10 Things You Should Know When Interacting with an INTJ

1. There is Literally Nothing Between the Lines
It’s very simple, but some people just can’t seem to fully grasp the idea of this reality. I say what I mean. That’s it. There are no hidden and obscure messages to be found between the lines. What I say, is what I mean. 

2. Don’t (Try to) Surprise Me
There are different types of surprises, and some are ok. Surprise me with my favorite dessert in my office, I’m all for it. But any surprise that somehow affects my plans is generally unwelcome. 

3. I Actually Do Have Feelings (On Occasion)
Yes, I know, it’s hard to believe. I feel things very deeply, I can be emotional, and I can be very sensitive. The only thing is — all of this happens on the inside, where I can keep it between myself and I. On the outside, I may appear cold, unable to feel or sympathize, and basically a robot.

4. Don’t Get Offended
Remember when I said that I say what I mean? Keep that in mind when you ask for my advice or opinion. I will tell you the truth, without sugarcoating it. 

5. Don’t Worry About Offending Me
It goes both ways. I don’t get offended if someone tells me I’ve done something wrong, just explain the problem so that I can fix it. If I ask for your opinion on something, I expect you to tell me what you really think. 

6. Be Real, or Get Out
I recognize manipulation, lies, and bullshit miles away and have zero tolerance for it. I will not explain or say anything most times, since calling someone on it usually leads nowhere. I’ll just walk away and put a hard stop to any existing relationship when this happens.

7. An Argument is Not a Fight
If you say something that I disagree with, I may tell you what I think. You’ll defend your stance, and I will challenge it. This is not a fight, it’s more of a debate. You can change my mind if you have a strong argument that makes sense to me. I really do want to know why you have a certain opinion on something, I’m not just picking a fight with you.
Keep in mind though, if you say something that is just wrong, I will just correct you and provide supporting facts/evidence as proof. I will not argue if you continue to stand by a wrong statement, since I have already corrected you and do not like to repeat myself.

8. Efficiency is Life
I am an efficient person, and I like to make sure everything is done in the most efficient way possible. My love for efficiency means that anything inefficient can literally piss me off, especially if I am ignored or brushed off when I provide a better way of doing things. 

9. This is My Face
Seriously, do not tell me to smile. Actually, don’t tell anyone to smile unless you’re a photographer or something. That’s just disrespectful. I am expressionless most of the time, I am not sick, I am not angry, I am not sad, nothing is wrong. Stop asking.

10. Alone Time is the Best Time
I need my alone time every day. Spending time with other people, even people I care about, is exhausting. I enjoy being alone and lost in my thoughts or imagination, I enjoy doing things alone like reading, writing, playing music, etc.