.text
{<b><p18> ISTP <p12><n>}
.text2
{<b>Action Speaks Louder Than Words<n>

<IB>General Statement:<N> The original Jacks and Janes of all trades. They are good at trying almost anything at least once; that's also the way they approach meaningful relationships. When a relationship is working, ISTPs will keep it going; when it is not working, they will fix it -- or get out of it. They can become so engrossed in fixing or negotiating a relationship that they may occasionally mess things up just so they can fix them again.

<IB>First Impressions:<N> Cool, yet very intense. Grounded and capable of many interests. They raise good questions and see most of life as a practical challenge. Though they can be somewhat informal, their self-confidence and ready capabilities carry them through most initial encounters.

<IB>Communications:<N> They speak little. In fact, they can become easily bored with lengthy dissertations or complex answers to simple questions. If a "Thanks!" says it, then "Thank you" is verbose. They are reluctant to share their own points of view, preferring to raise questions so as to involve others in the conversation.

<IB>Finance:<N> Moderate risk-takers, they see money and finances as a challenge, another thing to be "fixed." ISTPs are precise and practical in financial matters, though never terribly bound by rules and procedures. Their motto: If you've got it, spend it or invest it; if not, go earn some.

<IB>Conflict:<N> They are not ones to start conflicts, but neither are they likely to shy away from them. Because actions speak louder than words, they prefer not to waste time talking. And they resist starting anything, especially a conflict, unless they think it can be resolved. They get excited about negotiations, resolutions, and turning a difficult situation into something constructive.

<IB>Sex and Intimacy:<N> Because ISTPs live in the moment, intimacy is meaningful and satisfying -- as long as it lasts. Experiencing it through the five senses is what intimacy is all about. Talking about it will not make it better, and it could even ruin a good situation if someone says something he or she later regrets.

<IB>Commitment:<N> This, too, is of the moment. They can work hard at it, but will likely be mindful that things can change. So it is a matter of making the moment. Each new day is a renewal of the earlier commitment, and it is good only as long as both parties agree.

<IB>Parenting:<N> Like other Introverted-Perceivers, ISTPs have little need to influence, let alone control, their children. In parenthood they do the best they can with what they have -- and hope that it all works out.

<IB>Contracting:<N> The very word sounds psychological to them, and that makes it questionable to an ISTP. If they live by their commitments, they feel they don't need a contract. If a relationship is in trouble, get busy and fix it or forget it, says the ISTP. That's common sense, for which one needs no psychological training.

<IB>Ending Relationships:<N> When a relationship is over, it's over. Nothing brings the relationship back; that's just the way it is. So, says the ISTP, get on with your life, one day at a time. Yesterday is dead and gone, and so is the relationship. So they make the most of each day as it comes.}
