Te - extroverted Thinking Te is the FiNe's inferior function. This function may be their achilles heel, and is inherently not as strong as their other functions because their highest priority and focus is on Fi. Te is a very logic-oriented way of problem solving.
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.
INFPs' Dominant Function: Introverted Feeling. INFPs are deeply aware of and in touch with their inner landscape. Their dominant Fi is inwardly focused and adept at evaluating and handling their personal tastes, values, and emotions.
INFPs are sometimes referred to as “the Mediator,” “the Idealist,” “the Healer,” or “the Dreamer.” ESTJ is the opposite personality type of INFP. INFP is the ninth most common type in the population.
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.
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.
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.
Who are INFPs least compatible with? INFPs are the least compatible with Thinking-Judging types—ISTJ, ESTJ, ENTJ, and less so, INTJ.
INFPs and ISFPs (Fi-Se-Ni-Te) are quite similar and can be easily mistyped for one another. Both types have Fi as their dominant function, which makes them highly value personal expression and individualism. The main difference between INFPs and ISFPs lies within our auxiliary function.
People with the INFP personality type show 52% of their pre-frontal activity on the left side of their brain, and 48% of their pre-frontal activity on the right side of their brain. They are known for being excellent listeners because they engage all brain regions that process voice, words, and volume.
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.
Individualistic and nonjudgmental, INFPs believe that each person must find their own path. They enjoy spending time exploring their own ideas and values, and are gently encouraging to others to do the same. INFPs are creative and often artistic; they enjoy finding new outlets for self-expression.
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.
Learn why the INFJ Personality type is the most complex Myers-Briggs Personality Type. To better understand INFJs and their paradoxical personalities, it is helpful to focus on specific combinations of personality characteristics that seem contradictory. Let's look at a few of these dyads and what they mean for INFJs.
INFPs will be more focused on the different interpretations of what people are arguing about. They will make their opponent question everything and consider connections that were missed.
The most compatible personality types for INFPs are considered the INFJ, ESFJ, and ENFJ personality types. The joint function is the extroverted feeling (Fe) that allows INFPs to explore the more adventurous side of their personalities mutually.
ENFPs are generally more outgoing and less individualistic than INFPs. They are more likely to be inspired by their surroundings since they often view the world as a never-ending canvas to paint many experiences on. However, they may also be more prone to anxiety and stress than other personality types.
In short, INFPs don't like making decisions and will put off the painful process as long as possible. In contrast, INFJs are adept at making decisions, and their strong opinions, combined with their analytical side, make it a lot easier to commit to a choice.
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.
INFPs are very trusting, to begin with. However, when they have been repeatedly hurt, it is the opposite – they become hypervigilant, paranoid, and have difficulty trusting anyone. They may become extremely suspicious of the world in order to protect themselves from being hurt again.
Being in social situations can drain their energy, and they prefer interacting with a select group of close friends. While they like to be alone, this should not necessarily be confused with shyness.2 Instead, it simply means that INFPs gain energy from spending time alone.
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.
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.