Safeguarding: An ISFP’s Guide to Trust & Boundaries

Sailors,
As an ISFP personality type, I am deeply guided by my emotions and inner compass. Kindness and empathy are at the core of who I am, and I hold authenticity and trust as the foundation of every connection. If I sense someone isn’t genuine, or worse, if my trust is betrayed, I instinctively protect myself. I retreat quietly, avoiding confrontation, it simply isn’t in my nature. I prefer to bypass unnecessary drama or drawn-out conversations. No matter how long we talk, if my intuition tells me I can’t trust you, I never will. It feels pointless to pretend otherwise, so I let go of the chains of our bond and let myself drift away. My priority is my well-being. I intentionally create distance between myself and anything or anyone that disrupts my peace. The process may seem subtle, but it is deliberate and final. I’ll withdraw from your presence, remove myself from interactions, and refrain from sharing space with you or those closely connected to you. The warmth and openness I once extended will transform into an impenetrable wall. There is rarely a formal goodbye; I simply sail away, leaving no trace, as if I was never there.

I know this might be hard for some people to understand – not everyone is wired the same way. We all have our own unique ways of handling both our inner thoughts and the world around us. My decision to remove you from my life story and begin a new chapter is always thoughtful and intentional, never impulsive. It follows a period of careful observation and deep reflection. If I reach the point where I feel the connection has eroded and can’t be trusted, I make my decision with clarity and resolve. I stick to it. I don’t second-guess my final decisions or extend other chances. 

With that said, I hold no space for hate, it is also not in my nature. I don’t dwell, harbor resentment, or feel animosity. I wish you well from a distance, even if I will not open the door to reconnect or share any part of myself again. I stand firm, true to my values, and prioritize safeguarding my peace. I carry no guilt for this decision. When I let go, I truly let go. I release all emotional ties and move forward with neutrality. I leave the past where it belongs.

However, while I strive to maintain harmony, steer clear of conflict, and quietly detach, when necessary, my patience wears thin when my boundaries are repeatedly crossed. Persistent stalking behavior like those individuals who fixate on you relentlessly for months or even years leaves me feeling deeply unsettled and frustrated. Deliberate harmful behavior and obsession with another person is entirely unacceptable to me. In such situations, I am resolute in standing up for myself and taking action to safeguard my well-being. 

Does any of this sound like you? If so, you may be an ISFP personality too.

Signed.
-Just a messy mom in her kitchen
Lighting the way with purpose, resilience, and hope
Founder & Creator of Crum Canoe Candle Co.
Nikki Crum