#intj loop

Explanation on an MBTI loop. Not an expert. May change later.

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Loops in MBTI occurs when a type begins to cycle between their dominant and tertiary function, completely ignoring the auxiliary and inferior. This is mainly caused from stress and can be continous until finally broken.

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INTJ function stack: Ni - Te - Fi - Se

In a Ni - Fi loop, INTJ becomes out of touch with their external functions (Te and Se). They become so internalized and warped in their emotions (Fi) that they forget to take the time to think things through. They make emotionally negative assumptions and are convinced their guesses are right. Very irrational and insecure, self centered behaviour.

E.g INTJ in a loop may think their friend dislikes them as their friend is not talking to them much. INTJ may think "oh they hate me now, they don't want to be friends anymore, they think I'm annoying" etc. However, a normally functioning INTJ would use their external functions to realize that their friend has been busy and therefore very tired. And when people are tired, of course they are not going to be the most energetic and talkative. Especially if it's a face to face interaction, INTJ would have to use Se to spot the visible signs of stress on their friend (dark circles, eyebags, overall looking dejected, etc). Ni - Fi loop will disregard this easy step and just make it all about INTJ's hurt feelings.

To get out of this loop, an INTJ should try to use their external functions little by little. Start working on things they need to do and finish a task or two to make their aux Te function normally again. For Se, take a walk, stretch, engage in something physical so they can get out of their mind.

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Lowered eyes, looking morose, completing work fast and thorough. Maybe over-doing it and providing tight-lipped responses to everyone. At this point, social interaction is a nuisance, and you are on the brink of grayness, intolerable to even the slightest sensory changes. Aiming for perfection, but enshrouding yourself with long periods of melancholic rumination and isolation if not attained. Over exploitation of self, including over awareness and consciousness of one’s doings and thoughts, which leads to puzzled and esoteric reflections that confuse even yourself; solipsism. Sulking about a high grade because it is still low in your standards. Becoming embodiments of manipulation and cynicism.

Te: So we have this book to ready by tomorrow, this exam to study for next week, and this essay due at midnight…

Se: Dude, I’m working right now, give me some peace.

Te: But we have to fill in college applications and get recommendations…

Se: No, we’re going to relax and watch this TV show and then hang out with friends.

Fi: What about the news? People are hurting so m-

Te: Are you kidding, Se, we have no time to relax! After we finish our shift, it’s straight to writing that essay!

Ni: Actually, I was hoping we could research this theory, it sounds amaz-

Se: No more thinking! We have homework for that! I WANT SLEEP.

Te: And I want good grades to get a good job. So studying it is!

Fi: Can we talk about that ENFP boy we like-

Se and Te:

Yep, sounds like she’s in a Ni-Fi loop. This loop occurs when the INTJ feels inhibited in her usual Te objectivity by a feeling of powerlessness, inadequacy, rejection, uncertainty, or other negative emotion. I’ll bet she’s also defensive and temperamental, which is the result of a relentless power struggle between Te and Fi.