I could, I certainly wouldn't. Also, I guess having shots are pretty fun...who drinks alone? Drinking is for bonding and socialising.

10. INFP

     Ermmm....are you okay there? You don't look so well...Don't walk into that wall there now! These are the people I'll get the most worried about because I'm not sure if it's going to drive them into self-destruction or something. ExFJs are making a fool of themselves and I'll keep away from them, but INFPs are another story. Legitimately worried about them.

11. INTJ

     Well, here's our Ni buddy who doesn't seem to agree with our "drinking for socialising" tagline. INTJs do strike me as the type to drink to drown out their emotions and...I don't approve, but it's their choice. I'll continue listening to whatever you have to say...just don't throw up on me and no, I'm not going to drink and encourage you any further.

12. INTP

     That one friend that trips over themselves while drunk...probably pretty funny to watch. The worst thing they can do is to become a catalyst for the other types to do something stupid.

13. ISFJ

     NONONO, STOP THAT ISFJ, STOP LISTENING TO ESFP AND COME BACK HERE! Seriously dude, don't get carried away with all the stupid things ESFP tries to get you to do. You're going to regret it and I know you probably won't do this if you were sober. Sigh...why can't you guys hold your alcohol as well as we do?

14. ISFP

     If you are drunk and you think you are feeling love, that is definitely not love you feel. Alcohol, like most aphrodisiacs, work by increasing the bloodflow in your body, so that is not love, that is lust, so get your ass back out here and stop walking into pubs when you're upset. You're free to drop by for a talk though, if you want. I have Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, etc etc...in limited amounts.

15. ISTJ

     You're trying too hard, ISTJ, but I guess this is a good change from your usually uptight stuff. Just don't get yourself in trouble, okay? Stay away from the ExFxs and stay around the rest of the Introverts or ExTxs and you'll be relatively fine. And that wink isn't working out for you, stop trying. If you get a guy with that, he's not going to be a nice guy, so please.

16. ISTP

     *Glances sideways* Ermmm...someone please call the cops. We have crazy ExFJs in need of mental rehabilitation and a creeper ISTP who is giving everyone perverted looks. Seriously, that face! Argh.

2. Do the MBTI Types Want to Build a Snowman?

Answers

ENFJ: YES!!!

INFJ: Hmmm...yes, what's his name? Can he wear a blue scarf?

ENFP: *sings* Come on let's go and plaayyy I never see you anymoreeee come out the door, it's like you've gone awaayyyy

INFP: Can't we just stay inside and read and drink hot chocolate?

ENTJ: No, I'm busy!

INTJ: Do I have to? *pets cat* Actually, maybe the snowman would be better than people are.

ENTP: Yaaas

INTP: Yes! Actually, I thought of a better way of build a snowman than ever before! Ever!

ESFJ: Yes, but don't forget your scarf!

ISFJ: Yes! I always built snowmen growing up!

ESFP: No, snow angels instead!

ISFP: Only if it can have button eyes that are two different colours.

ESTJ: Sure. You, go get the sticks! I'll make the base.

ISTJ: If someone knows how to and can tell me how...

ESTP: No, it's time for snow tag!

ISTP: No, don't want to.

What Actually Happens

ENFJ: Stays inside to keep INFP company while she reads. Actually more of a bother than good company. Wants to go out but takes it upon himself to stay with INFP. A good guard dog against the others inside. 

INFJ: Trying to teach ISTJ who refuses to start without instructions and keeping an eye on INTJ in case he goes back in the house. Occasionally snaps at ENTP, who keeps bothering her with pranks. Sad that her brother chose to stay inside.

ENFP: Just prancing around and singing. Only difference is that she is now outside.

INFP: Like she said, she stayed inside to read while drinking hot chocolate. Oblivious to the noise outside and frequently annoyed by ENFJ's questions.

ENTJ: Working away on some huge project in his room.

INTJ: Dragged out by INFJ, who he thinks is rather good company, as long as he is allowed freedom.

ENTP: Pranking INFJ to get her attention and prancing around with ENFP.

INTP: Helping INFJ with the snowman and glaring at her ENTP brother, who isn't being subtle at all.

ESFJ: Ends up making multiples trips back to the house to get hot chocolate.

ISFJ: Follows her ESFJ sister around and brings the cookies.

ESFP: Making snow angels by himself while trying to get ISFJ to join him.

ISFP: Silently watching INFJ put together the snowman, smiling when INFJ remembers the buttons.

ESTJ: Helping make the separate parts of the snowman to be put together at the end. Teaching ISTJ when she comes around to help him.

ISTJ: Going between INFJ and ESTJ to help them with the snowman.

ESTP: Grumbling about the fact that no one wants to play tag with him, but ends up helping ESTJ and INFJ anyway.

ISTP: Somewhere in the house...nobody actually knows where.

     Okay, so for some reason, my Tumblr just went down. I don't know how. Maybe it's a sign I should use other things for once, so I'm looking at this Personality Type List thing. And I'll do one, because it can help me with future posts.

Zodiac Sign: Aries | Taurus | Gemini (dad) | Cancer | Leo | Virgo (sister) | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn (mom) | Aquarius | Pisces

MBTI: ESFP | ISFP | ESTP | ISTP (mom) | ESTJ | ISTJ | ESFJ | ISFJ | ENFJ | INFJ (the real deal, not the INFP thinking she's an INFJ thing) | ENFP | INFP | ENTP | INTP (dad) | ENTJ | INTJ

Four Temperaments: Sanguine | Melancholic | Choleric | Phlegmatic (by like a few percent above Melancholic)

Enneagram: The Reformer (Type 1) | The Helper (Type 2) | The Achiever (Type 3) | The Individualist (Type 4) | The Thinker (Type 5) | The Loyalist (Type 6) | The Enthusiast (Type 7) | The Leader (Type 8) | The Peacemaker (Type 9)

Cattell's 16 Factor Test: Warmth | Intellect | Emotional Stability | Aggressiveness | Liveliness | Dutifulness | Social Assertiveness | Sensitivity | Paranoia | Abstractness | Introversion | Anxiety | Openmindedness | Independence | Perfectionism | Tension

Celtic Zodiac Sign: Birch (The Achiever) | Rowan (The Thinker) | Ash (The Enchanter) | Alder (The Trailblazer) | Willow (The Observer) | Hawthorne (The Illusionist) | Oak (The Stabiliser) | Holly (The Ruler) | Hazel (The Knower) | Vine (The Equaliser) | Ivy (The Survivor) | Reed (The Inquisitor) | Elder (The Seeker)

Soul Type: Hunter | Caregiver | Creator | Thinker | Helper | Educator | Performer | Leader | Spiritualist 

1 point less for Spiritualist, OMG, I was so close to being like...NOPE, taking this again.

Hogwarts House: Gryffindor | Hufflepuff | Ravenclaw (I cheated on Pottermore, I'm sorry) | Slytherin

Alignment: Lawful Good | Neutral Good | Chaotic Good | Lawful Neutral | True Neutral | Chaotic Neutral | Lawful Evil | Neutral Evil | Chaotic Evil

I'm actually very surprised. I scored 32 on Lawful Good, 1 point above Neutral Good. Between Law and Chaos, I had 11 Law, 10 Neutral and 3 Chaos. But what's extremely surprising is that between Good and Evil, I got 21 Good, 14 Neutral and 0 Evil. 0? Huh...you watch me. I can do something evil.

MOTIV: Materialist | Offbeat | Thinking | Intimate | Vital

Okay, so segue time! Just some simple explanation for MOTIV and my results as well!

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MOTIV Basics + My Results

     The purpose of this test/system is to help make you more aware of what you perceive to be rewarding and hopefully examine whether those things actually do, and whether you want to continue with your current MOTIV profile.

1. Materialist

My Score: 13% (That's...that's really bad)

Average Score: 54%

Perceived reward: Being more attractive makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Elitist, shallow, fake, external validation addiction

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Failure to connect to others, society and the world

2. Offbeat

My Score: 56%

Average Score: 48%

Perceived reward: Being unconventional makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Putting yourself at too great a risk, endangering your life

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Playing it too safe, being resistant to change

3. Thinking

My Score: 46%

Average Score: 51%

Perceived reward: Being planned out makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Sticking with plans/systems/routines that don't work

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Inability to make or complete long term goals/plans

4. Intimate

My Score: 96% (ALMOST PERFECT SCORE, WOW)

Average Score: 56%

Perceived reward: Serving others makes me happy (Well...IT DOES)

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Being taken advantage of, ignoring self, too nice (1. I don't mind being taken advantage of, if it helps you 2. Being self-centred isn't exactly a good thing 3. No such thing as "too" nice)

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Refusal or inability to see other's perspective/needs

5. Vital

My Score: 36%

Average Score: 54%

Perceived reward: Being alive makes me happy (if I'm alive and I ain't doing shit, then I'm not happy)

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Overcontented-ness, overconfidence 

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored lowly: Depression, poor mental and/or physical health (oops, too late)

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Global 5: Social (34%) | Reserved (66%) | Limbic (60%) | Calm (40%) | Organised (50%) | Unstructured (50%) | Accommodating (90%) | Egocentric (10%) | Non-Curious (48%) | Inquisitive (52%)

Holland Code: Realistic | Investigative | Artistic | Social | Enterprising | Conventional

R-Drive: Narcissism | Unconventionality | Empiricism | Vitality | Othercentricism | Independence | Integrity | Intellect | Stoicism | Orderliness | Dynamism | Activity | Romanticism | Hedonism

Another segue~

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R-Drive Basics + My Results

     R-Drive serves the same purpose as MOTIV and they are often used as companions to each other.

1. Narcissism

My Score: 44%

Average Score: 60%

Perceived reward: External validation makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Elitist, shallow, fake, external validation addiction

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Failure to connect to others, society, the world

2. Unconventionality

My Score: 68%

Average Score: 64%

Perceived reward: Being unconventional makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Abandoning all reason, practicality, security

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Not following your intuition, your internal self (I'm an INFJ, what did you expect from a category to do with intuition?)

3. Empiricism

My Score: 27% (This isn't even the worst)

Average Score: 61%

Perceived reward: Being planned makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Sticking with plans/systems/routines that don't work

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Inability to make or completely long term goals/plans

4. Vitality

My Score: 16% (...I have some sort of depression, okay?)

Average Score: 59%

Perceived reward: Being/knowing who I am makes me happy (I hate being me)

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Overcontentedness, overconfidence

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Depression, poor mental and/or physical health

5. Othercentricism

My Score: 100% (Amazing...and I wasn't even trying. It's not supposed to be a good thing though.)

Average Score: 58%

Perceived reward: Helping others makes me happy (My life motto right there, hello?)

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Being taken advantage of, ignoring self, too nice (I already argued this)

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Refusal or inability to see other's perspective/needs

6. Independence

My Score: 60%

Average Score: 54%

Perceived reward: Being independent makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: No person is an island, trust issues, avoidant

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Overly codependent, can't work/function alone

7. Integrity

My Score: 72% (Oh, wow, surprising)

Average Score: 53%

Perceived reward: Being honest/forthcoming makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Can make yourself enemies

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Pathological dishonesty, self-serving, vanity

8. Intellect

My Score: 77% (Hell, yeah~)

Average Score: 70%

Perceived reward: Intellectual complexity makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Impracticality, alienation from others

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Under-developed mental abilities/capability

9. Stoicism

My Score: 50% (Me?)

Average Score: 49%

Perceived reward: Being calm makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Not caring what others think, egomania

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Erratic emotional system, useless in crisis

10. Orderliness

My Score: 61%

Average Score: 48%

Perceived reward: Being structured makes me happy (Doesn't make me happy...it's necessary)

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Excessive rigidity, inability to be spontaneous

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Excessive disorganisation, inconsistent productivity (I think I scored wrongly)

11. Dynamism

My Score: 78%

Average Score: 48%

Perceived reward: Change makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Not sticking with things, living a transient existence

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Inflexibility, closed off to change

12. Activity

My Score: 27% (lol, I refuse to move)

Average Score: 52%

Perceived reward: Physical exercise makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Exercise addiction/overtraining, body narcissism 

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Obesity, health problems, lethargy (......)

13. Romanticism

My Score: 58%

Average Score: 52%

Perceived reward: Romantic love makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Being codependent, lacking an individual identity

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Fear of authentic intimacy/commitment

14. Hedonism

My Score: 33% (Unromantic and not passionate. OKAY, THANKS TEST)

Average Score: 50%

Perceived reward: Being "high" makes me happy

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored highly: Substance abuse problems, alcoholism, thrill-seeking

Dangerous flaw(s) if scored low: Fear of losing control, pleasure-less life (Yes, I dislike losing control...got a problem with that? Control freak? Yes I am, over myself)

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Dark Triad: Narcissism (1.2/4) [6%] | Machiavellianism (1.9/4) [17%] | Psychopathy (1.1/4) [4%]

Archetypes: Creative | Athlete | Rebel | Caregiver | Visionary | Royal | Performer | Spiritual | Tastemaker | Explorer | Advocate | Intellectual

My face right now...Spiritual. Should have seen that one coming really. Segue but a small one, because this Archetype thing is actually very very extensive.

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Archetype Basics

My Types:

1. Caregiver

Archetype Family: Caring

Other Expressions: Nurturer, Mother, Lover, Sister, Teacher, Rescuer, Homemaker, Heroine, Best Friend, Companion

Life Journey: Care for others in ways they are unable to care for themselves

Unique Challenge: Fear of being thought of as selfish

Lesson to Learn: Learning to help when it's really needed 

Defining Grace: Compassion

Challenge to Self: How can I dedicate more time for myself so I have more stamina to care for others? Can I give myself the freedom to explore what truly makes me happy?

2. Spiritual

Archetype Family: Spiritual

Other Expressions: Mystic, Healer, Seeker (given that INFJ = Mystic, INFJ = Healer, I'm not surprised anymore)

Life Journey: To discover the meaning and purpose of life

Unique Challenge: To create a life that balances my spiritual, emotional and physical needs

Lesson to Learn: To be truthful with myself about who I am and what I believe; to recognise when I'm resisting change in order to remain comfortable

Defining Grace: Humility

Challenge to Self: I will tap into and trust my intuition, and be conscious of where I position matters of the spirit among other life interests

3. Advocate

Archetype Family: Advocate

Other Expressions: Naturalist, Defender, Champion of a Cause

Life Journey: To act as an agent for positive change

Unique Challenge: To find causes that engage my strengths, not my personal agenda

Lesson to Learn: To do what I can, even if it doesn't feel like enough

Defining Grace: Hope

Challenge to Self: I will commit fully to a cause, even if it means pledging my time, energy and money in order to make a difference

     Actually, my 3 types make a very good combination, in my opinion, at least for what I see as life's purpose. The Spiritual family for me to find a larger meaning and purpose of life for all, Advocate to bring that meaning to the people around me and Caregiver to ensure I'm not being a tyrant while advocating. Seems very ideal to me. I like it. Not everyone has more than 1 type, I just scored evenly in all 3. Also, I wonder what's the different between Advocate and Visionary.

Other Types:

4. Creative

Archetype Family: Creative

Other Expressions: Performer, Creator, Storyteller

Life Journey: To explore the heights of imagination through new forms of creativity

Unique Challenge: To overcome the fear of being unoriginal

Lesson to Learn: To develop artistic gifts rather than ignoring them

Defining Grace: Creativity

Challenge to Self: I will develop my talent and express myself without letting fear of failure hold me back and stand by my artistic point of view in the face of criticism

5. Athlete

Archetype Family: Physical

Other Expressions: Competitor, Sportsman, Outdoorswoman

Life Journey: To discover a sense of personal power and identity through developing my body

Unique Challenge: To understand that the body has limits; to pay attention when I'm feeling off-balance and do what I need to get back to my core power zone.

Lesson to Learn: To confront physical vulnerability and accept the reality of aging

Defining Grace: Endurance

Challenge to Self: I will explore my strengths beyond competition

6. Rebel

Archetype Family: Rebel

Other Expressions: Maverick, Feminist, Femme Fatle, Sex Goddess

Life Journey: Break barriers that restrict the human spirit

Unique Challenge: Discover a creative, dynamic and productive way to make your voice heard

Lesson to Learn: Avoid engaging in power struggles as a way of expressing authority. Know the difference between rebellious reactions and rebellious decisions.

Defining Grace: Justice

Challenge to Self: Understand when the rebel in me is controlling my emotions

7. Visionary

Archetype Family: Visionary

Other Expressions: Entrepreneur, Innovator, Pioneer, Guide, Dreamer

Life Journey: To bring the future into the present, and sense the changing impulses of society

Unique Challenge: To remain committed to a new vision in order to bring it to fruition

Lesson to Learn: To believe in my vision, however great or small, and my creative potential to change lives.

Defining Grace: Courage

Challenge to Self: I will envision new possibilities for humanity and recognise when an idea is worth rearranging my life for.

8. Royal

Archetype Family: Royal

Other Expressions: Executive, CEO, Leader, Chief

Life Journey: To learn to use power wisely, productively and responsibly

Unique Challenge: To identify the causes in which to invest my power and influence

Lesson to Learn: To differentiate between authentic and illusory power

Defining Grace: Generosity

Challenge to Self: I will share power in a close relationship, and commit to cooperation and compromise

9. Performer

Archetype Family: Entertaining

Other Expressions: Entertainer, Bon Vivant, Actor, Headliner

Life Journey: To use charm, humour, and wit to enjoy life to the fullest and convey that joy to others

Unique Challenge: To stay the course and not follow each enthusiasm, impulse or emotion

Lesson to Learn: To use excitement and fun to find new and different ways around obstacles

Defining Grace: Exuberance

Challenge to Self: I will keep my drama from veering into melodrama

10. Tastemaker

Archetype Family: Fashion

Other Expressions: Host, Stylist, Goddess, Diva

Life Journey: To become comfortable in my own skin; to derive power from self-esteem rather than the clothes I wear

Unique Challenge: To cultivate my individuality; to form a stylistic point of view that reflects my whole being

Lesson to Learn: To recognise when I'm being judged superficially

Defining Grace: Exuberance

Challenge to Self: I will keep an authentic life that reflects my individuality and empowers me as a person.

11. Explorer

Archetype Family: Discovering

Other Expressions: Adventurer, Trailblazer, Traveller

Life Journey: To follow paths that are self-discovered. Inspire others to explore uncharted territory.

Unique Challenge: To be unafraid to commit: to settling in one place, with one person, and one style of life; to recognise that exploration can be emotional as well as physical

Lesson to Learn: To take the initiative while coordinating with others to break barriers and accomplish great things

Defining Grace: Self-Motivation

Challenge to Self: I will climb every mountain, feel every moment.

12. Intellectual

Archetype Family: Thinking

Other Expressions: Professional, Student, Scholar, Judge

Life Journey: To pursue knowledge for the sake of discovering the truth in all areas of life

Unique Challenge: To recognise when I've locked myself into a line of thinking based on my education or experience; to remain open to new ideas

Lesson to Learn: To learn to listen to my gut, and to discern the differences between reason and rtuth

Defining Grace: Wisdom

Challenge to Self: I will avoid paralysis by analysis

More MBTI Stuff #1

     Since I have so much MBTI stuff on my computer and I also spend so much of my day looking at them, I decided I might as well share it here. Come on, I'm avoiding work again. I'm supposed to finish up my Crimean War research by today and send my notes for printing, but I have plenty of time to do that in the afternoon. I have blocked myself from Youtube and all those gaming sites I used, so I don't have to worry about being tempted to procrastinate. This app I'm using is so effective that while the sites are still being blocked, I cannot unblock them.

     So for every piece of information or picture I attach to each post, I'll talk about them a little. Some may be quite technical stuff and others are just rants. I'm inclined to not organise them as such, because I'm a P. I'm sure your brains are effective enough to filter without my hand-holding anyway.

MBTI Frequency

     MBTI Frequency refers to the statistical analysis of MBTI within the population. However, because this is not a worldwide data analysis, here are some cautionary notes:
(1) It is known through research that different populations have differing trends. For example, it is widely accepted that Asian populations tend to have more Introverts while the Western populations have more Extroverts. Asians also tend to be more rational, because of their upbringing. These particular statistics are from the US.
(2) The year of which this data is published is unknown. It is as recent as I can find though.
(3) MBTI may change over the course of one's life and while it does not affect the accuracy of these statistics (statistics are not meant to cover individuals, but are general trends), slight inclinations are not put into consideration.
Slight Inclination - A concept that is often forgotten by people who study MBTI. One of the biggest problem with MBTI is the assumption of extreme inclination. MBTI results are shown in percentages, however, your final MBTI type is an extreme type. There are people whose function differences are merely 1% and in those cases, they are able to swing between 2 MBTIs quite easily.

Observations
      From the data above, I decided to further compress the data, according to the 4 types. As much as statistics usually pains my brain, psychology is interesting and I'm after the observations and conclusions anyway.

     It can be easily seen that there are a lot more S types in this world compared to N. It is something that upsets me quite a bit, because it means that most people are then unable to understand me when I try to explain things with gut instincts. However, this can also be a reflection of how humans have evolved much differently from other animals. N types are often seen as more primitive and primal, because gut instinct is what humans call "animal instinct". S is data-oriented and is a purely human construct. So, to exaggerate, Ns are animals and Ss are robots.

     Also, it is interesting to observe that while males and females do not differ as much in the SP type, the other 3 types see quite a bit of divergence. Especially in the NT type (Intellectuals/Analysts), there are substantially more males than females. In fact, if you refer to the first table, you realise that across all 4 MBTIs that fall under the NT type, the divergence is constant. 

     Can I mention how I find it insulting that I'm only the 3rd most uncommon MBTI? INFJ and INTJ are less common than INFP. I find that absolutely insulting. Please, I am as unique as unique can get. I'm also tied for being the 4th most uncommon female MBTI with ENTJ, lagging behind INTJ, INTP and INFJ. Excuse me, you guys aren't that unique.

Compatibility Art

     Compatibility is the category in which I go to Tumblr and look for MBTI photos signifying the compatibility between 2 types. Since I am an INFP, all the art I post will have INFP. I'm sorry.

1. INFP (male) and ENFJ (female) - Classic Drama Couple

     This is one of your classic drama pairings. The extremely shy and introverted guy who is highly artistic and understanding, but seems depressed all the time. He is the kid that sits at the back of the class, silent and never speaking. He probably has some weird habits, probably artistic ones. Then a girl comes along, the exact opposite of him. She is probably the most notable girl in class and everyone knows she's there. She is liked by everyone in class, is confident and is basically the life of the party. 

     Now, anyone who doesn't understand MBTI would be like "See, opposites do attract!" Well, they would just be wrong. The girl is either an ENFJ or ENFP and any way you look at it, these are not the opposites of INFP. The fact is, if the girl is the exact opposite, ESTJ, she would have absolutely no interest in that poor little boy who would love nothing more than to be left alone to his own thoughts. The moment you see the girl ask the guy "You can open up to me", you know she is an NF. I know it myself because the painful reality is that unless the other person is an NF, they probably have no idea what I am thinking or feeling. That's why INFP is known as the type who nobody understands. We are highly emotional, yet unlike our Extroverted counterparts, we rarely express these emotions openly and so, people who aren't NFs usually don't understand what's going on with us unless we tell them.

     Still, from the perspective of an INFP, I would find the approach of an ENFJ both endearing and very annoying. The first thought that occurs when an ENFJ tells you to "open up" is "Hey, someone understands me" and believe me when I tell you that, for an INFP, it is one of the greatest feeling in our lives to know that someone understands. Most of the time, we are passed off as weird people, who are unpredictable. Not true. You just need to understand the subtle cues. Then the INFP gets to know the ENFJ and suddenly, their Introversion kicks in and they go "Why am I telling this person so much? ...I don't know anything about them!" The moment that happens, they retract within themselves again.

     Just think about that drama you watched. The INFP guy starts sharing a lot with the ENFJ girl and the whole class is surprised. They shouldn't be. INFP x ENFJ is widely regarded by the MBTI community as one of the best matches emotionally. Then one fine day, he suddenly detaches from her again and starts avoiding her like the plague. As an INFP, I can tell you, that that is the exact moment that he decides that he has been saying too much and not getting the same amount back. Introversion has that negative side effect, especially on INFPs. It gives us relief to be able to rid ourselves of our emotional burdens, but along with it comes the insecurity and the fear of betrayal, especially when we don't have as much as hold on the other person as they have on us. ENFJs are annoying to INFPs precisely because of that. They are able to fish out a lot of things from us and by the time we noticed it, we have said too much. Time to retreat.

      Next time you watch a drama with a shy guy and a loud girl, just remember, they aren't actually polar opposites that attract. It's actually the idealism of MBTI compatibility coming into play. The most idealistic couple, in fact, maybe tied with INFJ and ENFP. But then again, it's not that fun with INFJ because they can be equally emotional, but their J type keeps them in check. A drama is meant to be dramatic, so INFPs are the best for that role. Also, ENFP is less effective than ENFJ because their P type makes them less in tune to emotions. 

     Classic drama couple: INFP (male) x ENFJ (female). It works the other way, but it doesn't look as fun in dramas.

INFP (female) x ENFJ (male)

INFP x INTJ Friendship

     This is one of the funniest pairings out there, because out how ridiculously dysfunctional their relationship can be. INTJ is one of the least emotional types out there and despite them being N, they can often understand the theory behind emotions, but still think it's stupid. 

     Just look at the picture. The one on the right is the INFP sharing her extremely weird thoughts and feelings with the INTJ, who is listening, but totally doesn't get it. Meanwhile, the INFP is just happy that there's someone listening to her. I have many INTJ female friends and I can tell you that every time the situation like that one happens, they come back to me and are like "What do you want me to do about it? I have no idea what to do." I just blink at them, a little ticked off but also quite shocked at how their intuition is totally not working with their TJ at the back. That INTJ in the GIF is probably wondering what she will have for dinner.

     I guess INTJs are still one of the best friends that INFPs can have. We INFPs dislike it when we are sharing our emotions and the person would not stop offering advice. I'm not asking for your advice. I'm not asking for you to tell me what to do. Just shut up and listen. Another NF would be a bad idea, because the INFP's extreme pessimistic nature may just rub off on them. INTJs are one of the only MBTIs that can take an INFPs rambling to the face and be completely immune to the waves of negativity flooding from them. I know for sure that when I ramble to some people, they end up in the same state of depression as I am in.

     The T part in INTJ is wonderful for INFPs because the INTJ, at the end of the day, will give solid advice that is not emotionally driven. It is a great slap to the face for INFPs, because despite our knowledge that we are idealistic, we still like swimming in that sea of fantasy. Then INTJs come along and deliver a firm slap to the face, waking us up from that fantasy. 

     So how will that situation in the GIF end? The INFP is going to finish the conversation, look at INTJ expectantly, waiting for some advice. The INTJ will look completely unshaken but what she just heard and totally not get it that the INFP is waiting for advice. The INFP sighs "So, what should I do? Don't just stare at me." The INTJ then gives an advice that is nothing that INFP wanted to hear, but is so objective that the INFP cannot deny the validity of it. The INFP will be enraged for a few moments at the INTJ's inability to get how she is feeling, but end up taking the advice anyway. The INTJ will then go on ahead and forget that that conversation ever happened (I had this female friend who I had to repeat the same thing to about 10 times before she remembered it), while INFP will take that advice for life, but whether she actually succeeds in following it is another story.

MBTI Functions and Compatibility Theory

     I've always been quite curious about how people can use MBTI and other personality tests to determine your compatibility with another person. I mean, some people believe that "likes attract likes", but others believe in "opposites attract". And then there are others, like me, who believes in a mixture of both.

     I am an ardent believer in MBTI and although I know its many flaws, it is still the most accurate personality test I've come across. And believe me, I have taken many personality tests - tests, not quizzes. This post will focus on the four functions - Dominant, Auxiliary, Tertiary and Inferior. These four functions develop as you progress in life and that's why MBTI is considered part of developmental psychology. Compatibility, at least in MBTI, revolves around the four functions as well.

The Four Functions
1. What Are They?
     The first and most developed function is the Dominant function. This function develops very early in life and is often affected by your innate personality and childhood experiences. It forms the core of our personality and plays the most important role in guiding the way we think, feel and act.

     The second function that develops later in your childhood years and before your teens is the Auxiliary function. This function seeks to balance out your Dominant function and therefore, every introvert will have an extroverted Auxiliary function and vice versa. It is very important to have this function developed alongside the Dominant function as it aids the individual in making balanced decisions.

     The third function, known as the Tertiary function, is the exact opposite from the Auxiliary function. This function will develop in early adulthood, or in more mature individuals, slightly earlier. Most people have few skills associated with this function and these skills are almost always actively developed with the awareness of the need to do so.

     The fourth function, or the Inferior function, is the least appealing to individuals and many never develop this in their lives. It takes much awareness for an individual to see the need to develop this function and even then, it would be the least prominent function.

2. How Are They Expressed?
     Each function is expressed in 2 letters, one in caps, e.g. "F" and one in small letters e.g. "e". The one in caps is the function (not to be confused with the overall function) and can be S (sensing), N (intuition), T (thinking) or F (feeling). The small letter represents the direction - introversion or extroversion. In other words, Fe means Extroverted Feeling while Si would mean Introverted Sensing.

3. What Do These Functions Mean?
     Of course, you need to know what these 8 possible functions mean. It doesn't do anyone any good just knowing the letters and not being able to draw a connection between these abstract theory and reality. So, before I actually present the chart that I drew out with the functions of all the MBTIs, I'll just go through very simply what the functions mean:

(1) Extroverted Thinking (Te): Seeks logic and consistency in the outside world. Concern for external laws and rules.
(2) Introverted Sensing (Si): Compares present facts and experiences to past experience. Trusts the past. Stores sensory data for future use.
(3) Extroverted Intuition (Ne): Sees possibilities in the external world. Trusts flashes from the unconscious, which can then be shared with others.
(4) Introverted Feeling (Fi): Seeks harmony of action and thoughts with personal values. May not always articulate those values.
(5) Extraverted Sensing (Se): Acts on concrete data from here and now. Trusts the present, then lets it go.
(6) Introverted Thinking (Ti): Seeks internal consistency and logic of ideas. Trusts his or her internal framework, which may be difficult to explain to others.
(7): Extroverted Feeling (Fe): Seeks harmony with and between people in the outside world. Interpersonal and cultural values are important.
(8) Introverted Intuition (Ni); Looks at consistency of ideas and thoughts with an internal framework. Trusts flashes from the unconscious, which may be hard for others to understand.

4. The 16 MBTIs and Their Functions

     Yes, so finally, after all that ranting, these was what people were waiting for. The actual table containing all the 16 types of MBTI and their functions. I am not grouping the MBTIs in any meaningful way, just E before I, S before N, T before F and J before P. So in other words, my MBTI would appear last.

     In any case, if you can't read this for some reason, I'll just give an example. I am an INFP, so my Dominant function is Fi (Introverted Feeling), my Auxiliary function is Ne (Extroverted Intuition), my Tertiary function is Si (Introverted Sensing) and my Inferior function is Te (Extroverted Thinking). In other words, I have values that people don't know about, but also gut feelings that I follow and articulate. So people who are not intuitive mostly think I'm crazy. Sounds about right. 

MBTI Compatibility

     I think the assumption made in MBTI compatibility is a fair one. It balances out the idea of "opposites attract" and "like attracts like" very well. For two people to be compatible, they must view the world using the same functions (like attracts like), but to balance each other's weaknesses out, they must view the world from different directions (opposites attract). 

     You can't go 100% "like attracts like", because you end up with someone with the same MBTI and the kind of relationship you get is a very narrow-minded one. Sure, you may get along perfect, but I doubt either one in the relationship is ideal for the growth of the other. For example, I would be comfortable being stuck with a fellow INFP because he/she would understand me perfectly well, but because we are so similar, there is absolute nothing I can learn in terms of psychological maturity. 

     On the other hand, you can't go 100% "opposites attract", because there is no common ground. For example, I am an INFP and if I am stuck with an ESTJ, I would learn a lot from interacting with the person...if I even want to be related to them in any way. It isn't impossible for us to get along, but it is very difficult. We would see the world in very different ways and our behaviours will seem extremely strange to the other party. I would be overly emotional and depend very much on my guts, but ESTJ is very data-oriented and dislikes emotion. I will be able to see the completely different side of the coin, but we would never get along well.

     Therefore, like I said, this is how MBTI works - same function in different directions. Let me explain it. For example, for an INFP, my Dominant function is Fi, or Introverted Feeling. "Feeling" is my function and "Introverted" is the direction. With the MBTI compatibility assumption, the MBTI compatible with an INFP would have a Dominant function with the same function - "Feeling" - but the opposite direction - "Extroverted" - Fe. In that case, that immediately narrows down my compatible MBTIs to ESFJ and ENFJ.

     The same applies to all four functions and so, for me, an INFP, my compatible MBTI is ENFJ. Every single one of our functions are the same, but in the opposite direction. This ensures that we are able to understand the way each other views the world, but because we view it from different directions, our final interpretation of how everything works usually don't coincide. It is an idealistic compatibility assumption that aims for both understanding and growth. I mean, if we were realistic about it, I'll just go after another INFP. We would understand each other perfectly and there would be no disagreements, ever. 

     To put it simply, for anyone who doesn't want to think, this is how the compatibility chart goes. 

     Also, another way of explaining things would be that, you always keep the two letters in the centre constant for Ns; second and last letter for Ss. For example, for an INFP like me, I would be compatible with xNFx. The reason is actually quite simple. If you look at any professional MBTI website, they would list the 16 MBTIs in 4 categories, depending on the centre two letters. SJs are Sentinels, SPs are Explorers, NTs are Analysts and NFs are Diplomats. Your compatible MBTI will not be an MBTI from another group. A Diplomat is compatible with another Diplomat.

(Only for Ns)

      E and I being compatible is also quite common sense. It is less scientific than it is an observation that it is better for Extroverted people and Introverted people to be together. The maximisation of psychological growth being the goal of compatibility, it makes absolutely no sense that two Introverted people are grouped together, because their Dominant functions are all focused inward. J and P is more of a guess and applies more practically. Js are typically more tidy and Ps are typically more flexible. Js need to calm down and Ps need a little push to get them to be organised. That's why J and P are compatible. 

So in the end, what does these all mean?

      Nothing. It means absolutely nothing. MBTI is just another personality study and everyone with half a brain and half a hold on reality would understand that personality is not the only thing that plays a part in deciding whether relationships work - be it friendship or romance. You may find that one person who is so compatible with you, so much so that you don't think you'll ever find another one, but that's just nonsense. Compatibility means almost nothing in the real world where your career, financial situation, family background, etc play a much bigger part in deciding which people in life you get to keep. 

     After all, just look at all the couples around. They aren't always compatible. They don't always understand each other. They aren't always the best for each other's growth. In truth, MBTI compatibility is an idealisation of how relationships should work out. After all, if MBTI compatibility is used in reality, couples wouldn't be so unhappy, would they?

     Then how is this useful? Well, it is always still useful in understanding why certainly people in your life have a certain type of relationship with you. It is also fascinating to observe how accurate MBTI can be, especially for people whose MBTI has become fixed. 

     So, do I still believe in it? Well, yes, of course. It's not wrong; it's just unrealistic. As are many things in this world.