Being Overly Idealistic. Idealism lies at the very heart of the INFP personality type, but unhealthy INFPs' lives revolve around their idealized vision of the world. Unhealthy INFPs are loyal to their ideals and values—to a fault.
Unhealthy intuition can make the INFP seem unrealistic, impractical, eccentric, or ungrounded. They will feel pulled towards an idealistic future, yet they will feel unable to actually do anything to make their goals a reality.
For me, and maybe other INFPs, when I feel “broken” I can't even ask other people how they are, I completely avoid contact with others as much as possible, because I feel so rude and uncaring. When I'm this way, I wouldn't say I get aggressive. I probably wouldn't even have the energy to be aggressive.
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. When they're in this state, INFPs are often negative, judgmental, and superior.
For mature INFPs, they are compassionate toward other people's flaws because they have meditated on their own darkness. They have known the dependence of light upon the shadow. They have suffered as others have suffered. They care for others because they are interconnected to who they are, because they are them.
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.
INFP: Decisiveness
Other times, they just don't really know what they want. So when someone is decisive and can make a quick, informed decision, it's an incredibly attractive trait for them. It shows their partner can take charge and lead the way, making life much easier for the INFP.
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.
So when INFPs are angry, they will typically retreat in order to look beneath the anger. Often a great deal of analysis goes on during these quiet moments.
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.
If an INFP was traumatized in childhood, they may develop a strong dependence on their therapist. This is because deep down they long for a mentor who respects them for who they are and gives them the guidance they need. At the same time, INFPs tend to be sensitive to interference.
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.
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 INFP – Shallowness
Shallow conversations, relationships, and activities turn INFPs off because they see them as a waste of time.
If you hurt an INFP, they'll likely lose trust in you and become cold and detached. Most INFPs won't pretend that everything is okay when it's not. While not all INFPs will cry or show their pain, you'll definitely know you've hurt them once they no longer share their feelings with you.
Introverted Feeling is so private that on the outside INFPs may look somewhat unemotional. Because they don't readily share their feelings, yet are deeply affected by them, they may appear calm on the surface while inside they are having an intense emotional response to what is happening.
INFPs are often deep thinkers who need quiet time alone to reflect on things that happened throughout the day. They can also be very sensitive to other people's emotions, so when someone is struggling, it might make an INFP stressed out and cause them to want space from that person for a while.
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.
INFPs are often misdiagnosed with ADD and ADHD (often more ADD as INFPs aren't as hyperactive since ADHD includes hyperactivity).
Idealism. INFPs care deeply for others and believe it is their duty to make a positive impact on the lives of other people in any way they can. Because of this unbreakable commitment, INFPs are capable of great self-sacrifice, and they won't compromise their ethical standards for personal benefit.
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.
Mediator (INFP): Good with Children and Animals
People with this personality type are highly intuitive and empathetic, and they possess the gift of understanding those who aren't able to verbalize their thoughts and feelings.
Who are INFPs most compatible with? INFPs are most compatible with the other Intuitive-Feeling types—ENFJ, ENFP, and INFJ—as well as ESFJs.
INFPs give off the vibe that we're perfectly normal people who live ordinary lives. But that's only how we look outwardly. Inwardly, we live a life of adventure, imagination, and emotion. But most people don't see this because as introverts, we're typically private and reserved.