The Packing Process of an Indecisive ISFJ

I had to laugh at myself this morning as I began packing to go home for spring break.

The average college student when preparing to go home for break, has perhaps three bags they take home. 1) A duffel full of all the remaining weather-appropriate, clean clothes they could round up, 2) A full laundry bag of dirty clothes, and 3) A backpack with some homework for the week in it. I would guestimate that the amount of time it takes to pack those three bags is about 15=2-, mostly dependent on the cleanliness of their room. The most thought that is put into what clothes to bring is "do I need tank tops and shorts, or sweaters and jeans?"

Had you been in my room this morning, that is not what you would have observed.

I plan what I wear on a day to day basis based on whether I have clinic or not, the weather forecast, how recently I have worn particular clothing items, how much I like particular clothing items, and what's clean. So you can understand why I have a hard time choosing what to pack, especially for longer vacations/stays at home. I don't know what the weather will look like in the morning (weather forecasts can change quite a bit) and I don't know what I'll *feel* like wearing.

What a terrible predicament to be in, I know. I have, however, found a solution that works for me. First step, pull up the extended weather forecast online. Next, based on the predicted highs for each day, decide which days will be short sleeves and capris, short sleeves and jeans, or 3/4 sleeves and jeans days. Then, look through entire wardrobe and sort shirts into "maybe" and "no" piles. Return the no's to their proper place and pick out the needed number of short sleeved and 3/4 length sleeved shirts from the remaining piles.

It was during these last two steps that I realized how ridiculous it looks. At one point I must have had about 7 piles of clothes scattered around the room. My family, friends, roommates, and boyfriend have all at times told me I'm crazy (in more loving terms, of course), but this is what works for me in my minor OCDness.

My Dog is Indecisive Too

I am known for being indecisive. I change my mind about 100 times before setlling on choices in matters big and small. The questions "Where do you want to sit?" "When do you want to meet?" and "What should I wear today?" are all generally first answered with "I don't know."

Well, apparently Valencia is just as indecisive as I am.

I sometimes grab two of her toys and ask her "which one?" and she takes whichever one is most appealing at that time. I did this tonight with her kong and her bone. She grabbed the bone, then changed her mind and grabbed the kong, then changed her mind again and grabbed the bone.

At this point the decision process most have been too difficult, as she let go of the bone and stared at me as if to say "But Mommy, I want to play with BOTH of them!"

Hmm maybe throwing them will help.

I tossed them in different directions. Valencia ran to the kong, to the bone, and back to the kong before settling on the kong as her toy of choice. Of course, by this time the effort of making a decision had worn her out, and after a minute of playing with the kong, she dropped it and curled up on her bed.

Don't worry Valencia, I totally understand.