Acquaintances of INFJs would likely describe them as quiet, intelligent, serious, gentle, and possibly a bit reclusive. Others generally perceive INFJs as pleasant people to be around, but may also notice that they can be moody, aloof, or even somewhat crabby on occasion.
INFJs tend to be highly focused on their internal insights. Once they have formed an intuition about something, INFJs tend to stick to it very tightly, often to the point of being single-minded in their focus. INFJs are sometimes viewed as stubborn and unyielding.
INFJs are attractive to others because they are compassionate, deeply caring, intuitive, insightful, and open-minded. They are highly empathetic and understand the emotions and needs of others. INFJs also make great listeners and enjoy helping others solve personal problems.
INFJs can be well-liked by many people because of how they go out of their way to help others. People value them as friends, co-workers, and romantic partners. However, you have to handle them correctly.
INFJs are unique not only because they are the rarest type, but because many people liken them to having a sixth sense, of sorts, because they often seem to leap intuitively to the correct answer, without having to know all of the facts beforehand.
INFJs are enigmas to other types, and sometimes the way they think, speak, or function can look outwardly awkward. Most of these behaviors are easy to explain when they're analyzed. So if you or someone you know is an INFJ, remember not to dismiss these habits as awkward, but as evidence of how you tick.
They are also quiet but fierce hardworking perfectionists who dream big and achieve their goals. Because they are often reserved, high-achieving individuals with high expectations of both themselves and others, INFJs can be intimidating to other personality types.
As sensitive personalities, INFJs feel attracted to people who show kindness towards others. Extraverted Feeling is their auxiliary function, which means INFJs try to connect in a gentle way, and appreciate those who can do the same. Most INFJs also strive to make a positive impact on the world.
In the world of personality theory, the INTP and INFJ pairing has been nicknamed “The Golden Pair” because these two types can be highly compatible.
Some introverted types are more apt to be mistaken for extraverts than others. In our experience, the INFJ is the type most commonly misperceived as extraverted, although this can occur with the INTJ as well. There are a number of personality factors commonly associated with extraversion.
The INFJ. Upon first meeting, people often find you calm yet focused. There's a warmth and friendliness to your demeanor that helps put people at ease and encourages them to speak freely. Yet you also give people their space and are not prone to long bouts of chit-chat or small-talk.
On the surface, the INFJ and INFP personalities appear very similar. These two introverted Myers-Briggs personality types are both creative, idealistic, and focused on helping others.
The INFJ's idealistic and nurturing nature creates the desire to help others reach their full potential. Combined with their deep intuition, ability to listen, and compassion, these personality traits make INFJ individuals highly suitable for careers serving others and humanity at large.
You'll often find INFJs observing others using their introverted X-ray vision to read into what they really think, feel, or desire. I'm an INFJ, the most rare of the Myers-Briggs introverted personality types. We're known for characteristics such as being empathic, perceptive, and sensing things others may miss.
INFJs can read people and do so very well, but this ability is, contrary to their belief, generally limited to matters of feeling, emotion, and morality. It extends less to thought or intent, areas where they may find themselves lost, “driven with the wind and tossed”.
However, time and time again, INFJs have told me that they get uncomfortably awkward around their crushes. They giggle more, trip over things more, and make self-deprecating jokes to try to ease the tension.
The best matches for INFJs include intuitive types such as INTJ, INFP, and ENFJ. INFJs are the least compatible with sensors, especially ESTJs, ESTPs, and ESFPs. INFJ-INFJ relationships can be emotionally fulfilling yet difficult if both INFJs aren't willing to openly discuss relationship problems.
When it comes to INFJs, however, we care deeply about other people and sometimes that can get us into trouble. We put other people first. Our focus on the feelings of others means we tend to put other people's needs before our own.
At their best, INFJs make modest, reliable teammates, and allow others to take the lead. INFJs may undervalue their own needs, ideas, and contributions, acting overly shy and not taking credit when due. At their worst, INFJs can be excessively submissive, ineffectual, and too dependent on direction from others.
Basic Fear: Of being worthless, unloved, or unwanted. Basic Desire: To know they are loved. These INFJs tend to appear more jovial and extroverted than some other INFJs. They are very people-oriented and lean heavily on their secondary function: Extraverted Feeling (Fe).
INFJs also feel embarrassed when they cry in front of others or react emotionally to criticism. They also experience “second-hand embarrassment”. This occurs when they empathize too strongly with someone who has done something awkward or is embarrassing themselves.
As unusual as that might sound, INFJs love to delve into niche interests — and it isn't because they're trying to be cool. They simply like what they like, and their interests can be as surprising and quirky as they are. It's one of the many reasons why they often feel like odd ducks out.
Ni-dominant types (INTJs and INFJs) often need considerable quiet time to themselves to think and focus. Interruptions, noise, and excessive sensory stimulation will push an INFJ to the edge of their comfort zone.