INFPs can be difficult to get to know at first and may seem shy or aloof, but once you've earned their trust they will open up their inner world to you and let you in. When it comes to conversation, INFPs generally avoid prolonged small talk and enjoy conversation that delves into deeper territory.
The sad fact is, INFPs really struggle to get people to listen to them. It's easy to see why. We aren't particularly assertive, and tend to be soft-spoken, so it's easy to get drowned out or ignored. We also think differently than many types, so others might just not 'get' what we're trying to say.
INFPs can be emotional in their communication with other people, although they always treat everyone with respect. INFPs are able to speak with people of various personality types in their “language”, and on a variety of topics. However, at times INFPs can come across as distant and reserved.
Although Mediators are warm and accepting, they don't always find it easy to make friends. This may be because superficial, casual relationships can leave these personalities feeling a bit empty.
One of the reasons why INFPs disappear or ghost people is because they need time to process what's going on in their heads before responding. INFPs are often deep thinkers who need quiet time alone to reflect on things that happened throughout the day.
ISFPs are quiet, reserved types who like to focus their attention on people and the experiences they enjoy. They aren't typically big talkers unless someone they're talking about something deeply important to them or they're trying to empathize verbally with someone.
INFPs are a lot like ISFJs and INFJs when it comes to feeling comfortable before flirting. They like to cyber stalk their love interests, but can be somewhat shy with them in person until communication has opened up a bit. You'll find that INFPs make this open communication flow happen rather quickly.
Who are INFPs most compatible with? INFPs are most compatible with the other Intuitive-Feeling types—ENFJ, ENFP, and INFJ—as well as ESFJs.
Since they are introverts, INFPs tend to have a lot of introverted characteristics. They are often quiet and reserved, although this doesn't necessarily mean they're shy. With rich inner lives, they enjoy their own company and need solitude to recharge after social interactions.
INFPs get embarrassed when they are put on the spot and are expected to react emotionally to something. This could involve something like being given a really exorbitant gift or having a surprise party thrown for them.
As Intuitive Feelers, they're fascinated by human nature and wish to understand you at a deep, emotional level. So, if an INFP really likes you, they'll go out of their way to talk to you and engage in a meaningful conversation. It's their way of telling you that they care and want to know you better.
Introverts claim to dread it, intuitives admit they abhor it, thinkers find it pointless, and perceivers believe it's excessive. In fact, the more we analyze the concept of small talk, the more it seems that most people inherently dislike it.
According to the MBTI® Manual, INFPs have a general advantage in foreign language learning. Dario Nardi says that INFPs show high activity in regions of the brain that handle language, including diction, grammar, and voice tone.
#1 – They Appear Quiet and Distant
INFPs tend to be on the quiet side, but there's usually a whimsical warmth that shows up anyway. But when they are stressed and overwhelmed, they appear more distant, detached, and stoic. Usually they are absorbed in thoughts, trying to sort out how to handle what's plaguing them.
No, INFPs aren't slow learners.
They often take their time to take in and process new information before speaking up about it, but they typically learn very quickly. INFPs are adaptable and fast-thinkers - they just might not be very vocal about it, which leads some people to believe they're slow learners.
One way to show an INFP you care is by being curious (but not nosy) about them. Ask them questions about their day, their thoughts on current events, or what they're passionate about. INFPs will usually be happy to talk your ear off if you show a genuine interest in hearing what they have to say!
These rare personality types tend to be quiet, open-minded, and imaginative, and they apply a caring and creative approach to everything they do. Although they may seem quiet or unassuming, Mediators (INFPs) have vibrant, passionate inner lives.
INFPs may seem like feelers in disguise. They may not exude emotion and enthusiasm all the time, but they care deeply and intensely. They may not open up to most people about how they feel, what they feel, or what impacts them, but they know and that's what matters to them.
Keep in mind that INFPs are hardwired to overanalyze our emotions and thoughts and because of this we can be viewed as socially awkward.
INFP is the opposite personality type of ESTJ. Other similar personality types include INTP and ENFJ.
INFP compatibility
Although two well-developed individuals of any type can enjoy a healthy relationship, INFP's natural partner is the ENFJ, or the ESFJ. INFP's dominant function of Introverted Feeling is best matched with a partner whose dominant function is Extraverted Feeling.
As partners, they are most likely hand-holders and snugglers, using physical closeness as a love language. About 83% of them agree that understanding their partner's physical needs is essential for a healthy relationship. They will likely make a very conscientious effort to make sure that those needs are met.
There's no more empathetic personality type than the INFP, and their texting habits will reveal this: they will ask various personal and deep questions, give advice when asked to,and readily show emotions through text.
The circular graph below shows the average interpersonal style of INFPs. The vertical, up-down axis shows their style in terms of dominance, with a highly assertive style at the top (Assured-Dominant) and a highly passive style at the bottom (Unassured-Submissive).