INFPs may also become fixated on one person or cause that they believe in. They may invest all their time and energy into this thing to the exclusion of everything else. This can lead to burnout, resentment, and bitterness.
Optimists at heart, INFPs may find themselves stressed out by others' negative mindsets. When someone around them complains a lot or sees the downside of situations, INFPs may be brought down as well. It's important that INFPs try to surround themselves with people who avoid stressing them out by complaining often.
INFPs may seem like feelers in disguise. They may not exude emotion and enthusiasm all the time, but they care deeply and intensely. They may not open up to most people about how they feel, what they feel, or what impacts them, but they know and that's what matters to them.
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.
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.
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.
Who are INFPs most compatible with? INFPs are most compatible with the other Intuitive-Feeling types—ENFJ, ENFP, and INFJ—as well as ESFJs.
The INFP – Shallowness
Shallow conversations, relationships, and activities turn INFPs off because they see them as a waste of time.
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 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.
And with severe anxiety/depression, ISTJs were 36% less likely, and INFPs 86% more likely to report severe anxiety/depression.
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.
Their emotional intensity often means that when INFPs get low, they sink very deep. They can do this because they believe that ultimately there is a path out. They can step down with a friend going through a hard time because they believe that someday both of them will return to the surface.
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 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.
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.
No, they are probably one of the least likely types to be narcissistic. However, they can be and often are deeply, profoundly self-centered.
Their tone will be cold, even inhumane. They'll list you all the things that make you the human equivalent of a trashcan. First off, it takes a lot to get truly mad. I'm understanding, sometimes to a fault so I'll let a lot slide.
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.
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.
INFPs might feel like ENTJs are too brusque, bossy, or fixated on work. ENTJs might feel like INFPs are too dreamy, unfocused, and sensitive. They can both get condescending with each other, with INFPs taking the moral high ground, and ENTJs becoming domineering and critical.
People with INFP preferences aren't known for dating around. Instead, they tend to choose a partner based on mutual trust and shared values. Because they're always looking to the future, they often see the potential for long-term partnership in their relationships.
Driven to meet the needs of others, INFPs tend to choose creative or human service-oriented careers that allow them to use their instinctive sense of empathy and remarkable communication skills. INFPs represent 4.4 percent of the U.S. population.