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Why are INFPs and INFJs so similar? (3 reasons)

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Page last updated: 09/01/2022 | Next review date: 09/01/2024
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This blog post aims to answer the question, “Why are INFPs and INFJs so similar?” 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. 

Why are INFPs and INFJs so similar?

INFPs and INFJs are so similar because of the following 3 reasons – 

  • INFPs and INFJs are both compassionate.
  • INFPs and INFJs are both idealistic.
  • INFPs and INFJs are both creative.

These 3 reasons why INFPs and INFJs are so similar will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFP and INFJ mean. 

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.

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.

INFJ Personality Type Characteristics.

  • INFJs can be soft-spoken and empathic due to their high sense of intuition and emotional understanding. This does not, however, imply that they are cowards. INFJs have strong convictions and the capacity to act aggressively to achieve their goals.
  • Despite their introversion, persons with the INFJ personality type may develop deep, lasting relationships with others. INFJs appreciate assisting others, but they also require rest and relaxation.
  • The INFJ is distinguished by their ability to put their ideals into action. INFJs don’t merely want a better world; they make it happen.
  • People with the INFJ personality type enjoy taking charge by planning, organising, and making choices as soon as feasible.
  • INFJs prioritise their emotions above objective facts when making judgments. This does not, however, imply that they view the world through rose-coloured glasses. INFJs have an excellent understanding of the world, including the good and the terrible, and aim to improve it.

What are these 3 reasons why INFPs and INFJs are so similar?

INFPs and INFJs are both compassionate.

INFJs and INFPs are both compassionate people who sincerely care about others. They are extremely loving and protective of those around them, usually acting as problem solvers and counsellors.

INFPs and INFJs are both idealistic.

They are likewise adamant about sticking to their values. Both personality types have a lot to offer a society that desperately needs more innovation and individuals who are willing to contribute more of themselves.

INFPs are extremely concerned about their part in improving the world. They are more influenced by ideals than reasoning, are perpetually optimistic, and search for the good in others rather than the negative. 

They are open-minded, eager to learn new things, and generally accept other people’s viewpoints. Nonetheless, they are seldom persuaded to change their minds. 

INFPs and INFJs are both creative.

INFPs excel in artistic fields and the social sciences, and they excel even more in areas involving advocacy or fundraising. INFJs, like INFPs, are compassionate souls with a strong desire to help others. 

They are extremely protective and loving, frequently acting as problem solvers and therapists for others around them. They are also adamant about their principles. 

INFPs and INFJs dislike shocks in general and thrive in well-structured surroundings. Both INFP and INFJ personality types have a lot to offer a society that could use a bit more innovation and individuals who are friendly, ethical, and prepared to give.

Conclusion – 

This blog post aimed to answer the question, “Why are INFPs and INFJs so similar?” and reviewed the features and functions of the two introverted Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INFP and INFJ to help determine why INFPs and INFJs are so similar. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

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Granneman, J. INFJ vs. INFP: How to Tell These Similar Personalities Apart. Introvert, Dear. (2018, October 11). Retrieved from https://introvertdear.com/news/infj-or-infp-ways-different/

Can you explain, in a simple way, the difference between INFJ and INFP? Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/Can-you-explain-in-a-simple-way-the-difference-between-INFJ-and-INFP

INFP vs INFJ – The Difference between these Two Personality Types. Online Personality Tests. (n.d.).  Retrieved from https://www.onlinepersonalitytests.org/infp-vs-infj/

Why do INFJ and INFP appear so similar that they often get mixed up even when they share no common function?! Reddit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/mbti/comments/a9picb/why_do_infj_and_infp_appear_so_similar_that_they/

Drenth, A. J., & Schallock, E.  INFJ vs. INFP Personality Types: Key Differences. Personality Junkie. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://personalityjunkie.com/09/infj-vs-infp-enfj-isfj-emotions-judgments/

Dodge, A. (2015, February 18). Personality Hacker. INFP vs INFJ: 5 Surprising Differences To Tell Them Apart. Retrieved from https://personalityhacker.com/infp-vs-infj/

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Am I an INFJ? (Part 1): The Difference Between INFJ and INFP. Nerdy Creator. (2020, August 27). Retrieved from https://www.nerdycreator.com/blog/infp-vs-infj/

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