Practical Application of J and P
In order to understand the differences between P and J types practically, let’s look at some examples.
Two J Types Planning
Because J types are more interested in action and closure, an ESTJ talking with an INFJ will likely rapidly develop a plan of action. The ESTJ might begin by asking the INFJ what goals they wish to accomplish on an errand trip (Te dominant). The INFJ offers what they wish to accomplish, and then asks the ESTJ what else they might want to do (Fe auxiliary). The ESTJ will synthesize what’s been discussed so far into a plan and present it (Te dominant). The INFJ will agree that the plan meets their needs and move forward (Ti tertiary). This interaction likely took less than two minutes.
J and P Planning Together
If this same interaction was happening between an INFJ and an INFP, it’s likely the INFJ will take the lead (J) and ask the INFP about what they want (Fe auxiliary), and the INFP will likely be flexible (P), down to explore new things (Ne auxiliary), and eager to keep a sense of peace and connection even if this means sacrificing some of their own needs (Fi dominance). Because both types are equally interested in pleasing the other person, this interaction might take a while, and most likely, it will be the INFJ who proposes the final plan – which may include a flexible aspect, “And if we feel up to it, then we’ll check out the new hat shop at the end.” All in all, this interaction likely took around eight minutes – four times as long as two J types making a similar plan.
P and P = No Planning?
In contrast, two P types might not make much of a plan. An ENTP and an INTP going on errands together might set out with a quick exchange such as the ENTP saying, “I want to buy some garden supplies. Want to come?” The INTP might say, “Sure,” without further inquiry. While they’re out, the ENTP might suggest stopping by a pub for drinks, and the INTP might suggest staying for the live music that will begin in an hour. While both of these P types are capable of planning, when they’re on holiday they’re likely to allow Ne to bring them on whatever adventures present themselves – taking each opportunity as it arises.
Exceptions Abound: High Ti is Logistic-Centric
However, P types are not consistently laid back and relaxed. ISTPs are likely to inquire for more information before agreeing to anything. As a Ti dominant, ISTPs can be logistic-centric, wanting to know just how everything fits together before embarking upon it. While the other Ti dominant, INTP, is moderated by a sense of adventure (Ne auxiliary), the ISTP is considering the hands-on, physical consequences of each action (Se auxiliary). Thus, ISTPs in a planning interaction can come across as a J. For a similar reason, ENTPs and ESTPs can also come across as J types because their Ti auxiliary aids them in sorting through the logistics of their life.
However, all of the P types with high Ti (I*TP and E*TP) tend to “feel like J types” in limited axes. For example, an INTP might be extremely organized in their workplace, yet have an utterly chaotic bedroom and home office. They may also compartmentalize their work such that they are on time to every business meeting, yet forty minutes late to their friends’ dinner party. An ISTP might be fastidious in their home and work, but entirely lax about their calendar, the concept of time in general, and conduct their relationships in a “take it or leave it” fashion. An ENTP might have scheduled each day on the calendar perfectly, with alarms for each meeting, and generally come across as an organized person, yet their Fi blindspot may cause them to be particularly disorganized when it comes to anything that involves their emotions – preventing them tidying up any aspect of their physical or mental space which contains strong feelings. For each of these examples, the reverse might be true for a given type.
High Fe is Harmony-Centric
While P types with high Ti can come across as J types in limited ways, we also see J types with high Fe coming across as P types in limited ways. Because Fe strives to create emotional outcomes that are deemed good, J types with high Fe tend to prioritize a sense of connection over closure. Thus, E*FJs and I*FJs are likely to come across as being as flexible as a P type when it comes to making plans and generally organizing their life around their family, friends, and romantic connection(s). This often causes some internal conflict for those with high Fe – as they genuinely want that sense of harmonious connection more than they want to get their own way, yet when the expected harmony doesn’t ensue, this rapidly can turn into resentment.
J versus P Body Language
One of the most surefire – yet subjective – methods for differentiating J from P types is through body language and tone of voice. While a J type may be spontaneous and accommodating, and a P type may ask many probing questions to set up appropriate expectations, they will still be giving off “vibes.”
J types have more abrupt, formal movements, and their tone of voice tends to sound more analytical. Js tend to speak more rapidly, stringing together point after point. Js, at best, possess a carefully refined, elegant posture. At worst, Js seem stiff, rigid, and jerky.
P types tend to move and speak in a fluid, relaxed way. At best, Ps seem confidently relaxed even when situations are stressful or fast-paced. At worst, Ps can seem slovenly, as if they don’t care at all about how sloppy their demeanor makes them appear.
The demeanor of a P gives off chill vibes – to the point where a P type may still come across as relaxed and chill even when they are experiencing anxiety. In contrast, J types can seem anxious or upset when they merely feel like they are in “productivity mode.”
While all people perceive and judge all the time, whether a person is a P or a J is also visible all the time. Only in the rarest moments will a J type seem to embody the deeply relaxed countenance that is so natural for most P types. The “vibes” a person gives off – from their hairstyle to the way they move their hands while they speak – will constantly be giving cues as to whether a given individual’s highest extroverted function is a lens (P) or a codec (J).