Sometimes negativity and open disrespect of their ideas can also put a lot of mental pressure on INFPs. When mediators are seriously stressed out, they may shut down completely, even trying to hide their mental agonies from their loved ones.
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.
It's important that INFPs try to surround themselves with people who avoid stressing them out by complaining often. When INFPs face stressful or draining tasks, they may shut down in other aspects of life. While we all have to face stress at different points in life, there are plenty of times where it can be avoided.
INFPs tend to be on the quiet side, but there's usually a whimsical warmth that shows up anyway. But when they are stressed and overwhelmed, they appear more distant, detached, and stoic. Usually they are absorbed in thoughts, trying to sort out how to handle what's plaguing them.
A lot of things can influence how an INFP will express their anger, but typically they tend to withdraw. Retreating from the world in order to process their feelings is an essential part of the healing process for INFPs.
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.
INFP: People-pleasing
The biggest turn-off for INFPs is people-pleasing. INFPs are independent and individualistic in their beliefs and values. They want people to be authentic and true to themselves, even if they risk offending others.
It is not uncommon to find INFPs who habitually isolate themselves or push people away, often because they had negative relationship experiences in the past or even just because they fear negative experiences.
Often times INFPs over infatuate themselves with a person with fantasies, but when the relationship goes on long enough for those fantasies can erode, the INFP loses interest.
Therefore, if an INFP likes you, they will not only listen to you closely, but also remember tiny details about your life. Things that maybe you don't even remember telling them about, such as what was the color of your first bicycle, or what was your favorite cartoon as a kid.
INFP's are “notoriously difficult to really get to know,” as 16 Personalities says. Many MB-TI websites discuss how INFP can seem cold and aloof to other people, which may lead to misjudgments of the INFP's character.
Why do INFPs drop hints or give the silent treatment instead of coming right out and communicating how they feel? An INFP may not come right out and communicate how they feel because when the emotion is intense, it can be difficult to translate those emotions into words that make any amount of sense.
Under the spell of their shadow, INFPs might rely too much on others' opinions and even feel like they have lost their identity — something usually so easily accessible to them. In this confusion, they begin to grasp at sudden (and perhaps mistaken) realizations and judgments against others.
INFPs don't readily put their complete trust in somebody - we tend to be quite reserved with most people except those in our innermost circle, so for me to trust you and share personal things with you, means that I think you are deserving of that trust. If you then go and betray that trust, it's a huge deal for me.
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.
INFPs prefer to communicate one-on-one or in small groups. They may have a few close friends that they are incredibly loyal to and who know them deeply. INFPs can be difficult to get to know at first and may seem shy or aloof, but once you've earned their trust they will open up their inner world to you and let you in.
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.
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.
INFPs and ISFPs feel insecure when they are asked to delegate, give or receive criticism, or do something that is objectively logical but doesn't seem right on a conscience-level.
INFP: Decisiveness
Decisiveness is a turn-on for INFPs. Making decisions isn't an INFP's strength. Sometimes it's because they usually spend a lot of time analyzing different options and exploring all the possibilities in order to come up with a conclusion that would make sense for everyone involved.
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.
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.
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.
Many INFPs mentioned a fear of dying alone, never finding a significant relationship, or never feeling understood by others.
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.