ISFJ Primary Function: Understanding the ISFJs Introverted Sensing (Si)

Understanding the primary function of each personality type certainly helps give a better idea of how they respond to and take in information. Their dominant function is definitely going to be what stands out the most and is represented to the world around them. While the dominant function works in combination with your other functions, it is still the one which helps people signify your personality and is often what is presented outwardly. It is definitely the lead function in making decisions and in helping to form a strong sense of self. While understanding all of the functions and how they work together is truly important, knowing someone’s primary function is certainly the first step to knowing them a bit better.

ISFJs are very practical people and focus a lot of energy on tending to their important tasks. They are also very caring when it comes to their loved ones and want to be able to provide for them appropriately. They can be somewhat internalized people at times, not always expressing their feelings or desires outwardly to those around them. Instead they become more focused on the feelings and needs of others, showing their support where they can. Their dominant function is their introverted sensing (Si) which is a big part of how they process and respond to the world around them. This is their primary function, but the other functions of the ISFJ can sometimes stand out more obviously since their dominant Si is an introverted function. The extraverted feeling can be a bit more obvious to those around them, which is why it is important to understand how these functions work together.

How Si Works

Introverted sensing or Si is very much focused on past events and information. It is a way of processing and storing information from past experiences and using it to understand the present choices which need to be made. The Si dominant user will take in information and filter this through their memories, wanting to compare it to past experiences and things they have a better natural grasp on because they have been through it before. When things in the present do not match what they know about the past, the introverted sensing user wants to compare this further and understand what is not matching up right. If they have stored certain information and recognize that it isn’t aligning with something from the present, they often realize that something is not right and needs to be adjusted. The Si user is excellent at recalling the past in great detail, especially things which truly matter to them. This is why they are often good at remembering dates or special occasions, not wanting to forget something which marks and important occasion to them or their loved ones. 

Dominant Si users can sometimes appear methodical, very focused on the details and wanting to be sure they are making the right choices. They don’t like jumping into things without being certain about their actions, and will take time to compare to the past and what has worked for them. This is why new situations can be a bit unnerving for them at times, since they don’t have much to compare these actions to. They don’t like stepping into things blind and want some means of knowing that they are making the right decisions along the way. This way of thinking does make the introverted sensor very practical, wanting to focus on processes and proven methods rather than imagining scenarios which are unlikely to ever happen to them. 

Si in ISFJs

Introverted sensing in the ISFJ causes them to become very practical and detail-oriented people. They care about getting things done efficiently and don’t like leaving anything up to chance. They are often very diligent and don’t like allowing themselves to become distracted when something important needs to get done. ISFJs are good at taking care of daily chores or tasks, often taking on the errands of those around them as well. They care about tending to the practical needs of their loved ones, wanting to be sure everyone is properly cared for and comfortable. ISFJs are focused people and they don’t like allowing themselves to make mistakes or let down the people around them. Their introverted sensing can cause them to seem a bit closed off from new experiences at times, since they don’t like jumping into anything new without being able to be sure that they won’t make mistakes along the way. This isn’t because the ISFJ enjoys appearing sheltered or closed-minded, they just don’t want to let anyone down or jump into something which they cannot compare to past experiences. They use this inner catalog of information in order to help them care for the people they love most. For them deviating can mean that they let someone down or make a mistake which disappoints the people they love.

ISFJ Functions

The ISFJs dominant function is their introverted sensing, but their other functions play an important role in their behavior as well. The ISFJ auxiliary or secondary function is their extraverted feeling or Fe. This Fe causes the ISFJ to also be rather focused on the emotions and needs of those around them, wanting to be caretaker to the people they love. This is often what is more outwardly expressed about the ISFJ, since they care so much about tending to the needs of their family and loved ones. They don’t want to disappoint or let anyone else down, and work hard to ensure that everyone is cared for properly. This is what often causes the ISFJ to recall so many details about people, since their Fe aids the desires and focus of their dominant Si. While their introverted sensing focused on details and information, the extraverted feeling is very outwardly focused on people and their inner needs and desires. The ISFJ becomes capable of understanding other people rather well, good at reading their emotions and remembering the smallest details about them.

 

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