When INFPs experience grief they will draw inward and want some time alone and privacy to sort through their emotions. Like all introverts, INFPs are prone to looking inward and blaming themselves first. It's important for others to realize this and re-affirm that whatever happened was not their fault.
INFPs like sad things because they are comfortable around powerful emotions. They often use strong emotions to make sense of the world or relate to things and others. So, when INFPs feel sadness, it may bring them a sense of comfort that isn't often experienced in other personalities.
They don't like having to miss someone, and would much rather be building on their closeness and relationship in a way that makes them feel like they don't have to miss one another. INFPs don't mind the feeling of missing someone they love, especially if they still are emotionally close to that person.
Many INFPs struggles with feelings of inadequacy. They may also find it difficult to handle criticism or confrontations. Socially, INFPs can come across as shy. This can make it difficult for them to get out there and share their ideas or connect with others.
Inflexible or purposeless routine is also likely to bring a bit of stress to INFPs. They generally dislike strict schedules and prefer to make things up as they go. Being boxed into a routine may make them feel like they have no freedom, which will take away from their natural energy. INFPs also tend to dislike crowds.
INFPs can see how sadness has changed their own lives, so naturally they assume that everyone has these same stories. They're drawn to sadness because they realize that even though they feel miserable in the moment, it's going to change their life somehow.
Shallow conversations, relationships, and activities turn INFPs off because they see them as a waste of time. People who focus more on appearances or material possessions than on substance and meaning are very unappealing to INFPs.
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.
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.
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.
The INFP and Dominance
INFPs ranked as having low dominance according to the CPI™ tool. These individuals are very independent in nature, and value autonomy and personal freedom. They dislike imposing their will on others and believe that everyone has a right to their own individual ethics and beliefs.
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.
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.
Which Types Ranked as the Least Happy? Sadly, INFPs ranked the lowest for happiness as well as the lowest for life-satisfaction. According to the third edition of the MBTI® Manual, these types also ranked second highest in dissatisfaction with their marriages and intimate relationships.
INFPs mirror emotions.
You don't absorb other's emotions directly like INFJs, but instead, you put yourself in other people's shoes and imagine how you'd feel in a similar situation.
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.
INFPs who are especially unhealthy or immature can function with a warped introverted feeling process. They can be overly-sensitive, quick to take offense, and insistent that only their views and values are valid.
However, when they're unhealthy, INFPs become disillusioned or stuck in their ways. They may withdraw from the world and become isolated, or they may act out in destructive ways. Their idealism can turn into cynicism, and their values may become inflexible.
However, if INFPs can't escape the shallow plane quickly, they will lose interest in the relationship (even though they may continue being friendly to that person — we hate being rude).
As for the INFP, common behaviors include excessive working, exercising, or socializing to distract, numb, and block out whatever's on their mind. This may present itself to those unknowing of the true situation like a burst of productivity or motivation when in reality, it's a defense mechanism linked to escapism.
INFP's tend to withdraw into themselves further, like an injured animal, they go out of their way to try and cover up their pain and can hide it extremely well by pretending they are ok and trying to get on with things the best they feel they can.
INFPs are very sensitive to interpersonal tension and tend to avoid conflict. They have trouble letting go of hurts and often hold grudges. Because they see only the good in those they care about, they run the risk of being disillusioned and disappointed easily.
Prefacing an insult or critique by saying “don't take this personally” will only make INFPs feel belittled and irritated. INFPs are more than happy to get constructive criticism, but it needs to be done in a way that isn't patronizing. Zen habits has an amazing article on how to give constructive criticism kindly.
INFP: Decisiveness
Decisiveness is a turn-on for INFPs. Making decisions isn't an INFP's strength. Sometimes it's because they usually spend a lot of time analyzing different options and exploring all the possibilities in order to come up with a conclusion that would make sense for everyone involved.