The acronym INFJ stands for introversion, intuition, feeling, and judgment. This personality type is considered one of the rarest of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, making up only about two percent of the world’s population. People with this personality type have unique characteristics that help them stand out from others. They can be incredibly mysterious and emotionally intelligent and are sometimes referred to as “the counselor” or “advocate.” Although we may think we know a lot about this personality type, it is often misunderstood. So, let’s explore some of the main traits of the INFJ personality type and find out if you’re one of them!
1. Different Wavelength
INFJs tend to feel like outsiders because most people are on a different wavelength than they are. Their dominant function is intuition—they subconsciously notice patterns in nearly everything, especially those related to human nature, due to their secondary function, feeling, which draws them toward others. Intuition is an individual’s ability to subconsciously understand something without knowing how or why they know it. Since intuition works subconsciously, it can be described as a sort of “psychic ability.” However, INFJs often struggle to explain this “sixth sense” to others, which can lead to feelings of isolation or being misunderstood.
2. Want Things Perfect and Often Procrastinate
People with this personality type often deal with a constant fear of failure. They strive for perfection and aim to surpass the normal capabilities of a typical individual. This means INFJs procrastinate a lot due to their subconscious need to find absolute perfection in almost everything. Even though they can realistically accomplish these tasks without trying so hard, INFJs have a hard time handling criticism because it stands out sharply in their minds, sometimes overshadowing positive feedback. However, as they mature, they find it easier to release themselves from this need for perfection. They may allow themselves to make more mistakes or focus on their self-confidence to achieve remarkable results in their life goals.
3. Value Beauty and Quality
Beauty and quality are things INFJs strive to find in just about everything. They prefer to be surrounded by sophistication and beauty and are especially drawn to high-quality items such as fine food, nice clothes, and anything of good craftsmanship. Although their focus on sophisticated items goes against their spiritual nature, beauty is an inspiring and calming force for them. That said, INFJs are typically minimalists. They would rather have a few nice things than a bunch of mediocre ones.
4. Exude Warmth and Charm
Most of us don’t sit next to a stranger and share our biggest fears, dreams, and personal secrets, but INFJs are so charming that it’s not uncommon for strangers to readily share such information with them. People with this personality type typically have an aura that makes others feel incredibly comfortable and at peace in their presence. Just about everybody enjoys being in their company, and INFJs are skilled at putting people at ease. Not only are they comfortably trustworthy and charming, but they are also wonderful listeners who speak in understandable terms and meet others where they are.
5. Highly Perceptive of Others
INFJs can read other individuals very well, understanding their emotional states and motivations in seconds. On the other hand, they themselves aren’t as easy to understand, which can be challenging when trying to connect with someone who understands them as well as they understand others. INFJs are not only adept at reading people’s emotions and feelings but also use their intuition to dig deep below the surface of another individual’s mind. They are intrigued by how other people’s minds work and what makes them unique. They can often easily tell when someone is lying to them or even to themselves.
6. Absorb Other People’s Emotions
It’s common for INFJs to absorb other people’s emotions and interpret them as their own. For example, if someone around them is excited, they often get excited as well. If someone is stressed or anxious, they may feel stressed or anxious too. Feeling other people’s emotions in addition to their own can be overwhelming, but it also provides a deeper understanding of those feelings and the ability to heal and comfort others. INFJs can confidently reassure others that they’re going to be okay.
7. Create Deep Emotional Intimacy
Most INFJs can seem reserved or shy in the presence of people they don’t know well. They are often perceived as mysterious or private, but in reality, they are quite relational—it just takes time for them to open up and show their true selves. INFJs crave authentic connections and seek to trust people on a deeper level. Because of their ability to empathize and have meaningful conversations, they establish strong emotional bonds with those they trust.
8. True Introverted Nature
Although INFJs are easy to socialize with, they are introverted individuals. They can efficiently blend into social settings but may also feel content with a small circle of trustworthy friends who deserve their love. Like most introverts, INFJs often get overwhelmed and exhausted in large social settings or crowds. Even though they have an innate ability to thrive in these settings, they need alone time to relax and recharge.
9. Sensitive to Conflict
Conflict tends to send INFJs into a state of stress. They strive to create harmonious relationships with those close to them and desire for others to help maintain that harmony. When conflict arises, it can physically disrupt their optimistic nature. They may have trouble sleeping or concentrating when thinking about a conflict involving themselves or someone they care about. It can even stress their bodies, leading to muscle aches, headaches, stomach pains, or other physical disturbances. However, this doesn’t mean INFJs avoid all conflict. Over time, they learn to set healthy boundaries while standing up for their own needs with an understanding of others.
10. Future Focused
Willpower is a critical aspect of this personality type. INFJs often do whatever they can to move closer to their personal goals. For example, if they’re in a relationship that seems to be going nowhere or employed somewhere they don’t see a future in, they will end the relationship or quit the job. Furthermore, INFJs are critical of past circumstances and tend to remember bad experiences. To avoid the negative feelings that accompany these flashbacks, they prefer to live a life focused on the future.
11. Gravitate Toward People Who Need Help
INFJs can see the good in others. However, they often fall victim to the “Broken Wing Theory,” believing they can rescue others. They gravitate toward people who need help due to their compassionate ability to heal others. This can be rewarding for INFJs, but if boundaries are overstepped, it can also feel stressful or frustrating.
12. Intellectual Thinker
INFJs often think deeply about their purpose, meaning, and what makes everything in their lives the way it is. They enjoy music, reading, and philosophical or spiritual matters because of their love for learning and expanding their understanding of the world. Naturally, their need for deep understanding makes them avoid trivial conversation or gossip. This is a positive characteristic, but it also makes it challenging to enjoy simple activities like watching a movie or having coffee with colleagues. INFJs often struggle to relax or engage in daily activities without overthinking them.
13. Gifted in Language
Due to their introverted nature, INFJs often spend their alone time engaging in personal hobbies. Their insightfulness provides a vast expanse of creativity, often accompanied by a strong understanding of language. INFJs tend to prefer writing over speaking because writing allows them to express their creative thoughts or ideas without barriers. Conversations with others can easily fall short or become negative when discussing opinionated matters, so they avoid talking unless necessary. Writing provides a sense of relaxation and peace because it is a wider platform for expressing their deepest thoughts. INFJs are often talented and successful writers due to their ability to employ divine symbolism and intrigue in their writing.
14. Work Best Alone or in Small Groups
Although INFJs get along well with others, they often do their best work alone, without interference from others, or with a few trusted individuals who share similar thought processes. While they are emotional and highly sensitive, they can also be analytical and scientific. They often enjoy careers associated with science, research, or technology.
15. Focused on What’s Right
Due to their loving and healing nature, INFJs often feel compelled to protect others. They may stand up to bullies on someone’s behalf or focus on helping someone undergoing a difficult situation. If they choose a career where helping others isn’t directly involved, they will likely donate money or volunteer for a charity. INFJs also fear being a bad person, which motivates them to do what they believe is right.
The INFJ personality type is complex, quirky, and sometimes contradictory. Like every personality type, INFJs have both strengths and weaknesses. Understanding their characteristics can help others connect with them better. Of course, some of these traits are relatable to many people, so the best way to determine your personality type is to take a test developed by specialists. However, if you relate to most of these signs, chances are good that you are an INFJ—the world’s rarest personality type!
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