Under extreme stress, though, the laidback and caring INFP becomes inflexible, rigid and efficiency-driven. Instead of being open-minded and compassionate, they may become harshly critical of themselves and those around them. They may fixate on accomplishing tasks and lose touch with their creative streak.
INFPs feel overwhelmed when they are put in charge of organizing or directing other people. These types much prefer to work independently and can get overwhelmed with telling other people what to do or structuring and organizing a big project or event. They can also get overwhelmed by routine, meaningless work.
Individuals with a Type A personality generally experience a higher stress level, hate failure and find it difficult to stop working, even when they have achieved their goals.
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.
Under the spell of their shadow, INFPs might rely too much on others' opinions and even feel like they have lost their identity — something usually so easily accessible to them. In this confusion, they begin to grasp at sudden (and perhaps mistaken) realizations and judgments against others.
The INFP Dark Side
They want to know how they fit into the grand scheme of things. They are often drawn to creative or humanitarian work that allows them to explore these big questions. When they're at their best, INFPs are compassionate, creative, and deeply in touch with their emotions.
INFP personality types tend to be stressed and drained by...
Because INFPs are naturally sensitive, they may be more easily hurt by blunt criticism than others. INFPs tend to take critical feedback personally and are likely to feel upset or attacked by it.
INFPs enjoy supporting others through times of sadness because they are no strangers to loneliness themselves. Many of us INFPs believe that a person can emerge from a time of sadness even more beautiful than they already were — especially if they have someone to walk beside them.
When INFPs are angered, they aren't usually quick to react. They initially attempt to filter their feelings through their Introverted Feeling judgment center. Introverted Feeling is often misunderstood by people who are new to type. They assume that because the word “Feeling” is used, that Fi revolves around emotions.
Research has indicated that individuals with high emotional reactivity (high neuroticism) and introverted tendencies (low extroversion) are more likely to experience anxiety than other personality types [101].
As might be expected, the Extraverted (E) and Introverted (I) traits make a difference when it comes to where and when people cry. While most survey respondents, regardless of personality traits, say they prefer to cry when they're alone, Introverts are more likely than Extraverts to say so.
INFPs are very prone to feelings of stress, anxiety, and worry. I find myself facing feelings of stress very often in a single day. INFPs easily feel emotions via Introverted Sensing and Introverted Feeling.
Many INFPs struggles with social anxiety and assertiveness. A good INFP therapist or coach can help the INFP develop confidence and assertiveness by practising their skills, being a role model, and exploring the deeper reasons why they fear conflict or suppress their anger.
Weaknesses that are typically associated with the INFP personality type include... Having difficulty accepting disappointment or failure. Taking criticism too personally. Struggling to share about themselves.
INFPs will often overthink an issue as a result of their perfectionism, but aiming for perfection in your life isn't going to take you far. On the contrary, it is more likely to prevent you from getting started with something.
INFPs may feel stressed out if their values are undermined or disregarded by others in some way. What is this? If they see their values are not appreciated as they should be, they may become annoyed and angry with those who try to defy what they hold dear to their identity.
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.
Suggest they put it in writing
Simply putting their thoughts and feelings in writing, even just in a journal, may help your INFP feel less lonely and more fulfilled.
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.
They are known for being empathic and will mirror others' emotions and feelings. The intensity of their own emotions can sometimes become overwhelming for them, and so they may cry a lot more frequently. This is a sign that an INFP needs some time alone to rest and recharge so that they can put themselves first.
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.
The Demon: Introverted Thinking
This is the shadow function that feels the most foreign to the INFP. As Mark Hunziker says, “Essentially, it's our inferior inferior.” When we see other people using this function (even in a positive way) we tend to see it as negative.
INFP is one of the 16 personality types within the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The letters stand for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perspective. People who test into this type are thought to be sensitive, creative, idealist, and classified as dreamers.
INFPs will be more focused on the different interpretations of what people are arguing about. They will make their opponent question everything and consider connections that were missed. They win an argument by showing their opponent an alternative way of looking at things.