INFP stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perception. This is one of the 16 types of Myers – Briggs personalities. People who fall into this category are usually people who hold their ideals and values in high regard. The ideal job for an INFP personality usually allows the person to express their vision and creativity. Popular jobs fall into the artistic category. Other job types are counselors or psychiatrists because they are interested in others and value relationships.
Need More Reasons Why Arts Or Psychology Is For INFP?
The key characteristics of INFP personalities:
They are introverted and enjoy spending time alone, but that does not mean they will shun social interactions. They prefer to build a small but very close social circle.They intend to rely on their intuition and focus on the big picture. While they ignore the mundane or small details of something they care about, they will be more meticulous.When deciding, they will base it more on the consequences it could have on the people and their surroundings rather than the objective information of what seems to be the best course of action. This isn’t necessarily what’s best for oneself could hurt a close friend, and INFP’s would avoid such situations.
INFP’s Strengths
INFP’s are thoughtful and caring to those around them and develop the ability to see a situation through multiple perspectives. With their focus tending to the big picture, they would naturally have an open mind and generally try to keep as many people as possible happy.INFP’s have a natural tendency towards empathy and intuition, which helps them understand other people’s emotions. They strive to base their decisions on how people are affected emotionally instead of physically.INFP’s bide their time when deciding. With their creative worldview, they can sometimes develop brilliant and innovative ways to solve complex problems.INFP’s inherent introversion and empathy usually have them making a small but close group of friends. They value their friends and family and would always be there to help them in any way they can.The instinctive need to help their friends and family spill over to those around them, and they would do it with compassion and joy.
INFP’s Weaknesses
INFP’s have difficulty accepting and/or understanding disappointment and/or failure. They are sensitive to how others perceive them and can get stuck on failure or mistakes they made in the past. Ways to improve in this aspect are learning the fact that it is human to make mistakes and that it is best to learn from them so that we do not repeat them.The people-pleasing side of an INFP causes them to take criticism too personally. Just because something is wrong for one person doesn’t mean it is wrong for everyone. Life is subjective. Learning this could greatly reduce an INFP’s anxiety and stress.Their introverted nature combined with their inherited people-pleasing sometimes makes it hard for INFP’s to open up to strangers. This could affect how they seek help or show off their accomplishments in places where it matters, like interviews.INFP’s can overlook important fine details because of their focus on the big picture. Writing down smaller details that are important is a great way to improve, plan, or solve multi-step problems.Their people-pleasing nature sometimes makes them forget to consider their own wants and needs. Learning to take some time and determine what their wants and needs are, and to fulfill them.
Are You An INFP? These Situation May Give You Stress
Facing blunt or harsh criticism from others can be stressful because INFP’s are usually sensitive and could take the criticism personally or perceive it as a verbal attack.Analyzing specific facts or data won’t necessarily be stressful. INFP’s use intuition and look at the big picture, so an activity that requires laser point focus will be perceived as energy draining. Having less energy to focus on what they truly enjoy would, in turn, build into a tired and unfulfilled existence that would lead to stress.Following a rigid or unnecessary routine will make an INFP feel boxed in like a caged animal.INFP’s are natural introverts, and being around large groups of unfamiliar people will quickly drain their energy leading to stress.We all need a bit of positivism in our lives; INFP’s are especially sensitive to hearing others’ negative mindsets and complaining. When INFP’s are surrounded by people that constantly complain, they are dragged down by this negativity.
All the above-mentioned situations drain an INFP’s energy, leaving them with very little energy to do the things they enjoy and recuperate. Their life will slow down dramatically and leave them exhausted and frustrated.
Typical Motivations for INFP’s
By definition, an introvert is someone who recharges when spending time alone. They will still enjoy spending time with their close friends and family. Having time alone to spend with their own thoughts helps them relax and recharge.While alone, contemplating philosophy or finding alternative ways to look at life may be refreshing or energizing. They may view it as preparations for obstacles they might face in the future.INFP’s tend to be innovative and solve problems creatively; When their solutions are more effective, they feel like they have made a difference and enjoy the emotions that come with it.INFP’s enjoy giving a helping hand to easing the lives of others. They have great listening skills and often make excellent motivators.INFP’s enjoy flexible schedules that allow for adaptation and possibilities for change. This makes them feel more prepared when unanticipated situations arise.
INFP’s Professional Relationships
Strengths
INFP’s enjoy personal space, so sure to respect their personal space in the work environment. Since they enjoy having close relationships, be sure to get to know them personally and avoid being critical and focus on positive encouragement rather than criticism and negativity.
Weaknesses
Tying in with their strengths, INFPs’ avoid conflict, and if their ideas and values are challenged, the conflict will arise. As previously mentioned, INFP’s enjoy a bit of space and freedom. Having strict rules, schedules and procedures may stress them and cause them to perform poorly in the working environment.
INFP’s Romantic Relationships
Strengths
INFP’s trust people quickly and sometimes rely on their partner but still allowing them to be independent. The creative side of the INFP’s makes them enjoy exploring new ideas and opportunities.
Weaknesses
INFP’s try to avoid conflict, and in doing so, they may not always communicate their true feelings to their partner, especially if they know that voicing their opinion may be met with rejection. For example, INFP’s would become stressed in large crowds but would still agree to go to a major concert if they feel their partner would create a conflict situation if they refused and would therefore agree ongoing. An INFP’s partner should also understand that INFP’s would often neglect their own needs and encourage them to take time for themselves and their needs.
What The Letters In The Myers-Briggs Personality Test Mean
Emotional EnergyI (Introversion): One of the first letters in the Myers-Briggs personality test and is related to how a person recovers their energy, not physical energy but their emotional energy. As I’m sure you guessed, an introvert is someone who regains their emotional energy when they spend their time alone.E (Extroversion): The other first letter in the Myers-Briggs personality test and is also related to how a person recovers their emotional energy and is the opposite of the introvert. The Extrovert regains their emotional energy by spending time with others.LearningN (iNtuitive): One of the second letters in the Myers-Briggs personality test. This one is how a person learns. People who learn from themes and sensing or seeing the big picture and how it falls into the N category.S (Sensing): The other second letter in the Myers-Briggs personality test. S types follow linear thought patterns and analyze and observe the surrounding information with their senses.Decision MakingF (Feeling): The third letter in the Myers-Briggs personality test. This one is related to how a person makes decisions. The personality types that score an F tend to base their decisions on their emotions and their effect on those around them.T (thinking): The other third letter in the Myers-Briggs personality test. People who score a T weigh the pros and cons of each choice before deciding and trying to detach their emotions from the process.OrganizationsP (Perceiving): One of the fourth and final letters in the Myers-Briggs personality test. These letters represent how a person organizes their lives. People with a P want flexibility and openness in their schedule to react to any unaccounted-for opportunities that they perceive along the way.J (Judging): The last of the Myers-Briggs personality test letters. People with a J want strict plans to follow and structure their lives with lists and plans.
Summary
Above are the eight letters in the Myers-Briggs personality test. Two in each category giving 16 personalities. But as with all scientific concepts on people, we tend to and often fall somewhere between these, and they are only there to make things simple and easy to understand.
INFP Compatibility With Every Myers-Briggs Personality Type
INFP’s and INFP’s
INFP’s are often drawn to each other because of their similarities. Those similarities can also bring the one thing they both wish to avoid, conflict. INFP’s are individualistic and have powerful beliefs and values. If these differ, it could erupt into fierce arguments about “right” and “wrong.” Their natural focus on the big picture could also give birth to other conflicts, such as forgetting the smaller details, like paying the bills and/or running errands and other mundane activities.
INFP’s and ENFP’s
The INFP and ENFP share many commonalities between them. They are both idealistic, passionate and follow their values. The differences are that INFP’s are driven by what they believe is right, while ENFP’s are driven by their sense of potential. They will both yearn for personal growth and would understand one another’s creative experiences. Major conflicts may arise when their values differ from one another’s because they are so deeply rooted in their values and beliefs.
INFP’s and ENTP’s
With INFP’s emotional connectivity and idealism combined with ENTP energy, precision, and charisma, they can bring a great deal of change to their surroundings. They connect over ideas and exploring the endless possibilities around them. Conflict, though, may arise through their different ways of making decisions. ENTP evaluate the logical data and compare the pros and cons before evaluating their own emotions and personal feelings, which may look like a personal detachment from the INFP’s perspective. The ENT P may also think that INFP’s come to conclusions too quickly and are too biased in their decision making. If the pair try to evaluate each other’s respective ways of thinking (ENTP extroverted thinking and INFP’s Intuitive thinking), they could become a great pair.
INFP’s and INTP’s
INFP’s are drawn to the intellectual independence and natural curiosity of the INT P’s, while INT P’s would be drawn to the warm, creative, and compassionate INFP’s. Their similarities in pondering the mysteries of life can keep them occupied with each other. However, their means of communication and decision-making strategies often collide. INT P’s think logically and try to detach their emotions from the decision-making process, which is the exact opposite for an INFP. This detachment of emotion from the decision-making process will make their partner feel distant and hard to read. INFP wants emotional support. The INT P personality type often prefers direct criticism and would often not think about the other person’s emotions when voicing their opinions, which can drive intense conflicts.
INFP’s and ENFJ’s
While INFP’s look inwards, ENFJ’s look outwards. This opposing force of thought would be beneficial to both as they strengthen each other’s weaknesses. They will support each other to discover, respectively, their inner selves or help pursue their dreams. They are both empathetic and would give the other enough space to be their own individual while inspiring and motivating one another. ENFJ’s are extroverted and enjoy the company of crowds, and can be considered social chameleons. While both enjoy helping people, the INFP’s will only look to their close friends and family, while ENFJ will try to make everyone around them happy. INFP’s could sometimes interpret this as people-pleasing, while ENF J’s will think of INFP’s as selfish.
INFP’s and ENTJ’s
These two opposing scales of the Myers–Briggs personalities, and while people often say opposites attract, for this pairing, it will take hard work on both sides to make the relationship work. Still, in doing so, a multitude of benefits lay ahead. INFP’s are idealistic and driven by their values; ENTJ are objective, charismatic, and lead people strategically to achieve objectives. With the ENTJ’s decisive drive to accomplish their goals, they would often clash with INFP’s outlook of life, thinking it is too unfocused and dreamy. Because an INFP prefers conflict avoidance, they may also be seen as overly sensitive.
INFP’s and INFJ’s
Both INFP’s and INFJ are introverted and enjoy spending time with their own imaginations. While the INFP’s delve into the subjective and emotional, INFJ have good intuition regarding their creativity. When these two come together, INFJ can help direct the INFP’s creativity while they help the INFJ discover their true selves. Troubles that arise from such relationships are usually when INFJ think that INFP’s are too caught up in their own feelings and when INFP’s are considered inauthentic.
INFP’s and INTJ ‘s
With both INFP’s and INTJ being introverted and intuitive, they respect each other’s need for space. INTJ base their decision on logic and help INFP’s find focus and direction on their creative ideas. INFP’s are in tune with their emotions and can also perceive other’s emotions, therefore. They can help INT Js get in touch with their own passions and desires. Conflicts occur in the decision-making process. INTJ are objective and logical, while the INFP’s are subjective and emotional. They often become confused. INFP’s see an INTJ as overly reserved, and INTJ would see an INFP as overly sensitive. More issues may arise in the way of how they live their lives. INT Js like to have everything planned out, with a clear sense of direction, while INFP’s prefer a more flexible lifestyle that could turn towards whatever they feel like. This may cause tension to rise as INFP’s may think INTJ are uptight and confining, and INTJ may think INFP’s are directionless.
INFP’s and ESFP’s
While this couple may seem like the perfect match, ESFP’s help the INFP’s break out of their shells and become in touch with the world around them, giving their imagination room to grow and become more authentic. INFP’s help ESFP’s look inwards to explore their passions, emotions, and values. Both of these personalities have a laid-back approach to life and use their feelings and values to decide. The major conflict in this relationship is that INFP’s are introverted, and ESFP’s are extroverted. These opposing energy needs need to be respected by the other, or it could make either one feel drained and exhausted and/or bored.
INFP’s and ESTP’s
By being almost exact opposites, making this relationship work will take effort from both sides. Both personalities are flexible in the way they organize their lives, but that is the only similarities. ESTP’s are the ultimate adventurers and would focus on anything that would be exciting. They seem impulsive, unpredictable, and detached to an INFP, while ESTP’s would think of an INFP as mysterious and confusing. With such drastic differences in thought processes, these two have a hard time understanding one another.
INFP’s and ISFP’s
INFP’s have enough in common with an ISF P to create a harmonious relationship. However, enough of a difference still has some troubles if they don’t take each other’s ideologies into considerations. INFP’s are imaginative and focus on abstract possibilities, and ISFP’s are realists that want to experience life to the fullest. As both are introverted, have a good perception of others’ emotions, and have a laid-back approach to life, they understand one another easily and give space where needed. Tension arises when they have a different perception of a given subject, and they would stick to their values and beliefs. If they are willing to see and accept each other’s differences, the relationship will blossom.
INFP’s and ISTP’s
These two starkly different types can be drawn to one another for that exact reason. ISTP’s are generally realistic, independent, and usually skilled at navigating the physical world. While an ISTP may be drawn to the open-mindedness and passionate INFP., They are both introverted and would understand the need for space, and they both are laid back in their approach to living their lives. Initially, this relationship would be confusing and frustrating as their decision-making processes are so different, ISTP’s are logical. They tend to weigh the pros and cons of a decision while INFP’s go with their intuition and emotions. As time goes on during this relationship, the two personalities tend to grow in the opposing decision-making process and better understand one another.
INFP’s and ESFJ’s
An INFP would think of an ESFJ as grounded, helpful, and careful. The ESFJ would perceive the INFP’s as intense, imaginative, and compassionate. This odd pair respects each other’s boundaries and will often broaden each’s horizons and perspectives. However, that does not mean that their relationship will be conflict-free. The ESFJ’s decision process considers groups while INFP’s have an individualistic approach. Misunderstanding arises in the aforementioned decision processes, and ESFJ’s could take an INFP as self-absorbed. At the same time, the INFP would perceive the ESFJ’s as a people-pleaser.
INFP’s and ESTJ’s
These two are opposites in all aspects of the Myers-Briggs personality test and probably the most challenging of them all, but if you wish to grow as a person, this is the most beneficial one of them. INFP’s are strong with the opposing forces, in ESTJ’s are weak, and vice versa. If they wish to succeed in a relationship, they would need to be aware of this and support one another on those aspects, doing this an ESTJ’s can become more in touch with their inner self, and an INFP can realize their ideas and dreams with the logical and planning of an EST J.
INFP’s and ISTJ’s
Probably the most compatible set for an INFP. ISTJ’s ground INFP’s in the chaotic world that they create for themselves, giving them security and emotional support, INFP’s help ISFJ’s see the bigger picture and discover their inner self, but no relationship is trouble-free. ISTJ’s consider everyone’s needs when deciding, while INFP’s make sure their decision aligns with their belief systems. INFP’s usually perceive this decision-making process as people-pleasing, while the ISTJ’s will think of INFP’s as selfish. If they take the time to evaluate the decision and compare each of the decisions, they could come to terms with a common ground.
INFP’s and ISTJ’s
While both enjoy spending their time alone and with their own thoughts and reflecting on the world, the way they go about it is very different. ISTJ’s are grounded and pragmatic. They enjoy setting a routine and following it. In contrast, INFP’s are philosophical and emotional. If these two work together, they can accomplish much in their personal growth. INFP’s can help the ISTJ’s get in touch with their emotional side, and the ISTJ’s can strengthen the INFP’s groundedness and ability to plan. The conflict between these two types arises from lifestyle preferences. IST J may focus on the mundane priorities because the INFP would lose track of such tasks, though the IST J might resent the INFP because of this. As such, they need to discuss and delegate tasks.
Know an INFP? Here are some tips on how to interact with them:
Friendships
INFP’s build close and long-lasting relationships. They are good at sensing other’s emotions while they struggle to voice their own out of fear of rejection and/or conflict situations. If you have the patience and understanding, relationships with INFP’s can be great and an emotionally fulfilling bond.
Parents
As parents, INFP’s will help their children’s individual growth and development of strong values. They will guide their children to appreciate the wonders of the world and to explore their individual self. As INFP’s avoid conflict, they would try to keep the peace and harmony in the family.
Relationships (Romantic)
INFP’s have a strong sense of loyalty to their partner, but it may take a while for them to open up to respective partners. They may also set the expectations of what they want in a partner very high. They are sensitive to criticism and try to avoid conflicts. Their struggle to communicate their own emotions can sometimes frustrate a partner, and patience is a key aspect of having a successful relationship with an INFP. They often place their partner’s happiness over their own. Their partner should understand this and sometimes give a little slack to avoid unnecessary stress on the relationship.
