Much of the time, an
Being in social situations can drain their energy, and they prefer interacting with a select group of close friends. While they like to be alone, this should not necessarily be confused with shyness.2 Instead, it simply means that INFPs gain energy from spending time alone.
INFPs often feel lonely because their ideals are so unique and personal to them. They often feel that people don't “get” them or that their dreams are too big for this world. They crave a world of compassion, imagination, and beauty. They often have mental utopias that they've envisioned since childhood.
INFPs process information at a deeper level, and they often need more time alone to deal with the emotions that come from this trait. INFPs are more sensitive to stimulation and this can make it more challenging for them to stay connected with others for extended periods of time.
Like most introverts, INFPs do enjoy plenty of time to themselves, and can often isolate from others intentionally. They need this time in order to recharge, and process what they see others thinking and feeling, and make sense of all this at a deeper understanding level.
The INFP – Shallowness
Shallow conversations, relationships, and activities turn INFPs off because they see them as a waste of time.
INFP Grip Stress
They stop caring about others' feelings as much and react quickly without worrying about careful evaluation. Often this takes on the form of mulling over bitter thoughts towards others or becoming sarcastic and passive-aggressive.
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.
INFPs and Boredom
Free-spirited and individualistic, you feel the most bored when you're forced to think about things that lack meaning. You can easily let your mind wander when you're washing the dishes or taking a walk, but having to listen to a bunch of meaningless small talk can quickly cause you to feel restless.
Although introverted, we can be remarkably talkative.
When INFPs are in the right mood, we'll talk your ear off, simply because we have so much to say, so much has happened, and we've been thinking about so many things we'd like to discuss with you.
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.
Introverts can also sometimes be considered loners. These are people who enjoy time alone, not necessarily because they don't like being around other people, but rather because they are more interested in their own inner thoughts and feelings.
Loners are usually very mild-mannered, reserved, and relatively similar to being introverts. Loners can even appear to like others and have social skills, but given the choice, they would prefer to be alone.
Therefore, if an INFP likes you, they will not only listen to you closely, but also remember tiny details about your life. Things that maybe you don't even remember telling them about, such as what was the color of your first bicycle, or what was your favorite cartoon as a kid.
Who are INFPs most compatible with? INFPs are most compatible with the other Intuitive-Feeling types—ENFJ, ENFP, and INFJ—as well as ESFJs.
INFP Values and Motivations
INFPs are often offbeat and unconventional, but they feel no desire to conform. The INFP would rather be true to themselves than try to fit in with the crowd. INFPs are accepting and nonjudgmental in their treatment of others, believing that each person must follow their own path.
INFP Weaknesses
INFPs who venture enthusiastically out into the world can end up retreating into lethargy and depression when they discover their idealism isn't always shared or respected by others, and their incredible talents can go completely to waste when they become too discouraged to continue. Impracticality.
Anyone with any personality type can struggle to grasp new information, and INFPs are no different, but as a whole, they aren't typically slow learners.
Their emotional intensity often means that when INFPs get low, they sink very deep. They can do this because they believe that ultimately there is a path out. They can step down with a friend going through a hard time because they believe that someday both of them will return to the surface.
The pressure of having everyone looking at them waiting for a reaction can make them feel shy or awkward. Many INFPs also experience “second-hand embarrassment”. For example, they might feel embarrassed when someone is trying to make jokes but they are all falling flat.
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 can struggle when it comes to dating. We are complex individuals we rarely meet people with whom we connect in a meaningful way. We need a lot of alone time and meeting new people can be draining for us.
Because Fi is introverted in nature, it is guarded against the outside world and INFPs will only show their feelings to those they feel they can trust implicitly. This is why when you get to know the INFP in a deeper, more intimate way, they may reveal a side of themselves you didn't know existed.
When we INFPs have crushes, we unconsciously assign so much meaning to this person, because of our dominant function, Introverted Feeling (Fi). We become too involved in all the possibilities, due to our Extroverted Intuition (Ne). We let our imaginations fill in the blanks.
And with severe anxiety/depression, ISTJs were 36% less likely, and INFPs 86% more likely to report severe anxiety/depression.