Are you tired of people claiming to be INFJs but not quite fitting the bill?
As the rarest and most complex personality type, it’s no surprise that many people aspire to be INFJs. But how can you tell if someone is truly an INFJ or just pretending to be one?
In this article, we’ll explore the key traits and behaviors that define an INFJ and help you spot a fake one.
So buckle up and get ready to dive deep into the mysterious world of INFJs.
How To Spot A Fake INFJ
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what makes an INFJ unique. INFJs are known for their empathy, intuition, and ability to see patterns and connections that others may miss. They are also highly sensitive and often struggle with their own emotions.
One of the biggest red flags for a fake INFJ is if they seem to prioritize their own emotions over others’. INFJs are known for putting others first and making decisions based on what will make those around them happy. If someone claiming to be an INFJ seems more focused on their own feelings and needs, it’s possible that they are not actually an INFJ.
Another key trait of INFJs is their ability to listen deeply and pick up on subtle cues from others. If someone claiming to be an INFJ seems disinterested or distracted when listening to others, it’s possible that they are not actually using their introverted intuition in the way that INFJs do.
Additionally, INFJs tend to be very organized and reliable, but they also have a spacey quality that can make them seem absent-minded at times. If someone claiming to be an INFJ seems too put-together or overly focused on details, it’s possible that they are not actually an INFJ.
Finally, it’s important to remember that no one can truly know another person’s personality type without them taking a legitimate Myers-Briggs test. While it’s possible to make educated guesses based on behavior and traits, there is always a chance that someone may be mistyped or simply not fit neatly into any one personality type.
What Is An INFJ?
An INFJ is a personality type according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). INFJ stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging. These individuals are known for their deep empathy and ability to understand others on a profound level. They are also highly intuitive and can see patterns and connections that others may miss.
INFJs tend to be very sensitive and often struggle with their own emotions. They use their extroverted feeling function when making decisions, which means that they prioritize the emotions of others over their own. They are also highly organized and reliable, but can sometimes seem absent-minded due to their spacey quality.
It’s important to note that not everyone who claims to be an INFJ actually is one. There are many people who may mistype themselves or simply not fit neatly into any one personality type. To truly know if someone is an INFJ, they must take a legitimate Myers-Briggs test and receive an accurate result.
The Importance Of Authenticity In Personality Typing
Authenticity is a crucial aspect of personality typing, particularly for introverted types such as INFJs. Authenticity involves being true to oneself and expressing one’s unique perspective and values. For INFJs, authenticity is especially important because they value meaningful connections with others and strive to make a positive impact on the world.
It’s essential to remember that personality typing is not about fitting into a predetermined mold or label, but rather about understanding one’s own strengths and weaknesses and using that knowledge to grow and improve. Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals to be honest with themselves when taking personality tests or identifying with a particular type.
Inaccurate typing can lead to confusion and frustration, as individuals may feel like they don’t quite fit in with their supposed type. It can also lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication with others who may have different personality types.
Key Traits Of A True INFJ
A true INFJ is characterized by their strong sense of empathy and intuition. They are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them and are often able to intuitively understand what others are feeling without them having to say it outright. This ability to pick up on subtle cues and patterns is a hallmark of the INFJ personality type.
In addition, a true INFJ is known for their selflessness and willingness to put others first. They are often described as “The Advocate” or “The Counselor” because they have a natural inclination towards helping others and making a positive impact in the world. This trait is deeply ingrained in their personality and is not something that can be easily faked.
Another key trait of a true INFJ is their creativity and ability to think outside the box. They are not content with simply accepting things at face value, but instead seek out deeper meaning and connections in the world around them. This makes them excellent problem-solvers and innovators.
Finally, a true INFJ has a certain mystique and enigmatic quality about them. They can be warm and charming, yet also deeply private and reserved. They have a natural ability to blend into any social setting, but also need time alone to recharge their batteries. This paradoxical nature is a hallmark of the INFJ personality type and is not something that can be easily faked.
Red Flags To Watch Out For When Identifying A Fake INFJ
When trying to identify a fake INFJ, there are several red flags to watch out for. One of the biggest indicators is if the person seems to prioritize their own emotions over others’. INFJs are known for their selflessness and putting others first, so if someone claiming to be an INFJ seems more concerned with their own feelings and needs, it’s possible that they are not actually an INFJ.
Another red flag is if the person seems disinterested or distracted when listening to others. INFJs are known for their ability to deeply listen and pick up on subtle cues from others, so if someone claiming to be an INFJ doesn’t exhibit this trait, it’s possible that they are not using their introverted intuition in the way that INFJs do.
In addition, if the person seems too put-together or overly focused on details, it’s possible that they are not actually an INFJ. While INFJs are known for being organized and reliable, they also have a spacey quality that can make them seem absent-minded at times.
It’s important to remember that no one can truly know another person’s personality type without them taking a legitimate Myers-Briggs test. While it’s possible to make educated guesses based on behavior and traits, there is always a chance that someone may be mistyped or simply not fit neatly into any one personality type. So, if you’re trying to identify a fake INFJ, make sure to look for these red flags but also keep in mind that there is no foolproof way to know for sure.
How To Approach Someone Claiming To Be An INFJ Without Invalidating Their Identity
Approaching someone who claims to be an INFJ can be tricky, as it’s important to avoid invalidating their identity. One way to do this is to approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Instead of immediately questioning their authenticity, try asking them about their experiences and how they relate to the traits commonly associated with INFJs.
It’s also important to avoid making assumptions about what an INFJ “should” look like or act like. Remember that each person is unique and may express their personality type in different ways. Instead of trying to fit them into a specific mold, focus on understanding their individual experiences and perspectives.
Another helpful approach is to share your own experiences and perspectives as well. This can create a more open and collaborative conversation, rather than one where the INFJ feels like they are being interrogated or judged.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to approach the conversation with empathy and respect. INFJs are highly sensitive individuals who may feel invalidated or dismissed if they feel like their identity is being questioned. By approaching the conversation with kindness and understanding, you can create a safe space for them to share their experiences and perspectives.
The Danger Of Perpetuating Fake INFJ Stereotypes And Why It Matters.
Perpetuating fake INFJ stereotypes can be harmful in a number of ways. For one, it can lead to a misunderstanding of what INFJs are truly like, which can make it difficult for real INFJs to connect with others and feel understood. It can also lead to an overrepresentation of fake INFJs online and in social circles, which can dilute the impact of the actual INFJ personality type.
Moreover, perpetuating fake INFJ stereotypes can be damaging to those who are mistyped or who are simply trying to fit into a certain mold. It can cause them to feel like they need to conform to a certain set of behaviors and traits, rather than embracing their own unique personality. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which can have long-term effects on mental health and wellbeing.
Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that everyone is unique and that personality types are simply a way of categorizing certain traits and behaviors. While it can be helpful to understand your own personality type, it’s also important to remember that no one fits perfectly into any one category. By recognizing and embracing our individual differences, we can create a more accepting and inclusive world for everyone.
