Are all INFPs highly sensitive? (7 ways to spot one)

In this article, we will answer the following question: Are all INFPs highly sensitive? We will describe the artistic, sensible, and calm INFP and will teach you how to love and appreciate the INFP in your life.

Are all INFPs highly sensitive?

According to Carl Jung’s theories, the INFP is a highly sensitive personality type. They are defined as healers because they care about promoting their well-being and fulfillment as well as that of others.

The INFP personality defines introverted, intuitive, sentimental, and perceptive people. According to Carl Jung, they would be profiles endowed with great sensitivity, creativity, and independence and who also present a high idealism. They are close, compassionate, and defined as healers because they care about their own personal growth and favor that of others.

INFP: Artistic, delicate, calm

The INFP personality is usually oriented towards art, writing, photography, as well as any artistic expression in which the person can capture their emotions, ideals, and that inner world, confident and optimistic.

They are, in turn, very sensitive profiles with everything that surrounds them. They appreciate the details, the sensations, they know how to connect with people in a very simple and magical way at the same time. They are not great talkers, but they are very good at knowing how to listen, support, and be there when they are really needed.

On the other hand, it should be noted that they like to act instinctively. They are not going to have to plan things in advance, keep agendas, schedule tasks, keep order with their belongings and objects. Hence they are often those people with somewhat messy homes and closets because they prioritize other things.

INFPs are idealists, they see the good in the world

Idealists of mind and heart do not abound in excess. Hence, the authors of this scale indicated that this sixth typology within the Myers-Briggs model defines only 4% of the population.

They are people who live by their ideals, who trust the natural goodness of the world.

Now, that idealism is far from passive. This profile is also characterized by a firm but silent commitment. That is, they do not stop being introverts. Not many therefore know the depth of their ideals and personal commitments.

They do not hesitate to trace their personal path based on these principles, even though many do not fully understand or know them.

INFPs are ethical and compassionate

INFP’s sense of ethics is very high. They are very clear about what is right and what is not, and they do not hesitate to always be faithful to their beliefs. Now, they are not “banner” people. They exercise respect, compassion, and care for others through simple but always profound acts. They generate a good from the calm and the most absolute discretion.

We could say that the INFP personality usually draws a life plan from their own heart. They are sensitive people, but sure of themselves. They are introverted and reserved men and women, but never indecisive when it comes to making decisions. They do it through intuition, they trust their inner voice and they do it, also, because they are idealists, because they believe that the world, in its purest essence, is noble and good.

What characteristics define the INFP personality?

The INFP personality, according to the Myers-Briggs model, is the result of the interaction of four basic dimensions:

He uses and channels his energy, attention, thoughts, and interaction ⇒ introvert.

The way he processes his reality, in which he draws conclusions and appreciates the small details ⇒ intuitive.

Also, the way the INFP personality makes its decisions is through ⇒ feelings.

When it comes to organizing and responding to their environment, they do so through spontaneity and always relying on a basic dimension ⇒ perception.

This type of profile therefore responds to the acronym INFP (Introverted-iNtuitive-feeling-perceptive). 

Thus, the creators of this measurement tool, Katharine Briggs and Isabel Meyer, defined it in turn as the healing typology. They did not mean by this that he was a medicine-oriented personality type. In reality, they are idealistic people, highly involved in generating happiness, in favoring their own personal growth and that of others.

The INFP personality defines introverted, intuitive, sentimental, and perceptive people. According to Carl Jung, they would be profiles endowed with great sensitivity, creativity, and independence and who also present a high idealism. They are close, compassionate, and defined as healers because they care about their own personal growth and favor that of others.

When we read Carl Jung’s book on Psychological Types and his theories on personality, we appreciate a breakthrough in its time. At a time when psychology was still in its teens, the famous Swiss psychiatrist wanted to lay the foundations for a personality model based on a singular and revolutionary approach at the same time.

He introduced the concepts of introversion and extraversion. However, he established these dimensions as the result of a continuum, where, in turn, other subjective and perceptual phenomena can intermingle. Starting from this, we understand that no one is properly “introverted” or “extroverted”, but that we are all within a spectrum where more dynamics, entities, and traits define us.

In this way, his theory of personality, defined in eight typologies, would give rise decades later to what is known as the Myers-Briggs indicator (1944), where up to 16 subtypes were determined. Thus, and despite the fact that these models lack the popularity of others that are based on popular instruments, such as Raymond Cattell’s 16 PF, it should be noted that for the field of personal growth they continue to have a high interest.

How to love an INFP

INFPs can be quite shy when they do not know you. However, once in a relationship,  INFP people are very loyal and involved, devoted to their partner. Having the Affective part centrally, harmony is the one sought in relationships by such people. They need to be in a very devoted, authentic relationship, and if they don’t have such a relationship yet, they are either looking for it or building an imaginary one in their mind.

INFPs tend to be idealistic and romantic, dressing the personality of the loved one with more beautiful characteristics than they would have. That is why it is difficult for him to reconcile the idealistic world with the real one, the romantic vision of life with what is in reality. So many times we find them anxious, unreconciled with their relationship. 

However, due to their deep devotion and sincere love, they do not leave their relationships, much to their displeasure. Despite their disorders, they find their inner peace in devotion.

What is very nice about INFPs’ personality is their struggle to keep their partner up on a pedestal, not being discouraged by some inconsistencies with reality. They continue to beautify the image of the loved one, and the result is a relationship that passes the test of time.

INFPs are not naturally interested in administrative issues such as paying bills and cleaning, but they are very good at doing these things when they need to. When they get involved, they can be good money stewards.

Sexually, INFPs are slower to open up to their partner. But, once the trust grows, they will see the intimate moments as an opportunity to show their love, their affection. They value attitude, words more than the sexual act itself. Having a tendency to put others above personal desires, they will pursue the satisfaction of their partners first.

A real problem that INFP people have is the strong disapproval of conflict and criticism. They are quick to take everything personally, regardless of the other’s intention. They become irrational and very emotionally involved in such situations where any criticism is considered to be against them. 

There can be problems when their partners are dominant Thinkers or Judges. INFPs feel threatened by the attitude of those who use logic, argumentation, and tend to respond emotionally and negatively.

Those INFPs who have a very well-developed affective side should develop their intuitive side as well in order to be able to make decisions and collect data about what is happening to them. Their revulsion at criticism and conflict can lead to the loss of relationships. INFP reacts with a lot of stress and emotional disturbance in conflict situations. 

Since they do not have a solid database to know what they want to take, they will do anything to avoid conflicts, often appearing as irrational in front of others. 

They must learn to take criticism more objectively. He must also remember that conflict situations are events that are part of the normality of life and, above all, that they are not always because of them and that they are not the end of the world. Any problem avoided will not be solved, it will become even bigger.

INFPs are very aware of their space and the space that belongs to others. I place great value on the intimacy of the space and the things it possesses. This will also help the partner because INFP will respect them for what they are, will respect their unique style, without being intrusive, to “rush”. They are not extremely jealous or possessive, they like to respect the need for independence of the other. They will encourage their partners in their personal plans.

In general, INFP’s are warm, positive, loving, partners who will do everything to make the relationship healthy and long-lasting. The most suitable partners for them are those who have a dominant Extroverted Affectivity. So, the partners with more chances of success will be the ENFJ or ESFJ.

Conclusions

To conclude, as we see, the INFP personality is defined first and foremost by its confident idealism, kindness, and artistic interests. Hence, often one of the phenomena that these people suffer most is a disappointment. Feeding and holding expectations about the world and those who inhabit it also makes them suffer harsh disappointments. 

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

Carl Jung’s model of psychological types, and especially the Myers-Briggs indicator, are resources that are within our reach and that, at least, are curious.

If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know!

FAQ on Are all INFPs highly sensitive?

 

 

References

Mba-institute.org

16personalities.com

thecareerproject.org/blog