Unfeeling

[Peregrinus]

Are you sure? Are you sure it's possible to not care about others and feel bad about that? To me that sounds like a contradiction. Maybe you're punishing yourself for something the environment tells you... Specifically something some psychologists tell you..

This is not something that someone told me.This is something I know. I used to envy Spock when I was a kid because he had emotions, even if they were weak. I had none. I was in the army eight years and have killed, without emotion and without regret. I have buried comrades without emotion and without regret. I have been fearless all my life. Getting shot at? Whatever... it never bothered me. My brother died in a car accident. I came home and everyone said "You are the rock that holds us together. You are so strong", yet I felt nothing. I simply watched the sun come up and knew it was all part of the natural cycle. It made sense.

If I had it my way that test and every other one would be flushed down the toilet

And yet this one is me to a T.

You are not unfeeling; this is simply your first reaction as you process what is happening to you. The feelings of the thinking types is refreshing because it is so genuine. Marie Louise von Franz (famous jungian theorist) said that the weaker functions were our doorways to enlightenment. When you feel something, it can be very profound.

Perhaps this is correct. I began to have weak emotions about five years ago. I can actually feel something when something terrible happens to someone in a movie now, but I always shut it down, even though my intent is to try to experience the emotion. I do wish I could feel compassion for others. I can fake it and look genuine doing so, but it isn't real from within. I have learned how to "show emotions" by watching others do it. I "show emotions" so that I look normal.

I think each personality type has its shadow side and its strengths. But I understood how being INTJ-ish might be tricky once I read this: "Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel ... This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social rituals ... Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense."

Oh yes, that is me. Meeting people is so difficult. I just couldn't care to go on a date. A date to me is like pulling teeth, which I actually prefer. I sleep in dental chairs and they have to wake me. I just don't get people. They go about all this fancy talk instead of just saying what they mean...

The good side is: "INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and reliability. They have a talent for analyzing and formulating complex theories. They are often acutely aware of their own knowledge and abilities—as well as their limitations and what they don't know - thus develop a strong confidence in their ability and talents, making them natural leaders." I'd give my left.. big toe.. to have those qualities =)

I have risen fast in whatever I have done. There is no satisfaction in it. I quit my last two management positions because it bored me, though I was busy 16 hours a day.

It might help intensify your emotions to do the meditation technique people around here talk about, of intensifying a feeling, then intensifying the opposite feeling, achieving a healthy balance and new understanding or at least getting those emotions flowing through you.

I will look into that, thanks for the direction.