INFPs value authenticity and want to be original and individual in what they do. They are often concerned with a search for meaning and truth within themselves. Following tradition holds little appeal for the INFP; they prefer to do their own exploration of values and ideas, and decide for themselves what seems right.
INFPs crave personal and emotional intimacy, but social contact can be difficult and they often struggle to share their own feelings with others. It can be challenging to get to know an INFP, but the rewards of these friendships are worth the patience and time.
The INFP – Shallowness
Shallow conversations, relationships, and activities turn INFPs off because they see them as a waste of time.
But INFPs aren't just good at feeling what you feel. They see beauty in the valleys, rain, and cloudy days of life. INFPs gravitate toward deep, heartfelt emotions that make them feel alive. They love what's personal, real, and sincere, and these kinds of feelings are often purest in the raw moments of life.
INFPs are often highly sensitive.
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.
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.
People with this kind of personality tend to be introverted, idealistic, creative, and driven by high values. INFPs want to make the world a better place and are interested in how they can best help others. They also strive to gain a greater understanding of themselves and how they fit into the world.
One of the biggest challenges for INFPs is that their idealism can sometimes cause them to feel out of step with the world around them. They may feel that their values and beliefs don't line up with those of most other people, leading to a sense of isolation.
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.
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.
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.
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 is intuitive and perceptive – it's not hard for them to see right through your B.S., so be genuine and authentic – they will appreciate the effort! Some Pointers: Be willing to share your heart, beliefs, and values with them. Show interest in their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
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.
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.
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.
Set aside alone time.
First and foremost, schedule lots of alone time. As INFPs, our core nature is introverted, so we need time to recharge on a good day. But after a heartbreak, that alone time is going to be even more important.
INFPs and ISFPs feel insecure when they are asked to delegate, give or receive criticism, or do something that is objectively logical but doesn't seem right on a conscience-level.
Who are INFPs least compatible with? INFPs are the least compatible with Thinking-Judging types—ISTJ, ESTJ, ENTJ, and less so, INTJ.
INFPs are flexible and free-spirited. They may be motivated by schedules that allow them plenty of room to change or pursue new opportunities.
Because they are naturally reserved, INFPs often have a hard time sharing about themselves, which can affect how they seek help for problems, talk up their accomplishments in interviews, or allow new people to get to know them.
And with severe anxiety/depression, ISTJs were 36% less likely, and INFPs 86% more likely to report severe anxiety/depression.
They can be very sensitive, but often keep negative reactions to themselves because they are reluctant to engage in confrontation. Close and harmonious relationships are important to INFPs, although they also need a lot of independent time to think and reflect.