Dostoevsky (INFJ)

For the Ethical Intuitive Introvert (EII) Dostoevsky, the world consists of relationships between people. Tracks the slightest changes in relationships and sees their prospects; this concerns both personal relationships and those observed between others. At close distance, tuned only to positive relations and finds open hostility very difficult to endure. For the sake of good relations may sacrifice many non-principled matters. Can openly express negative attitude toward someone only in extreme cases when something outrageous happens. If attitude worsens, rarely says so aloud, but simply increases psychological distance. Can sincerely forgive if seeing a genuine desire to repair the relationship.

Dostoevsky (INFJ) likes observing people, trying to understand motives and aspirations. In any life situation attempts to find something positive. In any question of interest, tries to find the essence and understand what matters most.

Dostoevsky strives to follow accepted principles in life, easily accepts the rules of the game and submits to norms. Tries to arrange all difficult questions mentally into a clear and simple scheme.

Any pressure is difficult. In communication relies on the goodwill of partners, does not know how to force others and cannot tolerate direct pressure personally. This personality type takes criticism on this topic hard. It is difficult to strain and force effort without a clear plan of action.

Dostoevsky needs clear instructions in everything related to practical activity; without them becomes lost and may do nothing at all. As personal experience accumulates, begins navigating practical matters better and masters various crafts. Attracted to information on organizing space, efficiently using resources, and different technologies. Can gladly perform monotonous work, provided it is understandable and manageable.

In everyday life oriented toward physical comfort, and as able tries to arrange it for self and loved ones, though often difficult alone; gladly supports the initiative of others. In home arrangement and clothing, tends to use others’ schemes and templates, choosing what is liked most.

Tries to create as little “emotional noise” as possible; any strong displays of emotion, both positive and negative, are considered excessive by this sociotype.

Dostoevsky can foresee many variants of how events may develop, both positively and negatively; impatience is rare, and knows how to wait.

1. Dostoevsky (INFJ) is the bearer of a quiet inward gaze and an unseen sea of feelings. The emotional world is so subtle and rich that verbal proofs of love are unnecessary. Without words sees who loves whom, who needs whom, and who does not. A priceless quality is the ability to adapt to another person’s emotions: empathize, relieve emotional tension, calm them.

2. Usually a quiet, friendly person who speaks little in company and observes, but among close acquaintances is the opposite. Cannot be called overly shy, because clearly sees how others relate and knows how to improve that attitude. Tries to subordinate others to a personal understanding of what is ethical and unethical. Never imposes personal emotions, but accompanies and empathizes with the emotions of another. Demonstrates a kind of emotional stillness. Feels others need calmness, steadiness, serenity. Wants to be like a “compress” others can apply to their wounds.

3. If asked to do something, cannot refuse. Therefore often exploited. Needs a dual to whom one can submit and thereby shield from excess demands. In relations with people, interests are limited to a certain circle, but in the objective world almost everything is interesting: complete omnivorousness at the level of intellect and abilities. Unable to evaluate the quality of work and the time lost on it. Cannot sort what is trivial and what is important. Knows what can be done, but not what must be done. This personality type cannot avoid working when everyone works, and continues working when everyone else does not. Strongly dislikes being given a second unfinished task while one remains incomplete.

4. Critical of personal beauty, willpower, and energy. Their disapproval is felt painfully. Compliments on these topics are not perceived as double-meaning only if spoken privately, softly, without emphasis. Needs quiet or understated recognition. Cannot allow being sloppy.

5. The pleasant emotions needed by this type are provided by a partner through reasonableness, logic, exactingness, and the ability to protect. One should not be late for dates, should keep promises, be polite and caring. No further proofs of love or conversations about it are needed. If the smartest partner expresses opinions as vague reflections rather than short categorical formulations, Dostoevsky feels constantly dissatisfied and unhappy nearby. The main requirement of Dostoevsky toward a partner is fidelity. Infidelity is not forgiven.