Sensor vs. Intuitor
The Four inner dichotomies – Sensors vs. Intuitors, and Feelers vs. Thinkers can be complete opposites. Regarding Sensors vs. Intuitors, depending on the strengths of each dichotomy, a person can really create some intense conflict and stress in any type of relationship.
Sensors like to know why something works and are not comfortable with ambiguity. They like solvable problems that have already been vetted. They generally shy away from unproven theories and concepts. The old-fashioned journalism questions of who, what, where, when, and why is a good way to describe their thought process. If one is a sensor-feeler, it can sometimes appear that they enjoy theories and concepts but as soon as certain debates start, they have trouble enjoying the debate will have difficulty keeping up with hypothetical examples.
Intuitors are usually quite imaginative and enjoy dreaming about different scenarios, stories, or problems; although NT’s and NF’s differ in the way their imagination functions (NF’s are romantic and dreamy whereas NT’s are experimental and innovative). They tend to live in the grey area and think outside the box. Their abstract minds constantly search for new meanings and are typically reflective. They usually use their gut for decisions and are comfortable with not having a set answer or precedence.
Sensors may view intuitors as being reckless because they do not understand their thought process. Due to these differences sensors have a difficult time interpreting information outside their own world of experience and may view intuitors as being reckless and foolish. Sensors look for concrete and tangible ways to problem solve, address conflict, and live out their daily life. Intuitors enjoy not having all the answers and approach conflict with different strategies that may be very unconventional.
Some of the reasons why these two preferences can clash in relationships:
- The difference in approaching conflict and how to solve it
- Synthesizing and processing general information
- Belief systems and values
The best way to deal with the opposing preferences is to try and meet at a common ground and seek understanding even if you do not agree with the other viewpoint. This is typically more difficult for sensing types but some intuitive types may also have difficulty. Identifying the two inner preferences can be very helpful while interacting with people. One of the reasons why I personally do not suggest for romantic relationships to be in direct opposition of each other (i.e. ST types with NF types) is because of how much (more) work it takes on a daily basis to maintain some level of peace.