INFPs want to help others yet they resist human contact. Although they are very interested in helping others, they can also be extremely reserved and private. As introverts, they need a lot of alone time to recharge, as social interactions can be draining.
As with most Introverts, INFPs are a private sort, which means it can be difficult to read their most intimate feelings. Emotional and often spiritual, INFP personalities enjoy having plenty of alone time when they can reflect on the mysteries of life.
INFPs are often secretive and quiet individuals. We put too much value on our privacy and silence that people perceive us as the mysterious type. You might even face a challenge when befriending one of us but fear not! An INFP herself will spill some tea about the things we fancy doing.
They care less about material gain or social dominance and care more about finding meaning, significance, and purpose in life. They crave an independent, harmonious existence where they can improve the world for small groups of individuals who are often overlooked.
INFPs have a hard time being able to express their own feelings. For one, while they understand their emotions easily, they don't have the words to express feelings. For another reason, we don't want to be vulnerable, or we don't want to express feelings about subjects that may shock or “harm” others or their feelings.
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.
INTJs often hide their vulnerable or emotional side behind a mask of stoicism. They are the types to let their behavior speak for them, rather than put their feelings into words.
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.
One of the reasons why INFPs disappear or ghost people is because they need time to process what's going on in their heads before responding. INFPs are often deep thinkers who need quiet time alone to reflect on things that happened throughout the day.
Much of the time, an INFP may seem completely happy with their own company, almost to the point of appearing antisocial. But INFPs, though definitely Introverts, do have a greater-than-average need for meaningful human connection.
However, when they're unhealthy, INFPs become disillusioned or stuck in their ways. 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.
INTJ. INTJs win the award for the most secretive personality type. If you know an INTJ, then you will know why! They are naturally independent and private people, but they also can be very mysterious in the way that no one knows what is going on inside their brains.
Which MBTI is the most secretive? It has to be INFJ. They are extremely private and sensitive and don't trust others easily. They are also highly misunderstood due to dominant Ni which others find difficult to understand.
INFPs and INFJs are commonly confused for one another due to their apparent commitment to sensitivity, forming deep relationships and helping others navigate the world. Though, while INFPs and INFJs may seem similar at first glance, these two personality types possess distinctions which set them apart.
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.
The sad fact is, INFPs really struggle to get people to listen to them. It's easy to see why. We aren't particularly assertive, and tend to be soft-spoken, so it's easy to get drowned out or ignored. We also think differently than many types, so others might just not 'get' what we're trying to say.
The INFP, for instance, may regularly indulge her inferior function, Extraverted Thinking (Te), when focusing her energies on being responsible, organized, or dutiful. Similarly, the INTP may routinely chase his inferior function, Extraverted Feeling (Fe), by striving to garner recognition or affirmation from others.
INFPs keep their emotions and feelings tucked away and hidden from the outside world. They view their values and feelings as private and guard them closely. In fact, most typology books describe Fi-dominant types as appearing “aloof, cool” or “hard to read”.
Who are INFPs least compatible with? INFPs are the least compatible with Thinking-Judging types—ISTJ, ESTJ, ENTJ, and less so, INTJ.
Mediators (INFPs) are dreamers and idealists, especially when it comes to romance. People with this personality type believe in the power and beauty of true love, and they sincerely hope never to settle for anything less. It's fair to say, then, that Mediators approach the world of romance with high expectations.
INFP compatibility
Although two well-developed individuals of any type can enjoy a healthy relationship, INFP's natural partner is the ENFJ, or the ESFJ. INFP's dominant function of Introverted Feeling is best matched with a partner whose dominant function is Extraverted Feeling.
"ESFJs are social creatures with a lot of love for routine. They tend to be sensitive and feel most awkward when they think they are the butt of someone's joke or are not having their feelings in a friendship or relationship reciprocated," says Owens.
Statistically speaking, Assertive Virtuosos (ISTP-As), Architects (INTJ-As), and Logisticians (ISTJ-As) are the least likely to seek affection from everyone, while Turbulent Campaigners (ENFP-Ts) and Entertainers (ESFP-Ts) are the most likely.
The MBTI Personality Inventory
Being an INFJ comes with its advantages, but also its drawbacks. Lovable INFJs experience the same pain, struggles, and difficult emotions that others do—they often choose to do so in secret. This tendency may contribute to depression.