INFPs are often shy and reserved and are made incredibly uncomfortable by being pushed into the limelight. While they are drawn to creative endeavors that may bring them attention, they are extremely self-conscious about being the center of conversation or the object of scrutiny.
Because INFPs are naturally sensitive, they may be more easily hurt by blunt criticism than others. INFPs tend to take critical feedback personally and are likely to feel upset or attacked by it.
The INFP – Shallowness
Shallow conversations, relationships, and activities turn INFPs off because they see them as a waste of time.
In the same way, people who are pushy, critical, or overbearing will irritate INFPs. Because they are usually slow to criticize, people who are quick to critique can seem mean-spirited and hasty to them.
When INFPs are placed in highly structured environments where they're expected to do things in just the right way at just the right time, they'll hate it. Or when they're in a relationship with someone who has very rigid expectations, they'll feel stifled and trapped.
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.
Who are INFPs least compatible with? INFPs are the least compatible with Thinking-Judging types—ISTJ, ESTJ, ENTJ, and less so, INTJ.
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.
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 a lot like ISFJs and INFJs when it comes to feeling comfortable before flirting. They like to cyber stalk their love interests, but can be somewhat shy with them in person until communication has opened up a bit. You'll find that INFPs make this open communication flow happen rather quickly.
INFP: Decisiveness
Other times, they just don't really know what they want. So when someone is decisive and can make a quick, informed decision, it's an incredibly attractive trait for them. It shows their partner can take charge and lead the way, making life much easier for the INFP.
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.
If an INFP was traumatized in childhood, they may develop a strong dependence on their therapist. This is because deep down they long for a mentor who respects them for who they are and gives them the guidance they need. At the same time, INFPs tend to be sensitive to interference.
INFP: Ambiguphobia, AKA Fear of being misunderstood
After all, this personality type prefers deep meaningful connections and freedom of expression, so it can be disheartening when someone doesn't get them. They don't like it when people make snap judgments about them without getting to know the real them first.
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.
Under extreme stress, though, the laidback and caring INFP becomes inflexible, rigid and efficiency-driven. Instead of being open-minded and compassionate, they may become harshly critical of themselves and those around them. They may fixate on accomplishing tasks and lose touch with their creative streak.
Yelling and strict punishments are especially traumatic for the young INFPs. Because they are so private, they may not readily share their feelings or emotions with others, but bottle them up inside. They feel unable to share these intense feelings unless they are with someone who has gained their absolute trust.
Like most introverts, INFPs do enjoy plenty of time to themselves, and can often isolate from others intentionally. They need this time in order to recharge, and process what they see others thinking and feeling, and make sense of all this at a deeper understanding level.
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.
1. It's hard to find people who are emotionally open, available, and willing to dive deep. INFPs are generally very understanding and empathetic to others, even people they do not understand (no matter how hard they try). However, they do not usually make deep connections with shallow or gossipy people.
While any personality type can succeed in any environment, INFPs may want to avoid open office environments found in many corporations. INFPs tend to thrive in influential, creative individual contributor roles. They prefer working behind the scenes, rather than as the face of an organization.
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.
INFPs are loyal to the people and causes they care about. If they love you, they'll be quick to defend you (even if you're not there to defend yourself). They'll stand up for your character and beliefs, even when it's not popular to do so.