INFP personality type (A Complete Guide)
In this article, we will discuss the INFP personality type. We will do that by giving a brief description of them including their strengths and weaknesses. We will move on to describe their cognitive functions, their workplace, suitable careers for them, and how they behave in interpersonal relationships.
INFP personality type
INFP or Mediator personality is an introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceptive personality. It is one of the 16 types from the Myers-Briggs type indicator. These personalities can be described as idealistic people who are creative and driven by their values. They prefer to spend time by themselves and are interested in making their contribution to the world.
INFPs seek to understand themselves better and their purpose in the world. They try their best to help others and spend their time thinking about how they can utilize their skills to serve humanity. They use their empathic nature to form long-lasting bonds and value originality in people. They can get discouraged if people do not share their idealistic worldview. These personalities are opposite to ESTJ personality.
INFP personality description
INFP personality can be described as someone who keeps to themself. They feel exhausted when they are around a lot of people. Because of this, they try to spend their time only with close friends. These people are not shy. They have the social skills to interact with others. However, they like to spend their time alone.
Mediator personalities focus on the big picture rather than minor details. They are passionate and meticulous about projects they are close to but ignore aspects they find dull or boring. They make decisions based on their feelings rather than logic. They are quite concerned about keeping their options open and do not commit to anything unless they are sure. They use their personal values as a guide and do not focus too much on rationality while making decisions.
INFP personality strengths and weaknesses
An INFP personality is quite loyal to their friends as well as institutions. They are sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. They devote their entire energy and effort in caring for their loved ones. They are curious about their people and invest their efforts in making their relationships count. They also ensure their work is top quality. They are skilled at looking at things from a broader perspective.
‘’Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.”
– Harriet Tubman
However, at the same time and INFP personality has weaknesses as well. They can be quite idealistic and sensitive. They personalize things a lot. They are also quite reserved and people find them hard to get to know. They focus on the big picture makes them overlook important details.
Cognitive functions of INFP Personality
According to Carl Jung, there are four components of our personality which include thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. There are two dominant functions that control a major part of someone’s personality. Whereas the latter two control a less part of the personality. However, they still have their own importance in how we process information from the world around us.
Introverted feeling
INFPs are a feeling personality who have intense emotions. They possess compassion and empathy for people. However, they keep their feelings to themselves and are not quite expressive. Due to this, people perceive them to be cold and detached.
Extroverted intuition
INFP personalities have a vast imagination. They are open to considering multiple possibilities. They see situations from an alternative perspective before deciding their stance. So, in a way, their external behavior is directed a lot by their internal world.
“The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
They focus on the broader picture. This helps them to be inspirational leaders who work on bringing positive changes in the world. They are quite proud of this trait and feel upset when people do not share their idealism.
Introverted sensing
#an INFP personality develops memories while processing information. They use these as a guide to help them in analyzing future situations. With each memory, they associate strong emotions. So, whenever they are nostalgic, they really live the experience along with the associated emotions and sensory feelings.
Extroverted thinking
Usually, INFP personalities are dependent on emotions while making sense of the world. However, occasionally they may become quite objective and logical. This can happen when they are in a stressful situation. They focus on details and see situations from our rational perspective. However, if they develop this function further, they can have balanced personalities.
Conflicts
An INFP personality can have high expectations in their personal relationships. Since they are idealistic people, they have high expectations of what an ideal partner would be. This approach can be unrealistic and they might not find anyone to fill this role. These people care a lot about others.
They themselves are reserved and take their time becoming close to others. They dislike engaging in conflict and avoid arguments. Even when they take place, they focus on their feelings which make them seem irrational and emotional to others. They can be good mediators and resolve conflicts by focusing on the underlying feeling aspect. They also have strong values and are loyal to people there love.
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Workplace
INFP personalities do well in a work environment where they can express their vision and creativity. They have the capacity to work well in groups as well as individually. However, their preference is to work alone. They are artistic and spiritual people who have a way with language to express their thoughts and feelings. They do this better through writing rather than verbal communication.
These people are strongly driven by their values and ethical code. They defend their beliefs and stand up for their values. They are open to listening to others and considering multiple perspectives. It is easy for them to see that a single issue can have multiple sides to it. They make good counselors, librarians, psychologists, social workers, writers, and artists.
Interpersonal relationships
INFP personalities have few friends but they are quite close to them and maintain their friendships for a long time. They have empathy and can understand the emotions of others quite easily. However, they struggle to express their own feelings and thoughts to others. They are conflicted between wanting emotional intimacy and deeper connections with others but they struggle with it at an emotional level as well and prefer to be alone.
“Deep in my heart I know I am a loner. I have tried to blend in with the world and be sociable, but the more people I meet the more disappointed I am. So, I’ve learned to enjoy myself.” – Steven Aitchison
Although, they are hard to know, once people get to know them they find them patient and understanding.
As parents, they can be quite caring and supportive. They instill strong values in their children and help them grow as independent individuals. They teach them to appreciate the world and try to create peace in their home. It is hard for them to share their emotions with their children.
In romantic relationships, they have difficulty being intimate with their partners. Yet, they can be quite loyal and committed. Since they are idealistic, they may have an idealized version of a romantic relationship which may be unrealistic. Accordingly, they may have high expectations from their partner. This can lead to conflicts where they react to situations emotionally. However, they can also deal with conflicts to restore peace at the same time.
FAQs: INFP personality type
Is INFP a rare personality?
Yes, INFPs are rare personalities. Only 4-5% of people in the world have an INFP personality.
Why are INFPs are dangerous?
INFPs can be dangerous and intense if they are provoked in causes they feel strongly about. They stand up for the rights of others. Normally, they are gentle but once they commit to something, it is hard for others to push them to change their minds.
Who should an INFP marry?
An INFP should marry an ENFJ or ESFJ. This is because their dominant introverted feeling can be matched well by the dominant extroverted feeling of such partners. However, they can enjoy a good relationship with other personality types as well.
Do INFPs fall in love easily?
INFPs can fall in love easily if they find someone special. They have an idealized romantic image of their idealized partner in their minds. Usually, it is hard for others to fulfill that role. However, if INFPs find someone with whom they can be emotionally vulnerable and form a deep connection, they fall in love with them hard.
What are INFPs attracted to?
INFPs are attracted to someone who is intelligent and creative. They are drawn to people who have a unique perspective of the world and use their own minds to approach things. They also like people who have original opinions and share them.
How do INFPs deal with breakups?
INFPs can deal well with breakups. They are able to let go of prior relationships but they take their time. They process their emotions first and feel low for some time. It is important that they are given space to do so.
Are INFPs manipulative?
Yes, like all personalities INFPs can use manipulation to get what they want. They are not harmful or intentionally hurt others to get their way. Yet, they do employ less intense measures to force or control others. Some versions of INFPs may turn to intense ways of getting what they want.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the INFP personality type. We found that an INFP or Mediator personality is an introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceptive personality. It is one of the 16 types from the Myers-Briggs type indicator. This personality can be described as idealistic people who are creative and driven by their values. They prefer to spend time by themselves and are interested in making their contribution to the world.
INFPs seek to understand themselves better and their purpose in the world. They try their best to help others and spend their time thinking about how they can utilize their skills to serve humanity. They use their empathic nature to form long-lasting bonds and value originality in people. They can get discouraged if people do not share their idealistic worldview. These personalities are opposite to ESTJ personality
I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊
