Are you close to an INFP and wondering how to comfort them when they’re feeling down?
INFPs are complex individuals who process their emotions internally, making it difficult for them to express their feelings. However, there are ways to support and comfort them during tough times.
In this article, we’ll explore some tips on how to make an INFP feel better, including how to listen without judgment, give them space, and show appreciation for their unique qualities.
So if you want to be there for your INFP friend or loved one, keep reading!
How To Comfort An INFP
1. Listen without judgment: When an INFP is feeling sad or upset, the best thing you can do is simply listen. They may not want advice or solutions, but rather someone who is patient enough to hear them out. Avoid criticizing or dismissing their feelings, and instead offer a safe space for them to express themselves.
2. Give them space: INFPs need time to process their emotions and may withdraw from social activities when they’re feeling down. Respect their need for alone time and don’t pressure them to participate in events they’re not comfortable with. Instead, offer to spend quiet time together doing something they enjoy.
3. Show appreciation for their unique qualities: INFPs are known for their creativity, empathy, and compassion. Let them know that you value these qualities and appreciate their individuality. Encourage their creative pursuits and support their passions.
4. Be patient: INFPs may take longer to make decisions or process their emotions than other personality types. Don’t rush them or pressure them to make a choice before they’re ready. Give them the time they need to come to a decision on their own.
5. Offer comfort in your own way: Everyone has different ways of showing comfort and support. Some people may prefer physical touch, while others may prefer words of affirmation or acts of service. Pay attention to what your INFP friend or loved one responds positively to and offer comfort in a way that feels natural for you both.
Understanding The INFP Personality Type
To effectively comfort an INFP, it’s important to understand their unique personality type. INFP stands for introversion, intuition, feeling, and perception. These individuals are known as idealists or mediators and are driven by their high values and desire to make the world a better place. They tend to be introverted, imaginative, creative, and caring.
INFPs are highly sensitive individuals who often have unconventional thinking patterns. They are introspective and value authenticity in themselves and others. They tend to communicate using imaginative and dramatic language, employing metaphor, symbolism, and abstract word use in their speech. They enjoy storytelling but will only share their stories with a select few who have earned their trust.
INFPs are deeply concerned with personal growth, both for themselves and others. They are individualistic and non-judgmental, believing that each person must find their own path. They enjoy spending time exploring their own ideas and values and are gently encouraging to others to do the same.
INFPs need empathy and understanding when they’re feeling down. When someone tries to encourage them about a problem they haven’t fully understood, it can feel dismissive of their agony. To comfort an INFP, it’s important to listen without judgment and offer a safe space for them to express themselves. They may need alone time to process their emotions, so it’s important to respect their need for space.
INFPs value creativity, empathy, and compassion in themselves and others. Show appreciation for their unique qualities and encourage their creative pursuits. Be patient with them as they may take longer to make decisions or process their emotions than other personality types.
The Importance Of Listening Without Judgment
One of the most important things to keep in mind when comforting an INFP is to listen without judgment. INFPs are highly sensitive and can feel overwhelmed by their emotions, so it’s crucial to create a safe space where they can express themselves freely. When listening to an INFP, try to put your own views aside and avoid getting distracted by your personal thoughts and feelings. Your aim should be to understand exactly what the INFP is saying, without judging or criticizing them.
It’s important to remember that INFPs are often misunderstood, and may feel like their emotions are not accepted or valued. By listening without judgment, you can help them feel heard and understood. This can also help build trust and strengthen your relationship with them.
If you’re not sure how to respond to what the INFP is saying, it’s okay to simply acknowledge their feelings and offer support. You don’t need to have all the answers or solutions. Sometimes, just being there for someone and showing that you care can make a huge difference.
Giving INFPs The Space They Need
One of the most important things to keep in mind when comforting an INFP is to give them the space they need. INFPs are introverted and require alone time to recharge and process their thoughts and emotions. When an INFP is feeling overwhelmed or upset, it’s essential to respect their need for space and not take it personally.
Avoid pressuring them to socialize or participate in activities they’re not comfortable with. Instead, offer to spend time with them doing something they enjoy that doesn’t require a lot of social interaction. This could be reading together, watching a movie, or going for a walk in nature.
It’s also important to avoid invading their personal space. INFPs value their privacy and may become uncomfortable if they feel like their personal boundaries are being crossed. Be mindful of their body language and vocal cues, and give them physical space when needed.
Remember that giving an INFP space doesn’t mean ignoring them or abandoning them altogether. Let them know that you’re there for them if they need you, but also respect their need for alone time. When they’re ready to reach out or spend time together, they will do so on their own terms.
Appreciating INFPs For Their Unique Qualities
INFPs possess a unique set of qualities that make them stand out from other personality types. They are known for their sensitivity, creativity, and compassion. INFPs are introspective and often have unconventional thinking patterns, which allows them to see the world in a different light. They have a vivid imagination and can get completely caught up in their thoughts, often daydreaming and imagining detailed scenarios in their heads.
One of the most admirable qualities of INFPs is their ability to empathize with others. They are deeply caring and interested in the well-being of those around them. INFPs are loyal and devoted to their close relationships, valuing them above all else. They have a calming presence that can make others feel at ease, and they are excellent listeners who offer a safe space for people to express themselves.
INFPs’ dedication to what they love is another unique quality that sets them apart. They do not like to do things that they do not love, and this can be both a strength and a weakness. When an INFP finds something they are passionate about, they put their soul into it. This dedication can keep them searching when others would have given up, leading them to achieve great things.
INFPs’ depth of feeling is both a blessing and a curse. They feel things more intensely than other people, which can be painful when events or circumstances bother them. However, this also allows them to appreciate the little moments of joy in life that others may overlook. INFPs’ perception of the world is acute, making them keen observers who notice nuances that others miss.
Finally, INFPs’ authenticity is essential to their personality. They feel little pressure to conform to social norms and are turned off by superficial or fake people. INFPs are constantly looking for deeper meanings instead of simply noticing what’s on the surface.
What Not To Do When Comforting An INFP
1. Don’t dismiss their feelings: INFPs are sensitive and may feel deeply about things that others may not understand. Avoid minimizing or invalidating their emotions, as this can make them feel unheard and unsupported.
2. Don’t offer unsolicited advice: While it may be tempting to offer solutions to their problems, INFPs often prefer to work through things on their own. Instead of giving advice, ask if there is anything you can do to support them or simply listen to their thoughts and feelings.
3. Don’t push them to socialize: INFPs may withdraw from social situations when they’re feeling down. Avoid pressuring them to attend events or participate in activities they’re not comfortable with. Instead, offer to spend time with them in a low-key setting.
4. Don’t rush them: INFPs may take longer to process their emotions and make decisions than other personality types. Avoid pressuring them to make a choice before they’re ready, and give them the time and space they need to come to a decision on their own.
5. Don’t criticize or judge them: INFPs are accepting of others and value empathy and compassion. Avoid criticizing or judging them for their emotions or actions, as this can make them feel misunderstood and unsupported.
By following these tips on what to do and what not to do when comforting an INFP, you can provide the support and understanding they need during difficult times. Remember, everyone experiences emotions differently, so it’s important to listen and respond in a way that feels natural for both you and your INFP friend or loved one.
