another intj father to report - the frequency of which in the intp clan is rather curious (nature vs. nurture?). my father is very stern when someone barges into a room, posing as an authority, but is really the most incompetent s.o.b. there. however, if that person has the same aggressive tendencies and a world of knowledge and experience on a topic, my father becomes ingratiatingly friendly. thats another facet in a person he highly values: experience, what differentiates the intp from the intj. if theres an artisan or employee who can speak well, especially extemporaneously well, on a subject, s/he has my full attention. contrastingly, my father would see this as only half of the equation and ask for an empirical demonstration of that knowledge, a segue into a show.
not to deify him too much, but i really respect his intelligence. mine is almost exclusively theoretical, but his has an earthy, worldwise, hands on dimension in addition to book smarts. the best word to characterize this is factotum. he feels equally at home in home depot as staples, borders, or a college campus. i dont know whos smarter per se, but he definitely owns me in terms of implementing ideas and finding creative ways to interact effectively with reality - whereas i just stay in my room all day. the downside to this tendency of his is that he is increasingly smitten with the world of money making; he might be bona fide workaholic, but w/ regard to aholics, a workaholic is a fine malady to have.
that was the pros, this is the cons - the latter arent too bad though. because of his fondness for interacting and reacting to the "real world" he doesnt deign to read fiction that often, nor does he branch out and try novel activities, lest they interfere with his work schedule. sometimes he confuses wisdom for stubbornness. also, and speaking to the subbornness, he has had some great friendships destroyed over the years because of his - and their - proudness and unwillingness to admit error. for example, he hasnt spoken to his brother or best friend in about five years because of a business related work altercation. word to the wise: dont mix business and ones personal life, even if the circumstances scream for such an agreement. some friendships are too beautiful to waste on green paper.
conclusion, for the few still reading, in my perception he is the apotheosis and self-actualized rarity of an intj - clever, congenial, both thick skinned and sensitive simulataneously, a lover of irony, indomitable, and caring. what is this fathers day, before i get too gooey ill sign off.
If it doesn't work, at least you will have said what needs to be said. Then, when you get to the gate, give dear old dad the finger.
Sorry for you guys tho. Stinks having a dad who acts like an overbearing psycho. My dad is an INFJ, but he is kind of messed up, and he was a real psycho sometimes growing up.
