How does INFP make friends? (5 ways)

This blog post aims to answer the question, “How do INFPs make friends?” and explore the various dimensions of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFP that will help understand the answer. 

How do INFPs make friends?

INFPs make friends in the following 5 ways – 

  • Making small talk. 
  • Being confident and putting themselves out there.
  • Looking for friends in places the INFP visits often. 
  • Fostering the friendships the INFP already has. 
  • Sharing the INFP’s true self. 

These 5 ways in which INFPs make friends will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFP means. 

Who is an INFP?

The INFP personality type was developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the authors of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, which are four key personality qualities based on C.G. Jung’s work.

Each of the four letters of the INFP code represents a significant personality feature of the INFP personality type. 

INFPs are stimulated by alone time (Introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), base their decisions on feelings and values (Feeling), and like to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and structured (Perceiving).

Because of their empathetic idealism and gentle concern for others, the INFP personality type is often known as the “Healer.” The INFP is also known by the following nicknames:

  • The Thoughtful Idealist (MBTI)
  • The Mediator (16Personalities)

An INFP prefers an unstructured and free-spirited lifestyle. INFP is an introverted and ultra-creative Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type. The INFP is sensitive, creative, and loyal to their values.

INFPs are creative idealists who are guided by their primary ideals and beliefs. A Healer who is preoccupied with possibilities; the actuality of the time is merely a fleeting concern. INFPs see the possibility of a brighter future and seek truth and purpose in their own unique way.

INFPs are sensitive, loving, and compassionate people who are highly concerned with their own and others’ personal progress. INFPs are individualistic and nonjudgmental, believing that each person must forge their own path. 

INFPs like spending time investigating their own ideas and ideals, and they gently encourage others to do the same. INFPs are creative and frequently artistic; they like discovering new ways to express themselves.   

INFP Personality Type Characteristics Are –

  • INFPs are introverts who are quiet and reserved. INFPs find that being in social situations depletes their energy, thus they prefer to connect with a small number of close pals. While they like being alone, this should not be mistaken for timidity. Rather, it simply implies that INFPs get energy from alone time. INFPs must, on the other hand, devote energy to social circumstances.
  • INFPs rely on intuition and are more concerned with the overall picture than the finer points of a situation. INFPs can be quite thorough about things that are important to them or tasks they are working on, yet they tend to overlook little or insignificant details.
  • INFPs value personal sentiments above everything else and their actions are affected more by these concerns than by objective data.
  • INFPs prefer to keep their choices open when it comes to making decisions. INFPs frequently put off making key judgments in case the circumstance changes. The majority of judgments are made based on personal ideals rather than reasoning.

What are these 5 ways in which INFPs make friends?

Making small talk. 

Some individuals find small talk to be easier, but I can almost promise that no one enjoys this aspect of communication. Although it may seem pointless and perhaps boring, small talk is essential to developing friendships.

Deeper discussions on shared interests can result from small talk and serve as the foundation of a wonderful friendship. Finding strategies to go from casual chat to things the INFP finds interesting is the secret.

Being confident and putting themselves out there.

Be confident approaching people and striking up a conversation. The INFP gets control over the direction of the trade by doing this. Make a statement or pose a query. 

Most people are kind and won’t bite if the INFP starts a discussion with them about the book they’re reading, which they either love or loathe, or about the project they are both dreading for the class they are both in. 

INFPs should be assured when they approach a potential buddy. Although it may be simpler said than done, INFPs should have confidence in their capacity to make friends.

Looking for friends in places the INFP visits often. 

At locations INFPs frequently visit because of their interests or hobbies, they should be open to meeting new people. INFPs should engage others at the climbing gym in a discussion if they like rock climbing. 

INFPs already know that they share something, therefore a portion of the effort is complete. For INFPs who enjoy coffee and have favourite coffee shops, they should talk to the person in front of them in line. 

Perhaps they are carrying a backpack that suggests they are students at the nearby institution. Perhaps they are holding a book that the INFP can question them about. Obtain a drink suggestion from them.

Even if this brief meeting may not result in the best of friendships, it will serve as preparation for future interactions, and who knows, the INFP could run into this person again in the future.

Take advantage of the chance to learn more about the person’s interests and hobbies once they have established that initial connection. Maybe they will start a new pastime of their own. 

Of course, INFPs shouldn’t kill themselves by joining their pal on runs if they are not a runner. Instead, INFPs should strengthen their ties in the areas where they already have something in common.

Fostering the friendships the INFP already has. 

Even while they could be actively looking for friends, the INFP must remember that not everyone will become a good buddy. Some connections will be fleeting. 

In addition to having pals they occasionally text to go to wineries with, the INFP will have friends who would assist them in hiding a dead body. Although INFPs normally prefer closer relationships, friendships can develop gradually. 

INFPs might need to nurture the relationships they currently have if a ride-or-die friendship is what they are after. Maintaining such flimsy connections might feel monotonous, especially when they are yearning for a deeper friendship, but with little time and care, they can develop into something more.

Sharing the INFP’s true self. 

INFPs have to open up about who they really are while developing friends. Along with sharing details about their interests and activities, people should also tell their peers about their family and history. 

They must be open with INFPs about the things they dislike. Tell them what characteristics define an INFP.

Conclusion – 

This blog post aimed to answer the question, “How do INFPs make friends?” and reviewed the features and functions of the introverted and extremely inventive Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFP to help determine how INFPs make friends. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How do INFP make friends?

Why do INFPs have a hard time making friends?

An INFP who is in good health is kind, compassionate, original, truthful, and welcoming of others. Anyone who is inclined to appreciate such a person will want to befriend them. Making friends is difficult for INFPs due to a lack of initiative. Less developed INFPs are frequently chosen and adopted by others.

Who are INFPs most likely to be friends with?

The dominant function of Introverted Feeling in an INFP is best matched with the dominant function of Extraverted Feeling in a spouse. The INFP/ENFJ combination is optimal since it shares the Intuitive mode of perception, but the INFP/ESFJ combination is also a suitable match.

Do INFPs have no friends?

INFPs can read people merely by looking at them, and they can even read people over the phone by listening to their voices. Having said that, I believe that INFPs frequently have no trouble maintaining friendships.

Do INFPs like to socialize?

Many INFPs connect online through groups, social media, and chat. They may also have a family or live with someone, which provides them with social connections. For other INFPs, being with that special loved one might be more than enough satisfying socialising. 

What is the love language of an INFP?

INFPs prioritise quality time as a love language, followed by words of affirmation and physical contact. Though they have exceptionally powerful feelings on the inside, INFPs prefer to express their love by spending time with persons they care about and participating in things they like with them.

References-

Cherry, K. (2021, July 23). INFP: The Mediator (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving). Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/infp-a-profile-of-the-idealist-personality-type-2795987

Online Personality Tests. (n.d.). INFP and INFJ Relationships: Compatibility, Love, and Friendship. Retrieved from https://www.onlinepersonalitytests.org/infp-infj-relationships-compatibility-love-friendship/

Henderson. T. (2021, March 14).  5 Ways INFPs Can Make Friends: Advice From an ENFP. Retrieved from https://livefreeinfp.com/5-ways-infps-can-make-friends-advice-from-an-enfp/

Powers, C. (2019, December 16). Introvert, Dear. 4 Friendship Struggles INFPs Will Feel Deeply. Retrieved from https://introvertdear.com/news/4-friendship-struggles-infps-will-feel-deeply/

16 Personalities. (n.d.). Mediator Personality INFP-A / INFP-T (WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?). Retrieved from https://www.16personalities.com/infp-friends

Mathias. M. (2021, August 3) INFP Friendship: 3 Reasons Why INFPs Are Hard to Get to Know. Retrieved from https://www.mathiasway.com/infp-hard-to-get-to-know/#:~:text=INFP%20Friendships,INFPs%20are%20empathetic%20friends.&text=When%20conflicts%20occur%20with%20their,with%20little%20to%20no%20misunderstandings.

GameTree (2018, April, 4). INFP: GameTree Secrets to Making Friends [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/tD9xAkDwQT8