You mean
this (from intp (dot) org):
Friendship with INTPs develops at a pace which depends considerably on the temperament of the other person. INTPs dislike making the first move and tend to mirror the emotional content of the other person. A jolly person will quickly bring the INTP out of his shell, as much as that is possible, while a serious person will find a serious INTP looking back at him. In this sense, INTPs preference for intuitive perception (rather than action) with respect to people results in them resembling a chameleon. The INTP can fit into many different modes of behaviour, even contradictory ones, in order to get into the mindset of the other person. The goal is to gain enough intuitive data to analyse and assess the person. In doing this, the INTP remains somewhat reserved, never wholly identifying himself with his surroundings. As chameleons, INTPs are therefore approachable and open, unless the Ne tells the INTP that the other person is a type he doesn't like, in which case the reserved attitude may become too obvious. The chameleon behaviour can be particularly strong when discussing something. The INTP may even argue something that he doesn't really believe himself. Sometimes it is for the intellectual stimulation that comes with the challenge of arguing from a variety of standpoints. Otherwise, it may be to avoid early conflict before the situation has been fully assessed. Chameleons hide their true selves. INTPs do not do this cynically, or indeed all the time, but it is a result of the strong desire to remain detached and observe.
The chameleon attitude is true. But I don't think that is flipping sides. Everything is working introvertedly, as it should. It's an act, a facade, a mask that we present to others, so we can confront and analyze them, but that is not our real selves...
I find that this behaviour is so deeply a part of me, that I think there is no person that I am actually honest about myself. I feel as if every single interaction that I have with people is fake, somewhat scripted or calculated. I'm constantly hiding, lying, pretending... and I get tired of it quickly. Maybe only the chameleon can know its true colors. So I rather just be alone.
(I am so hopelessly, fatalistically introverted and detached...)
What I do sometimes find more relevant regarding flipping sides is when sometimes (very rarely, that is), after a long time of being deeply reserved and worry full, I eventually give up and start feeling like nothing matters, and I just let go of thinking. For a short time, I suddenly become really extraverted and sociable, active, enthusiastic and even empathic. It's like being high or something, it's really weird...
Its
fundamentally different from the chameleon thing because this is not a calculated and detached act, but rather a complete shutdown of introverted thinking... and the extroverted intuition taking complete control... It seems to be somewhat of a "flipping" and yet it might be true to type... an uncommon and extreme example of what is described here (same source):
The Ne-Ti axis also leads to a curious duality in the thinking of the INTP. The dominant Ti core tends to assume the role of a controller and organiser of his life, while the Ne behaves like a free spirit, almost childlike in its enthusiasm. The INTP tends to experience these two forces as an almost continuous tug-of-war, with neither ever quite gaining the upper hand. He is not disturbed by this duality and can view it with wistful humour. If he has been free-spiriting for any length of time, he soon feels duty bound to analyse his behaviour and systematise it. While if he has been in an analytical mode for a while, he will soon decide that he can do what he wants freely after all.
I am so mystified with the labyrinth of INTPness...
