Make of that what you will.

But yeah, I used to be an introvert, as a kid and teen; I would likely have rated as an ISTJ, then (I don’t think the other three metrics would have been any different).  People change, over time, certainly.  But I think the Myers-Brigg test can possibly be a useful test for what one’s personality is at the time one takes the test; it’s just that you can’t infer that it’s the final word, that their personalities are fixed, and may not further evolve, over time…

Myers-Briggs is like a horoscope for intellectuals.

In Japan, the Myers Briggs equivalent is blood type. In the 40’s a book
was published that linked blood types to personalities. Despite being
disproven by scientists immediately after its publication, the theory
caught on in Japanese pop culture and has been perpetuated ever since.

Personally, I’m a fan of iris pattern analysis [when it comes to
pseudo-scientific personality quiz-things]. It’s a copyrighted method;
the “Rayid” iridology chart.

             “A large part of what we do in therapy is buy time to allow people to
grow out of their temperaments”

Chris, I think you’ve simplified your profession.

Following my RA diagnosis, I felt overwhelmed and confused. Therapy helped me develop an appropriate emotional response to my circumstances [Apparently compulsive shopping is not an appropriate response. According to my doctor, shopping made me feel in control, and I was using that rush to compensate for the lack of control in other areas of my life…]

I “grew out” of my problem, but only after my doctor taught me how to manage it.

To the substance of your post: I agree that we change and that our personalities can change over time. As Christians I’d say that we MUST change a bit. I tend to be much softer now than I was 20 years ago and I credit God’s word with that, coupled with sustained attempts and prayers for an ability to be more patient with others.

But it is still struggle. It still doesn’t come naturally to me. I have to work at it. My old man is still there, and I can be short and snippy and uncaring when I’m not really concentrating on not being that way.

It’s complicated, which I think was the entire point of your post, LOL.