ISTPs have a particular difficulty in predicting emotional responses, and this is ironically a very fair arrangement, given how difficult it is to gauge ISTPs’ emotions and motivations. However, their tendency to explore these relationships through their actions rather than through empathy can lead to some very frustrating situations.

While their mechanical tendencies may make them appear simple at a glance, ISTPs are actually quite enigmatic. Friendly and physical but very private, calm but suddenly spontaneous, extremely curious but unable to stay focused on formal studies, ISTPs can be a challenge to predict, even by their friends and loved ones. ISTPs may seem very loyal and steady, ever rational, but they can also build up a store of impulsive energy that can explode without warning, carrying their interests in bold new directions.