Do INTJs Cry?

Of course, we do cry. We are humans with an odd personality, something that might seem strange but is simply part of our nature.

Of course, we feel deep and intensely. It can be bewildering at times to see this in a personality type known for its logical nature.

INTJs and Emotional Responses

It's a strange question to ask about whether INTJs cry, as all humans have the ability to experience and express emotions. However, INTJs often have a more compartmentalized approach to intense emotions, which can lead to different ways of expressing those emotions.

INTJs, or Introverted Intuitive ThinkingJudging (INTJ), individuals are known for their logical and analytical thinking. They sometimes find it difficult to label and express their emotions, often bottling these feelings up or processing them in a delayed manner. This can make the overflow of tears feel even more intense or unexpected.

Crying as a Last Resort

Unlike others who might cry at the first sign of emotional distress, INTJs tend to cry 1) infrequently, 2) in safe environments, 3) mostly alone, and 4) often when it seems like there is nothing to cry about. As we age, we become more adept at allowing ourselves to cry more often, which can be beneficial for our overall mental health. A primary care doctor has even recommended that INTJs "let" themselves cry more frequently to help with gut immune system and other ailments exacerbated by stress.

Delayed Emotional Reactions

INTJs might show a stoic and logical response to life-changing events, such as the death of a loved one or a monumental life event. It's in the aftermath, when they are alone and in a dark, secluded space, that the emotional response hits. This delayed reaction can make it almost impossible to voluntarily turn tears off once they start.

Music as an Emotional Outlet

For INTJs like myself, music often serves as an emotional outlet that we all have as humans. As a concert pianist, I found that my emotional responses were often kept separate from my performance. Despite the terror of stage fright, my brain wouldn't allow me to tap into those emotions while I was performing. Instead, I would often experience intense physical reactions, such as throwing up after the performance, which illustrated the separation and compartmentalization my INTJ brain uses with emotions.

These expressions of deep and intense emotion can make INTJs stand out in situations where they are the go-to for crisis intervention. This often comes from a natural ability to maintain composure during stressful events and then allow the full range of emotions to surface later in private.

Thank you for asking this question, as it helps to shed light on the often complicated emotional landscape of INTJs.