Are you a gentle and creative person who enjoys spending time alone?
Do you have a strong appreciation for nature and a sense of right and wrong?
If so, you may be an INFP – a rare personality type that makes up only 2% of the population.
As an introvert, intuitive, feeler, and perceiver, you direct your energy to your inner world, look for underlying meanings, make decisions based on emotions, and like to keep your options open.
But what does it mean to be an INFP?
In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of this unique personality type and help you determine if you are indeed an INFP.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of INFPs.
What INFP Type Am I
To determine if you are an INFP, it’s important to understand the core traits of this personality type.
INFPs are known for their gentle and quiet nature. They enjoy spending time alone and often have a strong appreciation for nature. They have a deep sense of right and wrong and always stand up for what they believe in.
As an introvert, INFPs tend to direct their energy inward, focusing on their inner world rather than external stimuli. They are intuitive, meaning they naturally look for underlying meanings and patterns in the world around them.
INFPs are feelers, which means they make decisions based on emotions rather than logic. They tend to be empathetic and compassionate towards others. Finally, as perceivers, INFPs like to keep their options open and may struggle with making decisions quickly.
If you identify with these core traits, there’s a good chance you may be an INFP. However, it’s important to note that personality types are complex and nuanced, so it’s always best to take a personality test or consult with a professional to confirm your type.
Understanding The INFP Personality Type
The INFP personality type is often described as an idealist or mediator personality. INFPs are imaginative, creative, and driven by their core values and beliefs. They are deeply concerned with personal growth and the growth of others, and they believe that each person must find their own path.
INFPs are known for their sensitivity and compassion towards others. They have a strong sense of empathy and are often drawn to helping professions such as counseling or social work. They have a profound emotional response to music, art, nature, and the people around them.
As introverts, INFPs tend to be quiet and reserved. They prefer spending time alone or in small groups of close friends. They can become overwhelmed in large social situations and may need time to recharge after spending time with others.
INFPs are highly intuitive and often have a strong sense of intuition or gut feeling about people or situations. They tend to look for underlying meanings and patterns in the world around them, which can make them insightful and perceptive.
INFPs are feelers, which means they make decisions based on emotions rather than logic. They tend to prioritize their own values and beliefs over practical considerations. This can make them highly principled but may also lead to difficulty making decisions or taking action.
Finally, as perceivers, INFPs like to keep their options open and may struggle with making decisions quickly. They enjoy exploring different possibilities and may take longer to commit to a particular course of action.
The Four Core Traits Of INFPs
INFPs have four core traits that define their personality: introversion, intuition, feeling, and perceiving.
Firstly, as introverts, INFPs tend to be reserved and prefer spending time alone or with a select group of close friends. They often feel drained in social situations and need alone time to recharge their energy. This should not be confused with shyness, as INFPs can be confident and assertive when they need to be.
Secondly, INFPs are intuitive, meaning they rely on their gut feelings and instincts to make decisions. They are more focused on the big picture rather than the details and tend to have a strong sense of intuition about people and situations.
Thirdly, as feelers, INFPs make decisions based on their emotions and values rather than logic. They tend to be empathetic and sensitive to the feelings of others. They prioritize personal relationships and often place a strong emphasis on personal values.
Finally, as perceivers, INFPs like to keep their options open and may struggle with making decisions quickly. They tend to delay making important decisions in case something changes about the situation. INFPs are also known for their creativity and desire to make the world a better place.
Understanding these four core traits can help individuals identify if they have an INFP personality type. However, it’s important to note that every individual is unique and complex, so taking a personality test or consulting with a professional is always recommended for accurate results.
INFPs In Relationships And Friendships
When it comes to relationships, INFPs are nurturing, empathic, and loyal. They value strong bonds and congruent values in their friends and partners. They are self-aware and often spiritual, with an open-minded and accepting attitude towards others’ behavior and preferences, as long as their core values are not violated. INFPs support their partners’ individuality and encourage them to explore their interests and ideas.
INFPs prioritize compromise and accommodation in interpersonal relationships, often coming up with creative solutions to problems. However, they can be very sensitive and may keep negative reactions to themselves to avoid confrontation. Close and harmonious relationships are important to INFPs, but they also need a lot of independent time to think and reflect. They value a partner who is committed, loving, and provides them with the support they need to explore the mysteries of life independently.
When it comes to friendships, INFPs tend to provide emotional support and connect with others on a deeper level. In contrast, more practical types like ESTJs may offer logical solutions to problems rather than empathizing with the other person’s feelings. This difference in values can cause misunderstandings between these types, but if they understand each other’s intentions, it can benefit their friendship.
INFPs are intense individuals who value depth and authenticity in their relationships. They reserve their deepest love and caring for a select few due to their reserved nature in expressing their inner-most feelings. They tend to be laid-back, supportive, and nurturing in close relationships, but can become staunch defenders of their values if they feel one of their principles has been violated. Overall, INFPs prioritize harmonious relationships that allow them to express themselves freely while valuing the perspectives of those close to them.
Career Paths For INFPs
INFPs can be found in a range of careers and industries, but they tend to thrive in roles where they can express themselves and present their authentic selves to the world. They value having a sense of purpose in their work, and this, combined with their sensitive, caring, and non-judgmental nature, means that they do well in social work and healthcare roles.
As natural dreamers with strong personal values, INFPs often excel in careers related to the creative arts or sciences. They have a desire to discover patterns and help people, which makes them well-suited to careers related to therapy, psychology, and counseling. INFPs enjoy learning and discovering truths about people at a deeper level, so they thrive in helping and service professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, home health social work, coaching, ministry/priesthood, missionary work, and religious work.
INFPs are also well-suited to careers related to social sciences such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, geography, history, librarian or library sciences. They have good listening skills and are naturally empathetic and compassionate towards others. Medical roles where empathy and compassion are an inherent part of the work would be most suited to an INFP. They are non-judgmental and great listeners, so helping those with mental health issues is a great way to play to these strengths.
For those interested in working in the technology sector, INFPs can use their creativity and intuition to come up with innovative solutions to problems. They usually want a career that allows them to use their strengths and passions. Some of the best career options for INFPs include content writing/editing, graphic design, human resources specialist, physical therapist, and UI/UX design.
INFPs And Self-Care: How To Thrive As An INFP
INFPs are known for their sensitivity and idealism, which can make it challenging for them to navigate the world around them. However, with the right self-care practices, INFPs can thrive and reach their full potential.
One of the most important aspects of self-care for INFPs is to prioritize alone time. As introverts, INFPs need time to recharge and process their thoughts and emotions. This could mean taking a walk in nature, practicing meditation or yoga, or simply spending time reading or writing.
INFPs also benefit from creative outlets, as they tend to have a rich inner world that they may struggle to express verbally. Engaging in activities such as painting, writing, or playing music can help INFPs process their emotions and connect with their authentic selves.
It’s also important for INFPs to set boundaries and practice assertiveness. As feelers, INFPs may struggle with saying no or standing up for themselves when they feel uncomfortable. However, setting clear boundaries can help INFPs protect their energy and avoid burnout.
Finally, INFPs should seek out supportive relationships with people who understand and appreciate their unique qualities. This could mean finding a therapist who specializes in working with INFPs or joining a community of like-minded individuals who share similar values and interests.
By prioritizing self-care practices that align with their core traits and values, INFPs can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives while staying true to themselves.
Famous INFPs: Who Shares Your Personality Type?
If you are an INFP, you share your personality type with many famous individuals. INFPs are known for their creativity, empathy, and idealism, which are traits shared by many well-known figures.
One of the most famous INFPs was Princess Diana, who used her position to make a positive impact on the world. Audrey Hepburn was also an INFP, known for her humanitarian work and her iconic role in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Musicians Kurt Cobain and Bob Marley were both INFPs, known for their authentic and inspiring music. William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights in history, was also believed to be an INFP.
Other famous INFPs include Fred Rogers (better known as Mr. Rogers), John Lennon, Tori Amos, Morrissey, and Helen Keller. Isabel Briggs Myers, the creator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), was also an INFP.
While there aren’t many prominent political figures who have been identified as INFPs, Bernie Sanders is believed to be one. INFPs are passionate and idealistic leaders who strongly believe in making the world a better place.
Overall, there are many famous individuals who share the INFP personality type. If you identify as an INFP, you are in good company with these creative and empathetic individuals.
