How Each Myers-Briggs® Type Uses Their Tertiary Function

What Is the Tertiary Function?

Ah, the tertiary function. The middle child of your personality stack. Not as dominant and flashy as your first function. Not as reliable and responsible as your second. Not as mysterious and dramatic as your fourth. But definitely trying. So hard.

If you’re not sure what the cognitive functions you can start here: The Cognitive Functions: What Are They?

There are several names or titles for the tertiary function. Personality Hacker calls it the “10-year-old” because they believe that it has roughly that level of maturity. Psychologist John Beebe called the tertiary function the “Eternal Child” after one of Carl Jung’s archetypes. Many other typologists call it the “relief function” or “relief role.”

In my view, if your personality was a car, the dominant function is the driver, the auxiliary is the navigator, the inferior is the angsty backseat critic who just wants a chance, and the tertiary? That’s the passenger who occasionally grabs the aux cord and plays something totally off the mood but somehow… kinda works.

Most of the time, your tertiary function shows up when you’re relaxed. No deadlines, no emotional crises, just you and your half-baked hobbies or oddly specific playlists. It’s how you unwind, play, and sometimes avoid doing anything remotely productive.

But beware: when under pressure or feeling insecure, the tertiary function can act like a 10-year-old with access to your credit card. It means well, but things can get weird fast.

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.

Estimated reading time: 29 minutes

ENFJ – Tertiary Extraverted Sensing (Se)

Nickname: The Panicked Aesthetician

ENFJs are usually focused on people, ideals, long-term visions. They’re life coaches in disguise. But lurking behind that wise-old-soul energy is their tertiary function: Extraverted Sensing. The part of them that suddenly says, “You know what would make this existential crisis better? A spontaneous trip to buy a new wardrobe. Or maybe a haircut. Something dramatic.”

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Se helps ENFJs tap into the present moment. They notice details, get more grounded, and enjoy life’s little pleasures. This is the ENFJ who picks up painting, photography, salsa dancing, or finally learns to make a latte that doesn’t taste like burnt foam. They start to realize that beauty isn’t superficial—it’s part of the human experience. A well-decorated room or a sunset hike becomes less “decadent” and more “soul food.”

When It’s Chaotic:

When imbalanced, tertiary Se can make ENFJs impulsive, overly image-conscious, or weirdly obsessed with base jumping. Suddenly, they’re “all in” on their physical environment while avoiding deeper internal issues. It’s like slapping a glitter sticker on a broken mirror and calling it fine.

Real Life Example:

I know an ENFJ personally who is usually very careful, forward-thinking, and strategic. When she was in a “loop” (where she was cycling back and forth between her dominant and tertiary functions) she left home in the middle of the night in the midst of a thunderstorm and drove two states over, while chain-smoking (she hadn’t ever smoked before). She felt the urge to just DO something, anything, to take a risk.

How to Find Comfort / Play Without Spiraling into Chaos:

1. Start a mini adventure challenge. Try something physically engaging once a week—rock climbing, salsa dancing, or even a new recipe that involves a blowtorch. Keep it low-stakes and fun, not “I must become a Michelin chef by June.”
2. Beautify your space mindfully. Redecorate a little corner of your home, not for Instagram, but just to feel more alive in your space. Bonus if it smells good (candles) and feels good (soft blankets).
3. Practice present-moment noticing. Go on a 10-minute “what did I actually see today” walk. No podcasts. Just you and the colors, smells, textures around you. It’s Se snack time.
4. Photography without pressure. Document little joys or weird details in daily life. It’s art. It’s mindfulness. And it’ll keep you from trying to solve emotional breakdowns with eyeliner.

INFJ – Tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Nickname: The Persnickety Philosopher

INFJs lead with big-picture intuition and people-centered values. But then there’s Ti in the third slot—quietly fact-checking everything and whispering, “That doesn’t make logical sense and also your sentence structure is sloppy.”

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Ti gives INFJs their love of clarity. It helps them get precise with words, sort through messy ideas, and build intricate inner frameworks. These are the INFJs who make flowcharts for their moral philosophy or write 12-page essays about the symbolism in The Little Prince—for fun.

It’s also the reason they can seem oddly nit-picky about definitions or grammar when they’re otherwise so “go with the flow.” They’re flowing… through a carefully constructed internal logic maze.

When It’s Chaotic:

If INFJs are overwhelmed or feel unheard, tertiary Ti can turn them into passive-aggressive logic snipers. They’ll retreat into their heads, refuse to listen to counterpoints, and get defensive with painfully long explanations that don’t actually help anyone. Bonus points if they ghost you afterward because “it just didn’t make sense to keep talking.”

Real Life Example:

I had an INFJ client who got into an argument with her therapist because the term “healing” wasn’t properly defined. She then spent two weeks journaling her own definition of healing and cross-referencing it with Carl Jung, Brené Brown, and Robert Sapolsky. That’s tertiary Ti trying its best to make emotional messiness neat.

How to Use It for Good, Not for Passive-Aggressive Logic Bombs:

1. Create systems that serve your soul. Think: book tracking spreadsheets, habit trackers, or mapping out how your values align with your daily actions. Ti loves tidy frameworks; INFJ loves meaning. Combine.
2. Get nerdy about your passions. Go down a rabbit hole and actually organize your findings. Make a chart of symbolism in Studio Ghibli films. Label it. Alphabetize it. Gasp. Feel alive.
3. Learn to love word choice. Ti-INFJs often lowkey obsess over language. So give yourself permission to be a snob about it. Make up new metaphors. Rearrange your poetry. Edit your journal entries like a manifesto.

ENFP – Tertiary Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Nickname: The Flailing Project Manager

ENFPs are idea machines. Their brains are like popcorn poppers that never turn off. But when tertiary Te kicks in, suddenly they want to do something with all those ideas. Build a brand. Write a book. Launch seventeen side hustles. Usually all at once.

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Te gives ENFPs a beautiful ability to bring structure to their chaos. They start planning, organizing, and executing. It’s the ENFP who finally finishes their novel because they made a spreadsheet and stuck to it. (I know, shocking.)

When Te is working well, ENFPs get to taste the satisfaction of follow-through. They realize that logic and strategy don’t kill creativity—they give it legs.

When It’s Chaotic:

But if Te is overused, watch out. ENFPs start barking orders, obsessing over productivity, and comparing themselves to every “successful” person on LinkedIn. Suddenly their self-worth hinges on how efficiently they can monetize their passion projects. They seem bossier, more scattered, and obsessed with “getting sh*t done.”

Real Life Example:

My friend is an ENFP who created a vision board, a business plan, and an Excel spreadsheet for her Etsy sticker shop—all in one afternoon. She didn’t make a single sticker. But her Google Drive looked incredible. That’s tertiary Te: all the ambition, half the execution (until maturity kicks in).

How to Let Te Help Without Turning Into a Type-A Monster:

1. Gamify your chaos. Use timers, apps, or checklists to turn boring tasks into quests. 20 minutes of focused work = 1 iced coffee. 3 finished to-dos = 1 episode of that weird show you love.
2. Micro-projects, macro-satisfaction. Choose one fun idea and actually finish it. Paint a wall. Organize your closet by rainbow. Make a zine. Don’t try to start a nonprofit before dinner.
3. Name your inner project manager. Seriously, give Te a persona. “Brenda” helps you sort your inbox. “Pedro” figures out your grocery budget. It keeps things light—and effective.
4. Build visible progress. ENFPs feel energized seeing their ideas come to life. So use visual boards, charts, or before/after pics. Te loves a good “look what I did” moment.

INFP – Tertiary Introverted Sensing (Si)

Nickname: The Sentimental Archivist

INFPs are all heart and ideals—dreaming of better worlds and crying over dog rescue commercials. But then there’s tertiary Si, which adds a layer of nostalgic hoarding and “I can’t throw this away, it’s meaningful!” energy.

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Si helps INFPs stay grounded. It gives them a reverence for tradition, memory, and meaning. They create rituals. They keep journals. They save birthday cards from ten years ago because “it still means something.” Si gives their abstract ideals a timeline and context.

When It’s Chaotic:

In an unhealthy loop, INFPs can use Si to wallow in the past and avoid new possibilities. “Why try something new when every other thing has ended in disappointment?” becomes their battle cry. They obsess over past mistakes, that embarrassing moment from middle school, or the heartbreak they just can’t get over. They retreat into comforting routines and use their memories as reasons to stay stuck.

Real Life Example:

An INFP I know once broke up with someone and then re-read every text message they’d ever sent each other. Twice. She said she needed “closure,” but later she admitted she just felt trapped in a vortex.

How to Embrace the Cozy Archivist Inside You (Without Getting Stuck There):

1. Make a comfort box. Fill it with nostalgic things that spark joy—old photos, handwritten notes, scent memory candles. Visit it when the world feels like too much. Then go outside.
2. Create sensory rituals. INFPs with healthy Si love little routines: morning tea in a specific mug, journaling to one song on loop, wearing the same sweater when writing. It’s grounding. It’s magic.
3. Turn memory into art. Write a short story based on a vivid childhood memory. Scrapbook your own coming-of-age. Make a playlist of songs from your most pivotal life chapters.
4. Tidy as an emotional practice. Cleaning or organizing a drawer isn’t just about neatness—it’s a way of processing. Try it when you’re emotionally stuck. Just don’t mistake it for actual healing (we see you, avoidance Si).

INTJ – Tertiary Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Nickname: The Stoic With a Soft Spot

INTJs lead with strategy. Vision. Cold, calculated planning that would make a Bond villain slow clap. But deep underneath that dystopian mastermind exterior, there’s a gooey little function whispering: “…But what about what matters to you?”

Welcome to Fi. It’s personal, it’s emotional, and it’s deeply inconvenient when you’re trying to conquer the world.

When It’s Healthy:

INTJs start listening to their values—not because someone told them to, but because they realize they need to. They start caring not just about how to win, but why it matters. They become principled, passionate, and surprisingly sensitive about issues they deeply believe in. You’ll see them quietly mentoring someone, donating anonymously to a cause they care about, or standing up for the underdog because “it’s the right thing to do” (and yes, that is a valid strategy).

When It’s Chaotic:

Tertiary Fi can go full drama when INTJs don’t want to admit they’ve caught feelings. Suddenly they’re refusing to take criticism because “you don’t understand what this means to me,” or they’re dismissing everyone else’s perspective because it’s not aligned with their personal code. Think Batman yelling “I work alone,” but in a spreadsheet.

Real Life Example:

I’m an INTJ so I can use myself as an example. When I’m overwhelmed it can be easy for me to feel overwhelmed with all the things I always wanted (Fi) that I never got to do because I was so focused on my tasks (Te). But I don’t want anyone’s help. I don’t actually listen to anyone and insist on “going it alone.” I listen to sad music, write angsty journal entries, and STILL don’t do the things I want because I have work to do. Oh well.

How to Befriend Your Tertiary Fi (Without Becoming a Righteous Hermit):

1. Start a personal manifesto. What do you really care about? Write it down. Edit it when your worldview changes. No one else has to read it. Except future-you. And she’ll be impressed.
2. Support something quietly. Donate to a cause. Volunteer once. Send someone a book that helped you. Fi likes to act when it’s low-key and authentic.
3. Curate a comfort list. Make a playlist, movie list, or food list that screams “me.” Tertiary Fi loves comfort through personal meaning.
4. Get judgy on purpose. Write a list of things that drive you absolutely nuts. Then ask yourself: What value of mine is being stepped on here? Boom—emotional awareness without a therapy bill.

ENTJ – Tertiary Extraverted Sensing (Se)

Nickname: The High-Achiever With a Secret YOLO Button

ENTJs are efficiency on steroids. Systems, execution, progress—they’re the human version of a Gantt chart. But hidden beneath the business plan is a function that just wants to feel alive. Enter tertiary Se: the part of the ENTJ that wants to throw on leather pants, buy a motorcycle, and get really into charcuterie boards.

When It’s Healthy:

Healthy Se brings balance to ENTJs’ usually abstract, long-range mindset. They slow down enough to notice what’s happening around them. They start enjoying the process, not just the outcome. They appreciate beauty, pleasure, and impulse—in small, curated, color-coded doses. This is the ENTJ who schedules hiking trips or takes up boxing “for stress relief.” (But also to win.)

When It’s Chaotic:

When ENTJs are resisting introspection or feeling existentially empty, tertiary Se starts screaming: “Just do something!” So they do. They book trips they can’t afford, buy expensive gadgets they’ll never use, or hyper-fixate on external appearance. All to avoid that gnawing question: “Why am I not satisfied even though I’ve accomplished all these things?”

Real Life Example:

I once saw an ENTJ plan a silent meditation retreat, cancel it the day before, and instead go skydiving. “Still technically introspective,” she said. And she ended up having some pretty great insights while plummeting towards earth.

How to Let Your Se Out to Play Without Wrecking Your Schedule:

1. Get physical on purpose. Try an activity that connects you to your body—rock climbing, dancing, axe throwing. Bonus points if there’s gear involved.
2. Taste-test the world. Go somewhere new and eat something weird. Se loves novelty, and you’ll feel recharged and worldly.
3. Sensory mindfulness. Take 5 minutes daily to just notice your environment. What can you see, smell, touch? You might find more data than your brain usually lets in.
4. Make your goals feel good. Don’t just list your to-dos—tie them to sensory rewards. Finish the project? Buy a new hoodie. Ship the course? Pizza night.

INTP – Tertiary Introverted Sensing (Si)

Nickname: The Absent-Minded Professor with a Junk Drawer of Memories

INTPs love tinkering with ideas. They’re the types who fall asleep thinking about paradoxes and wake up asking questions like “Is time even real?” But their tertiary Si sneaks in like an old librarian who insists they keep receipts… and feelings.

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Si helps INTPs become more grounded. They start to appreciate structure—not as a prison, but as a launching pad. They create routines that protect their energy. They revisit memories, not to wallow, but to learn. Suddenly they’re organizing their files or reminiscing about their childhood D&D campaign and going, “Huh. That mattered.”

When It’s Chaotic:

Unhealthy Si turns INTPs into nervous wrecks. They start ruminating, re-reading old texts, or using their history of failures as evidence that trying again would be “statistically unsound.” It’s analysis paralysis with a side of emotional constipation.

Real Life Example:

I know an INTP who avoids going out and doing things with other people because they get stuck on a past memory of a time they went out and it went horribly wrong. Some of this is just generalized anxiety, but he retreats to familiar routines (video games and comfort snacks) whenever he says “no” to going out and leaving his apartment.

How to Use Si Like a Thoughtful Archivist (Not a Pessimistic Grandpa):

1. Make memory art. Scrapbook, make a timeline, or start a “nostalgia shelf.” Si loves symbols. Let it have its little museum moment.
2. Organize something. A playlist, your bookmarks folder, your tea drawer. It’ll calm your inner chaos more than you’d expect.
3. Use past wins as evidence. When self-doubt hits, re-read something you crushed. Si can be a pep talk—not just a cringe compilation.
4. Rituals for transitions. Create tiny routines to start or end your workday. Si adores rituals. And INTPs secretly love rules they make themselves.

ENTP – Tertiary Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

Nickname: The Lovable Debate Champion Who Cares More Than They Admit

ENTPs are here for ideas, innovation, and instigation. Their motto might as well be “I have a theory and a whiteboard.” But underneath that constant motion is tertiary Fe—the function that wants everyone to like them but can’t admit it out loud.

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Fe helps ENTPs become more aware of how their ideas land. They start noticing emotional tone, building rapport, and even (gasp) caring about people’s feelings. They use their charm to uplift rather than just entertain. Healthy Fe doesn’t smother their wit—it just gives it better aim.

When It’s Chaotic:

Unhealthy Fe turns ENTPs into response-chasing gremlins. They become manipulative, dramatic, or weirdly desperate to “win” social situations. You’ll see them joke their way out of accountability, flirt with authority figures, or troll someone just to get an emotional reaction.

Real Life Example:

I’ve worked with ENTPs who know how to win people over, make the perfectly-timed jokes, or seem like someone’s best friend. For about a week or even a month they’re obsessed with this friendship or relationship. But there’s no loyalty to it. They struggle to stay committed to the friendship or relationship when they don’t feel like there are more ideas to mine from it. However, they persist in “charming” new people, then moving on.

How to Feed Your Fe Without Manipulating the Emotional Atmosphere:

1. Do one kind thing a day. Not to be liked. Just because it feels good. Compliment someone. Offer help. Make eye contact. Tertiary Fe lives for this.
2. Ask questions that matter. “How are you really?” ENTPs are already curious—Fe just wants to aim that curiosity at hearts, not just headlines.
3. Play social improv. Try being the “listener” at a party. No jokes, no one-upping. Just present attention. Weirdly rewarding.
4. Make it emotional. Watch something that makes you cry and don’t fight it. Fe isn’t weakness—it’s the part of you that feels your humanity. Don’t ghost it.

ESFP – Tertiary Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Nickname: The Wildflower With a Label Maker

ESFPs are full-sensory, full-throttle humans. They’re all about the experience. They soak up the moment like it’s champagne and they’re drinking straight from the bottle. But quietly lurking behind the magnitude of their charisma is a tiny inner CEO whispering, “Okay but… do you have a five-year plan though?”

Enter tertiary Te.

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Te helps ESFPs get stuff done. It brings structure to their sparkle. They start finishing what they start, organizing their chaos, and setting boundaries that protect their energy. This is the ESFP who runs a thriving art business from their sun-drenched studio, has themed Google Calendars, and somehow makes logistics look fun.

They don’t lose their spontaneity—they just know which drawer the scissors go in.

When It’s Chaotic:

When Te is underdeveloped or overcompensating, ESFPs can get controlling, defensive, or overly obsessed with looking “on top of it.” Think: shouting “I’M FINE” while color-coding a planner they’ll abandon in a week. They might push people too hard, demand unrealistic results, or burn themselves out trying to prove they’re not “just a creative.”

Real Life Example:

I had an ESFP friend who once spent three straight days building an Etsy shop—including photos, pricing strategy, and social media marketing—and then never launched it. She said it was “too much pressure.” That’s tertiary Te flipping between “I’m a mogul” and “I’m going to cry into a blanket.”

How ESFPs Can Use Te Without Losing Their Fun:

1. Batch your brilliance. Use timers or themed days (like “Marketing Mondays”) to focus your energy. Te likes structure—but only in short bursts.
2. Track tiny wins. Keep a “done” list, not just a to-do list. You’ll see how capable you are without turning into a robot.
3. Gamify your goals. Te wants results—so turn them into games. Hit a sales milestone? Treat yourself to bubble tea and dance it out.
4. Let systems serve you. Create simple, flexible routines that support your freedom. If it doesn’t feel fun or functional, it’s not your Te. It’s someone else’s Pinterest board.

ESTP – Tertiary Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

Nickname: The Charmer With a Soft Side (That Scares Them)

ESTPs are the human equivalent of jumping into cold water on a dare and somehow pulling it off with sunglasses still on. They’re quick, clever, and hardwired for action. But lurking underneath that smooth, no-nonsense exterior is a surprisingly warm function that just wants people to feel okay.

Yep—tertiary Fe is the part of the ESTP that texts “you good?” at 2AM… then immediately regrets being vulnerable.

When It’s Healthy:

When Fe is developed, ESTPs become shockingly good with people. They’re warm, funny, emotionally tuned in—and not just for show. They start to genuinely care about others’ experiences and can act as fierce defenders of their friends, no matter the cost. The ESTP with strong Fe is the ride-or-die friend who’ll roast you and hype you up in the same sentence.

When It’s Chaotic:

When undeveloped, tertiary Fe can be a weird emotional landmine. One minute ESTPs are charming and magnetic, the next they’re passive-aggressively mocking someone for being “too emotional”—only to panic when someone does the same to them. They may crave approval while pretending they don’t care, or try to “win” social situations just to prove they’re not soft.

Worst-case scenario: Fe turns manipulative. Think using social charm to deflect accountability or make people feel dumb so they can feel smart.

Real Life Example:

I’m going to have to ask my husband about this one (he’s an ESTP). He says that he was always the “fun” friend in his teen years, but sometimes he wasn’t sure whether any of his friends actually liked him for himself or whether it was just because he had charm, humor, and a pool table. But he’d never ask anyone that; he’d just keep playing the part.

How ESTPs Can Use Fe Without Exploding from Emotional Exposure:

1. Have a hype practice. Once a week, send an unprompted compliment. Not flattery—something real. You’ll build connection and feel oddly good.
2. Be honest about feelings (to one person). Not a crowd. Not the group chat. One person. Fe thrives in real connection—not performative coolness.
3. Use charm for good. Your people skills are a superpower. Use them to lift the vibe, de-escalate tension, or help the shy kid feel included.

ISFP – Tertiary Introverted Intuition (Ni)

Nickname: The Soft-Spoken Prophet (With Trust Issues)

ISFPs lead with Fi—meaning they’ve got a deep well of values, personal truth, and quiet conviction. But the longer you know an ISFP, the more you realize: this person knows things. They pick up on the vibes. They sense the undercurrents. They look at a weird cloud and go, “Something’s coming.”

That’s their Ni creeping in.

When It’s Healthy:

When ISFPs develop their Ni, they start trusting their insights. They use those gut feelings to guide their choices—sometimes without needing a ten-point plan or the approval of others. Ni helps them refine their inner vision, giving their creativity a direction. They might become drawn to symbolism, myth, dreams, or long-term goals that feel rooted in something deeper.

This is the ISFP who writes poetry that unlocks a profound insight into the future of the human condition—or who suddenly knows exactly when to leave a toxic situation before it implodes.

When It’s Chaotic:

When Ni gets twisted, ISFPs can become fatalistic, paranoid, or withdrawn. Instead of guiding their Fi, Ni loops around it—making them suspicious of others’ motives, convinced their visions will never come true, or so focused on the “big picture” that they lose touch with the present.

It can also create weird spiritual detours. Suddenly they’re explaining their life path using tarot, three unrelated dreams, and a line from a Florence + the Machine song.

Real Life Example:

I once heard of an ISFP who ghosted an entire friend group after having “a bad feeling” about someone’s tone in a group text. Turns out, no one even remembered what had been said—but she was sure something dark was under the surface. Was it the right or wrong choice? I’ll never know.

How ISFPs Can Use Ni Without Becoming a Forest Witch Who Trusts No One:

1. Journal your “gut” moments. Start writing down those instincts—what came true, what didn’t. It’ll help you trust Ni while keeping it grounded.
2. Create with symbolism. Paint, write, sculpt, tattoo—use art to explore deeper meanings. Ni thrives when given metaphor to play with.
3. Dreamwork, but chill. Explore dreams, archetypes, or myths—but don’t let them override your lived reality. Use them as inspiration, not prophecy.
4. Ask “what else could be true?” When you have a dark hunch, challenge it gently. Ni sometimes connects the dots… wrong. Stay open.

ISTP – Tertiary Introverted Intuition (Ni)

Nickname: The Tactical Philosopher (Who Doesn’t Want to Talk About It)

ISTPs lead with Ti: clean logic, practical analysis, and zero tolerance for nonsense. But their tertiary Ni adds a weird, mystical streak. They may not talk about it, but they’ve thought about the nature of the universe, why we’re here, and what it all means—and they’ve probably Googled “how long it would take to disappear into the Alaskan wilderness unnoticed.”

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Ni gives ISTPs an almost ninja-like sense of timing. They know when to act, when to wait, and when to vanish. It also helps them see patterns and develop long-term strategies. Their decisions aren’t just logical—they’re informed by foresight. They can be shockingly philosophical in a low-key, “I’m gonna drop a life truth while fixing a carburetor” kind of way.

This is the ISTP who seems aloof until they casually drop a line like, “Most people are just trying to distract themselves from death,” and then goes back to defeating his enemies in Call of Duty.

When It’s Chaotic:

When Ni is running wild, ISTPs get suspicious, disengaged, or obsessed with a single idea. Instead of adapting to their environment (which is their superpower), they get stuck in their head, building theories about how the world is probably a simulation and therefore, nothing matters. They might stop taking action because they’ve already imagined how everything will go wrong.

Also: they start ghosting everyone and say it’s because “they just knew it was time.”

Real Life Example:

One ISTP I knew wouldn’t take a job offer because he “had a hunch” that the company wouldn’t last. No evidence. A year later, they were fine. But he still swears he was right “on a deeper level.” Maybe he was right. Only time will tell.

How ISTPs Can Use Ni Without Becoming a Brooding Shadow Prophet:

1. Forecast with purpose. Use Ni to strategize—not to spiral. When you notice a pattern, ask: “What action would move me forward here?”
2. Give your thoughts an outlet. Write, sketch, build something abstract. Ni loves turning ideas into form—but needs a creative container.
3. Stay in your body. Ni pulls you inward. Balance it by pairing it with physical action: sports, hiking, DIY projects. Your Se keeps you grounded.
4. Check your hunches. When you “just know” something’s doomed, talk it out with a trusted friend. Ni is wise—but not infallible.

ESFJ – Tertiary Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

Nickname: The Party Planner Who’s Lowkey a Conspiracy Theorist

ESFJs lead with Fe—so they’re relational wizards, tuned into others’ emotions and needs like it’s their job (and often, it literally is). But behind that hyper-aware exterior is tertiary Ne whispering, “What if they’re not actually fine? What if you’re missing something? What if this whole event is secretly about you?”

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Ne helps ESFJs open their minds and get creative. Suddenly, they’re not just hosting the family reunion—they’re adding a murder mystery theme. They might brainstorm new ways to help their community, experiment with spiritual ideas, or find clever hacks for everyday problems. They become more flexible, more fun, and more willing to question the “shoulds.”

Also, their humor gets weird in the best way.

When It’s Chaotic:

When stressed or insecure, tertiary Ne turns ESFJs into anxious overthinkers. Suddenly they’re reading way too much into someone’s tone, imagining 17 catastrophic outcomes from a mildly awkward email, or doubting their own perfectly fine decisions because “what if I missed something?”

Also, they may start 6 new projects because they’re bored… and then panic because everything’s falling apart.

Real Life Example:

I know quite a few ESFJs who use their Ne to blend creativity into their hands-on projects. They find new ways to use scraps that others would just throw out. At the same time, they can be the first to dive into an enthusiastic discussion about the latest conspiracy theory, whether they fully believe in it or not.

How ESFJs Can Play Nice With Their Ne Without Spiraling:

1. Keep a “Possibility Notebook.” When Ne throws out wild ideas (start a book club! write a rom-com! invent a new casserole!), write them down instead of acting on all of them. Let the ideas breathe without taking over.
2. Get curious, not catastrophic. Notice when you start imagining worst-case scenarios. Pause and ask, “What’s the best possible outcome?” Ne can dream up positive possibilities too.
3. Experiment with mini risks. Try a new recipe. Wear something out of your comfort zone. Ne loves novelty, and you’ll grow without needing to upend your life.
4. Brainstorm with safe people. Ne thrives in playful conversation. Talk to a close friend who won’t judge your weird theories or random business ideas. Bonus if they love memes.

ISFJ – Tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Nickname: The Gentle Fact-Checker Who Will Silently Judge Your Logic

ISFJs are known for their dependability, empathy, and desire to create harmony. Their Fe makes them socially attentive; their Si makes them detail-oriented and cautious. But tucked behind all that helpfulness is a brain that occasionally screams, “That doesn’t make sense and I am VERY bothered.”

That’s Ti, my friend.

When It’s Healthy:

A well-developed Ti gives ISFJs clarity. It helps them define why something matters to them, what principles they stand for, and how to communicate their thoughts without just defaulting to people-pleasing. They become more confident in their reasoning, less reliant on outside validation, and surprisingly sharp at picking apart contradictions (with a smile).

They’re the ISFJ who calmly corrects your faulty logic, explains a system they built for organizing their spice drawer, and then bakes you banana bread like nothing happened.

When It’s Chaotic:

Unhealthy Ti makes ISFJs closed-off, combative, and over-invested in their own internal logic (even when it’s built on shaky ground). Instead of connecting with others through Fe, they retreat into their heads and construct narratives like: “Everyone else is irrational, and I alone see the truth.” (A little dramatic, a lot familiar.)

They may become overly skeptical, nitpicky, or judgmental—especially when emotions are running high and Ti is trying to shut everything down with “logic.” This is when ISFJs might ghost a conversation instead of addressing their feelings… then later write a 2-page journal entry dismantling the other person’s argument.

Real Life Example:

This one isn’t from my own life, but an example a fellow MBTI® practitioner gave me. She knew an ISFJ who politely nodded through a meeting, then sent a three-paragraph email afterward explaining—in detail—why the proposed idea wouldn’t work and included bullet points and sources. She was right. But it was also… very Ti.

How ISFJs Can Use Ti Like a Thoughtful Sword (Not a Panic Room):

1. Debate yourself—on paper. When your thoughts feel tangled, write out your argument… then challenge it. Ti loves sharpening logic this way.
2. Name your principles. Write down your core principles and what you believe to be true. You’ll feel more grounded—and less like you’re spinning in other people’s expectations.
3. Build a system that serves you. Use Ti to organize your day, your recipes, your skincare, your mental health—whatever brings peace to the inner chaos.
4. Use logic as a bridge, not a wall. When someone’s being emotional, don’t just retreat into analysis mode. Ti’s real power? Helping you understand, not just dissect.

ESTJ – Tertiary Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

Nickname: The Drill Sergeant With a Backup Career in Improv

ESTJs are practical, efficient, and very into getting things done. Like, they’ve already made the to-do list and scheduled the rest of your week. But buried under all that structure and go-go-go energy is a quirky little function that goes, “Wait… what if we quit our job and start a new business in Costa Rica?”

That’s Ne. And it shows up with no warning.

When It’s Healthy:

Tertiary Ne can make ESTJs more open-minded, inventive, and surprisingly funny. Instead of just sticking to tried-and-true methods, they start experimenting, brainstorming, and yes—sometimes winging it. They can become fantastic problem-solvers who not only follow procedures but also improve them.

The healthiest ESTJs are still grounded in reality—but they leave the door cracked for serendipity and serendipitous weirdness.

When It’s Chaotic:

When Ne is misused or ignored for too long, it starts to riot. ESTJs may start jumping from one impulsive idea to another, chasing possibilities not because they make sense—but because something has to change. They might abandon routines in dramatic fashion or micromanage people based on imagined disasters that haven’t (and probably won’t) happen.

And when they’re especially stressed? Ne can turn into a conspiracy machine. “Why did she pause for two seconds before replying? Is she planning to overthrow my authority?!”

Real Life Example:

One ESTJ I knew suddenly got obsessed with essential oils. Out of nowhere. She was running a tight, successful business—and then BOOM. “Let’s do aromatherapy!” She made charts, color-coded “therapeutic benefits” spreadsheets, bought $300 of oils… and dropped it all two weeks later.

That’s Ne trying to shake things up with a little bit of novelty and chaos.

How ESTJs Can Make Friends With Ne (Without Burning Down Their Calendar):

1. Schedule creativity. Seriously. Give Ne a sandbox by setting aside time for brainstorming or exploring new options without committing to them right away.
2. Label wild ideas as “experiments.” Try them in small ways—no need to overhaul your life after one Pinterest binge.
3. Let other people’s ideas in. Instead of shutting down weird suggestions, ask, “What’s one good angle here?” Ne loves a curveball—it might surprise you.
4. Laugh at your own chaos. When Ne goes full rogue, don’t panic. Take a breath, journal it out, and maybe make a journal entry about it. Humor = perspective.

ISTJ – Tertiary Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Nickname: The Stoic Who Will Die on a Moral Hill You Didn’t Know Existed

ISTJs are all about reliability, order, and doing things right. Their dominant Si tracks everything that’s ever worked, their Te organizes it into systems, and they usually come off as the adultiest adults in any room. But lurking underneath that buttoned-up logic is Fi… the emotional crusader with a list of personal values and a flamethrower.

When It’s Healthy:

When ISTJs develop their Fi, they become quietly but deeply principled. They don’t just do things by the book—they do them with integrity. They start to figure out what really matters to them personally, not just what’s efficient or expected. They also become more compassionate and open to nuance.

Fi adds warmth and soul to the ISTJ’s structure. They’ll pretend they’re unbothered by the sentimental Chevy commercial…then they’ll go cry in the bathroom. But they’ll also listen to their family more intensely, recognize their individuality, and encourage them in a deeply nuanced way only Fi can really master.

When It’s Chaotic:

Unhealthy Fi in an ISTJ creates a stubborn, self-righteous version of them that’s almost unrecognizable. They’ll dig in their heels, moralize, and cling to their personal viewpoint even when all the facts are against them. Logic? Gone. Evidence? Doesn’t matter. Their feelings have decided what’s true.

They may become defensive, dismissive of others’ values, or quietly martyr themselves in the name of “doing the right thing.”

Real Life Example:

I had to ask around for this one. I finally came across an ISTJ who said that they often struggled to apologize, even when they hurt others’ feelings, because they knew they hadn’t meant any harm. Internally, his Fi logic said: “I was right. I don’t apologize when I’m right.” This was especially difficult for him when he was in his 20s and 30s, but as he’s gotten older he told me he’s made peace with recognizing and validating/honoring others’ feelings, even if they don’t “make sense” to him.

How ISTJs Can Let Fi Breathe Without Becoming a Self-Righteous Hedgehog:

1. Write out your values. What do you actually stand for? List them. Define them. Fi loves clarity—and this keeps it from turning passive-aggressive.
2. Ask, “What’s true for them?” Fi can get tunnel-vision. Practicing empathy keeps it humble and real.
3. Make time to be emotional. Drive alone in your car while listening to sad songs. Write your feelings in your journal. Watch a sad movie and cry (alone, so you don’t have to worry about being judged).
4. Be open about what matters to you. Share your values in small ways. Vulnerability is strength—not a trap.

What Are Your Thoughts?

How have you used your tertiary function? Do you relate to these examples? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Find out more about your personality type in our eBook, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type.

This article was last updated on April 4, 2025.

Other Articles You Might Enjoy:

An Introduction to the Shadow Functions

The Weak Spot of Every Myers-Briggs® Type (and How to Strengthen It!)

The Teenage Struggles of Every Myers-Briggs® Type

Discover Your Superpower Based on Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Sources:

Understanding Yourself and Others – An Introduction to the Personality Type Code by Linda V. Berens and Dario Nardi

Depth Typology – The Guide Map to Becoming Who We Are by Mark Hunziker

Building Blocks of Personality Type by Leona Haas and Mark Hunziker

This article contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I truly believe in.