INFP: Ambiguphobia, AKA Fear of being misunderstood INFPs are complex characters that often find themselves misunderstood. It's a feeling they know all too well, which is why their phobia is Ambiguphobia – the fear of being misunderstood.
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.
The INFP. You are deeply loyal and understanding, so you fear getting involved in a relationship where your loyalty to your partner is tested against your loyalty to yourself. You crave freedom and autonomy in who you are as a person.
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.
They may withdraw from the world and become isolated, or they may act out in destructive ways. Their idealism can turn into cynicism, and their values may become inflexible. When they're in this state, INFPs are often negative, judgmental, and superior.
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.
They are known for being empathic and will mirror others' emotions and feelings. The intensity of their own emotions can sometimes become overwhelming for them, and so they may cry a lot more frequently. This is a sign that an INFP needs some time alone to rest and recharge so that they can put themselves first.
I think the most badass quality of INFPs is that we generally strive for authenticity and we own it. When we understand what we want, we go for it.
You like to work in a way that helps others accomplish their goals. INFP: you're motivated when you can develop unique ways to express your inner values to the outside world. You like to work with limited external restrictions and oversight.
They often feel like they're on the outside looking in, and this can lead them to be quiet and introspective. INFPs may seem shy at first, but once they get to know you they can be some of the most engaging people you'll ever meet.
Even though Mediators try not to judge other people based on how they look, they're among the personality types that feel most insecure about their appearance.
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.
Since they are introverts, INFPs tend to have a lot of introverted characteristics. They are often quiet and reserved, although this doesn't necessarily mean they're shy. With rich inner lives, they enjoy their own company and need solitude to recharge after social interactions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Likewise, with this personality type strive very hard to show others that they care. In many ways, the INFP's sensitivities are what makes them very strong and unique, not faults. A strong case could be made that they are actually the #1 most sensitive personality type.
Who are INFPs least compatible with? INFPs are the least compatible with Thinking-Judging types—ISTJ, ESTJ, ENTJ, and less so, INTJ.
And with severe anxiety/depression, ISTJs were 36% less likely, and INFPs 86% more likely to report severe anxiety/depression.
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.