INFJ vs ISFJ (5 differences)

This article will delve into the discussion of how the two personality types, INFJ and ISFJ, are different! It will look at their differences by studying their dominant functions and major personality traits. The article will also briefly shine light on how the Myer Briggs Type Indicator assigns different personality types to people.

INFJ Vs ISFJ: How Are They Different.

The INFJ and ISFJ personality types differ in their dominant functions of sensation and intuition that also affect their characteristics and behavior; they tend to have different personality traits that may clash or complement each other regardless of the differences.

The article will now look at their dominant functions to not only highlight the differences but understand the personality types so we can appreciate how they are different from each other even in personality traits!

The Dominant Functions.

Introversion.

Both personality types, the ISFJ and the INFJ, are introverted which means they tend to be very much into their thoughts and like to spend time in reflecting over the many ideas they have going on in their minds. Why is this important for them to get along?

Well firstly, they are smart to think over things and then talk about them. When in a fight, they are more likely to avoid friction not only because they have the habit of staying quiet but also because they are people who think before they speak. This way they can actually prevent themselves from hurting the other person and making the situation worse. 

Furthermore, these individuals both need time for themselves. They understand that they have to be very careful about the personal space of the other and should ensure they do not interfere too much when they are in that ‘zone’. Maybe someone who is not an introvert might not understand their need to have time alone and get even more frustrated when the other person is quiet. This will lead to an even worse situation more difficult to solve.

Sometimes expecting too much and saying what you feel may be a bad thing. Both people are introverts hence they operate on the same frequency and they understand that some things must be said while others not. This can prevent them from raising the bar of expectations too high and being wise enough to see when a certain topic should be discussed or not.

Intuitive – A Difference.

This is where the two personality types differ! Let’s first take a look at the INFJ and how they perform in this area of function!

The INFJ realizes the power and beauty of imagination and dreams and this allows them to be creative and more interesting not to themselves only but to others. How they think can become a good source of conversation for them compared to a person who senses and reacts or processes information; they would be more based on facts and not understand the fun in being so creative.

Feelings. 

This is what both the ISFJ and INFJ give preference to in their day to day dealings and how they understand their surroundings. This is very important in helping a relationship get through. Oftentime it is not possible to rationalize things in a relationship hence one must employ the power of love, mercy and forgiveness to take things forward.

Judgement: A Common Ground.

Here is where both the ISFJ and INFJ can agree; they prefer routine and organization rather than spontaneity and too much flexibility. Hence, their day to day routines match and there is very less friction here. They both appreciate knowing what to do and when to do it and there are less clashes between their daily schedules and maybe this is how they can spend more time together and bond.

They are focused on what they want and both have the approach that it is better to solve something now rather than leave it open for later. By having this function, they are on one page in most matters.

Sensing Is For ISFJs!

When it comes to ISFJs they are very simple beings who appreciate what is in their environment. They pay very close attention to the details and can spot differences or elements in the surroundings which others cant. 

People who have sensation as a dominant function have much control over their senses and use them well to not only take in much information but that information which is useful. People who sense give significance to the past and present because they want to learn from experience rather than create new knowledge by experimenting with it in their mind.

Where The Debate Lies.

Now that we have seen what dominant functions define each personality type and how they are different in that domain, we will now see what traits or characteristics the personality types possess which allows them to differentiate themselves from the other.

Information Preference.

ISFJs are the types who give much weightage to facts and figures; they will appreciate any source of knowledge that is backed by scientific experimentation, uses logic and rationale and does not make assumptions but only holds proven things. ISFJs hence work on the basis of already established things and do not take much interest in the ‘what ifs’ or ‘could bes’ of life and want to focus on the ‘what is’. 

INFJs on the other hand are more open to options; they focus on their creativity and imagination and try to create knowledge using different processes occurring in the brain such as dreaming and intuition itself. This allows them to shift their focus from the already discovered things to the millions of possibilities that lie out of the box. This could be a point of contempt for both as they would likely disagree with what should be considered during a research or discussion.

Tradition.

ISFJs have their focus on the past and present and hence value tradition and possibly the status quo. They want to remain in their framework or comfort zone and discover new things rather than move out of it and look at very new possibilities.

INFJs however, dismiss tradition and how things were usually done and learn to adopt new ways. They are more comfortable acting on their gut feeling and moving away from the usual daily life or way of doing things. For ISFJs, they would dismiss such a feeling and stick to their way of life.

Hence, ISFJs can be described as people who want to stay in the safe zone and work with what they have while INFJs want to take risks, open new doors of life and discover and create.

Past Vs Future.

Because of their ability to focus on the future, INFJs are less prone to stress and anxiety and can grasp many opportunities that come in front of them. However, ISFJs are more focused on the past and their experiences ans this makes them more prone to stress related diseases and mental disorders because they do not see how life could be different rather they prefer to stay in their known world even if it causes them stress.

Both Help Others But Differently.

Both the INFJ and the ISFJ personality type love to help others. They understand the value of feelings and want to make the world a better place. 

The INFJ is more of a person who would want to help people by sharing insights or talking to them if the person is in trouble. They might share their experiences, how opportunities changed life for them and why they have a positive outlook. INFJs on the other hand are more used to doing tangible things not only because of their introversion but because they appreciate the pleasure their senses feel. 

INFJs are stimulated by their intuition and intellect whereas ISFJs are stimulated by information coming to their mind through their senses. Hence they are likely to get you gifts, take you out for food or go on a walk with you.

How They Communicate.

They both talk in different ways. ISFJs tend to be concise and concrete in that they like to stick to facts and what is obvious. INFJs may take a more open approach in the sense that they talk keeping in mind possibilities that could happen and adopt a more philosophical talking style.

Conclusion.

The article pointed out the main reason why the ISFJ and INFJ personality types are different and looked at their dominant functions in order to highlight where they clash. Furthermore, the article highlighted important differences that lie in their personality traits or day to day behaviours.

Frequently Asked Questions: INFJ Vs ISFJ: How Are They Different.

References.

https://www.16personalities.com/isfj-strengths-and-weaknesses