7 Things ISFPs Absolutely Hate

ByJenn Granneman
things ISFP personality hates

People of the ISFP personality type are down-to-earth, kind, sensitive souls. They’re driven by a strong desire to make the world a little more beautiful place to be — as well as challenge the status quo with their experiments in lifestyle and design. Known for their sharp eye and independent spirit, ISFPs are trendsetters, artists, musicians, and all around creative individuals. For example, Michael Jackson and Britney Spears are believed to be ISFPs, among many others.

However, just like any other personality type, even gentle ISFPs have their limits. Here are seven things most people of the ISFP personality type hate. ISFPs, what would you add to this list?

Things the ISFP Hates

1. When life becomes stale

The ISFP is nicknamed “the adventurer personality” — and for a good reason. Spontaneous and quick-thinking, ISFPs are keenly aware of their surroundings and their own body. While some other introverted personality types (like the INFP or INTP) are prone to getting lost in their thoughts and losing touch with what’s going on around them, ISFPs are firmly rooted in the present moment. 

For these reasons, ISFPs relish new experiences, especially when those experiences are sensory in nature. For example, this introverted personality type might be found scuba diving in a coral reef, exploring a foreign city, attending (or participating in) a live performance, or simply enjoying a stroll through a lively farmer’s market.

Some people take comfort in a routine and repetitive life, but ISFPs see all that predictability as simply boring. When life becomes stale, they’ll be planning their next adventure ASAP — otherwise they’ll hate it.

2. When life gets too busy to create

ISFPs are adventurers, but they’re also artists who work quietly and steadily to bring their creations to life. When they’re not out chasing another sunset, they’re sketching alone in their bedroom, writing music in their private studio, or pursuing any other number of creative interests. In fact, of all the 16 Myers-Briggs personalities, the ISFP is perhaps the type most likely to be drawn to the arts. Living in a sensual world rich with color, ISFPs posses a natural eye for trends, beauty, and design.

As much as ISFPs love to create, sometimes life gets in the way. A busy schedule, a demanding job, or the arrival of a new baby may make it impossible for ISFPs to carve out time for their artistic pursuits. And when this happens, they’ll absolutely hate it.

3. When there’s no escape from other people

Just like they need time to create, ISFPs also need time to be alone. And this may come as a surprise to their friends and loved ones. ISFPs generally come across as cheerful and caring (although perhaps a bit private and difficult to get to know). Plus, given their penchant for seeking new experiences, they’re generally comfortable navigating through life and being out and about — traits that are often associated with extroversion.

Nevertheless, ISFPs are true introverts who get drained by socializing and need solitude to function at their best. They may spend that alone time in their art studio, working on their latest project, or simply relaxing on the couch, watching their favorite TV series. Without enough alone time, like any other introvert, ISFPs will feel tired, stressed, and downright unhappy.

4. Conflict in their close relationships

Observant and sensitive, ISFPs read people well, noticing subtle emotional cues, body language, and tone of voice. In fact, it’s hard to hide something from an ISFP personality, because they’re so keenly tuned into others. They often sense when someone is holding something back or is upset or disappointed — even if they don’t say it out loud.

Because ISFPs value harmony in their relationships, they work hard to make sure everyone’s happy and getting along. For this reason, conflict and disagreement can really rattle the gentle-hearted ISFP. Like other sensitive introverts, they may even feel sick or have trouble sleeping when there’s tension — especially in their close relationships. ISFPs don’t like to debate “just for fun,” and criticism and hurtful words can be like a dagger to their heart — they can’t just shake them off. If a relationship is characterized by frequent tension and fighting, they’ll absolutely hate it.

5. Having to write a plan in stone

Some other introverted types — INTJs, INFJs, ISTJs, and ISFJs — love thinking ahead and making plans. And once they’ve decided to do something, they almost always do it. In fact, changing the plan last minute or not following through on what’s been agreed on is a guaranteed recipe for frustration for these “judging” types. 

Not so for the easy-going ISFP. As a perceiver, the ISFP is much more spontaneous and flexible. Living in the here and now, they embrace whatever may come. To the ISFP, life is chock full of little opportunities for meaningful experiences — but only for those who are open to them.

It’s true that the ISFP’s live-for-the-moment attitude sometimes causes problems for them. After all, life often requires some planning and preparation to get ahead. And many ISFPs have drawn the ire of friends and family for canceling plans last minute or simply not showing up at all. Regardless of the downsides, it’s probably safe to say that ISFPs enjoy life a lot more than the rest of us.

ISFPs can learn to chart their goals and take manageable steps toward them. However, if an ISFP is forced into an inflexible plan or commitment that they have little power to change, they will hate it.

6. Not feeling appreciated

ISFPs genuinely care about other people, and they tend to show that love primarily through actions, not flowery words. They’re the type who’ll plan a surprise trip for their partner or bring chicken soup to a friend who’s sick. Selfless and service-oriented, ISFPs can make wonderful partners and friends.

But they need to feel the love, too. If an ISFP feels like they’re giving and giving without any thanks in return, they’ll hate it.

7. Inauthentic socializing

Despite being introverts who need plenty of time alone, ISFPs love connecting with others. Although they may be quiet and reserved in large groups, they shine in more intimate settings and one-on-one. As a result, they tend to have a strong social network and are well-liked by the people who take the time to get to know them.

But one thing they can’t stand is inauthentic socializing. Forget “working the room” at a networking event; ISFPs would rather get to know someone in a more personal, honest way. Of course, many ISFPs have taught themselves how to deal with situations like these, and yes, they can grin and bear it if need be. However, they’ll still inwardly hate it. 

Are You an ISFP?

Some of these points are things a lot of people will hate, and every ISFP is going to be a little different. If you can relate to most of them, however, chances are good that you’re an ISFP. Want to be one hundred percent sure? There’s an easy way to find out: Take this free personality assessment from Personality Hacker and see your personality type in minutes.

More ISFP Resources

Did you enjoy this article? Sign up for our newsletters to get more stories like this.

This article contains affiliate links.

I’m the founder of Introvert, Dear, the world’s largest community for introverts. I’m also the co-author of SENSITIVE and the author of THE SECRET LIVES OF INTROVERTS. An educator and a journalist, I have been featured in the NY Times, the Washington Post, the BBC, and more. Since embracing my own introversion and sensitivity, I read too many self-help books and live a pleasantly boring life with my toddler son in Minnesota.