Always an Insightful Discussion on the Drive Back Home

by James Campbell

I was an Internist, MD, in private practice, and often racing with the clock, when I began exploring both the Enneagram (Social 5) and the MBTI. When I retired in 1998, my MBTI preferences were for INTJ.

In 2000, I attended a presentation by Pat Wyman who specializes in the Enneagram and the MBTI and together we concluded that I was INFJ. This felt right! Relationships are very important to me, as is political correctness, but for medical judgments, I favored thinking decisions.

I soon learned about the 8 functions and the Beebe model that made much more sense than the dichotomies. I really resonated with Se as my inferior function. For example, my passion for more physical interests, like skiing and singing that demand more Se control, can sometimes be awkward and challenging.

I am 88 and now live in a CCRC (senior living facility) in San Francisco. I’m busy with the Health Committee (although I didn’t enjoy being Director for 2 years), the library committee, a group dealing with end-of-life issues, the chorus, Great Books, plus 2 book clubs. Because of lumbar spinal stenosis, I work out daily in our gym for an hour.

Despite all the activities, I definitely prefer introversion. I have always needed time alone to read, practice the piano, and now to work on a climatology project. My (ISFJ) partner who died in June 2023 was also a regular member of BAAPT and active in the Church choir where we met. He was extremely helpful, practical, and an excellent driver! He amazed me with his Se function! 

We always discussed BAAPT programs on the drive back home, and I would explain new insights I gained from that meeting. (He hated the small groups; I loved them!) We had great respect for each other’s different opinions; I credit learning psychological type and both of us sharing the Fe function. 

​Belonging to BAAPT for 24 years has helped me better understand, retrospectively, choices I’ve made and the interests I’ve had in my life. ❖