Yet Another IEI-INFp Description (this one by me)
Way back in March I started writing up functional descriptions of all of the types. These are almost finished, although I wanted to use my INFp description as litmus test to see how they would be taken. Apologies to Gilligan - I don't mean at all to steal his thunder. His description was excellent, although mine as you can see) is admittedly pretty different. Let me know what you think.
Yesenin: Intuitive-Ethical Introvert
Ego Block:
Base Function:- Introverted Intuition, internal dynamics of fields
(This function metabolizes the largest quantity of information with which one is presented. One is conscious of its workings, and confident in its conclusions. This is the function one most strongly identifies with.)
As Yesenin's primary means of metabolizing his world, introverted intuition is concerned not with entities themselves, but their actions - specifically, the actions which they can do to him or for him. (For our purposes, "entities" includes objects both individually and collectively, concepts and ideas, places, events, and people.) His thoughts, his convictions, and his behavior in life is dictated largely by his perception of potentiality.
He is prone to reflect on the action of those entities which have dictated his current circumstances and those which will mandate his future. Psychologically very much a child in a dark wood, common questions include: Where am I, really? What brought to to this place? Where will I be in the future? What can get me there?
This understanding of progressions affords Yesenin a delicate finesse with poetry and music. The materials of the written word and of sound are experienced intensely and viscerally. He reacts viscerally to the meter, the cadence, and the rhythm. He palpably senses the movement of these entities, and again, he can ask: Where are we? Where are we going? What is getting us there?... on many different levels.
Lacking the initiative of his dual (whose primarily metabolic instrument is extraverted sensation - the perception of what one can do directly unto an object), he can sometimes lack a sense of control over his direction in life. He may, on some fundamental level, be perpetually waiting for someone else to do the work for him, especially in areas he can expect to have the help of his dual (namely, romantic aspirations). Common maladies in love include: idealistic romanticism, wallflower syndrome, and bed-hopping.
He, thus, is enthralled by prospects - not by actions or sensations. This extends to his sexual behavior. He is excited by what his partner will do for him and to him. This must not be construed as rendering Yesenin nothing less than an object of molestation. Often he possesses a sufficiently creative imagination to accommodate to the needs of his partner, especially in the absence of his dual.
Creative Function:- Extraverted Ethics, internal dynamics of objects
(This function is one's primary means of interacting with the world. Information perceived by one's base function is interpreted. Using the information gained therefrom, the creative function can determine the appropriate course of action.)
Keenly he observes his fellow human animals. There is not a man alive whose character Yesenin will not instinctively attempt to decipher, sizing up his general disposition, temper, comfort levels, and excitability.
This is not information that presents itself readily and immediately upon first contact. Thus, Yesenin may maintain an air of reserve and psychological distance at first, until "sufficient data" has been collected. Among those with whom he wishes to ingratiate himself, he maintains this distance with his fair measure of tact - adopting a trademark charm and decorum until he is sure how much of himself he can present without offense. Those with whom he may see no possibility of comfortable interaction will see quite a different Yesenin - cold, nervous, reticent, and outright condescending.
Yesenin wishes to maintain a sense of control over the emotional tonus of his environment. He will attempt to effect influence on the mood of a group in any number of ways: a finely tuned understanding of aesthetics (he may take it upon himself to plan the design the decorations for a party), an eloquent facility with the spoken and written word, a charming and elegant manner of movement and comport, the taking of an exercise regiment, etc. The softened gaze in his eyes and his sly smile are the safeguards of his arsenal. They ensure that, wherever he goes and whomever he is with, he always has some means of control over what happens to him. When, however, he perceives that his influence is waning, he may become histrionic - passive aggression, self destructive behavior, and throwing tantrums.
Superego Block:
Role Function:- Introverted Sensing, external dynamics of fields
(One is hesitant to trust the conclusions reached by this function. External sources of reference are needed to validate or refute any such convictions.)
Introverted sensing, manifest in the care of one's body and one's physical environment, remains for Yesenin in a rather subordinate position to his ego functions. He takes his responsibility for his own health, comfort, and surroundings though unless they are connected somehow with his influence of emotional tonus, he will approach these areas with a manner of indifference. In those dominions of introverted sensing that do allow him an opportunity to project a desirable image (the choosing of articles for his abode, choice of clothing, cleanliness, choice of food, attention to injury, etc.), he can cultivate quite a fine sense of finesse.
Often he does quite a good job of ignoring unpleasant sensations and environments until pain (or the gasps of someone more attuned to such matters - a worrying mother, perhaps) compel him to address these issues. He wishes foremost to have discretion over his own welfare. When his ability to control these aspects of his life are questioned (thus implying a lack of control over his image, or a lack of acceptance of that image), he will be quick to take offense.
Place of Least Resistance:- Extraverted Logic - external dynamics of objects
(This is the function whose absence is most keenly felt. One would rather resort to any other function to avoid its use, and it may be a great source of anxiety.)
Extraverted thinking evaluates the actions of entities with respect to other objects. It thus allows one a facility to objectively gauge advantage, efficiency, and practicality. This is obviously an important aptitude in matters of business and finance.
Unfortunately, the absence of the subject (remember: objectively evaluate the actions of an object with respect to other objects) renders this function particularly unfrequented for Yesenin. He will do just about anything to avoid its use. Maladies linked to this function include: procrastination, compulsive multi-tasking (never work alone, but work and eat, or work and listen to music, or work then masturbate, then work a little, then masturbate, then take a nap, then work, then go eat, then listen to music, then masturbate again, then go to sleep and leave the work for tomorrow morning), and of course hiding in fetal position in a far off corner.
Although extraverted thinking is not, by any stretch, a particular strength of Yesenin, he will be sensitive to its use and subconsciously comprehend its value. Thus, a certain neurosis and obsessive sensitivity to (and possibly compensation for) this function (both its presence in others, and lack thereof in himself) can develop.
Superid Block:
Dual-Seeking Function:- Extraverted Sensation - external statics of objects
(This function is placed in the psyche such that one can easily, though subconsciously, recognize its use in others. One lacks the drive to develop this function, though criticism in it is perceived as well-intentioned.)
The perception of the action that can be done to an object is the strength of Yesenin's dual, Zhukov. Yesenin usually does not possess sufficient desire to exercise this function himself, preferring instead for others to take the initiative. He is quite adept at spotting the "movers and shakers" within a community. This function is particularly appreciated when used in his own defense and to his own benefit, especially by his dual. In the absence of such defense, he may feel neglected and vulnerable.
In the presence of people for whom extraverted sensing is strong, Yesenin will be compelled to ingratiate himself (usually without consciously being aware of this). These people garner his respect and are perceived as grounded, influential, strong, and fun. Yesenin may find himself inexplicably obliged to present his best face to such an individual - treating her to his most accepting, forgiving, and playful side. Here he himself feels safest and most accepted.
Estimative Function:- Introverted Logic - external statics of fields
(The use of this function is relatively tolerable. Praise in this function compensates for any other deficiency - namely the PoLR. Consequently, criticism in it is not taken so well.)
Unlike its extraverted counterpart, introverted logic does not necessarily feel compelled to evaluate objects in respect to other objects but, rather, in respect to oneself. Furthermore, this function perceives, not the actions of objects, but their unchanging qualities. This renders information somewhat more palatable for Yesenin.
Almost compulsively he digests vast quantities of information. Often a voracious reader, Yesenin will collect information on an often random and disparate selection of topics. This information is manifest in a collection of static factual knowledge as opposed to an understanding of the underlying implications and relationships between such facts (the dominion of extraverted thinking). Mind you, that isn't to say he has no understanding of the theory behind the phenomena itself. He cannot, however, call on this understanding at will so easily and will not consciously attempt to make these connections unless compelled to by someone else (say, a teacher).
This information must be understood consciously within the context of his introverted intuition (remember: the ability to evaluate entities in respect to oneself), which allows him to place it within a conceptual framework. Often he can be enthralled by the prospects and implications that these two functions will present one another. The marriage of these two functions is the source of his enthusiastic convictions and theories. Quotations from famous INFps are more than likely based on these two functions.
Id Block:
Function of Personal Knowledge:- Extraverted Intuition, internal statics of objects
(This function works away in the background, without one's conscious knowledge, digesting information. The conclusions it comes to are stubbornly held, and one is not made conscious of them without interference.)
While introverted intuition perceives the potential actions entities may exhibit to and for the individual, its extraverted counterpart perceives the static qualities of the entities themselves, in respect to other entities. Thus, extraverted intuitive types tend to make connections between entities that may seem quite disparate at first.
Deep in his psyche, Yesenin will unconsciously appreciate the implications one entity will have for another. This function is closely allied with his extraverted ethics. Presented with more and more people (in different circumstances, from different parts of the world, with different interests), Yesenin is compelled to collect more and more information to be of use in contact with such people. Extraverted intuition allows him a means to identify the possible connections between that which is already understood and known, with incoming data.
The appreciation of these implications dictates Yesenin's interests, and dictates what people he finds interesting. Bohemians, artists, people with unusual occupations from obscure places of the world, people with unusual opinions - these he is often drawn to, without having the slightest clue why, and often without even knowing it.
Function of Concrete Art:- Introverted Ethics, internal statics of fields
(This function is a strength, although due to inability to express or act upon it, one remains largely unaware of its power. The conclusions it reaches are keenly felt, although put to use with some difficulty.)
Introverted feeling evaluates the innate morality of actions. Although Yesenin will not consciously concern himself with the subject of morality, he will have a firm, subconscious understanding of what is right and wrong. Soft-hearted (though he will alternately attest that his is soft-hearted, and alternately insist he is not), he is easily moved to pity (and possibly tears) upon considering cases of injustice or abuse. He is easily divested of his time and energy if a sufficiently moving plea is made. He will often find himself unable to say "No" when a friend requests from him a shoulder to cry on, or a kind ear.
He reacts viscerally when he witnesses the mistreatment of others, never knowing quite where this reaction stems from. The heartbeat quickens, the blood rushes faster, although in the presence of the offender, he can often only imagine recompense. His revenge will be more often then not a manifestation of his extraverted feeling (although some IEIs will resort to passive aggressive means), and his way with words and understanding of subtle cues are his best means of offense. At worst, he will resort to the histrionic tendencies aforementioned.
This understanding is of greatly help to his dual. Unconsciously, Yesenin guides Zhukov away from situations and actions which may potentially hurt others, and which consequently may expose his PoLR.
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Originally Posted by implied
