The INFP Communication Style: The core drive of the INFP in communication is to be authentic, to support others, and to dwell on meaningful and imaginative territory. These types encourage participation and are often good listeners, looking to ascertain others' values and get a glimpse of what they're all about.
INFPs are able to speak with people of various personality types in their “language”, and on a variety of topics. However, at times INFPs can come across as distant and reserved. Those are the periods when they reflect on their views of the world and people.
Although introverted, we can be remarkably talkative.
When INFPs are in the right mood, we'll talk your ear off, simply because we have so much to say, so much has happened, and we've been thinking about so many things we'd like to discuss with you.
INFPs are introspective types who tend to listen more than they speak. However, when their imagination is stimulated, they can become quite chatty, exploring ideas, possibilities, and musings.
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.
The INFP – Shallowness
Shallow conversations, relationships, and activities turn INFPs off because they see them as a waste of time.
INFPs are deeply loyal to their values, beliefs, and causes, so someone who makes an uninformed or rapid judgment about such things may be at the receiving end of a death glare or stony silence. In the same way, people who are pushy, critical, or overbearing will irritate INFPs.
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.
Since they are introverts, INFPs tend to have a lot of introverted characteristics. They are often quiet and reserved, although this doesn't necessarily mean they're shy. With rich inner lives, they enjoy their own company and need solitude to recharge after social interactions.
They like to cyber stalk their love interests, but can be somewhat shy with them in person until communication has opened up a bit. You'll find that INFPs make this open communication flow happen rather quickly.
We aren't particularly assertive, and tend to be soft-spoken, so it's easy to get drowned out or ignored.
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 of their quiet, reserved nature, loud interruptions or conflicting personalities can create stress for people with INFP preferences. They tend to dislike last-minute changes and repeated mistakes, which they see as thoughtless or uncaring.
INFPs are capable of mechanical memorization, but the amount retained this way is less than in memory based on understanding. They are able to accurately reproduce received information, especially if they associate it with any feelings.
They're both curious and shy.
However, at the same time, they can be shy and hesitant to open themselves up to people who they aren't familiar with. This is because INFPs are conscientious, need time to reflect, and do not like to engage in shallow conversations.
INFPs are INTROVERTS, so they have strong protective boundaries and unless you are a friend or a client, they do not send a welcoming vibe out. They usually feel reserved and 'shielded”, very neutral. If they feel sorry for you - they might be warm and helpful, or at least a good listener.
INFP. The winner of the cutest personality type goes to INFPs! With their dreamy eyes, romantic souls, and compassionate personalities, INFPs are the quintessential adorable type. They're affectionate, gentle, and generous with those they love.
ISFPs are introverted. They tend to be reserved and quiet, especially around people they do not know well. They prefer spending time with a close group of family and friends. ISFPs are very private and keep their true feelings to themselves.
INTJs are typically very quiet and reserved unless they happen to meet someone who, like them, loves exploring theoretical concepts, analyzing possibilities, and dreaming up long-term goals.
Although Mediators are warm and accepting, they don't always find it easy to make friends. This may be because superficial, casual relationships can leave these personalities feeling a bit empty.
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.
Many INFPs struggles with social anxiety and assertiveness. A good INFP therapist or coach can help the INFP develop confidence and assertiveness by practising their skills, being a role model, and exploring the deeper reasons why they fear conflict or suppress their anger.
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.
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.
Shutting down when we're hurt
Yet because INFPs are mediators, we have a hard time being confrontational. We value harmonious relationships more than our own feelings, so if we are hurt, instead of bringing it up, we may shut down. We retreat to work it out internally.