INFPs are very trusting, to begin with. However, when they have been repeatedly hurt, it is the opposite – they become hypervigilant, paranoid, and have difficulty trusting anyone. They may become extremely suspicious of the world in order to protect themselves from being hurt again.
They open up their inner world to you. This is the ultimate sign of trust from an INFP. When this type shares a poem they wrote, their favorite song, or a movie that makes them believe in the beauty of humankind, they're opening up their inner world to you.
And with severe anxiety/depression, ISTJs were 36% less likely, and INFPs 86% more likely to report severe anxiety/depression.
Like most other self-respecting adults, INFPs don't appreciate being controlled, directed, or condescended to. If you try to push us into acting or thinking in ways you would prefer, we'll likely shut down around you, feeling it isn't safe to trust you. What you can do instead is collaborate with us.
Mediator (INFP) Weaknesses
Self-Isolating – Mediators long to connect with others, but they don't always know how. Especially in new environments, Mediators may be reluctant to put themselves out there in ways that would help them make new friends or become involved in a new community.
The pressure of having everyone looking at them waiting for a reaction can make them feel shy or awkward. Many INFPs also experience “second-hand embarrassment”. For example, they might feel embarrassed when someone is trying to make jokes but they are all falling flat.
So when INFPs are angry, they will typically retreat in order to look beneath the anger. Often a great deal of analysis goes on during these quiet moments.
For example, as much as we're proud to stand out, many INFPs also struggle with insecurity, which can lead to anxiety. That can fuel a constant need to seek validation from others, which can be seen as annoying or even childish, especially by people who don't understand us well.
Unfortunately, INFPs frequently encounter people who want to take advantage of them. These bad experiences provide lessons. Those lessons and a high degree of intuition can make an INFP into a human lie detector. In time, they become highly observant and sensitive towards people's behaviors and intentions.
ENFPs and INFPs tend to have really close, trusting bonds. Because these types share the same cognitive functions, they tend to innately “get” each other without as much trouble as many other type pairings. INFPs enjoy the fun-loving, enthusiastic nature of ENFPs.
Emotionally overwhelmed INFPs tend to fixate on their past mistakes and errors in judgment. They often feel like they can't do anything right and get lost in a loop of self-criticism, attempts to “fix” things, confusion, and then despair.
INFPs are creative, imaginative, and enjoy exploring abstract ideas and concepts. They may appear reserved in social situations but are passionate and caring with those they trust. INFPs can struggle with practical tasks and decision-making, as they tend to prioritize emotions and personal values over logic.
We start off with INFPs and INFJs: two Introverted personalities that often experience bouts of anxiety. When it comes to these types, their anxiety can stem from an inclination to overthinking.
INFPs are very trusting, to begin with. However, when they have been repeatedly hurt, it is the opposite – they become hypervigilant, paranoid, and have difficulty trusting anyone. They may become extremely suspicious of the world in order to protect themselves from being hurt again.
As partners, they are most likely hand-holders and snugglers, using physical closeness as a love language. About 83% of them agree that understanding their partner's physical needs is essential for a healthy relationship. They will likely make a very conscientious effort to make sure that those needs are met.
INFPs give off the vibe that we're perfectly normal people who live ordinary lives. But that's only how we look outwardly. Inwardly, we live a life of adventure, imagination, and emotion. But most people don't see this because as introverts, we're typically private and reserved.
Because we're sensitive introverts, we need time alone to recharge. And we're often deeply involved with a cause, an art form, or a passion project, so boundaries are especially important to us. Some mistakenly believe our boundaries are not important and they don't have to respect them, or, consequently, us.
Because Fi is introverted in nature, it is guarded against the outside world and INFPs will only show their feelings to those they feel they can trust implicitly. This is why when you get to know the INFP in a deeper, more intimate way, they may reveal a side of themselves you didn't know existed.
INFPs are often very selective about who they share their innermost feelings with, so it may take them a long time to let a potential partner in. Once they're in a relationship they are empathetic, dedicated, and loyal.
Many INFPs mentioned a fear of dying alone, never finding a significant relationship, or never feeling understood by others.
INFP Weaknesses
INFPs who venture enthusiastically out into the world can end up retreating into lethargy and depression when they discover their idealism isn't always shared or respected by others, and their incredible talents can go completely to waste when they become too discouraged to continue. Impracticality.
INFPs are often deep thinkers who need quiet time alone to reflect on things that happened throughout the day. They can also be very sensitive to other people's emotions, so when someone is struggling, it might make an INFP stressed out and cause them to want space from that person for a while.
Shutting down when we're hurt
Yet because INFPs are mediators, we have a hard time being confrontational. We value harmonious relationships more than our own feelings, so if we are hurt, instead of bringing it up, we may shut down. We retreat to work it out internally.
INFPs are very sensitive to interpersonal tension and tend to avoid conflict. They have trouble letting go of hurts and often hold grudges. Because they see only the good in those they care about, they run the risk of being disillusioned and disappointed easily.