Why would an INFP cheat? (7 reasons)

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

Why would an INFP cheat?

An INFP would cheat because of the following 7 reasons –

  • The INFP fantasises. 
  • The INFP doesn’t enjoy being restricted.
  • The INFP is sensitive. 
  • The INFP is not respected. 
  • The INFP is not appreciated. 
  • The INFP’s feelings and needs remain unfulfilled. 
  • Conflicts and arguments.

These 7 reasons why an INFP would cheat 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 7 reasons why an INFP would cheat?

The INFP fantasises. 

INFPs have a proclivity for betraying their partners. They have a tendency to fantasise. They fantasise about what they want in life rather than comprehending that everything they need and desire in life is already right in front of them — especially when their present relationship becomes difficult.

The INFP doesn’t enjoy being restricted.

INFPs don’t enjoy being restricted in what they can do or who they can see; they desire choices. If their choices are limited, they will find a method to have what they desire by whatever means necessary. 

They like the thrill of the hunt and will not stop until they obtain their goal. However, people occasionally chase the incorrect person and leave the one they truly desire behind.

The INFP is sensitive. 

INFPs build grudges that would lead to betrayal if their spouse consistently betrays, undervalues, and pushes them into a rut.

INFPs are one of the most sensitive personality types, capable of quickly transforming devotion into treachery. Falling in love — madly in love – not with the person, but with the concept of the person is the INFP’s dark side.

The notion of you – that you are a kind, dignified, talented, skilled, sweet, etc. person – is what people fall in love with. An INFP may begin to fall out of love if they lose sight of this viewpoint.

The INFP is not respected. 

INFPs will do everything they can to help you. They just want to be respected in all aspects of their lives, including their time, independence, personal space, decisions, and feelings. 

INFPs despise being bound and confined. They are free-spirited individuals who want their spouses to honour their interests and goals.

The INFP is loving, compassionate, and faithful in relationships. INFPs carefully choose their friends and relationships, aiming for a solid link and shared beliefs. They are self-aware and, in many cases, spiritual.

INFPs are open-minded and accommodating of other people’s behaviours and preferences as long as their essential principles are not infringed. They value their partners’ uniqueness and encourage them to pursue their own hobbies and ideas.

INFPs seek methods to compromise and accommodate others, and they frequently have inventive answers to interpersonal challenges. They can be quite sensitive, yet they typically keep unpleasant emotions to themselves because they are afraid of confrontation.

INFPs value close and harmonious relationships, but they also require a lot of alone time to ponder and reflect. They frequently desire a great deal of freedom to express themselves and grow in self-awareness.

They cherish a spouse who is dedicated and loving while also providing them with the support they require to explore the wonders of life on their own.

The INFP is not appreciated. 

INFPs thrive on praise and recognition. A real “Congratulations” or “I’m proud of you” will suffice, but not in a flaunting or excessive manner. They despise being overlooked, especially when they deserve recognition. 

The nicest praise you can give an INFP is when they realise you’re complimenting them even when they’re not around.

The INFP’s feelings and needs remain unfulfilled. 

INFPs strive to hide their feelings while also indicating that they need to be cared for. If you’re not sensitive about it, you’ll be caught off guard in a large emotional outburst and have no control over it. 

Your INFP will soon give you the cold shoulder. So keep their emotions in check the next time, because any type of stimulation might alter an INFP’s sensitivity.

INFPs are idealistic individuals. Their ideas may be overpowering, especially for Sensing Types, but you must provide or at least agree with their ideas for this partnership to work. 

If you push them away while they’re attempting to share their thoughts and ideas with you, they’ll find someone who will.

Conflicts and arguments.

INFPs despise confrontation. When it comes to disagreements, INFPs are quick to forgive and forget – especially if it’s a little one. When a relationship gets too poisonous, though, an INFP’s tendency is to leave it. 

They place great importance on themselves and are unable to tolerate superficial or harmful relationships. It’s simple for them to get out of circumstances that make them uncomfortable.

Conclusion – 

This blog post attempted to answer the question, “Why would an INFP cheat?” 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 would an INFP cheat. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

Mathias, M. Do INFPs Cheat? The Dark Side of INFP Idealism. (2021, April 24). Retrieved from https://www.mathiasway.com/do-infps-cheat/#:~:text=INFPs%20may%20have%20tendencies%20to,find%20these%20in%20another%20person.

Will an INFP cheat? Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/Will-an-INFP-cheat

Are INFPs More Likely to Cheat? Personality Cafe. (2013, June 20). Retrieved from https://www.personalitycafe.com/threads/are-infps-more-likely-to-cheat.150927/

Dean, N. People With These Personality Traits Would Rather Cheat Than Face Their Relationship Problems Head-On. (2018, October 8). Retrieved from https://www.yourtango.com/2018315303/insecure-myers-briggs-peesoality-types-cheat-instead-face-relationship-issues-head-on

Do you think you could ever cheat on your SO? Reddit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/infp/comments/5et7fk/do_you_think_you_could_ever_cheat_on_your_so/

Why do we cheat. Tumblr. (2019, February 27). Retrieved from https://infpsupport.tumblr.com/post/183098518973/why-do-we-cheat

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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

INFP Relationship Guide – Compatibilities, Dating, Best Matches & Love. HIGH5TEST. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://high5test.com/infp-relationships/