As a self-licensed Amateur Psychologist, I've always been interested in personality type systems. The one I trust the most is the Myers Briggs Personality Type Indicator, used by many business & govt. agencies. It categorizes people according to their dominant tendencies in these 4 areas: Extroverted/Introverted, Sensor/iNtuitive, Thinker/Feeler, and Judger/Perceiver.
Typing people has become kind of a game for me, as some people treat astrology. But I've found it often useful and always interesting as an aid to understanding people.
During some down time on a recent trip to Cali, I did an analysis of most of the LA ladies I've pursued in the last several years, first rating them on a scale of "Keepers" (women I belatedly realized were very good marriage material) and "Losers" (women I pursued who either dumped me or proved incompatible).
The results, though based on my subjective tastes as well as on my amateur Myers-Briggs Typing ability, were significant.
The best ladies, i.e. "Keepers", showed the following tendencies:
Extroverted. Probably because Extroverts are highly communicative, and let you know how they feel about you. Introverts are more quiet, less demonstrative, and thus more difficult to "read". In the short-term romances begun on my short visits, it's important to quickly know where you stand.
Sensing/iNtuitive. No clear advantage here. iNtuitives tend to be more creative, romantic & dreamy, which I find attractive. Sensors are more down-to-earth, practical & detail-oriented.
Feeling: Feelers tend to be more compassionate & understanding than Thinkers, which make them easier (for me) to get along with. They're also more affectionate, verbally & physically. Latina Feelers tend to make their mate the center of attention. Unfortunately, I have a fatal attraction toward Thinkers. I guess I find them more intellectually engaging than the clingy, gushy Feelers, though I've been burned by Thinkers in numerous ways large & small.
Judging: Judgers, who are more organized, punctual & decisive, are better choices (for me), especially in a long-distance relationship. The key is their decisiveness; they tend to make decisions quickly, then stick by them, which is crucial during long separation periods. Perceivers, though more spontaneous & adaptable, are less committed, & tend to leave their options open.
The key positive tendencies found in my "Keepers" were: Extroverted (75%), Feeling (78%) and Judging (100%). Tendencies to avoid, found in my "Losers," include "Thinking" (70%) and Perceiving (62%). These were gals who were always looking out for Number One, and often less committed to our relationship.
Overanalyzing? Guilty as charged. But I'm always trying to learn from my mistakes, and Lord knows I've made a lot of them in my long, twilight search for the right mate.
Comments welcomed.
