Instructions for care: Needs time alone on a regular basis

About a year ago, my mom's group had a guest speaker who talked about Myers-Briggs personality types and parenting style. We each completed a MBTI questionnaire prior to the presentation and were provided with our personality profile. My personality type is INFJ -- Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging. Alternately described as a "protector" or a "counselor," for parenting this type is called the "Know Thyself" mother. I read over my INFJ parenting style description and was blown away by how accurate it was. "Probably no one takes life and child-raising more seriously than the INFJ," I read. "She approaches mothering as a profession requiring her best self." Well, geez. I reflected. Totally true. But, doesn't EVERYONE? In chatting with other moms in the group, though, I found no other INFJs. I have since learned that INFJ is the most rare of the 16 personality types, representing less than 1% of the population. That's right, loyal readers. I am practically an enigma.

My profile also described me as a listener. I did not, however, listen to the "Tips for INFJs." You see, the last part of the profile described INFJ weaknesses. Weaknesses, shneakmesses! Who wants to read about their weaknesses? Well, darn it if that Myers-Briggs didn't have me pegged. You see, today I was suddenly overwhelmed with being with others. Truly, I have no time to myself anymore. Well, except for that visit to the dentist in November . . . Ahh, memories. How lovely it was to lie on that reclining chair . . . but I digress. Back to today. I just could not take another moment of togetherness. "Although she is drawn to people," my profile reads, "the INFJ mother must remember that she needs time alone on a regular basis." Oops. Sensing calamity, David wisely suggested that I take a walk. I headed out into a cold, crisp afternoon, listening to a "This American Life" podcast, smiling like I had won the lottery. I splurged on a shot of vanilla in my latte and sat on a bench savoring this rare moment of peace. And I decided, I'm gonna do this more often. Thanks, Myers-Briggs.