All temperaments experience the same emotions — but differently. To compare emotions of the different temperaments, we are breaking things down to compare emotions in each of the pairs of profile determinants. Let’s take a look at the emotions of the S and N. This is that “great divide” we discussed in a previous article. But most of this article’s focus will be on the S.
S Emotions Provide Numerous Examples
Since in the S, connections with the world outside of themselves arouse emotions that seem to dominate, we can find plenty of examples. Love, an obvious one, is given generously by the S to other people in deeds or loving actions but not so commonly expressed in language. Their loving deed is seen as adequate if the S is not notified to the contrary. Of course, the S loves to receive love in any form it is given.
N Emotions Seem to Be a Frequent Topic
However, compare emotions of the S to those of the N. We talk about love in the NF more because it is the constant rumination of their minds in all their close relationships. “Am I still loved?” they ask themselves. “Is there still harmony in the relationship?” And when it comes to receiving love in the form of loving deeds, they think to themselves, “Can I depend on the loving action of another to reflect their true feelings? I would like to hear they love me too, just in case I am misunderstanding their deeds.” The N’s attention is on the feeling of harmony and any loss of it is immediately registered as disturbing. Therefore, emotions generated in the virtual world seem to dominate for the NF in particular.
It’s interesting to compare emotions of the NF to those of the NT. The other N, the NT, is not focused on emotions per se. Therefore, their presence or absence does not affect them as much as the NF. The absence of loving expressions tend to disturb them less as long as they know everything is alright. They also tend to express their love less.
The Emotions of the S
Sensing persons are mainly focused on the world outside of themselves. The emotions they feel drive them as they react with the world and, often, in the very moment they are experiencing those emotions. They concretely experience and express love, fear, hate, jealousy, and countless other emotions, often in a very useful, practical way.
Love Must Be Practical
The Ss defend the practical use of their emotions. They point out, for example, that if our love is not practical, it does not satisfy or even pass the test of real love. To them, to sense and experience love, that love must also be in some way practical. “Please show me your love by helping me,” they silently ask. They also imply, “Who would not like a lover to remember your birthday or your anniversary?” Love is seen most assuredly in the husband who labors above the call of duty to provide and the wife who works outside the home and also does her part of the home’s duties without complaint. These expressions of love are most often the true expression of love to the S. Not that Ns don’t appreciate such devotion when the S gives it. But on its own, deeds are insufficient for the NF.
Emotions: How the S Deals with the World
Since emotions are our way of dealing with the world and responding to its events and to our interpretations of them, the Ss believe their emotions. Their emotions are a part of the real world they live in. And they construct their views of what is happening, has happened, or will happen around their emotions. An S can quickly react to events and to people, taking the experience and the emotions their engagement creates at face value.
They believe what they see, hear and, consequently, feel. Why not, since it meets the demands of our physical senses? If someone makes a statement, rather than looking for hidden explanations and motives, they believe the person said what they meant. And surely they must also hold them responsible for what they have said. It’s as simple as that. The emotional interpretations of the S are, then, part of their dominant orientation to the outside world.
The S May Be Easier to Understand
Therefore, in the case of the S, we also rather easily observed and understood their emotions, since they responded in a concrete form to what most people are also responding to. (Ss are more than three quarters of the population). Their response most often accepts at face value what their encounters suggest. When we say Ss are more easily understood, this is one factor that explains that observation.
Of course, “easily read” does not mean they react according to a few obvious emotions. For instance, there are numerous reactions possible to a car cutting them off on the freeway. It could be rage, upset, mild concern, an urge to call the police, a feeling of dislike, hate, or simply despising the offending driver.
On the other hand, if they approve of the act, there is an almost endless set of emotions that start with being attracted to the offending driver’s nerve, the thrill of speed, or the call of danger.
Then Again, the S May NOT Be So Easy to Understand
No list would be complete because of the complexity and subtlety of our ever-changing emotions. So the emotional world of the S is not simplistic even if their reactions and interpretations of what is going on may be straight forward.
When one emotion is observed, other emotions can also be drawn into play, creating a flood of emotional responses. The world of emotion in the S is many-faceted and never fully understood by another person.
Give up? Don’t. Next, we’ll compare emotions of the Ns. Ns experience the same things in life, even if their inner drives differ. Therefore, they can read people with a high degree of accuracy. With practice they will become adept at knowing how the S feels.
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