The INFJ is one of 16 Myers Briggs personality types. They are described as the “advocate” and “diplomatic counselor”. These terms hint at the humane and supportive nature of this type. At roughly 1% of the population, INFJs are also the least common MBTI type. INFJs are introverts, but because of how sociable they can be, may sometimes get mistaken for an extrovert. INFJs engage with the external world through the lens of auxiliary Fe (extraverted feeling). The way in which they extrovert themselves is typically in the form of service to others and being a valuable and helpful human being.
However, their primary mode is introverted and the nature of their introversion consists of an inner vision of possibilities, intuitions and meanings popping in and out of their conscious awareness. When left to their own devices, life can feel like an open and endless sea of possibilities both good and bad. However, the external world has a way of disrupting the INFJ’s insular world and their sense of obligation and social responsibility compels them to meet its demands. INFJs have dominant introverted intuition which means that their perceptions of reality are heavily influenced by their subjective ideals, imagination, and their awareness of patterns, and future outcomes.
INFJs have a perspective that is generally broader and more abstract in nature when compared with the more empirical and practical perspective of the ISFJ. Compared with the INTJ, INFJ places more interest in addressing the problems of human welfare and social systems than the technical problems of mechanical systems. INFJs are more idealistic than realistic but that is not to say they are delusional or out of touch with reality. INFJs are good at seeing possible pathways forward and can be ingenious problem solvers. Although they are often soft spoken, they have a quiet strength and can be incredibly determined to the point of stubbornness in pursuing a goal or promoting a special cause of great importance to them.
While INFJs are adept at understanding other people, they themselves can be difficult to read. Although kind and affectionate, INFJs can often appear removed and slightly detached. This is because INFJs tend not to readily share what’s going on inside of them or make their personal reactions visible to others except those they trust. Their moods can wax hot and cold, confusing their friends and romantic partners alike. Additionally, because of their empathic nature, they are highly sensitive to the emotional ups and downs of others such that it can take a toll on their own emotional health. INFJs try to avoid and prevent conflict and oftentimes seek to be agreeable for the sake of keeping the peace. INFJs thus tend to be polite and careful in how they handle people.
At heart, INFJs are people pleasers, and anytime they receive praise and approval, it can really mean a lot to them. As a type prone to perfectionism, INFJs can often place a lot of pressure on themselves to do a very good job or not let down themselves and other people who depend on them. Criticism and negative feedback can often affect them deeply and sometimes undermine their confidence more than it should. Moreover, being exposed to the emotional distress of others can weigh heavily on their spirit, sapping their motivation and happiness. It can drain them to the point where they promptly withdraw from most human contact without much warning or explanation.
In between social interactions, INFJs require personal time to themselves where they can process their emotions, analyze meanings and engage in creative activities they enjoy. INFJs feel more comfortable working behind the scenes rather than front and center in the spotlight. Although INFJs are highly individualistic, they make an effort to harmonize their individualism with their environment. They would prefer working independently or in a more personal one-on-one capacity. Still, when they are required to work within larger groups and organizations, INFJs can still thrive so long as their role and interactions are meaningful and not superficial.
Motivated by inspiration, INFJs would rather be a pioneer than follow the beaten path. They are stimulated by challenges that call for creative solutions. INFJs are masters of metaphor, with a knack for explaining one thing in terms of another thing. Their capacity for language that is laced with vivid imagery and layers of abstract meaning and linguistic devices, makes them well suited for careers as creative writers. This, along with their natural insight into human nature, allows them to really get through to a reader or listener in a personalized way that resonates deeply.
When it comes to academics, INFJs tend to be good students and high achievers in a non-ostentatious way. As parents, they are devoted to their children and try to be a good friend to them while still being a firm and loving disciplinarian. INFJs are able to form a special emotional bond with their kids that can sometimes be overly strong. They are very attune to their children’s emotional states and can get really wrapped up with whatever they are going through. This can cause them undue worry and stress. Their intuitive and perceptive nature can make INFJs seem to have psychic-like abilities. As empaths, they can gauge what people are feeling and feel it very strongly in themselves. Additionally, they are good at detecting a person’s motives whether they be benevolent or malicious. If ESP is real, INFJs are the type most likely to have it. The strength of their vision, and accuracy of their foresight and premonitions can make others come to view them as modern day prophets.
related posts:
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- ISFP Explained: What It Means to be the ISFP Personality Type
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- The INTJ Personality: What It Means to be the “Architect” MBTI Type
- ENTJ Explained: What It Means to be the ENTJ Personality Type
- ISTJ Defined: What it Means to be the ISTJ Personality Type.
- ENFP Explained; What It Means to be the ENFP Personality Type
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