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The often enigmatic traits of ISTP personality type mean that dating an ISTP may be a very complex and interesting experience. Their T trait is likely to give an air of coldness and detachment, but it is offset by the S and P traits in a way that can be very attractive to the opposite sex. ISTPs live in the present, looking for new activities and experiences, and avoiding routine and strict schedules. People with this personality type will also do their best to resist any attempts to control them, either directly or indirectly. All these traits should be kept in mind by anyone who is dating an ISTP.

ISTPs are also very independent and need a lot of personal space, especially in a romantic relationship. It is important to note that people with ISTP personality type tend to gravitate towards sensual and practical activities and are likely to try to change the habits of their dating or long-term partner if their approach to life is somewhat different.

ISTP personalities see their obligations as something that needs to be renewed on a daily basis – even if they say “I do” in front of a priest, that actually means “I do (until something changes)” This does not mean that ISTPs are unwilling or unable to develop and maintain lifelong relationships – they simply dislike committing to something without an exit clause. ISTP dating or long-term partners should be aware of this tendency and try to avoid pushing the ISTP to commit too early in the relationship.

Sexually, ISTPs see intimacy as something that is both an art and a source of pleasure. They are unlikely to be too strict or traditional when it comes to sex – either when dating, or later in the relationship. ISTP personalities are sensual and practical, able to use all five senses without any effort at all – and they will probably encourage their partner to simply relax and have fun.

ISTPs are not very emotional and are likely to try hard to conceal and protect their emotions, mostly because they are not really sure how to handle them. Despite this, anyone dating or being in a long-term relationship with an ISTP should know that they tend to have very strong and deep feelings, even if they find it difficult to express them. Furthermore, as already mentioned above, ISTPs live in the present and so do their feelings – they may be very passionate one day and indifferent the following day. Their romantic partners should not take this too personally – this is simply how the ISTP mind works.

Preferred partners: ESTJ and ESFJ types.

ISTP friends are usually very well-rounded and interesting, living in the present and enjoying whatever life brings to them. Their key phrase is “everything can be changed”. A friendship with an ISTP is like a rollercoaster – it can be really exciting and fulfilling one day, and a complete opposite the following day. ISTP personalities do not like to commit, seeing their relationships as something that can change every day.

ISTPs rarely have any problems making friends – they enjoy pursuing many different hobbies and are consequently able to come up with plenty of exciting things to do. Shared activities form the basis of ISTP friendships – as people with this personality type have excellent control of all five senses and enjoy competing with others, the easiest way to become an ISTP’s friend is to find a common (ideally physical) hobby. ISTPs are thoughtful and rational individuals, but having deep philosophical discussions with friends is not their idea of fun.

Naturally, ISTP personalities tend to gravitate towards friends who have a strong S trait as they are most likely to enjoy experiencing things first-hand. Intuitive (N) types, on the other hand, may make the ISTP somewhat uncomfortable as ISTPs often have trouble understanding their abstract ideas. However, if the friendship mostly revolves around a shared hobby, the ISTP will have no difficulties accepting someone with a vastly different world view. Generally, ISTP friends are quite open-minded and relaxed, and it is no surprise that they tend to be well-liked by many different personality types.

ISTP personalities tend to be relaxed, open-minded and very flexible individuals. Not surprisingly, they approach parenthood from the same perspective – an ISTP will probably give their children more freedom and opportunities to do whatever they like (within sensible limits) than any other parent would. Unlike many other types, ISTPs do not really see the need to ensure that their children grow up with the same principles and values.

ISTP parents are likely to encourage their children to use their freedom wisely, exploring and experiencing new things. They will be happy to accompany them, especially if the child shares the ISTP’s spontaneity and passion for physical activities, e.g. sports, hiking, hobby engineering etc.

Generally speaking, people with the ISTP personality type are not very emotional and consequently may have difficulties meeting their children’s emotional needs. As parents, ISTPs should consciously try to understand what challenges their child is having and comfort them when necessary, unless their partner is able to help them in this area.

First, one of the most prominent ISTP traits is their curiosity, combined with the unquenchable thirst for facts and knowledge. ISTPs enjoy finding out how things work and how certain facts could be used to solve a difficult problem. People with this personality type are very practical and prefer the “hands-on” approach – and the best ISTP careers revolve around this. To list just a few examples, ISTPs are great mechanics, engineers, forensic scientists etc. The key word here is “practical” – ISTPs dislike theory and abstract principles (though they are able to master them if necessary).

Second, ISTPs need a lot of freedom in their careers – after all, they belong to the SP type group. If their work environment is too structured, the ISTP will soon feel very tired and bored – people with this personality type need variety and action. ISTPs are brilliant troubleshooters and they do not mind taking risks – as mentioned in the description of ISTP personality type, ISTPs are born for crisis situations. People with this personality type are commonly found in relatively risky careers – for instance, ISTPs often become firefighters, paramedics, detectives, pilots, drivers and so on.

Third, ISTPs are very results-oriented, self-confident and loyal. Long-term thinking is not their strongest suit and consequently people with this personality type prefer to see instant results. ISTPs also tend to be quite relaxed and avoid inflexible commitments. These traits are quite unusual, but there are some careers that make very good use of them – for instance, ISTPs can be outstanding policemen, system analysts (freelance if possible), athletes or entrepreneurs.

ISTP colleagues, managers and subordinates are likely to be quite mysterious and unpredictable. The ISTP personality traits can confuse even their closest friends, not even talking about people they meet at work – maybe the below lists will help understand the ISTPs better.

ISTP colleagues

• Resistant to conflicts in the workplace
• Do not care much about their own or someone else’s personal space
• Not naturally emotional, may inadvertently hurt more sensitive colleagues
• Great sense of humor – ISTPs are very good at diffusing conflicts
• Private and reserved most of the time
• May be both very rational and very spontaneous, depending on the situation

ISTP managers

• Prefer managing other people indirectly rather than asking direct questions or giving direct orders
• May be relatively cold and detached
• Practical and down to earth
• Good listeners
• Fair and impartial when it comes to resolving disputes
• Likely to prefer non-verbal forms of communications
• May be insensitive to their subordinates’ emotional needs (e.g. need for praise)

ISTP subordinates

• Good at saving their energy for work they consider important
• Dislike making long-term commitments, but can be very loyal
• Loathe strict rules and guidelines
• Relaxed and easy going
• May get bored if their work is not very practical or hands-on
• Can be stubborn and inflexible if their habits are criticized