INTP Personality Type Explained: Career, Strengths and Weaknesses

INTP enjoy spending time alone, thinking about how things work, and finding solutions to problems. They usually do not have many acquaintances, but they are close to a selected group of people. INTPs are often described as both calm and analytical. Such people have a rich inner world and will rather focus their attention on their inner thoughts than on the outside world.

Up to 5 percent of all the population is inherent for the INTP personality type, according to psychologist David Keirsey.

INTPs are logical, basing on objective information instead of subjective sensations. They enjoy thinking about theoretical concepts and tend to value intelligence, not emotions.

They are very objective when analyzing data and making decisions.

INTP prefer to communicate with a small group of close friends they have common interests and connections with, being introverts. INTPs are quiet, discreet and thoughtful.

INTPs enjoy keeping their options open, feeling limited by both structure and planning.

People with this type of personality tend to be flexible and think "outside the box" well.

They think about the big picture, rather than focus on every tiny detail.

INTPs are usually very logical and effective thinkers. They enjoy having a complete picture of the issue before readiness to share their opinions or take action.

INTP often enjoy breaking big things or ideas, to look at individual components and to see how things both fit and function together. They express it, trying to understand how everything works.

INTP prefer to spend time mostly alone, being introverted. Being close to many people, INTP may feel they need to be on their own in order to recharge and find balance. Unlike extroverts, deriving energy from interacting with a wide group of people, introverts must expend energy in social situations.

While they may be embarrassed among people they do not know well, INTPs are usually both warm and friendly with their close group of family and friends. They sometimes strike others as both alienated and detached, as INTPs enjoy solitude and deep thinking.

People with this type of personality can get lost in their thoughts, losing track of the outside world from time to time. Their high emphasis on logic can make it difficult not to correct others in situations where other people present arguments being not so rational or logical. INTPs are also very difficult to convince, relying on their own minds rather than others. They enjoy ideas, valuing both intelligence and knowledge.

INTPs tend to be quite frivolous and tolerant in social situations. However, they may become adamant when their beliefs are challenged.

INTPs often succeed in scientific careers, enjoying both theoretical and abstract concepts. INTP can be very independent, attaching great importance to both personal freedom and autonomy. They are logical, having strong reasoning skills, but are also able to think creatively.

INTP may be aggravated by authority figures from time to time, especially those who, in their opinion, are trying to suppress their ability to think and act for themselves. Because of this, INTPs usually work best in a career thanks to great flexibility and independence.

INTPs tend to value intelligence more than anything else, slowly building friendships. Common interests are one of the best ways to form good relations with these types of people. Despite the fact this often leads to fewer friendships, INTP are usually very close with good friends.

Do not forget, people with INTP type of person may not be the best in dealing with excess emotions, but they enjoy communicating because of deep conversations and common passions.

Encourage your child to develop his or her intellectual interest, also looking for situations that can help your child develop friendships. This may be an area in which your child is struggling, but his communication with other children, sharing the same interests may help.

If your child is an INTP, it is important to remember he or she can respond better to both mind and logic than to emotions.

There is one thing to remember: while INTPs really enjoy romance in the context of deeply committed relationships, they do not play any games. Such people tend to live in their minds, so they can be quite difficult to get on with.

They often hold back until feeling another person is worthy to hear these innermost thoughts and feelings even in romantic relationships. Be honest. INTPs are also struggling to share their feelings, so you may have to pay attention to the subtle signals your partner sends. You may need to be very straightforward about what you need and expect in this regard, as INTP do not understand other people's emotional needs.