Now that you have answered the questionnaire you may proceed to the next part of this adventure by reviewing the letters you have selected above to find your probable temperament and that of your spouse.  The General Description of this temperament is shown below.

Link to other types
Link to negotiations matrix

General description of the ISFP

• - Most misunderstood of all.
• - Tendency not to express themselves directly, but through action.
• - Does not plan and prepare.
• - Special kind of intelligence.
• - Kindest of all the types.
• - Sometimes seen by others as reserved and private.
• - Instinctive longing for the natural, the pastoral, the bucolic.
• - Easily bored, wanting excitement, risk, chance and tests of luck.
• - Spender rather than a saver.
• - Likely to become a pacifist or environmentalist.
• - Negotiates with ease.
• - As negotiator, goes into a situation with the intent of getting warring factions to compromise.
• - Troubleshooting
• - Very low need to lead and control others.
• - Lives harmoniously.
• - Encourages all life to fulfill its potential.
• - Difficult for ISFPs to understand the need of some people to impose limits or structure on others.
• - Blends in.
• - Can easily be overlooked or overpowered .
• - Creative, artsy.
• - Often oblivious to the "standard" way.
• - Little need to lead or influence.
• - Little interest in the conceptual and abstract and is most responsive to the pragmatic.
• - Money is secondary, the primary concern is that service be rendered .
• - Little need to plan.

Strengths of ISFPs

• Bring personal values to negotiating.
• Will protect personal values.
• Until ideals are compromised, can be flexible, adaptable in negotiations.
• Very compassionate towards those who are needy.
• Can be effective conciliators.
• Will consider options/possibilities.
• Will handle difficulties in negotiations easily.

Weaknesses of ISFPs as Negotiators

• Under stress may be critical, disparaging, disgusted with other's "stupid" ideas.
• Not good negotiators.
• Gentle, retiring nature makes them ineffective except in a well-structured environment.
• Needs to be well-represented.
• Because of idealism and loyalty, ISFPs will suffer considerably from separation distress.
• Needs to wait until fully disengaged to negotiate.
• Goals "too perfect" to be readily achievable if the spouse is strong-willed.
• Their retiring nature may require third party intervention.
• Will put off coming to the table until late in process due to desire to put things off.
• Finds it difficult to express opinions strongly.

How the ISFP sees Self

• Very affirming.
• Sympathetic and trusting.
• Good communicator especially where values and ideals are involved.
• Hard working and practical.

How Others see the ISFP

• Difficult to negotiate with.
• Won't follow divorce laws or is naive about what actual law is.
• Not serious enough about negotiations.
• Flaky and irresponsible.

How to Negotiate well with Other Types

• If you feel you are weak in putting forth ideas, involve a negotiator to speak for you - a CPA, an attorney.
• Try some limited negotiations on specific topic.
• Take an outline and listen to spouse.  Keep goals in mind and don't get hung up on process.
• Do work on options and possibilities
• Write to your opponent if the face-to-face is too difficult.
• Try to assert what is most important to you.
• Explain your differences and preferences.  You cannot please your spouse in these negotiations - please yourself
• Meet your needs
• Try an assertiveness training class.
• Practice negotiating skills with a friend with a similar temperament to your spouse and of the same gender.

The information in these links describe how each of these temperaments interacts with the others in the context of divorce negotiations.