Why are INFPs so private?  (5 reasons)

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

Why are INFPs so private?

INFPs are so private because of the following 5 reasons – 

  • INFPs value privacy.
  • INFPs are reserved. 
  • INFPs are prone to isolation and stillness.
  • INFPs are quite self-conscious.
  • INFPs are self-absorbed and avoidant.

These 5 reasons why INFPs are so private 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 reasons why INFPs are so private?

INFPs value privacy.

INFPs value privacy and are self-sufficient individuals. They demand a lot of room and don’t like it when people press them too hard.

When someone tries to extract information from an INFP, they are generally highly uncomfortable. They know who they can trust, and they’re the only ones with whom they want to share information.

INFPs will remain private until they meet someone with whom they wish to entirely share themselves. When an INFP falls in love and trusts someone, they typically lose their desire for seclusion. They desire to connect with that person and prefer to tell them everything about themselves.

It might be difficult for others to get to know INFPs since they are so secretive and reclusive. They are usually highly committed to their close friends and family, and they place a high value on their loved ones’ sentiments and emotions.

Much of their energy is directed internally, and they are marked by strong sentiments and ideals. They are devoted to the people they care about, as well as to the views and causes that are essential to them.

INFPs are reserved. 

INFPs are introverts who are quiet and reserved. They find that being in social situations depletes their energy, thus they prefer to connect with a small number of close pals.

INFPs are frequently reserved. They place such a high priority on their solitude and silence that they are perceived as strange.

INFPs are extremely self-aware. You could be in the presence of an INFP if someone casually reveals complicated personal remarks on the subtleties of their own thoughts early in a conversation.

INFPs are prone to isolation and stillness.

INFPs have a strong need for isolation and stillness. They don’t mind being alone every now and again. They require a lot of alone time, especially after a period of excessive social exposure.

INFPs require room to be alone with their ideas, otherwise, they will lose sight of them and become disconnected from themselves.

They will get fully drained, weary, and despondent if they go too long without it. Sometimes five minutes is all you need, which is why INFPs frequently flee to the restroom during social occasions to obtain some alone time.

They may feel guilty on a regular basis, which might harm the feelings of those close to them.

When people talk too much, it drains INFPs. Given that they derive their strength and vitality from time alone and solitude, it’s maybe no surprise that overly chatty people might have the opposite impact on them.

However, it is dependent on the topic of the discussion as well as the person with whom they are conversing.

INFPs may get a sinking sense while speaking with persons who prefer to speak in extended monologues and seldom halt and generate time for contemplation. When there are no pauses for meditation, they lose their ability to think, and they become increasingly quiet and remote.

INFPs are quiet because they’d rather be spending their time engaged in activities that don’t require them to talk to other people. 

INFPs are quite self-conscious.

INFPs can be reserved and quiet, like many introverts. Even when they become at ease around certain individuals, INFPs are rarely able to break free from the coil of their own self-awareness. The collection of bones and flesh that INFPs have been given might make them feel odd at times. 

When they feel at ease, INFPs may be elegant. When they are in the right frame of mind, INFPs may excel in interviews and presentations.  INFPs communicate about topics they are passionate about, are knowledgeable about, or can listen to in a conversation. 

However, when interacting with someone they don’t know well, INFPs tend to shuffle about on their feet, struggle to make eye contact, and have trouble deciding where and how to position their hands.

INFPs are self-absorbed and avoidant.

INFPs can be too critical of themselves since introverted feeling (Fi) is their major cognitive function. INFPs are self-reflective personalities. INFPs overestimate their own abilities and have extensive awareness of their flaws.

As a result, anybody who brings out their inadequacies is considered insulting and humiliating. People find it difficult to make jokes with INFPs because of their sensitivity, and they feel the need to be extra cautious around them.

To maintain the peace, a furious INFP avoids confrontations and conflicts. Cold shoulders, on the other hand, are worse than vocal disputes. It’s an INFP’s coping technique, but others regard it as deceptive and guilt-inducing.

Conclusion – 

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

References –

Why are INFPs so private? Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/Why-are-INFPs-so-private

Chea, C. 10 Contradictory Things About INFPs. Introvert, Dear. (2016, October 14). Retrieved from https://introvertdear.com/news/contradicting-things-about-the-infp-personality-type/

Esteves, A. 5 Signs an INFP Likes You. Truity. (2020, June 10). Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/blog/5-signs-infp-likes-you

INFP: So Unique. So Syncd. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sosyncd.com/personality-type-guide/infp/

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

Moodie, K. Here’s How Each Personality Type Feels About Privacy. (2017, September 9). Retrieved from https://personalitygrowth.com/heres-how-each-personality-type-feels-about-privacy/

Who’s more private, INFJ or INFP? INFJs.com. (2011, February 26). Retrieved from https://www.infjs.com/threads/whos-more-private-infj-or-infp.15707/

Storm, S. Understanding INFP Feeling. (2017, February 20). Retrieved from https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2017/02/20/understanding-infp-feeling/

ENFP and INFP Relationships: Compatibility, Love, Marriage, and Romance. Online Personality Tests. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.onlinepersonalitytests.org/enfp-and-infp-compatibility-love-marriage-and-romance/