Why are INFPs so shy? (5 reasons)

This blog post aims to answer the question, “Why are INFPs so shy?” 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 shy?

INFPs are so shy because of the following 5 reasons –

  • INFPs are sensitive. 
  • INFPs are reserved, timid and self-conscious.
  • INFPs have a hard time trusting others.
  • INFPs are idealistic.
  • INFPs dislike conflict and criticism.

These 5 reasons why INFPs are so shy 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 shy?

INFPs are sensitive. 

INFPs might be shy and cautious to open out to those they don’t know. This is due to INFPs’ conscientiousness, their desire for time to contemplate, and their dislike for superficial talks. 

They are incredibly sensitive and take their interactions very seriously, therefore they may be hesitant to accept just anybody into their lives.

INFPs are sensitive people who are often afraid of being exposed. As a result, despite their enormous and loving hearts, they generally keep their sentiments to themselves when they’re in love with someone. 

INFPs are reserved, timid and self-conscious.

The more they like someone, the more timid and self-conscious they get about doing anything about it. When it comes to seduction, they favour the long game. 

They take the time to get to know the person they’re attracted to and create friendships. Then, when they’re all set, they toss caution to the wind.

INFPs are reserved towards persons with whom they have feelings, especially when they are first meeting. Because they feel things so profoundly and it can be difficult to conceal, they can be a little uneasy around people at times. 

INFPs are typically timid because they have such a wide range of emotions, which is why they are such sensitive and kind people. While INFPs have a quiet side, they also have a lively and hilarious side that only their close friends and family get to see.

INFPs are not all shy, but they are all introverts. In the view of others, INFPs appear peaceful, polite, quiet, and uncomplicated. Instead, they have a strong sense of life inside them. 

In the realm of relationships, they have a tremendous capacity to love and care for others, attributes that are difficult to discover in other personality types at this level of intensity.

They are often restrained in expressing their inner sentiments and do not convey the strength of all of their feelings. They have a few close friends and family members for whom they have the deepest concern and love. They are extremely sensitive because they are intuitive.

INFPs have a hard time trusting others.

INFPs have a hard time trusting others and are cautious at the beginning of any relationship, but once they commit to someone, they are fiercely devoted. 

They prioritise honesty in relationships and have a strong value system that will protect them regardless of who they are dealing with, a circumstance in which they may be as severe as they appear.

When they don’t know you, INFPs might be bashful. INFPs, on the other hand, are dedicated to their partners once they are in a relationship. INFPs were drawn to partnerships that were harmonious. 

They need to be in a very committed, honest relationship, and if they don’t have one yet, they’re either seeking one or making one up in their heads.

INFPs are idealistic.

INFPs are idealistic and passionate, adorning the loved one’s personality with more attractive features than they would like for them to have. That is why INFPs have a hard time reconciling the idealised world with reality, the romantic vision of life with what actually exists. 

INFPs frequently find themselves uneasy and unreconciled in their relationships.

However, despite their discontent, they do not quit their partnerships owing to their profound dedication and real love. Regardless of their problems, they find inner calm in dedication.

INFPs struggle to maintain their lover on a pedestal while avoiding becoming disillusioned by reality’s contradictions. They continue to enhance the loved one’s appearance, resulting in a connection that stands the test of time.

INFPs aren’t naturally drawn to administrative tasks like paying bills or cleaning, but they’re excellent at them when they’re required. They can be good money managers if they get engaged.

INFPs take longer to open out to their spouse on a personal level. However, as their trust builds, they will consider personal situations as a chance to express their love and affection. 

They place a higher weight on attitude and words than on the intimate act itself. They will prioritise the happiness of their partners since they have a tendency to prioritise others over their own goals.

INFPs dislike conflict and criticism.

INFPs have a significant dislike for disagreement and criticism, which is a serious issue. Regardless of the other’s intentions, they are ready to take things personally. In instances when any criticism is perceived as being directed at them, they become unreasonable and emotionally invested.

When their partners are dominating Thinkers or Judges, there might be issues. INFPs are threatened by individuals who employ reasoning and debate, as well as those who respond emotionally and negatively.

INFPs with a strong emotional side need to work on their intuitive side as well in order to make judgments and collect facts about what is going on in their lives.

Relationships might be lost as a result of their aversion to criticism and disagreement. In times of conflict, INFPs experience a lot of stress and emotional disturbance.

INFPs are very conscious of their own and others’ personal space. This will also benefit the spouse because the INFP will accept them for who they are and their distinct style without being invasive. 

They are not too possessive or jealous, preferring to appreciate the other’s desire for independence. They will encourage their spouses in their particular plans.

INFPs, despite their shyness, are warm, optimistic, and loving lovers who will go to great lengths to ensure that their relationships are healthy and long-lasting.

Conclusion – 

This blog post aimed to answer the question, “Why are INFPs so shy?” 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 shy. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

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Can an INFP be outgoing, coming from a highly shy INFP? Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/Can-an-INFP-be-outgoing-coming-from-a-highly-shy-INFP

Are all INFPs shy? (what makes them unique). PsychReel. (2022, January 2). Retrieved from https://psychreel.com/are-all-infps-shy/

Why am I still so shy! Reddit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/infp/comments/ftoj1a/why_am_i_still_so_shy/

Rachel, Shatto. These 4 Personality Types Are Shy, So Don’t Expect Them To Flirt First. (2020, July 27). Retrieved from https://www.elitedaily.com/p/4-shy-myers-briggs-personality-types-that-wont-make-the-first-move-30030876

Would you say INFPs are the most timid and shy of all the groups in general? Personality Cafe. (2014, November 16). Retrieved from https://www.personalitycafe.com/threads/would-you-say-infps-are-the-most-timid-and-shy-of-all-the-groups-in-general.390258/

Moodie, K. Here’s How Bashful You Can Be, Based on Your Personality Type. (2018, January 22). Retrieved from https://personalitygrowth.com/heres-how-bashful-you-can-be-based-on-your-personality-type/

Cannon, J. The Flirting Style of the INFP Personality Type. Psychology Junkie. (2020, 

January 26). Retrieved from https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2020/01/26/the-flirting-style-of-the-infp-personality-type/

Mathias, M. INFP Friendship: 3 Reasons Why INFPs Are Hard to Get to Know. (2021, August 3). Retrieved from https://www.mathiasway.com/infp-hard-to-get-to-know/