Are ISTPs actually emotional?
Hi!! Female ISTP here. Relationships have always been challenging for me. If a guy likes me, that doesn’t settle it for me. He has to like me for the “right” reasons. I have a super high standard for a guy’s why of liking me. For instance, I’ve received attention just cause of my skill (piano, violin, academics) and my seemingly “cool girl,” stand-off ish, “nothing bothers me” disposition. Thing is, that’s actually not me deep inside. I crave deep emotional connection. I care deeply about how other people feel, even if it doesn’t always show.
There are very few guys I would say that “qualified” for actually liking me. The only ones I’d say that counted were an ESTP, XSFJ, and INTP. I have dated an ESFP and XNTJ, but they like more of the idea of me. However my Ti drained him and I was feeling no emotional connection. I felt bad because whenever he expressed his Fi, it was backed by no logic so I was of no genuine help. I really have no idea what I’d be compatible with.
Basically, I’m realizing I feel deeper and crave emotional connection more than I thought I do. Are there other ISTP that feel this way too? I’m definitely dominant Ti. It’s the main captain of this ship, but dang my inferior Fe comes out like craaazyyy sometimes. I’m realizing other MBTI types don’t crave that emotional connection in the same way I do. You guys have any thoughts?
Posted Aug 29, 2026, 3:04 AM UTC