Retreating from the world in order to process their feelings is an essential part of the healing process for INFPs. They don't want to be pressured to talk about their feelings right away because they worry they'll say something they regret later or they struggle to put words to their convoluted thoughts.
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.
Many INFPs mentioned a fear of dying alone, never finding a significant relationship, or never feeling understood by others.
“Grip” Stress
This often happens when INFPs are in an environment that doesn't suit their natural strengths. Being in an atmosphere of negativity, constant conflict, and criticism will cause them chronic, intense stress since it conflicts with their naturally understanding, compassionate mindset.
The INFP – Shallowness
Shallow conversations, relationships, and activities turn INFPs off because they see them as a waste of time.
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: Ambiguphobia, AKA Fear of being misunderstood
After all, this personality type prefers deep meaningful connections and freedom of expression, so it can be disheartening when someone doesn't get them. They don't like it when people make snap judgments about them without getting to know the real them first.
INFP: People-pleasing
The biggest turn-off for INFPs is people-pleasing. INFPs are independent and individualistic in their beliefs and values. They want people to be authentic and true to themselves, even if they risk offending others.
While any personality type can succeed in any environment, INFPs may want to avoid open office environments found in many corporations. INFPs tend to thrive in influential, creative individual contributor roles. They prefer working behind the scenes, rather than as the face of an organization.
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.
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.
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.
Behaviors of INFPs under stress
Distance themselves from others and retreat into themselves. Become overly critical.
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.
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.
INFP Weaknesses
INFPs who venture enthusiastically out into the world can end up retreating into lethargy and depression when they discover their idealism isn't always shared or respected by others, and their incredible talents can go completely to waste when they become too discouraged to continue. Impracticality.
INFPs are most compatible with the other Intuitive-Feeling types—ENFJ, ENFP, and INFJ—as well as ESFJs.
I think the most badass quality of INFPs is that we generally strive for authenticity and we own it. When we understand what we want, we go for it.
We start off with INFPs and INFJs: two Introverted personalities that often experience bouts of anxiety. When it comes to these types, their anxiety can stem from an inclination to overthinking.
Even though Mediators try not to judge other people based on how they look, they're among the personality types that feel most insecure about their appearance.
Many INFPs feel incompetent and lost when they're emotionally overwhelmed. All their ideas seem pointless, and they are afraid of bringing up ideas for fear that they aren't good enough. They often report feeling listless, anxious, and unable to form clear thoughts.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, INFPs frequently encounter people who want to take advantage of them. These bad experiences provide lessons. Those lessons and a high degree of intuition can make an INFP into a human lie detector. In time, they become highly observant and sensitive towards people's behaviors and intentions.