ISFJ - Guardian: the Protector
(Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging)
The Protector type is called such because you feel your life is best used to protect those you love from the pitfalls of life, to see to their safety and security. You belong to the larger group called Guardians. You find great satisfaction in assisting the downtrodden. You are not talkative with strangers, but you can chat tirelessly with those you trust. You have a good solid work ethic. You are thorough and very likely frugal.
We are lucky that Protectors make up as much as 10 % the population, because their primary interest is in the safety and security of those they care about - their family, their circle of friends, their students, their patients, their boss, their fellow-workers, or their employees. Protectors have an extraordinary sense of loyalty and responsibility in their makeup, and seem fulfilled in the degree they can shield others from the dirt and dangers of the world. For their part, Protectors value tradition, both in the culture and in their family.
Protectors keep both people and things safe. They don’t like waste. Protectors will do whatever it takes to make sure there are no problems. Protectors notice when people are not comfortable and will act to change the situation.
Love and Romance:
Guardian lovers are likely to be stable, dependable, and consistent. They usually have a set of high standards of behavior for themselves and often for their loved ones too.
As a romantic partner, Protectors are generous and gentle. Occasionally they may be taken for granted because of this fact. They are tireless in providing acts of service for their loved ones. Protectors run the risk of always being exhausted because they won’t say no. Because of their loyalty, Protectors may hang on to relationships long after they are dead. They are sensitive to criticism and will withdraw rather than fight back. Protectors wish to be appreciated for their loyalty and wholehearted nurturing. Their values must be respected and they thrive on consideration and kindness.
Stress:
The Protector is the most likely to become excessively worried. Their highest skills come from preventing problems, and to do that one must think about what might go wrong and prevent it. But too great an overload can trigger excessive worry. Being forced to face too many new experiences can be daunting to the Protector and cause them to talk about potential catastrophes. They may experience a loss of control and even become impulsive while trying to fix all that they see going wrong. When others see them in this state, it is important to give them help and to lower their expectations about always being able to prevent every problem. Until they release some of their need for control, they will experience high stress. Rest, good nutrition, and treating themselves to peace and quiet will go a long way towards healing their stress.
