ISFJ – Which stands for Introverted, Sensing, Feeling and Judging – is one of the 16 Myers-Briggs Personality Types. This type is known and revered for their compassionate, selfless nature which they express through concrete actions. ISFJs are the ultimate nurturers – and everyone needs one in their life.

1. They’ll be real with you – in a kind way.

ISFJs preserve the unique talent of being both die-hard realists and incredibly compassionate individuals. This means that when you get caught up in a fanciful idea, the ISFJ in your life is happy to help you implement realistic steps that will bring you closer to your dream. They’re realistic in a way that helps, never hinders.

2. They’ll be by your side come hell or high water.

‘Loyal’ is the ISFJ’s middle name. This type takes their commitments to others incredibly seriously and once they’ve let you into their inner circle, you have a friend or companion for life. ISFJs stick by your side no matter what tribulation you’re facing – they’ll be the first to show up and the last to leave your side when you’re in need.

3. They are genuinely happy for their loved ones.

There are two types of friends in this world – those who are

“Happy” for your successes and those who genuinely walk around with a bounce in their step on the days when you’re soaring. The latter is the very definition of an ISFJ. This type feels a personal sense of joy when their loved ones are thriving and you’ll always find this type in the front row clapping when you win.

4. They pick up on subtle patterns in behaviour.

ISFJ’s are not entirely forthcoming about the ways in which they’re analyzing those around them but they’re incredibly aware of behavioural patterns – which choices you make on the regular and which mistakes you fall into time and again. If you’re looking for the type of insight you just can’t have on yourself, turn to an ISFJ – they’re quietly aware of your tendencies and they can give you a realistic idea of what you’ve been doing wrong (and right) this whole time.

5. They are the world’s most patient listeners.

Though they may require a bit of processing time before offering up an opinion, the ISFJ will listen to you talk until the end of time. This type enjoys taking in and storing new information, particularly as it pertains to their loved ones. If you’ve had a rough day and you just need to vent, the ISFJ will always be there to listen – and probably to give you a back rub.

6. They are deliberate and genuine in all undertakings.

Because they rarely – if ever – speak without thinking, you can rest assured that any kind words the ISFJ offers you are straight from the heart. This type weighs heavily on every declaration and decision they make, which means you never have to worry about them saying or doing something in the heat of the moment that they don’t actually mean. This type is genuine on all counts. They may not always say everything they mean but they certainly mean everything they say.

7. They are generous and thoughtful, while asking nothing in return.

Careful not to take advantage of this one. ISFJs are natural givers – nothing makes them happier than helping you out with a practical problem or endeavour. They are happy to drive you to the airport, make you dinner, give you a place to sleep or surprise you with an unexpected gift. These small acts make them genuinely happy and they don’t expect anything in return. That being said, it also means they get taken advantage of a little too often. Careful not to ask too much of your ISFJ – they’ll rarely turn down the chance to help you out, even if it’s taxing them more than they readily admit.

8. They will go to the ends of the earth to make your relationship work.

Whether it’s a friendship, a partnership or a familial tie, the ISFJ will do anything and everything within their power to preserve the relationships they’re invested in. Once they’ve accepted you into their inner circle there’s nothing this type will not do to make sure that both of you are happy and benefiting from the relationship. They’re the ultimate companions and once you have an ISFJ in your life, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them.