INFP: Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving

INFP is one of the 16 distinct personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), one of the most widely used personality tests in the world. The four-letter acronym stands for different aspects of personality: Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

The INFP personality type is often described as an "idealist" or "mediator" personality. INFPs tend to be introverted, idealistic, creative, and driven by high values. If you have this personality type, you are someone who cares a lot about making the world a better place. While you often come across as reserved, you're driven by your empathy, values, and concern for others.

What's the INFP Personality Type Like?

INFPs want to make the world a better place and are interested in how they can best help others. They also strive to gain a greater understanding of themselves and how they fit into the world.

People with this personality type spend a lot of time exploring their own purpose in life and thinking about how they can use their skills and talents to best serve humanity.

"This personality type tends to devote themselves when interested in something, but can struggle to maintain enthusiasm when it is something they do not care about or are interested in," says Christopher Hansen, a licensed professional counselor at Thriveworks in Austin, TX.

Key INFP Characteristics

The "I" in INFP stands for introvert. So, if you're an INFP, you probably tend to be a little more on the quiet and reserved side. You know the drill: Spending lots of time in social situations leaves you feeling drained and exhausted. After some socializing—whether it's a formal work event or just some time with friends—you need some time to yourself to recharge.

Most of the time, you'd rather spend time with a small group of your close friends than have to interact with a bunch of people you don't know.

While they like to be alone, this should not necessarily be confused with shyness. Instead, it simply means that INFPs gain energy from spending time alone. On the other hand, they have to expend energy in social situations.

The "N" in INFP represents intuition, which is what you use to figure out the world. You're really good at focusing on the big picture rather than the nitty-gritty details. You can be quite meticulous about things you really care about or projects they are working on, but tend to ignore mundane or boring details.

When it comes to making decisions, INFPs like to keep their options open. That means you often put off making important decisions just in case something about the situation changes. And when you do make a decision, it tends to be based more on your personal values instead of pure logic.

Cognitive Functions of an INFP

The MBTI is based on a theory of personality created by Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Jung proposed that there are four psychological components of personality: thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. People then direct each of these cognitive functions inwardly (introverted) or outwardly (extraverted).

In the MBTI, each personality type is made up of a hierarchical stack of these functions. The dominant function largely controls personality, although it is supported by the auxiliary and, to a lesser degree, the tertiary functions. Inferior functions are those that are primarily unconscious but still exert some influence.

INFPs tend to rely on the following four cognitive functions:

Dominant: Introverted Feeling (Fi)

INFPs experience a great depth of feelings but, as introverts, they typically process these emotions internally. They possess an incredible sense of wonder about the world and feel great compassion and empathy for others.

Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

INFPs explore situations using imagination and 'what if' scenarios, often thinking through a variety of possibilities before settling on a course of action. Their inner lives are a dominant force in personality, and they engage with the outside world by using their intuition.

INFPs focus on the "big picture" and things that will shape the future. This ability can help you become a transformative leader excited about making positive changes in the world.

Tertiary: Introverted Sensing (Si)

When taking in information, INFPs create vivid memories of the events. They will often replay these incidents in their minds to analyze experiences in less stressful settings. Such memories are usually associated with strong emotions, so recalling a memory can often seem like reliving the experience itself.

Inferior: Extraverted Thinking (Te)

This cognitive function involves organizing and making sense of the world in an objective and logical manner. While it is a mainly unconscious influence on the INFP's personality, extraversion can show itself in times of pressure.

Because they are typically ruled more by intuition and emotion, INFPs can sometimes struggle to feel productive and efficient. Learning to develop the extraverted thinking function can help people with the INFP personality type create a better sense of balance.

Personal Relationships With INFPs

INFPs are idealists so they tend to have high expectations—including in relationships. That means that you might hold an idealized image in your mind of your perfect partner—which can be a difficult role for any individual to fill.

If you have an INFP personality type, you care deeply about other people. Yet, as an introvert, you can be difficult to know. You *do* tend to become very close and deeply committed to the few that you forge close relationships with.

INFPs also dislike and try to avoid conflict. So when conflicts or arguments do arise, you usually focus more on how it makes you feel rather than the actual details.

During arguments, INFPs might seem overly emotional or even irrational. However, they can also be good mediators by helping others involved in a conflict identify and express their feelings.

Because they are so reserved and private, it can be difficult for other people to get to know INFPs. They tend to be quite devoted to their circle of close friends and family and place high importance on the feelings and emotions of their loved ones.

Career Paths for INFPs

INFPs typically do well in careers where they can express their creativity and vision. While they work well with others, they generally prefer to work alone. 

INFPs tend to be very creative, artistic, and spiritual. They are often skilled with language but may prefer to express their thoughts and feelings through writing rather than speaking.

Because they have strong ethics and values, INFPs also become passionate about advocating or defending their beliefs. While they feel strongly about their own values, they are also interested in learning more about others and are willing to listen and consider many sides of an issue.

Tips for Interacting With INFPs

If you are friends with an INFP, have an INFP parent, or are involved in a relationship with an INFP, knowing how to interact with them may help improve your relationship. When you really *get* someone, you are able to communicate more effectively, which can reduce conflict and help you feel closer.

Friendships

INFPs typically have only a few close friendships, but these relationships are generally long-lasting. While people with this type of personality are adept at understanding others' emotions, they often struggle to share their own feelings with others.

Social contact can be difficult, although INFPs crave emotional intimacy and deep relationships. Getting to know an INFP can take time and work, but the rewards can be great for those who have the patience and understanding.

Parenting

INFP parents are usually supportive, caring, and warm. They are good at establishing guidelines and helping children develop strong values.

An INFP's goal as parents is to help their children grow as individuals and fully appreciate the wonders of the world. They may struggle to share their own emotions with their children and are often focused on creating harmony in the home.

Relationships

As with friendships, INFPs may struggle to become close to potential romantic partners. Once they do form a relationship, they approach it with a strong sense of loyalty.

If your partner is an INFP, understand that they may struggle at times to open up. They may also be overly sensitive to perceived criticisms and will often place your happiness over that of their own.

Takeaways

Just like the other 15 personality types, it's important to remember that each INFJ person is unique. While you might have many characteristics of this type, you are unique! Your individual personality may vary quite a bit and you might even have characteristics that don't 100% fit with the description of this type.

Learning more about your personality type can be a great way to understand yourself better. By exploring your type, you can better appreciate your tendencies, strengths, and challenges.