What happens when you hurt an INFP? (3 things)

This blog post aims to answer the question, “What happens when you hurt an INFP?” and explore the various dimensions of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFP that will help understand the answer. 

What happens when you hurt an INFP?

When you hurt an INFP, the following 3 things happen – 

• INFPs withdraw. 
• INFPs take things personally. 
• INFPs move on if the hurt is unintentional. 

These 3 things that happen when you hurt an INFP 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 3 things that happen when you hurt an INFP?

INFPs withdraw. 

If an INFP is hurt by someone close to them, they will most likely withdraw for a period. For a few days, the INFP may avoid others, especially the individual who has injured them. They’ll most likely go over what happened in their heads and wonder if they’re to blame.

INFPs place a high value on their intimate relationships, which might make them vulnerable to injured sentiments. Because they love so profoundly, they can be sensitive to other people’s words and behaviours.  If an INFP is injured by someone close to them, they will most likely withdraw for a period.

For a few days, the INFP may avoid others, especially the individual who has injured them. They’ll most likely go over what happened in their heads and wonder if they’re to blame.

INFPs don’t want to be perceived as emotional or sensitive, which makes it difficult for them to be honest about the deep emotions they’re experiencing.

This can drive the INFP to withdraw inward and perhaps isolate themselves from others. When someone hurts them, it can be difficult for them to accept since they don’t want to feel as if their loved ones don’t care.

The more they are harmed by others, the more the INFP may begin to separate themselves from others. After a while, this might be a negative thing, as it can cause the INFP to become guarded and struggle to create essential connections. 

The INFP may be hurt because they are sentimental or nostalgic, and their loved ones may not understand. Having someone dismiss their wants or sentiments without recognising it still hurts the INFP.

When it comes to dealing with injured feelings, being honest is one of the most critical measures for the INFP. When they are injured, they may desire to keep their distance from others in order to avoid exposing their distress.

It’s difficult for them to open up when they’re upset because they’re so used to being judged for being “too sensitive” or “too emotional.” Being able to articulate how and why they are upset is extremely beneficial to the INFP, as it allows them to heal and move on.

This is also something they must master if they want to keep those intimate ties; otherwise, they will find themselves pushing away when they don’t want to. 

INFPs take things personally. 

Even if they try to act as though they aren’t hurt, INFPs are prone to taking things personally. They desire to be able to get rid of these feelings, but this often makes things worse. 

The INFP should analyse their feelings and face the person who has injured them. If they continue to be hurt by that person, this is likely what they will do, but the INFP will finally feel the need to end the relationship.

INFPs have a reputation for being sensitive to criticism and having their feelings hurt. This isn’t always the case; they have strong emotions and can be extremely sensitive when someone tries to hurt them, even if it isn’t their purpose. 

INFPs are sensitive to particular insults or criticism since they feel things profoundly and are connected to their inner feelings. This doesn’t mean they’ll shatter or come apart at the first indication of a slight, but it’s something the INFP will have to deal with on their own terms and in their own time. 

People frequently misinterpret INFPs and how they deal with powerful inner emotions, leading to a slew of inaccurate preconceptions. INFPs can be sensitive to criticism, especially if it comes from a close friend or family member. They are far more vulnerable to what their loved ones say than to strangers who try to criticise them. 

INFPs aren’t as fragile as they appear to be, and they often bury their feelings in order to push through them. The fact that they are easily hurt does not indicate that there is something wrong with them; rather, they simply feel things profoundly, which makes them more loving and understanding people. 

This ability to connect with people is a strength, and it allows the INFP to be more helpful and supportive to others when they are struggling.

INFPs move on if the hurt is unintentional. 

INFPs find it simple to be hurt by someone they care about. Even tiny things might be devastating to an INFP, but that doesn’t imply they aren’t aware of someone’s good intentions. 

If the person who wounded the INFP didn’t do it on purpose, they can act as if everything is fine and carry on as if nothing happened. This can make it difficult for the INFP to process their emotions, as they need to be able to express them in order to recover. 

Being honest about their sentiments and expressing them openly might help those around them understand where they’re coming from and, ideally, seek to make amends so they can go on.

If the INFP is having trouble expressing their feelings, they can begin by journaling or writing them down for themselves. Taking the time to write down their own thoughts and feelings can help them process everything more thoroughly. 

It can assist the INFP in making sense of their circumstance so that when the time comes to share their sentiments with their loved ones, they have a better understanding of how to do so.

It provides them with comfort and makes it easier for them to build those connections without becoming disorganised and confused when it comes time to truly express themselves. 

This phase isn’t always easy, but it’s critical for INFP who wants to learn how to manage their emotions in a healthy way for themselves and others.

Conclusion – 

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

References –

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Abissa, F. 6 Things INFPs Do That May Seem Rude to Their Friends. Introvert, Dear. (2019, December 23). Retrieved from https://introvertdear.com/news/6-things-infps-do-that-may-seem-rude-to-their-friends/

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When a Relationship Ends: Mediators (INFPs) with a Shattered Heart. 16 Personalities. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.16personalities.com/articles/when-a-relationship-ends-mediators-infps-with-a-shattered-heart