What do INFP and INFJ mean? (5 INFP characteristics + 5 INFJ characteristics)
This blog post aims to answer the question, “What do INFP and INFJ mean?” and explore the various dimensions of the two Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INFP and INFJ that will help understand the answer.
What do INFP and INFJ mean?
INFP is a personality type that stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving and has the following 5 characteristics –
- INFPs are selectively observant.
- INFPs are intensely self-reflective.
- INFPs are dreamers.
- INFPs love people almost as much as they love being alone.
- INFPs are ravenous for inspiration and meaning.
INFJ is a personality type that stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Judgement and has the following 5 characteristics –
- INFJs are reserved.
- INFJs are intelligent.
- INFJs are sensitive.
- INFJs are good listeners and deep conversationalists.
- INFJs are compassionate.
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.
What are these 5 characteristics of an INFP?
INFPs are selectively observant.
INFPs think about everything again and again and even end up dreaming about these things. It makes sense that so many of them are authors and creatives. Having a place where INFPs may at least partially externalise some of their racing thoughts is beneficial.
An example of an extremely critical or thoughtful comment made by an INFP is when they are overly particular about a minor detail that most people wouldn’t give a second thought to.
INFPs are not very perceptive, though. INFPs may overlook logistical details when they are preoccupied with thoughts that are far bigger (or weirdly specific).
Although INFPs are keen observers and very perceptive of their surroundings, they can sometimes get so engrossed in the present that they momentarily lose track of time.
INFPs are intensely self-reflective.
Early on in a conversation, INFPs gently bring up intricate personal insights regarding the subtleties of their own minds.
For instance, Fernando Pessoa, a Portuguese poet and philosopher who is thought to be an INFP, published a whole book about his own mental observations. Its title is The Book of Disquiet, and it’s written from various of his alter egos’ points of view.
INFPs are dreamers.
An INFP is someone who appears to be “out of it”—distracted, elsewhere—but who yet has a genuine desire to hear other people out.
Dreaminess has advantages and disadvantages.
The time spent elsewhere thinking about nothing is not spent by INFPs. Because of their vivid imaginations, INFPs are creative and imaginative people who have large, bold ideas about how to improve the world.
INFPs love people almost as much as they love being alone.
Although short interactions (such as simple text messages) might be draining, INFPs have a deep-seated need for connection. Small talk doesn’t satisfy INFPs, but if they connect with someone, they can spend their entire day with them.
When the ice starts to break, INFPs look distant and even hostile yet immediately start to open up widely. When meeting someone for the first time, INFPs may have an extremely uncomfortable chat before saying something surprisingly heartfelt or revelatory.
But regardless of how close an INFP is to someone, they must eventually return to themselves and the natural environment. INFPs value their alone time, in part because they believe they are the only ones who truly understand them.
For INFPs, time spent alone and in nature can be incredibly soothing and re-energizing, and they yearn for a healthy mix of seclusion and fulfilling human interaction.
INFPs are ravenous for inspiration and meaning.
The world is experienced strongly by INFPs, and it doesn’t take much for them to have profoundly spiritual or transformative encounters. On the other hand, INFPs rapidly lose satisfaction if they keep to routines and don’t spend any time venturing outside of their comfort zones.
The kinds of adventures that INFPs like are different from those that other people do. An abandoned old mill may be as lovely as a royal castle in an INFP’s eyes, and they may like exploring strange sites throughout the world like these.
Road excursions and visiting locations that are amenable to their own original observations are likely to be enjoyed by INFPs.
Who is an INFJ?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) inventors Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers established sixteen personality types. INFJ is one of them. Introversion, intuition, feeling, and judgement (INFJ) are four key personality traits based on psychologist C.G. Jung’s work.
Each of the four letters in the INFJ code represents a significant personality feature associated with the INFJ personality type.
INFJs prefer to be planned and organised rather than spontaneous and flexible because they are energised by time alone (introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details (intuitive), make decisions based on feelings and values (feeling), and prefer to be planned and organised rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging).
Because of their inclination to be idealistic, sympathetic, and sensitive, the INFJ personality type is also known as the “Counselor.” The INFJ is also known by the following nicknames:
- The Insightful Visionary (MBTI)
- The Advocate (16Personalities)
INFJs are nurturers who are creative and nurturing, with a strong sense of personal integrity and a desire to help others reach their full potential. INFJs have a knack for coming up with unique answers to people’s problems, and they are both creative and dedicated.
The Counselor (INFJ) has a unique ability to sense other people’s emotions and intentions, and will frequently know how they are feeling before they do. INFJs have faith in their capacity to read others and trust their perceptions of others.
The INFJ is a secretive type who is choosy about communicating inner thoughts and feelings. INFJs are sensitive, yet they are also guarded.
What are these 5 characteristics of an INFJ?
INFJs are reserved.
INFJs are known for being reserved, but also sympathetic and kind. Unless they are among somebody they trust completely, their intuitions are frequently kept to themselves. INFJs prefer to hide parts of themselves and may appear “tough to understand.”
Unless the topic is really exciting or stimulating to them, in which case they might speak passionately for lengthy lengths of time, making them appear more like extroverts than introverts.
INFJs might appear distracted if they are engaging in a conversation that is largely focused on day-to-day issues since they have a strong desire to keep focused on the future and global perspectives.
INFJs prefer metaphor and analogy over actual information in their discourse, which might make them appear unclear to other kinds.
INFJs are intelligent.
INFJs have a tendency to make people believe they are intelligent. The INFJ personality has strong emotional intelligence and, because they enjoy studying and figuring things out, they also have a lot of head knowledge.
An INFJ’s ability to talk intelligently about a wide range of issues, some of which are fairly in-depth, is not uncommon. Others consider INFJs to be wise beyond their years.
Some may regard their intuition as a “superpower” since their pattern-recognition abilities allow them to make educated guesses about the bigger picture.
In addition, combining their pattern-recognizing Intuition with their interpersonal Feeling side allows them to rapidly understand what others are attempting to say. Other types recognise and appreciate this quality.
INFJs are sensitive.
INFJs are calm, kind, and sensitive people who pay close attention to other people’s views and concerns. INFJs have a keen sense of people and wish to aid others in their quest for knowledge.
INFJs aren’t frightened of complicated personal issues; in fact, they’ve pretty complicated themselves, with a deep inner existence that only a few others know about. INFJs think extensively about ethical issues and have strong feelings about them.
INFJs may also have difficulty receiving criticism. Even if the input was offered in a kind manner, they may perceive it as being too critical, leading to frustration or unhappiness. INFJs, on the other hand, may learn to value constructive comments with a little effort.
INFJs are complicated individuals who may be hesitant to interact with others who may not understand or appreciate them, making them difficult to come to know.
INFJs are good listeners and deep conversationalists.
INFJs are frequently perceived as nice, kind, and easy to talk to. INFJs are a safe place to share from the other person’s viewpoint since they come across as caring, nonjudgmental, and willing to truly listen.
Some individuals think INFJs are so evasive that they don’t want to bother finding out what the “deeper meaning” underneath their words is.
Others view INFJs’ decision to suppress their genuine sentiments in order to avoid conflict with others differently. INFJs induce confusion instead of preventing harm.
Others can’t tell if an INFJ likes them or are perplexed by an INFJ who appears pleasant but then departs. An INFJ who is overly indirect might come out as passive-aggressive and/or take delight in how difficult they are to grasp.
INFJs are compassionate.
On the one hand, some individuals respect INFJs’ fiery personalities. INFJs are seen as generous, compassionate, and honest by them. INFJs like how animated they appear while discussing a topic they care about or fighting for a cause they support.
INFJs might be considered effective leaders when they put their intensity and enthusiasm into something that others can relate to.
Conclusion –
This blog post aimed to answer the question, “What do INFP and INFJ mean?” and reviewed the features and functions of the two introverted Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INFP and INFJ to help determine what INFPs and INFJs are like. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.
References –
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