Are you an INFJ personality type wondering if you lean towards being dominant or submissive in your relationships?
It’s a common question for those who identify as INFJ, as this personality type is known for being independent and introspective. However, INFJs are also known for their desire to maintain peace and harmony in their relationships, which can sometimes lead to confusion about their dominant or submissive tendencies.
In this article, we’ll explore the traits of INFJs and delve into whether they are more likely to be dominant or submissive in their relationships.
So, let’s dive in and discover the truth about INFJ personalities!
Are INFJ Dominant Or Submissive
INFJs are known for their quiet and reserved nature, which can sometimes be mistaken for submissiveness. However, this is not necessarily the case. INFJs tend to be independent and prefer to work alone or as part of a team where everyone has a say in what will happen. They can seem hesitant to take initiative because of their preferred process of introverted intuition, which likes to look at many different perspectives and angles before deciding on something.
While INFJs may not be naturally dominant, they are also not necessarily submissive. They have a strong desire to maintain harmony in their relationships and will often go out of their way to make sure that everyone is happy. This can sometimes lead to them undervaluing their own needs, ideas, and contributions, acting overly shy and not taking credit when due.
At their best, INFJs make modest, reliable teammates and allow others to take the lead. However, at their worst, INFJs can be excessively submissive, ineffectual, and too dependent on direction from others.
It’s important to note that dominance and submissiveness are not binary traits. People can exhibit both traits in different situations or with different people. INFJs may be more likely to exhibit submissive tendencies in relationships where they feel comfortable and safe, but may also exhibit dominant tendencies in situations where they feel confident and in control.
Understanding The INFJ Personality Type
The INFJ personality type is characterized by several key traits. INFJs are compassionate individuals who have a strong sense of intuition and emotional understanding. They are soft-spoken and empathetic, but also have deeply held beliefs and the ability to act decisively to get what they want.
INFJs are also helpers, who enjoy forming strong, meaningful connections with others. They like to help people, but also need time and space to recharge. INFJs are idealists who have the ability to translate their idealism into action. They don’t just dream about changing the world, they make it happen.
INFJs are organized individuals who like to exert control by planning, organizing, and making decisions as early as possible. They are both emotional and logical when making decisions, placing a greater emphasis on their emotions than objective facts. However, this doesn’t mean they see the world through rose-colored glasses. INFJs understand the world, both the good and the bad, and hope to be able to make it better.
The dominant function of INFJs is Introverted Intuition, which means they focus primarily on their internal world of ideas. But their auxiliary function is Extraverted Feeling, which gives them a focus on people. This contradiction means that INFJs are torn between their need to socialize and their need for time alone to think.
Early in life, INFJs are characterized by the development and dominance of their Introverted Intuition (Ni). Since they are introverts, they may also show significant development of their second function, Extraverted Feeling (Fe), which can serve as a useful extraverted tool for navigating the outside world.
The Desire For Harmony In Relationships
One of the key characteristics of INFJs is their desire for harmony in all of their relationships. They have a strong intuition and can often pick up on the emotions and needs of others, which makes them adept at creating a peaceful and supportive environment. They often go out of their way to avoid conflict and will seek to find a compromise that works for everyone involved.
In personal relationships, INFJs are often very caring and empathetic partners. They will take the time to listen to their partner’s thoughts and feelings and will work to support them in any way they can. They are often very romantic and enjoy creating a deep emotional connection with their partner.
In professional relationships, INFJs are often very supportive and collaborative team members. They value the opinions and contributions of others and will work to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. They are often very skilled at mediating conflicts and finding solutions that work for everyone involved.
However, INFJs can sometimes struggle with setting boundaries in their relationships. Their desire for harmony can sometimes lead them to sacrifice their own needs or beliefs for the sake of keeping the peace. It’s important for INFJs to learn how to assert themselves and communicate their own needs in a clear and respectful way.
Signs Of Dominance In INFJs
While INFJs may not be naturally dominant, there are signs that they can exhibit dominant behavior in certain situations. Here are some signs of dominance in INFJs:
1. Taking charge when necessary: INFJs are not afraid to take charge when they feel confident and in control. They can step up and lead a team or project if they believe it’s necessary.
2. Standing up for their beliefs: INFJs have strong values and beliefs, and they will not hesitate to stand up for them. They may speak out against something they believe is wrong or advocate for a cause they care about.
3. Being assertive: INFJs can be assertive when they need to be. They may assert themselves in a situation where they feel their needs are not being met or when they need to set boundaries.
4. Making decisions: While INFJs may take longer to make decisions due to their process of introverted intuition, they are capable of making decisions and sticking to them. They will weigh all the options and consider different perspectives before making a decision.
5. Being confident: INFJs may not always appear confident, but when they feel strongly about something, they can exude confidence and conviction.
Signs Of Submissiveness In INFJs
INFJs are known for their desire to maintain harmony in their relationships, which can sometimes lead to them exhibiting signs of submissiveness. Here are some common signs of submissiveness in INFJs:
1. Giving in to others’ needs and desires: INFJs have a strong desire to make everyone happy, which can sometimes lead to them putting others’ needs and desires ahead of their own. They may give in to others’ demands or requests, even if it means sacrificing their own needs.
2. Avoiding conflict: INFJs tend to avoid conflict whenever possible, preferring instead to find a compromise or a peaceful resolution. This can sometimes lead to them being overly accommodating and not standing up for themselves.
3. Undervaluing their own contributions: INFJs may downplay their own achievements, ideas, or talents in order to avoid drawing attention to themselves or making others feel uncomfortable. They may also be hesitant to take credit for their work, preferring instead to share the spotlight with others.
4. Seeking approval: INFJs may seek approval or validation from others, especially those they respect or admire. They may be overly concerned with what others think of them and may go out of their way to please others in order to gain their approval.
5. Being overly deferential: INFJs may defer to others’ opinions or decisions even when they disagree, in order to avoid conflict or maintain harmony. They may be hesitant to speak up or assert themselves, even when they have a strong opinion or belief.
It’s important to note that these signs of submissiveness are not exclusive to INFJs and can be exhibited by people of any personality type. It’s also important to recognize that submissiveness is not necessarily a negative trait, and can be a valuable quality in certain situations or relationships. However, it’s important for INFJs (and anyone else who exhibits signs of submissiveness) to recognize when they may be undervaluing themselves or sacrificing their own needs in order to please others. By finding a balance between assertiveness and accommodation, INFJs can maintain healthy relationships while also staying true to themselves.
The Importance Of Communication And Boundaries In Relationships With INFJs
Communication and boundaries are crucial in any relationship, but they are especially important when dealing with an INFJ. INFJs have a strong need for open and honest communication and may struggle with partners who cannot or will not communicate effectively. This includes not only expressing feelings but also thoughts, ideas, and insights.
On the other hand, INFJs also need to feel comfortable communicating with their partners. They have a surprising verbal ability and need clearance to speak candidly about their perceptions, even if it risks offending their partners. This means that a lack of ego defensiveness in their partners is essential.
INFJs prioritize authenticity in relationships above all else. They are quick to pick up on hidden motives and agendas, and this can be a deal-breaker for them in any relationship. Therefore, open communication is crucial, and once trust is broken, they may struggle to take communication seriously.
To maintain a healthy relationship with an INFJ, it’s important to establish clear boundaries. INFJs have a strong desire to maintain harmony in their relationships and may sometimes undervalue their own needs. Therefore, it’s essential to establish boundaries that respect each partner’s needs and desires.
Boundaries should also be communicated clearly and respectfully. INFJs value respect for their insights, semi-regular expressions of love/affirmation, willingness from their partner to devote time and energy to work on the relationship, a high level of trust, and some level of willingness to try new things and share new experiences.
Embracing Your Dominant Or Submissive Tendencies As An INFJ.
As an INFJ, it’s important to recognize and embrace both your dominant and submissive tendencies. While it may be tempting to always defer to others and avoid conflict, it’s important to assert yourself and stand up for your own needs and ideas. This can be challenging for INFJs, as they tend to prioritize the feelings and needs of others over their own.
One way to embrace your dominant tendencies as an INFJ is to practice assertiveness. This means speaking up for yourself, setting boundaries, and expressing your opinions and ideas. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, INFJs can learn to assert themselves in a way that is respectful and effective.
At the same time, it’s important for INFJs to recognize when it’s appropriate to be submissive. In situations where others have more expertise or experience, it may be beneficial to defer to their judgment. INFJs should also be mindful of their tendency to avoid conflict and work towards finding a balance between standing up for themselves and maintaining harmony in their relationships.
Ultimately, embracing both dominant and submissive tendencies as an INFJ involves finding a balance between asserting yourself and being considerate of others. By recognizing your own needs and ideas while also valuing the perspectives of those around you, you can become a more effective and fulfilled individual.
