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Section 1.
Pick any picture you like - tell us about it. Below are two websites to help find one - feel free to choose anything you want, though.
Random Image Prompts
https://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
A starry sky somewhere in the wilderness?
You can see a galaxy, the milky way. It expands like a huge arch over the sky and glows in different colors, yellow, orange, blue-ish, white, pink, violet. Stunningly beautiful. The sky seems to be sputtered with stars all over.
Pictures like this one make me realize how small I am, how insignificant my problems are in relation to the grand scheme of things. Heck, all inhabitants of earth don’t matter. We are just living on this teeny tiny dot in one out of many universes. This also makes me think about extraterrestrial life. Which, I am absolutely sure, is a thing.
I also like the contrast between the sky and the ground/the trees.
Pick a word, any word - brainstorm - whether it's just words that spring to mind, or ideas, or memories, whatever - just brainstorm for a while. No restrictions. Below is a link for a random word, if it helps.
https://randomwordgenerator.com
fox
A fox is a dog/wolf-like animal primarily living in the forest. I associate it with red fur, tales, fables. There is this German childrens’ song: “Fuchs du hast die Gans gestohlen.” In preschool I had to play this on a glockenspiel, but I never practiced and failed to succeed. In fables the fox is called “Reineke” and he’s the epitome of a clever animal. If I am not mistaken, there is even an adjective called “foxy”. Which brings me to the German phrase: “Ich bin fix und foxi”. Means that you’re totally done. Which is actually true for me. But I’ve still 1.5 hours of training tonight. Meh.
Section 2.
Describe your verbal communication skills, your written communication skills, and your body language.
Feel free to go in-depth. If possible, detail your natural communication and body language preferences in various circumstances - with friends, with strangers, at work, in one-on-one situations, in group situations, personal, impersonal, that kind of thing. If anything irritates you about how others communicate, talk about that too.
The more information, the better.
The way I speak depends on my audience/my communication partner (obviously). At uni I often talk in a very elaborate and scientifically correct way. Some of my uni friends like to use sort of stilted, specific vocabulary and I happily engage in that. I use figurative language to illustrate what I want to tell and I like to come up with proverbs and sometimes puns. In general, I take care of getting to the point in a reasonable time, especially since aimless rambling of others freaks me out. I hate it, when people are outrageously stretching there stories and won't ever come to an end. Wrong grammar irritates me as well. I have to hold back on correcting my counterpart a lot. Sometimes I come off as a bit of a smartass.
When I do creative writing I like to use figurative and interesting language, something you would enjyo to read. On formal emails/letters I make sure to preserve the appropriate expression, correct grammar, punctuation and so on. I use arguments for support come off more confident than in reality
I am not very aware of my body language, but my dad says I talk with my hands a lot. He always mimics my gestures, which is kind of funny. In conversations I incorporate non-verbal communication skills by nodding in approval, smiling, shaking my head, twisting my mouth, frowning…
I’d say I’m a good listener, but if a conversation bores me, I stop paying attention and let my thoughts wander around or observe my surroundings. Sometimes my counterpart says something that reminds me of something else I want to talk about and if I am very eager to get this off my chest, I might just change the topic (if appropriate
) to this completely new direction. Which might come off as weird.
In group situations I am rather a listener then a speaker. I often wait for the right moment to speak up and when this never arises I keep quiet. And afterwards I want to punch myself for being such a coward. I feel like what I say in a group has to have a lot of substance and I think a lot more before I speak than in one-on-one encounters where I talk more freely.
How do you prefer to make decisions, solve problems and/or puzzles?
Run us through your entire process - use specific examples, if possible - some ideas for your answer -
what questions do you ask yourself, if any? What goes through your mind? What do you take into account? What could alter your decisions? Are you comfortable with making a decision and settling on it? Do you like being able to change your decisions, after you've made them?
I prefer to have some time to think and reflect. I hate to make decisions pressed for time. It’s important for me to think about the consequences. If, what might happen, is resonating with my values, my wellbeing. If it might affect other people. I tend to juggle possibilities until I HAVE TO make a decision and usually I haven’t really figured out what would be best, so I just go by a gut feeling. Afterwards I am usually relieved since the distress that uncertainty evokes in me, has been lifted off my shoulders.
Sometimes I contemplate my decisions and doubt that I was right. If possible, I might even change them.
Problem solving is a bit different. I gather all available and useful information and try to find out if it provides any help to solve the question. It’s more of a structured, methodical approach that I have learned to use since I’ve been taught science.
To give a specific example: One of my colleagues asks, if someone can take over her shift tomorrow morning. No-one replies. She asks again. Tomorrow is moving day for her. She forgot about her shift tomorrow and definitely can’t go to work. Should I take it over? Hmm, still no-one has replied yet. It’s already late. I wouldn’t even get 6 hours of sleep. And I am not motivated. But she needs someone to jump in. She’s nice. I like her. She is going to work for me in December, so why not. I don’t have anything enjoyable planned anyway. I can nap after work. I reply “I can do it ”. She replies “Thank you so much!!” I am pissed, I don’t want to get up at 5:30am on a Saturday. “But on a day in December she will take over one of your shifts in exchange.”, I tell myself. It’s midnight by now. Work sucks. Why did I just renew my contract? Oh I forgot, I am a poor student and I am not good with money.
Detail some things that piss you off - stress triggers - feel free to explain the reasons why these things irritate you - I don't want to hear about mild irritations - I want to hear about things that simply make your blood boil, or make you want to take action to alter the situation - things that make you want to leave an environment, things that make you dislike someone, things that truly get to you as a person and grate on every fiber of your being.
I am revolted by people that want to shove their opinions down your throat, want to alter you to their liking, make fun of you for not enjoying what they enjoy, and are incapable of the tiniest bit of empathy to understand what another person might feel.
For example, those people on parties that want to make you drink loads, especially during “drinking games”, and get on you for leaving before them. “Girl, just lose up a little and have some FUN!” I seriously want to punch those people. Basically I am someone who tolerates every opinion (as long it’s not hurting someone/is hateful/racist/xenophobic/homophobic, hmm I see I actually don’t respect every opinion, but I guess you get what I mean), I think “live and let live” describes my attitude quite well, although I do educate people around me, if I feel like they are totally wrong and misinformed on a certain issue. I accept a different opinion, if I feel like the person has as much insight on a problem as possible and still thinks differently about it than I do. And I also realize that this actually has nothing to do with the question at hand. Sorry for that. To sum it up, I expect people to treat me like I do treat them and if that’s not the case, I get angry.
I also strongly dislike people who feel superior to everyone else and wear an attitude that shows their superiority. I value humbleness.
And last but not least I am pissed off by people who exploit the weak. This can be applied to lower levels such as the lazy student who will always copy the nerd’s homework without ever paying back or thanking. Or to dictators exploiting the population whilst entrenching themselves in huge mansions with their servants.
Detail a time (or times) in your life when you felt at your absolute best - when you didn't feel any kind of anxiety, when you didn't feel judged, when you felt appreciated for who you are, when you felt at your most creative, when you felt like "you".. you get the gist. You at your best, tell us about it.
That has to be the time 4.5 years ago, when I had finished my A-levels with very good results. I had just applied to medical school, I had just quit figure skating and I simply felt free. It was July. There were still 3 months before university would start. I felt like I could do anything I wanted. All I saw were possibilities. New experiences. A new life! I felt like I was about to break free of the corset of school, training and my parental home. That daily grind was soon to be forgotten. (How wrong I was…)
What are the strongest parts of your personality? The best traits about yourself.
I am strong-willed and hard working. I don’t give up easily. If I see a point in working towards a certain goal, I am very committed and don’t mind dedicating a good amount of time on this specific issue.
I am very composed and calm on the outside. I can trick people easily into believing that I am self-confident (even if I’m not) and sure of what I am doing simply by radiating that certain sense of calm. I’ve been told by patients that I make them feel like they are in good hands, because of my calm, distinct and friendly way of talking and acting.
What is one specific trait that you value in others, yet simply do not possess yourself - though, if you were to work on it, it would really balance out your personality?
Worrying less about the future, living more in the moment.
And stopping that evil thing called procrastination. I’ve got a lot stuff to accomplish that doesn’t interest me and doesn’t really contribute to a future I am longing for. To be specific, I hate to study medicine, I don’t really want to be a medical doctor in the sense of prescribing pills or doing surgery without really getting to know the person behind the problem. Many doctors forget that there is a human being right in front of them that is more than a sum of diagnoses. The only specialties I like are psychiatry, to some extent neurology and general medicine. But I am still in med school, because it took me 3 years to come to terms with this and then I simply didn’t have the guts to quit. So here I am, still studying something that I don’t like. And that’s really hard for me. So I procrastinate. A lot. And if I would just suck it up and get things done, I would have much more free time to do things I actually enjoy and work out a way I can be happy in the future.
Basically I have to start acting and stop being afraid of possibly unsuccessful outcomes. Dreaming is fine as long as you try to turn them into reality.
What are the differences between how others see you, and how you see yourself?
Feel free to elaborate and explain the reasoning.
I’ve already mentioned above that people perceive me as the quiet, calm, self-confident. Though I am often the opposite. I can get very anxious and self-conscious. I am afraid of making mistakes that could harm others and not living up to expectations. But I don’t show it.
Sometimes people think I am rather arrogant as I can come off as pretty aloof, but I am in all honesty not arrogant. It’s just that sometimes I am shy and don’t really participate in a group conversation, especially with strangers. I’d rather sit and listen to get a grasp of what the others are like.
Section 3.
What is a perfect day to you?
What is a perfect night to you?
To me there is no such a thing like a perfect day or night. To me “perfect” means that I would be content to live this day over and over again, but boy would this be boring. I need variety in my life. What I enjoy might change from day to day as well, it depends on my mood. One day I might feel rather adventurous and go out to explore, attend some sort of a performance, meet someone. And the day after I might want to stay home cuddled up in a blanket with a good book to escape from reality.
I guess in general one can say that on a “perfect” day I would take a break from my current life, because it’s so unfulfilling and constraining. I hope that the day will come where my life is so good that I don’t need these days where I completely block out reality in order to function.
What is your idea of a perfect world?
Humanity and all other earthly inhabitants such as animals and plants are living in harmony. There is no war. Food is distributed equally, no one has to die from starvation. Men and women, black and white, gay and straight, everyone is treated equally. Nationality, sexuality, skin color, none of it matters.
This is never going to happen.
What is your idea of hell on earth?
When you don’t know, if you’ll live through the night due to the bombing of your hometown.
When you don’t know how you are going to feed your children, let alone yourself.
When you have to be afraid to raise your voice or to be your true self, because it might get you shot.
Hatred, violence, torture.
Section 4.
Are you, most of the time, acutely aware of the people, things and events occurring in your immediate surroundings?
Yes, most of the time. Sometimes it gets too much and I retreat back into my brain. For example, if I am in a very busy environment, I feel overstimulated and stop paying attention and then I almost cross the street at a red light or don’t notice people I know (“Wow, that stuck up b****. She feels so superior, she doesn’t even greet.”). I function on autopilot most of the time until a special detail catches my attention.
Do you find yourself engaging in the sounds, colours, textures, scents and tastes of your environment - i.e, enjoying what you are currently experiencing, most of the time?
I can be completely unaware of these sensory inputs, but I try to pay more attention and enjoy the little pleasures that come with appreciating them. The smell of freshly brewed coffee, the colorful leaves in autumn, the warmth on your face created by the last rays of sunlight. The feel of fresh bedclothes. You get it. I have to remind myself of actively engaging in these things, but if I do, it’s quite enjoyable.
Do you seek common ground, when faced with new situations - thoughts like "this is like _____" or "this is similar to _____" - something that will stabilise the current situation and turn it into something more comfortable for you?
Yes, usually I can detect something that reminds me of a past situation and helps to work my way into or through the new one.
Do you find you have a strong sense for how things 'should be', even when faced with something unfamiliar?
Hmm, I don’t think so.
Do you actively engage in promoting a harmonious atmosphere - be honest with yourself, this includes being a conflict-averse introvert.
Yes. I see myself as a mediator. I am a person who gets along well with basically everyone and therefore I often have to mediate arguments between different fractions of a group. Be it a friend cycle or a seminar group. I cannot function in a hostile atmosphere, so I try to make sure to sustain harmony whenever possible. I usually seek out middle ground where the fighting parties can meet.
Do you actively seek to connect with other people, and do you make use of social niceties in order to interact with people more smoothly - to make them feel validated, accepted, comfortable? - this includes regular use of "please", "thank you", etc.. general social niceties.
Sometimes yes. In general no. Let’s say I am going to a party and I know no-one but the host. Then I’ll probably initiate conversation. And yes I definitely make use of social niceties, especially if I am talking to strangers or people not very close to me. If I am with family or friends, I don’t pay as much attention to it. But I basically always say please and thank you.
Do you find yourself not being dependent on agreement and harmony around you, as long as the current situation doesn't impact on your own personal inner balance?
An example of this might be if you are doing something, and people are arguing in the same room - are you able to remain yourself, or will it affect your inner balance in a noticeable way?
A disharmonious atmosphere makes me uncomfortable, but I have learned to move on from it, if it has nothing to do with my life.
Do you try to win others over to your point of view, in debates, arguments or just chit-chat in general?
I.e seeking agreement from the other person. Have a real think about this question, and be honest with yourself.
Yes, I do. I want people to understand me and my reasoning and therefore I crave agreement. I reckon that there will always be people who won’t agree and I accept that, but ultimately, yes, I would like to persuade my counterpart. It’s of importance to me that my arguments are crucial and encourage to think about the issue.
You just read that a local vacuum company just went bankrupt.
What your thoughts - feel free to expand and explore your thoughts and ideas as much as you like here. Please don't say "who cares?". Just do it.
I feel sorry for the employees that now probably need to find a new job. I wonder, if there might be a program for the now unemployed to find them a new job and I wonder how the company got to the point of bankruptcy and if something could have been done to prevent this unfortunate outcome. Maybe the principal had an incapable financial consultant? Or he is incapable himself? Or the demand for vacuum cleaners is simply not high enough? Maybe they only sell these rather old-fashioned models, but people nowadays want vacuum robots (you know what I mean?)? Or they have been lacking quality in their products. Who knows. The bankruptcy might also affect the local economy. The local politicians will have to discuss how to prevent harm.
Do you comfortably juggle multiple possible options in your mind, when problem solving? Do you find yourself exploring each of them - entertaining any possibilities that may arise from them, and enjoy envisioning scenarios where these might play out?
Yes. I can come up with different scenarios (many of them quite catastrophic oops) easily, though I don’t explore all of them to their whole extent. Sometimes I jump from idea to idea and find it difficult to concentrate on one and follow “a path”.
Do you have a tendency to organise the world around you? Is it important for you to be in an orderly environment?
This might manifest as a preference for predictability - consider these questions on a smaller scale than what might be in your mind - i.e. is it important that the knifes go in the knifes slot, that the Nintendo games go where the Nintendo games go, etc..
Yes. I prefer a neat environment. I detest chaos, at least the obvious kind. My flat is usually clean, I do the dishes every day and most things have a certain space where they go. But sometimes I’m lazy and just put stuff in cupboards to have it out of my eyesight even though it should go somewhere else.
Do you find you are impatient with regards to efficiency?
Again, consider this also at a smaller scale - for example, do you prefer to rush through whatever chores that need to be done, so they're out the way?
No, not necessarily. If I have to get stuff like chores done, I tend to make them more enjoyable by, for example, listening to an audiobook whilst doing them, even if it takes longer. But sometimes I can get very impatient. For example, if I am running errands and people in front of me are walking super slowly, I get really impatient and annoyed. I am one fast walker
Do you find yourself taking over certain tasks because you know you can do it quicker?
This might be as mundane as telling your partner or friend, that you'll do the dishes - because you know they'll take forever and it's just 'better' for you to do it, and smash 'em out ASAP so they're done.
Sometimes yes. Depends on the task, if I like doing it and if it affects me.
Is it important for you to define things in your head?
This might manifest as googling words you've unfamiliar with so you actually know for sure what you're reading, or it might manifest as a preference to completely understand something to the point you can explain it to others in a simplified manner - born out of the precise definitions you've crafted in your mind.
Absolutely. Let’s say I need to give a presentation. I will make sure that I know the answer to all questions I can imagine. Therefore it is vital to understand the topic in depths. I like to explain the topic to people who aren’t experts and I also like to give the presentation to fellow students just for practice.
Is it of high importance to you, to understand all of the pieces of a puzzle.. or all of the information you're given, before coming to a decision or a conclusion about anything?
This might manifest as a tendency to hesitate when coming to conclusions or decisions as you don't feel you fully defined, or understood, all relevant information yet.
Yes (see answer above). If a decision/a valuation is involved, I want to know the details and understand. And yes, I can be very hesitant, weighing possibilities and not coming to a conclusion. In the end I usually go just by gut feeling.
I think I am either an ISFP or INFP from the standpoint of cognitive functions. Most probably Fi-dom, but not so sure, Se would follow? I see alot of Ne in myself.
When thinking about the dichotomies I would not type myself as a P type though, I am more of planner. Though I can also be pretty passive :/
What do you think?
Pick any picture you like - tell us about it. Below are two websites to help find one - feel free to choose anything you want, though.
Random Image Prompts
https://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
A starry sky somewhere in the wilderness?
You can see a galaxy, the milky way. It expands like a huge arch over the sky and glows in different colors, yellow, orange, blue-ish, white, pink, violet. Stunningly beautiful. The sky seems to be sputtered with stars all over.
Pictures like this one make me realize how small I am, how insignificant my problems are in relation to the grand scheme of things. Heck, all inhabitants of earth don’t matter. We are just living on this teeny tiny dot in one out of many universes. This also makes me think about extraterrestrial life. Which, I am absolutely sure, is a thing.
I also like the contrast between the sky and the ground/the trees.
Pick a word, any word - brainstorm - whether it's just words that spring to mind, or ideas, or memories, whatever - just brainstorm for a while. No restrictions. Below is a link for a random word, if it helps.
https://randomwordgenerator.com
fox
A fox is a dog/wolf-like animal primarily living in the forest. I associate it with red fur, tales, fables. There is this German childrens’ song: “Fuchs du hast die Gans gestohlen.” In preschool I had to play this on a glockenspiel, but I never practiced and failed to succeed. In fables the fox is called “Reineke” and he’s the epitome of a clever animal. If I am not mistaken, there is even an adjective called “foxy”. Which brings me to the German phrase: “Ich bin fix und foxi”. Means that you’re totally done. Which is actually true for me. But I’ve still 1.5 hours of training tonight. Meh.
Section 2.
Describe your verbal communication skills, your written communication skills, and your body language.
Feel free to go in-depth. If possible, detail your natural communication and body language preferences in various circumstances - with friends, with strangers, at work, in one-on-one situations, in group situations, personal, impersonal, that kind of thing. If anything irritates you about how others communicate, talk about that too.
The more information, the better.
The way I speak depends on my audience/my communication partner (obviously). At uni I often talk in a very elaborate and scientifically correct way. Some of my uni friends like to use sort of stilted, specific vocabulary and I happily engage in that. I use figurative language to illustrate what I want to tell and I like to come up with proverbs and sometimes puns. In general, I take care of getting to the point in a reasonable time, especially since aimless rambling of others freaks me out. I hate it, when people are outrageously stretching there stories and won't ever come to an end. Wrong grammar irritates me as well. I have to hold back on correcting my counterpart a lot. Sometimes I come off as a bit of a smartass.
When I do creative writing I like to use figurative and interesting language, something you would enjyo to read. On formal emails/letters I make sure to preserve the appropriate expression, correct grammar, punctuation and so on. I use arguments for support come off more confident than in reality
I am not very aware of my body language, but my dad says I talk with my hands a lot. He always mimics my gestures, which is kind of funny. In conversations I incorporate non-verbal communication skills by nodding in approval, smiling, shaking my head, twisting my mouth, frowning…
I’d say I’m a good listener, but if a conversation bores me, I stop paying attention and let my thoughts wander around or observe my surroundings. Sometimes my counterpart says something that reminds me of something else I want to talk about and if I am very eager to get this off my chest, I might just change the topic (if appropriate
) to this completely new direction. Which might come off as weird. In group situations I am rather a listener then a speaker. I often wait for the right moment to speak up and when this never arises I keep quiet. And afterwards I want to punch myself for being such a coward. I feel like what I say in a group has to have a lot of substance and I think a lot more before I speak than in one-on-one encounters where I talk more freely.
How do you prefer to make decisions, solve problems and/or puzzles?
Run us through your entire process - use specific examples, if possible - some ideas for your answer -
what questions do you ask yourself, if any? What goes through your mind? What do you take into account? What could alter your decisions? Are you comfortable with making a decision and settling on it? Do you like being able to change your decisions, after you've made them?
I prefer to have some time to think and reflect. I hate to make decisions pressed for time. It’s important for me to think about the consequences. If, what might happen, is resonating with my values, my wellbeing. If it might affect other people. I tend to juggle possibilities until I HAVE TO make a decision and usually I haven’t really figured out what would be best, so I just go by a gut feeling. Afterwards I am usually relieved since the distress that uncertainty evokes in me, has been lifted off my shoulders.
Sometimes I contemplate my decisions and doubt that I was right. If possible, I might even change them.
Problem solving is a bit different. I gather all available and useful information and try to find out if it provides any help to solve the question. It’s more of a structured, methodical approach that I have learned to use since I’ve been taught science.
To give a specific example: One of my colleagues asks, if someone can take over her shift tomorrow morning. No-one replies. She asks again. Tomorrow is moving day for her. She forgot about her shift tomorrow and definitely can’t go to work. Should I take it over? Hmm, still no-one has replied yet. It’s already late. I wouldn’t even get 6 hours of sleep. And I am not motivated. But she needs someone to jump in. She’s nice. I like her. She is going to work for me in December, so why not. I don’t have anything enjoyable planned anyway. I can nap after work. I reply “I can do it ”. She replies “Thank you so much!!” I am pissed, I don’t want to get up at 5:30am on a Saturday. “But on a day in December she will take over one of your shifts in exchange.”, I tell myself. It’s midnight by now. Work sucks. Why did I just renew my contract? Oh I forgot, I am a poor student and I am not good with money.
Detail some things that piss you off - stress triggers - feel free to explain the reasons why these things irritate you - I don't want to hear about mild irritations - I want to hear about things that simply make your blood boil, or make you want to take action to alter the situation - things that make you want to leave an environment, things that make you dislike someone, things that truly get to you as a person and grate on every fiber of your being.
I am revolted by people that want to shove their opinions down your throat, want to alter you to their liking, make fun of you for not enjoying what they enjoy, and are incapable of the tiniest bit of empathy to understand what another person might feel.
For example, those people on parties that want to make you drink loads, especially during “drinking games”, and get on you for leaving before them. “Girl, just lose up a little and have some FUN!” I seriously want to punch those people. Basically I am someone who tolerates every opinion (as long it’s not hurting someone/is hateful/racist/xenophobic/homophobic, hmm I see I actually don’t respect every opinion, but I guess you get what I mean), I think “live and let live” describes my attitude quite well, although I do educate people around me, if I feel like they are totally wrong and misinformed on a certain issue. I accept a different opinion, if I feel like the person has as much insight on a problem as possible and still thinks differently about it than I do. And I also realize that this actually has nothing to do with the question at hand. Sorry for that. To sum it up, I expect people to treat me like I do treat them and if that’s not the case, I get angry.
I also strongly dislike people who feel superior to everyone else and wear an attitude that shows their superiority. I value humbleness.
And last but not least I am pissed off by people who exploit the weak. This can be applied to lower levels such as the lazy student who will always copy the nerd’s homework without ever paying back or thanking. Or to dictators exploiting the population whilst entrenching themselves in huge mansions with their servants.
Detail a time (or times) in your life when you felt at your absolute best - when you didn't feel any kind of anxiety, when you didn't feel judged, when you felt appreciated for who you are, when you felt at your most creative, when you felt like "you".. you get the gist. You at your best, tell us about it.
That has to be the time 4.5 years ago, when I had finished my A-levels with very good results. I had just applied to medical school, I had just quit figure skating and I simply felt free. It was July. There were still 3 months before university would start. I felt like I could do anything I wanted. All I saw were possibilities. New experiences. A new life! I felt like I was about to break free of the corset of school, training and my parental home. That daily grind was soon to be forgotten. (How wrong I was…)
What are the strongest parts of your personality? The best traits about yourself.
I am strong-willed and hard working. I don’t give up easily. If I see a point in working towards a certain goal, I am very committed and don’t mind dedicating a good amount of time on this specific issue.
I am very composed and calm on the outside. I can trick people easily into believing that I am self-confident (even if I’m not) and sure of what I am doing simply by radiating that certain sense of calm. I’ve been told by patients that I make them feel like they are in good hands, because of my calm, distinct and friendly way of talking and acting.
What is one specific trait that you value in others, yet simply do not possess yourself - though, if you were to work on it, it would really balance out your personality?
Worrying less about the future, living more in the moment.
And stopping that evil thing called procrastination. I’ve got a lot stuff to accomplish that doesn’t interest me and doesn’t really contribute to a future I am longing for. To be specific, I hate to study medicine, I don’t really want to be a medical doctor in the sense of prescribing pills or doing surgery without really getting to know the person behind the problem. Many doctors forget that there is a human being right in front of them that is more than a sum of diagnoses. The only specialties I like are psychiatry, to some extent neurology and general medicine. But I am still in med school, because it took me 3 years to come to terms with this and then I simply didn’t have the guts to quit. So here I am, still studying something that I don’t like. And that’s really hard for me. So I procrastinate. A lot. And if I would just suck it up and get things done, I would have much more free time to do things I actually enjoy and work out a way I can be happy in the future.
Basically I have to start acting and stop being afraid of possibly unsuccessful outcomes. Dreaming is fine as long as you try to turn them into reality.
What are the differences between how others see you, and how you see yourself?
Feel free to elaborate and explain the reasoning.
I’ve already mentioned above that people perceive me as the quiet, calm, self-confident. Though I am often the opposite. I can get very anxious and self-conscious. I am afraid of making mistakes that could harm others and not living up to expectations. But I don’t show it.
Sometimes people think I am rather arrogant as I can come off as pretty aloof, but I am in all honesty not arrogant. It’s just that sometimes I am shy and don’t really participate in a group conversation, especially with strangers. I’d rather sit and listen to get a grasp of what the others are like.
Section 3.
What is a perfect day to you?
What is a perfect night to you?
To me there is no such a thing like a perfect day or night. To me “perfect” means that I would be content to live this day over and over again, but boy would this be boring. I need variety in my life. What I enjoy might change from day to day as well, it depends on my mood. One day I might feel rather adventurous and go out to explore, attend some sort of a performance, meet someone. And the day after I might want to stay home cuddled up in a blanket with a good book to escape from reality.
I guess in general one can say that on a “perfect” day I would take a break from my current life, because it’s so unfulfilling and constraining. I hope that the day will come where my life is so good that I don’t need these days where I completely block out reality in order to function.
What is your idea of a perfect world?
Humanity and all other earthly inhabitants such as animals and plants are living in harmony. There is no war. Food is distributed equally, no one has to die from starvation. Men and women, black and white, gay and straight, everyone is treated equally. Nationality, sexuality, skin color, none of it matters.
This is never going to happen.
What is your idea of hell on earth?
When you don’t know, if you’ll live through the night due to the bombing of your hometown.
When you don’t know how you are going to feed your children, let alone yourself.
When you have to be afraid to raise your voice or to be your true self, because it might get you shot.
Hatred, violence, torture.
Section 4.
Are you, most of the time, acutely aware of the people, things and events occurring in your immediate surroundings?
Yes, most of the time. Sometimes it gets too much and I retreat back into my brain. For example, if I am in a very busy environment, I feel overstimulated and stop paying attention and then I almost cross the street at a red light or don’t notice people I know (“Wow, that stuck up b****. She feels so superior, she doesn’t even greet.”). I function on autopilot most of the time until a special detail catches my attention.
Do you find yourself engaging in the sounds, colours, textures, scents and tastes of your environment - i.e, enjoying what you are currently experiencing, most of the time?
I can be completely unaware of these sensory inputs, but I try to pay more attention and enjoy the little pleasures that come with appreciating them. The smell of freshly brewed coffee, the colorful leaves in autumn, the warmth on your face created by the last rays of sunlight. The feel of fresh bedclothes. You get it. I have to remind myself of actively engaging in these things, but if I do, it’s quite enjoyable.
Do you seek common ground, when faced with new situations - thoughts like "this is like _____" or "this is similar to _____" - something that will stabilise the current situation and turn it into something more comfortable for you?
Yes, usually I can detect something that reminds me of a past situation and helps to work my way into or through the new one.
Do you find you have a strong sense for how things 'should be', even when faced with something unfamiliar?
Hmm, I don’t think so.
Do you actively engage in promoting a harmonious atmosphere - be honest with yourself, this includes being a conflict-averse introvert.
Yes. I see myself as a mediator. I am a person who gets along well with basically everyone and therefore I often have to mediate arguments between different fractions of a group. Be it a friend cycle or a seminar group. I cannot function in a hostile atmosphere, so I try to make sure to sustain harmony whenever possible. I usually seek out middle ground where the fighting parties can meet.
Do you actively seek to connect with other people, and do you make use of social niceties in order to interact with people more smoothly - to make them feel validated, accepted, comfortable? - this includes regular use of "please", "thank you", etc.. general social niceties.
Sometimes yes. In general no. Let’s say I am going to a party and I know no-one but the host. Then I’ll probably initiate conversation. And yes I definitely make use of social niceties, especially if I am talking to strangers or people not very close to me. If I am with family or friends, I don’t pay as much attention to it. But I basically always say please and thank you.
Do you find yourself not being dependent on agreement and harmony around you, as long as the current situation doesn't impact on your own personal inner balance?
An example of this might be if you are doing something, and people are arguing in the same room - are you able to remain yourself, or will it affect your inner balance in a noticeable way?
A disharmonious atmosphere makes me uncomfortable, but I have learned to move on from it, if it has nothing to do with my life.
Do you try to win others over to your point of view, in debates, arguments or just chit-chat in general?
I.e seeking agreement from the other person. Have a real think about this question, and be honest with yourself.
Yes, I do. I want people to understand me and my reasoning and therefore I crave agreement. I reckon that there will always be people who won’t agree and I accept that, but ultimately, yes, I would like to persuade my counterpart. It’s of importance to me that my arguments are crucial and encourage to think about the issue.
You just read that a local vacuum company just went bankrupt.
What your thoughts - feel free to expand and explore your thoughts and ideas as much as you like here. Please don't say "who cares?". Just do it.
I feel sorry for the employees that now probably need to find a new job. I wonder, if there might be a program for the now unemployed to find them a new job and I wonder how the company got to the point of bankruptcy and if something could have been done to prevent this unfortunate outcome. Maybe the principal had an incapable financial consultant? Or he is incapable himself? Or the demand for vacuum cleaners is simply not high enough? Maybe they only sell these rather old-fashioned models, but people nowadays want vacuum robots (you know what I mean?
)? Or they have been lacking quality in their products. Who knows. The bankruptcy might also affect the local economy. The local politicians will have to discuss how to prevent harm. Do you comfortably juggle multiple possible options in your mind, when problem solving? Do you find yourself exploring each of them - entertaining any possibilities that may arise from them, and enjoy envisioning scenarios where these might play out?
Yes. I can come up with different scenarios (many of them quite catastrophic oops) easily, though I don’t explore all of them to their whole extent. Sometimes I jump from idea to idea and find it difficult to concentrate on one and follow “a path”.
Do you have a tendency to organise the world around you? Is it important for you to be in an orderly environment?
This might manifest as a preference for predictability - consider these questions on a smaller scale than what might be in your mind - i.e. is it important that the knifes go in the knifes slot, that the Nintendo games go where the Nintendo games go, etc..
Yes. I prefer a neat environment. I detest chaos, at least the obvious kind. My flat is usually clean, I do the dishes every day and most things have a certain space where they go. But sometimes I’m lazy and just put stuff in cupboards to have it out of my eyesight even though it should go somewhere else.
Do you find you are impatient with regards to efficiency?
Again, consider this also at a smaller scale - for example, do you prefer to rush through whatever chores that need to be done, so they're out the way?
No, not necessarily. If I have to get stuff like chores done, I tend to make them more enjoyable by, for example, listening to an audiobook whilst doing them, even if it takes longer. But sometimes I can get very impatient. For example, if I am running errands and people in front of me are walking super slowly, I get really impatient and annoyed. I am one fast walker
Do you find yourself taking over certain tasks because you know you can do it quicker?
This might be as mundane as telling your partner or friend, that you'll do the dishes - because you know they'll take forever and it's just 'better' for you to do it, and smash 'em out ASAP so they're done.
Sometimes yes. Depends on the task, if I like doing it and if it affects me.
Is it important for you to define things in your head?
This might manifest as googling words you've unfamiliar with so you actually know for sure what you're reading, or it might manifest as a preference to completely understand something to the point you can explain it to others in a simplified manner - born out of the precise definitions you've crafted in your mind.
Absolutely. Let’s say I need to give a presentation. I will make sure that I know the answer to all questions I can imagine. Therefore it is vital to understand the topic in depths. I like to explain the topic to people who aren’t experts and I also like to give the presentation to fellow students just for practice.
Is it of high importance to you, to understand all of the pieces of a puzzle.. or all of the information you're given, before coming to a decision or a conclusion about anything?
This might manifest as a tendency to hesitate when coming to conclusions or decisions as you don't feel you fully defined, or understood, all relevant information yet.
Yes (see answer above). If a decision/a valuation is involved, I want to know the details and understand. And yes, I can be very hesitant, weighing possibilities and not coming to a conclusion. In the end I usually go just by gut feeling.
I think I am either an ISFP or INFP from the standpoint of cognitive functions. Most probably Fi-dom, but not so sure, Se would follow? I see alot of Ne in myself.
When thinking about the dichotomies I would not type myself as a P type though, I am more of planner. Though I can also be pretty passive :/
What do you think?
