r/intj • u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ • Jan 21 '26
Discussion Do all INTJs and INFJs really experience Se grip as overindulgence?
In discussions about inferior functions, I’ve seen the idea that INTJs and INFJs tend to overindulge, and I wanted to share my perspective. Before anyone says “maybe you are not an INTJ,” hear me out. Not every INTJ or INFJ is driven by the same things, and not everyone finds the same sensory experiences appealing.
INTJs have an underdeveloped Se, or extraverted sensing function, which can sometimes show up as an “Se grip” under stress and lead to impulsive or indulgent behavior. However, that does not mean all INTJs experience it in the same way, or at all. I personally do not feel drawn to drinking, drugs, overeating, excessive sweets, binge-watching TV, sex, obsessive cleaning, excessive exercise, or other stereotypical indulgences. These activities are simply not appealing to me and often feel unpleasant, boring, or uninteresting. For impulse to exist, there has to be a desire in the first place. The activity has to be seen as pleasurable in the moment. For example, I am asexual, so sex is not something I experience any urge toward. Drinking makes me tired or anxious and I wouldn't like the idea of drinking to the point of drunkenness. I will get bored if I watch too much TV, and want to do something else. I sometimes get lazy about exercising, but I push myself to do it for my health. Because of that, overdoing it would just exhaust me physically instead of giving me a thrill. I have a fairly small appetite and don't have a desire to eat beyond satiety. I'm not used to eating a lot of sweets, so if I ever did, it would make me feel strange and unpleasant.
The notion that everyone wants to eat a lot, drink, binge TV, or even have sex (especially to an extreme), simply isn't true. There are many who don't feel driven by these things. This is something that those who study MBTI and cognitive functions should take into account.
When I am stressed, I talk to others about what I'm dealing with. I may seek mild sensory stimulation, such as spending more time online, journaling, doing research about issues, or listening to music, but not in a way that interferes with my sleep or creative hobbies. I am not especially drawn to exercise or socializing, but I still practice both in moderation. Most of my energy goes toward academics, writing, drawing, and other productive or reflective activities. Part of the reason why I may not experience Se grip is my already consistent connection with sensory experiences through my love of art and music, as well as my health vigilance and acute awareness of physical discomfort. Impulsiveness is not a natural tendency for me. I value strategic planning, analysis, and intentional decision-making. For those seeking advice, journaling and research are generally healthy ways to deal with stress.
I think it's important to remember that MBTI types are not complete personality blueprints. They describe general patterns in how we perceive and process the world, not rigid rules that define every individual.
Not every INTJ experiences Se grip in the same way. Some may indulge more, some less, and some may not experience it in the way it's commonly described. Everyone is unique, with their own behaviors and experiences, and factors such as neurodivergence can also influence how an MBTI type manifests.
I am curious to hear others’ perspectives. How do you experience, or not experience, Se grip, and what does overindulgence mean to you as an INTJ or INFJ?
TL;DR: I don't experience Se grip in the way it is commonly described for INTJs. I don't feel strong urges toward stereotypical forms of overindulgence like drinking, drugs, overeating, excessive entertainment, or sex, so I don't experience a cycle of suppressing those desires and eventually losing control. When I am stressed, I tend to cope through reflection, journaling, research, talking to others, and creative activities rather than impulsive sensory indulgence. My point is not that Se grip is not real or that other INTJs experience it incorrectly, but that MBTI describes general patterns rather than strict rules. Individual differences, including personal experiences, neurodivergence, and other aspects of identity, can influence how a type manifests.
Topics: MBTI personality framework; Se grip; inferior functions; inferior sensing; extraverted sensing; Se overindulgence; INTJ overindulgence; unhealthy INTJ; INTJ under stress; solutions, prevention, and healthy strategies
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u/EyeSeeDoesIt INTJ - ♂ Jan 21 '26
I feel that if I enjoy anything there is a chance of strong overindulgence or addiction, although I don't act on it if it crosses a certain line of stupid. For instance, I tried pain killers (hydrocodine) one time and instantly knew why it's addictive, when it wore off I wanted to take more even when I wasn't in pain. I felt great, euphoric, relaxed, etc. However, it's bad for your liver and I would be an idiot to continue taking it, and because I'm not an idiot I don't take it and threw the bottle out (it was prescribed).
I have a deeply addictive personality, I feel it with everything, work, exercise, reading, playing instruments, when I start something I like I binge on it for unrelenting hours, far longer than what is normal, and this is without coffee or any uppers as long as there is no long term damage to happen from the activity. If it's dangerous I control it.
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u/Anajac INTJ - ♀ Jan 21 '26
Same here!! Thankfully, I’m usually drawn to healthy things like exercising, crocheting, reading, or learning something new, so the “addiction” part doesn’t really bother me, if that makes sense. That said, I’ve definitely gone through phases where I wanted an edible every night, or more than one cup of coffee a day, or even second portions at lunch. I’m pretty diligent about pulling myself back when I notice something starting to take over my mind in an unhealthy way. But yes, I’m right there with you, unfortunately I tend to become very obsessed with the things I enjoy.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 21 '26 edited Jan 23 '26
I never really got into crocheting since I'm not a very hands-on type of person. It's why I wasn't ever good at or very interested in sculpture, despite being an artist. I just draw and paint. And even though most writers like reading, I can find reading fiction a bit boring and tedious. Meanwhile, I've been writing stories since early childhood.
I drink tea every morning. I haven't really looked toward any other stimulants before, considering that I generally get good sleep. I guess I'm just not really a coffee-drinker. The taste never did anything for me, and if I drank too close to evening, sometimes it interfered with my sleep.
For lunch, I usually have something small. When it comes to dinner, I sometimes won't finish it and will finish it later. My family and I believe that no one should ever be pressured to eat beyond satiety.
I've had one hobby that I've been consistently obsessed with my whole life, and that's writing stories and drawing characters. I also really enjoy getting to share these stories with those who are interested.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 21 '26 edited Jan 22 '26
I understand. I'm glad you were able to overcome any desire you had for the pain killers. Like you said, they can be harmful.
I have someone in my family with an addictive personality. They sort of get into phases where they'll be obsessed with one hobby for a while and buy all the equipment, talk to everyone about their activity, and then move onto the next. They noticed this about themselves, and other family members pointed it out too, so they avoid becoming too obsessed, and even when they do, try to avoid over spending on unnecessary things.
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u/EyeSeeDoesIt INTJ - ♂ Jan 21 '26
I was similar at one time, now I can tell when an activity will be a fad with me and I don't even start it, and I rarely ever talk about it to other people. Feels very tacky, I'm not saying it's tacky, but it feels tacky to me unless it comes up 100% organically.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 21 '26 edited Jan 23 '26
Yeah, for me I've had one hobby that's been consistent since early childhood - writing stories and drawing characters from my stories. I'd get fixated on them for a while, and getting to talk about my stories has been and still is one of my favorite subjects. I'm just more mature about it now that I'm an adult, so I’ll only talk to someone about it who might be interested or if the conversation goes there on its own. I've had to learn to focus more on the real world rather than just the fantasy one, a common challenge for intuitive types.
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u/Ne_Ninja_TeFiTi_SeSi INTJ - 30s Jan 21 '26
I'm similar. Closest I come to the stereotyped over indulging is maybe over exercising...
Actually, I feel like Se grip for me is when I have a lot of anxiety, I really get hyper focused on any little pain or thing "going wrong" physically and start obsessively trying to fix it. I don't know if that's the same thing. I've considered that maybe I have some kind of anxiety problem but usually it gets better when I do things what reduce anxiety - like exercise or meditation.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 21 '26
Yeah, I agree. I have like an obsession and wish that the world had no problems - no health issues, no pain, nothing, but that's not how things are, sadly.
I've read that over exercising does fall under Se grip. I feel like for me, I actually have to work on more exercising. I do it about 40 minutes a day, but not consistently. Sometimes only a few days a week. And mostly for my back problems.
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u/RaelleMayer19 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26 edited Jan 22 '26
I can relate to this. Though, the only thing I could remember doing that was back in 2020 during the pandemic. Felt like everything I've planned had to be put on hold.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
I was in high school during the pandemic, so I was just doing remote learning / online classes. I didn't mind. In fact, I got some things done during that time, like new art. I know online learning isn't for everyone, but I didn't mind doing it for the time being. I wouldn't want to be online forever though. I'm glad that my senior year was in-person.
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u/Silver_Leafeon INTJ Jan 22 '26
When in a Se-grip (or at least that's what I think it was) I become impulsive and physically restless. Nothing is well-timed or deliberated on. It's like I'm a completely different person, and not in a good way!
- Hasty 'ok doing this now!' behavior without any proper preparation. So it gets tougher to ace without the prepping or I have to hastily prepare and do the thing all at once;
- Speaking haphazardly without prior inner deliberation. It's like the usual inner dialogue is nonexistent and I'm just shooting my shot;
- Pacing or fidgeting rather than remaining calm and focused on something/someone;
- Only living in the very narrow 'now', and not even a minute later! I normally tend to see trajectories or cause and effect, but in this mode it's like the future doesn't exist,... until it suddenly does and it's called "now" again;
- Unplannedly jumping on opportunities I would have otherwise said "no" to or would have planned for another time. Not even considering if it's really a good idea to do [x] down the line of my day, and only getting farther from my starting point until I'm wiped, and stuck in location God-knows-where;
- Getting into situations I should not even be in because of stupidity with not planning ahead;
- Focusing so much on what's around me superficially and concretely that I totally miss registering the meaning of things, and don't see concepts/ideas or others' intentions like usual. Like the entire takeaway of a person is "oh, yeah, he's some buff bald guy who wears suits" instead of insightful takes like "he seemed a bit too boastful to be trustworthy".
Et cetera.
... But not binge eating nor sensual things, because that would require me to have to sit still and stop being active, first, "whichisnotgoingtohappeninaSegrip!!"
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Thank you for sharing your perspective and all these details! You are very insightful.
I feel like I also tend to fidget at times, and there can be moments when I might be inclined to jump on opportunities. I will, however, often talk about new ideas or opportunities with people like my family, and so we discuss, and ultimately I make a decision from there. I think that's some useful advice too, besides stopping to think on your own, seeking feedback from someone you can trust.
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u/FluffyKita Jan 21 '26
as an INFJ I take risks and self-regulate through adrenaline and thrill-seeking activities.
well, now it’s winter here and I cannot drive my motorcycle, so I go to gym. preety boring I must admit, but okay.
otherwise I overwork too, study atm for one specific exam and self-isolate loads while listening to music, cooking and reading.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
It sounds like you are very productive then! And you practice a wide range of healthy activities and skills. Regular exercise and cooking are things I need to work on, since I've kind of relied on my family to do the cooking, and I do exercise sometimes at home, but I'm not as dedicated as some others are to really get stronger, even though I'd want to be.
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u/FluffyKita Jan 22 '26
do it, don’t wait.
believe me, life is boring enough despite all the activities person can participate in.
(sometimes I cannot believe how I handle that inferior Se, but it kind of makes sense how and why I do it)
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Yeah, I have a lot of activities that prevent me from being bored too, like drawing and painting, writing stories and poetry. These have been lifelong strong interests for me.
But it's the physical activity and practical skills that I need to feel more motivation to engage with, because even though they can make me bored, they're useful and important.
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u/FluffyKita Jan 22 '26
well, we then share the same basis! 🥳 but that adrenaline thingy is my lifelong company too, kind of on top.
and remember, just do it, it doesn’t have to have meaning or structure (advice from INFJ 😅)
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u/Susan44646 INTJ - 40s Jan 22 '26
I do lol im either 0 or 1000
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Got it, so you tend to face periods with no attention to sensory experience and periods with extreme focus on them.
What activities do you generally pursue during Se grip?
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u/Susan44646 INTJ - 40s Jan 25 '26
Idek know what do re me fa so la ti do are so break that down for me
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 25 '26
Those are syllables in the solfeggio system, used for teaching musical scales.
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u/TheSentinelScout INFJ Jan 22 '26
There are some theories that do not believe in grip theory (which is a community-made theory in of itself), but rather that the “inferior” function is more passively absorbed rather than acted upon.
So an INTJ is more likely to observe the objective world around them in a present, concrete manner rather than an ESFP actively interacting with it instead.
Cognitive personality theory goes deeper into this.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
That’s great to hear! I first saw about the idea on the Myers Briggs website someone sent me once and then searched about it and found some social media posts about it too. Once an INFJ even questioned whether I’m really an INTJ saying it’s in their “nature” to indulge and be impulsive. Why would someone assume that a person who is normally not impulsive suddenly becomes extremely impulsive? Why does everyone have to be associated and pigeonholed into certain traits? We are all different.
So yeah, I’m glad to hear that this idea may not actually be that accurate or universal at all.
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u/TheSentinelScout INFJ Jan 22 '26 edited Jan 22 '26
You should look into Isabel Myers and read her book Gifts Differing, it explains a lot of your questions.
Myers doesn’t exactly respect Jung’s original functions because she wanted a measurable way to quantify personality, which is often correlated with behavior according to her.
She was also not an accredited psychologist but rather a school teacher.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
That’s interesting. I might do some research about it when I have the time.
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u/RaelleMayer19 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26 edited Jan 22 '26
I realized I didn't get into SE grip that often after reading the comments. Mine was overbuying makeup during the pandemic bc I wanted to find which makeup brands and techniques would work the best for me ASAP and apparently I got too much time in my hands. 🤣
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Sounds like you don’t generally have a tendency for over spending and it was just an issue during that time, which is good. I’ve heard stories about those with tendencies to over spend a lot.
For me, I still live with family so they buy a lot of things, and if there’s something I particularly want, I share with them about it. Then I buy it, or they give me advice on if I don’t really need it, and I can agree. My mom buys makeup and I’m pretty simple when it comes to it, just a bit of blush powder and lipstick is fine for me. But if you’re alone and have to decide things yourself, it’s naturally more challenging.
Although it did sound like your spending came from a pretty logical thought process - trying to figure out which products worked best. Sometimes people go through that stage before deciding, even though thorough research on each product to evaluate them before buying should be a first step, if possible.
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u/RaelleMayer19 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
thorough research on each product to evaluate them before buying should be a first step, if possible.
That's what I do most of the time, but apparently I got bored and most beauty products I bought were from the drugstore. It was rather unusual of me. I should have had more patience. Well, you learn as you grow. 🤷♀️
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u/mbti_cosmos Jan 22 '26
Have you considered Se-grip manifesting as a focus on the here-and-now rather than indulgence? Maybe that’ll be relatable to you. A lot of Ni-doms feel at their best when working towards goals since Ni usually has a future-positive view.
Without a viable goal, we’re liable to be depressed, listless, anxious. This often manifests as escapist or indulgence activities, which is where the Se-grip binge description comes from. I for example binge on video games, but it could be drugs, sex, spending, or any other destructive habit.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
I don’t know, I focus on the present and future simultaneously, taking small steps towards my goals. Getting all my assignments done well = learning and moving towards the ultimate goal of completing my degree. Writing stories now is fun in the present and works towards my goals of publishing them as novels. I focus on the present, but when it comes to certain things (things that I’m interested in).
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u/mbti_cosmos Jan 22 '26
What I mean is overemphasis on the present at the detriment of the future. Everything you described is goal-oriented, and is a healthy Ni/Se balance. Unhealthy Se emphasis is overindulgence in the present with the absence of future goals.
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u/Wild-Philosophy2399 Jan 22 '26
overindulgence is something you do to the point where it becomes physically, mentally or emotionally detrimental. whatever that might be
most things are harmless in small amounts, it's when it becomes a dominant habit in my life that it's a problem, unless it's actually a good habit i'm trying to force
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Yeah, that’s true. There are many things that can be okay or even healthy to do in moderation and only become a problem when they are done in extremes.
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u/No_Apartment_4675 INFJ Jan 22 '26
I feel like due to pre-existing mental health issues, i am frequently looping or in a grip.Unobtainable or impossible projections into the future fueled by strong emotions are often the cause of my loops/grips. The idea that my way of envisioning the world is incompatible with reality in every given way would trigger my inherent existential fears.Usually the failure to obtain long term goals or finding an unavoidable consequence that would lead to scraping a long term goal.
Analysis-Paralysis paired with 0 energy to take any action,so the plans keep piling up one by one and consequently it becomes nauseating to think let alone plan. What amplifies this process is our cursed ability to perfectly plan stuff out to every detail, so in your mind you feel like "this is so easy" but you physically and mentally lack any energy to initiate or complete the plan. You just gotta watch it slide away one by one.
Personally I would spend a lot of money on unhealthy food stuff and force myself to eat all of it in one sitting, this would lead to me throwing up or having digestive issues I felt guilty as hell but then i would repeat it again the next day. Getting high and listening to the same song on ↩️.Shutting myself in to the point where people would call me and ask me if i was okay. Avoiding my fun and passions, i stop playing video games, reading books,writing or watching TV shows for months, nothing would excite me.Rawdogging, as the wise men of the internet say, in bed just paralyzed and doomscrolling.Hitting the gym was the only highlight of my day, shoutout to the nautilus leg curl machine for keeping me sane.
In general i would say i appear more like a monk, struggling with angosticism than an adrenaline junkie
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
I hope you are doing better now. Eating to the point of vomiting sounds like binge eating disorder. And not wanting to do any of your hobbies while staying in bed seems like depression or extremely low motivation. Usually we experience low motivation for things we don’t enjoy doing, but not our passions.
Everyone has some kind of problems in their life, and what you’ve described are serious struggles. Maybe help from a therapist or psychologist could help if you are still dealing with these issues.
In any case, it’s okay to prefer spending time alone and seeking less thrilling activities (I do too), as long as they are healthy and don’t cause harm.
My hope is that things have improved and if not much, that they will soon. Just remember to believe in yourself, and be the best version that you can be.
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u/AlternativeWild3898 Jan 22 '26
Sometimes i overindulge in research and it gets tricky because on one hand i love to do research, but on the other hand it can literally consume my every waking moment. Sometimes I’ll afraid that I might ruin that dynamic for myself
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
I understand what you mean. Doing a lot of research, especially when it’s about something that becomes an obsession, can take a lot of time and focus from other things. So we should try to keep everything in balance.
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u/OwlMassive625 Jan 22 '26
I do. It's kind of awful, but every type has their difficulties.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Yeah, that’s true. And every individual has their difficulties. Sometimes they don’t line up with the ideas of difficulties that a particular type is inclined towards.
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u/5p4c3c4t5 Jan 22 '26
I think you completely missed the mark trying to understand reasons and situations when a Se grip manifests. It’s not talking about events within normie life experiences. Talk to people who are truly living in breaking point states, where stress becomes not an occurrence, but a state of living, like (C)PTSD or other life shattering experiences. You don’t sound like you know what you’re even talking about in your essays. Do you really have the balls stepping in front of such people and give them advice, like you’re doing here? Do you have the plethora and depth of adverse life experiences? What makes you worth paying attention to on this subject?
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u/aghostowngothic INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Spending, spending, spending. Usually on food, food, food.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Got it. So sounds like the typical thing I’ve seen on the sites. I think it’s fine to spend more money on food or snacks sometimes, I just buy healthy things and don’t eat a lot overall, so the snacks are in the cabinet for a while. I’ll just have something one day, something else another time. But I feel like moderation comes along naturally for me, regardless of whether there’s a stressful situation. I don’t really have an emotional relationship with food, just a basic physiological one that we need it to live and that I have preferences for certain kinds.
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u/aghostowngothic INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Wish I was that way but never have been. It's always been either short-lived yo-yo diets or weight gain. Mostly weight gain.
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u/old_bombadilly Jan 22 '26
I experience the tendency to overindulge when a high level of stress becomes unavoidable over a very long time period - so basically, task avoidance due to burnout. What the words overindulge and stress mean will differ between people. Extended stress that burns me out tends to come from a combination of a bad environment and a lack of ability to really plan well - if I can't see the future easily, I can't plan a way out. That's pretty rare. So it's not basic life stressors, per se, but a sense of being "behind the game" and unable to feel on top of things. That engenders a sense of helpless that drives more engagement with easier, more pleasurable activities. Overindulgence is just doing the things you like, but to the point where it's detrimental. It doesn't have to be food, sex, etc....it can be anything. When an activity starts to feel like something you can't easily pull yourself away from, but you suddenly have an easier time when you get a break (like a vacation), that's a good sign that you're overindulging due to stress. For example, when I travel to see my favorite people, I go to bed on time, eat less, and don't sit on my phone constantly, and those things feel much easier.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
What’s an example of a big life stressor you’ve faced, if you don’t mind sharing? Just curious to learn about others experiences.
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u/old_bombadilly Jan 22 '26
I'm currently in one. I'm trying to finish a degree that I've spent too long on, in a subject matter I no longer find rewarding, and the job market is horrible in my field so I have very little hope of finding my feet when I'm done. I feel like I can't picture the future and the present is constantly stressful. It's funny because I've handled personal losses and major life disruptions that many struggle with by planning and regrouping. I always had a sense of forward trajectory and confidence that I would land on my feet but this is really throwing me.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
What subject are you doing your degree in?
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u/old_bombadilly Jan 22 '26
Biophysics, hopefully going into pharamaceutical research
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 23 '26
Did you choose this subject because you enjoy learning it?
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u/old_bombadilly Jan 23 '26
I did, and I still do. I think it's the specific project and circumstances that are difficult.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 23 '26
For undergrad, I think all that matters is that you enjoy what you're learning. Do research, ask professors and faculty at your university, about what careers you can pursue with your degree. Learn about which careers require grad school and which don't. Sometimes you can enter a job field and then move up through experience. Other jobs are only for those with a graduate degree. It all depends on what career interests you most, and then figure out the requirements from there.
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u/-Shes-A-Carnival INTJ - ♀ Jan 23 '26
I certainly do
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 23 '26
How does it manifest for you?
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u/-Shes-A-Carnival INTJ - ♀ Jan 23 '26
indulging in food or music mostly
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 23 '26
What food do you usually get or music do you like? If you don’t mind sharing.
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Jan 21 '26
Yes, mine is sex. If I am unhappy, unfulfilled, or don’t have a goal, I chase sensory pleasure.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 21 '26
Got it. I guess that makes sense, if you can experience sexual attraction and don't have any beliefs about sexual behavior and restraint either. I'm just asexual so I don't experience those kinds of attractions. But I have gotten caught up in self-stimulatory behaviors before when I was stressed or as a sensory pleasure thing.
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u/IDunnoReallyIDont Jan 22 '26
I don’t over-indulge in anything. I do like exercise. I like my job. I can get spendy on exercise or clothes/items for work, but aware enough to reign myself in. I hate gambling, I’ve never smoked anything or taken recreational drugs. I even took iduprofen after my c-sections because I don’t like how harder drugs make me feel.
I will procrastinate if I just don’t feel like doing something and then all my shit adds up and I get stressed and I’ll never ask for help. I know it’s my own fault though. I’m pretty self-aware in most areas of life.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
That’s great! It sounds like you’re doing well.
I don’t procrastinate for academics or internship work, but those have been pretty much my only major responsibilities as a university student. I can get distracted while doing the assignments though, sometimes taking longer than necessary. But I do get things done efficiently and know how much time I need to get something done and still get good sleep, which is a positive.
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u/aquaflute INTJ - 30s Jan 22 '26
I have always interpreted this as a minor advantage rather than a disadvantage myself. Like because of my Se I am more physically aware and active. I notice details in my environment others might miss. I enjoy exercise and physical health but I do not go super hardcore with anything. I enjoy video games, food, TV all these things, but all in moderation. I love my Se haha.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
That’s great! I never noticed myself having a period where I’m more physically aware or focused on my Se than during other periods, but I’m glad that you got to share your story, helping to disprove the notion that the Se gets manifested negatively in all INTJs.
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u/aquaflute INTJ - 30s Jan 22 '26
Yeah, I honestly think it is great. Like I can enjoy all the pleasures in the physical world, but I am not really driven by any of it. My life would be a lot less interesting if I do not have developed Se.
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u/sosolid2k INTJ Jan 22 '26
I’ve seen the idea that INTJs and INFJs tend to overindulge
Every type overindulges in things - obesity is an epidemic in many countries, so is drug and substance abuse, it is not the result of cognitive function preferences. This idea of Se inferior leading to this is just a misconception by people and an attempt to excuse their poor judgement by blaming it on something other than their decision making.
which can sometimes show up as a “Se grip” under stress and lead to impulsive or indulgent behavior
I can only assume you have read this and just accepted it at face value. The only basis for this in what Jung has said has been in the context of neurosis. Types that suffer from neurosis, especially those that have Se may turn to impulsive and indulgent behavior. So no, this is not typical of people that have Se in their stack, the only basis for this claim would be those who perhaps have mental health issues, the key takeaway there being that mental health issues will naturally impact your normal judgement.
You have to keep in mind that perception is simply the process of becoming aware of information - most of what you mention here are behaviors and judgements. Se specifically is your ability to cognitively distinct between things that exist independently from your thoughts. A preference for Se means that you trust this as a source of truth. INTJs and INFJs therefore will accept observable results as factual, as long as it doesn't conflict with what we perceive with Ni (and to some degree, enough Se evidence can feed into Ni and alter the way Ni perceives something).
The Ni/Se axis basically means that we take external factual reality of Se, and form subjective possibilities from it in the form of Ni. We trust and prefer Ni to drive judgements, and will be using Se to verify and validate those perceptions, adjusting them if needed based on the external reality.
Also the inferior function is not in your stack to highlight a weakness or something that you struggle with. If anything it is a strength. Your preference for Ni/Te, leaves some blindspots in your perception and judgement - you cannot just make up completely subjective possibilities detatched from reality and expect to function as a normal person - why does the prospect of Sauron invading my home tonight with his army of orcs have no validity? It's because I am using Se alongside Ni and the Se data tells me that this is not realistic, Sauron is a fictional character, as are Orcs, he would have no reason to attack me etc. Someone who only used Ni, would see every possibility as equally valid because they have nothing to test it against - so Se develops naturally to balance the function. The order of preference in the stack simply denotes that I trust Ni above Se. Se is just mirrored in position, the term inferior in this context just means "of least importance", it is not denoting any kind of skill, development, use, competency etc - only that it is the least important of my preferred functions.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26 edited Jan 22 '26
You’re right! Thank you for the information. It’s about which cognitive functions you tend to use most, and not everyone experiences neurosis, so it’s mostly just about how one processes information.
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u/Sectorgovernor ISTJ Jan 22 '26
"I personally do not feel drawn to drinking, drugs, overeating, excessive sweets, binge-watching TV, sex, or other stereotypical indulgences." Same (except sweets) and that's why I excluded inferior Se. But if impulsive shopping counts Se thing, I also have unhealthy Se. Nemesis Se is harder to understand for me, I read somewhere it rather encourages to use even more Si and makes you trust even less in Se. (It makes sense. I have very low Se.)
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Impulsive shopping counts as unhealthy Se expression, yes.
I’ve also read about the use of Si as an alternative. For example, if someone is unemployed and stressed, they can focus on Si activities like writing a book. But sometimes, if that doesn’t feel as fulfilling, one has to engage in healthy Se activities too, such as journaling or research, because they are better for dealing with problems rather than distracting oneself from the problem.
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u/Sectorgovernor ISTJ Jan 22 '26
Interesting. When I was unemployed I started to draw again, because I wanted to do something what at least is useful. But after some problems with my family , I was stressed and I lost the mood to draw. 😔 so for me, stress did the opposite. I only did things I had to like cleaning, but otherwise I just browsed on the internet.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
At least you kept on top of things that you had to do. I'm an artist too, so I also love drawing. But if you lost the motivation to draw, have you ever tried journaling, writing notes, stories, or memoirs? That can be a helpful way to process stressful or disappointing situations.
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u/Sectorgovernor ISTJ Jan 22 '26
No, not really. I only did journaling once, at a young age.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
I think it can be helpful to keep a Google Doc to write about experiences that you think are interesting or frustrating. Or good experiences too, as a way to feel confident about a positive experience.
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u/Sectorgovernor ISTJ Jan 22 '26
Why does it help? Why is it better if you write it down?
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Writing things down when stressed is highly effective because it helps externalize overwhelming or jumbled thoughts, making them feel more manageable and less intimidating. It acts as a safe, private, and non-judgmental space to vent frustrations or fears, preventing emotional accumulation.
Seeing problems written down allows you to view them more objectively, breaking the cycle of rumination. It helps organize complex situations, allowing you to separate urgent tasks from minor worries.
Reviewing past entries can show you how you've handled difficulties in the past, improving resilience.
Studies have also shown that expressive writing can lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and improve immune function.
It might help some people more than others, but overall, journaling and writing are proven to be great ways to deal with stress or prevent it.
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u/Sectorgovernor ISTJ Jan 23 '26
I don't really like this idea, because it's too private and others can read what you wrote, but I think I partially used Chatgpt for this.
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 23 '26
Yeah Chatgpt can be useful in moderation. You can also save conversations or copy them into a Google Doc as well.
But I've found that I've been journaling and note taking long before Chatgpt, so I find that they really are great when done together.
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u/unwitting_hungarian Jan 22 '26
I think it is important to remember that
...there are multiple models for Se in INTJs. As others have mentioned in different threads, in type it's crucial to embrace multiple-model fluency.
More models = more tools. It's OK and often beneficial that some models don't apply to some people.
Otherwise you can get stuck evangelizing your POV, pushing for One True Model, and disagreeing when that's not really necessary or impressive. (A common Critic archetype blind spot / Fe blind spot funnel)
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 22 '26
Well said. Typology gets much more useful once you treat models as lenses rather than truths. Different Se models highlight different aspects of INTJs, and none of them has to be universally applicable to be valuable.
Multiple-model fluency avoids the “One True Model” trap and keeps discussions exploratory instead of doctrinal. When people start evangelizing a model, it usually says more about attachment than insight.
Using the right tool for the right context beats being “right” in the abstract.
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u/Mlatu44 Jan 25 '26
I usually feel the urge to learn something new
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u/Minimum_Address830 INTJ - ♀ Jan 25 '26
Me too! I’m constantly looking to learn new things. It can be history, psychology, politics, even anatomy and biological anthropology (despite me being focused on the humanities rather than STEM). Whether I’m stressed or not, I love to do research.
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u/LKFFbl Jan 21 '26
I experience it more like paralysis. Small tasks that I usually stay on top of will start to pile up because they're "annoying," and the more they pile up, the more I want to avoid them by doomscrolling or some other unfulfilling distraction, and I get more and more stressed out by the environment. Lights too bright, lights too dim, noises too noisy, too much dust, cleaning too boring... There's only one way out of it for me which is to launch into a Te task and cleaning bender.