An Anthology of Online INFP Insights

Below is a collection of interesting insights publicly shared by bloggers about those self-identified as having the Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving personality type according to Jung-Myers-Briggs personality type theory. Not all of the websites cited still exist. Daydreamers "INFP children often create their own fantasy world and live very much within it. They may daydream about what is important to them, and sometimes others wonder if they are in touch with reality. They often get lost in their thoughts and books, and may develop a special ability in communicating, such as writing.” (Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow of Lifexplore, 2008) "The ability (and the desire) to sit for long periods of time and imagine things is a favorite INFP pastime." (Amanda Linehan of Look Far, 2009) "INFP: they fall out of the sky and are raised by unicorns. if you feed one it will follow you home. they dissipate in water." (All stories are about wolves, 2014) Diverse "This type can be particularly difficult to capture in a single personality type description. Some INFPs fit the bill of the optimistic peacemaker, others the melancholic artist, and yet others the rescuer of the disenfranchised. In addition to these differences, INFPs, like other types, function at different stages of personal growth and development. Those in their younger years of life will naturally appear quite different from those having worked at self-development for many decades. Emotional stability is yet another differentiating factor, with some INFPs displaying greater volatility and moodiness than others." (A.J. Drenth of Personality Junkie, 2009) "I was always surprised, when I first did type workshops, that INFPs were often the ones who had as many type 'portraits' as there were individuals in that particular type group. " (Danielle Poirier as quoted at INFJ or INFP, 2012) Gentle Rebels “They do not like following all the rules and regulations, but they are not overtly rebellious.” (Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow of Lifexplore, 2009) "Like INTPs, INFPs often struggle in highly structured environments, which leave them feeling trapped and without opportunity to express themselves authentically. They usually dislike bureaucracy and hierarchy, preferring bottom-up governance that puts the onus on the individual. With strong beliefs in the inherent worth and goodness of humanity, INFPs feel that morale and inspiration are far more important to organizational success than developing more policies and procedures." (A.J. Drenth of Personality Junkie, 2009) "INFPs resist being labeled and are often driven to do things that shake the way others view them. This can on occasion lead INFPs to be unpredictable, even outrageous. A docile INFP we know was invited to a staff costume party where guests were instructed to dress as 'who you really are.' She came as Madonna, the eccentric eighties rock singer, bedecked in jewelry and silky clothing. Her colleagues were shocked by her display -- but she wasn't." (Morris Cox of "INFP: Performing Noble Service to Aid Society", 2012) Idealism v. Realism "To experience more consistent satisfaction in their lives, INFPs often need to come terms with their idealism. Specifically, they may benefit from accepting the fact that their highest ideals may never be entirely satisfied. This is not to say that INFPs should relinquish their most deeply felt goals and dreams, but only that they should be tempered with some degree of realism." (A.J. Drenth of Personality Junkie, 2009) Introverts "Extroverts’ blood flows to the parts of the brain where visual, auditory, touch, and taste sensory processing occurs (but not smell, for some reason—perhaps because olfactory stimuli are so deeply linked with emotion). Their main brain pathway is short and less complicated. It’s geared for action without getting too much thinking involved. The introverts’ pathway is more complicated and focused internally; blood flows to the parts of the brain involved with internal experiences such as remembering, solving problems, and planning—a long, complex pathway." ("What Does it Mean to be an Introvert?" 2011; a review of "The Introvert Advantage" by Marti Olson Laney, Psy.D.) Leisure “Many of the INFPs’ leisure activities are done alone — reading, listening to music, and gardening are some activities likely to appeal to them. Reflection time and the opportunity to make sure things are right are important. INFPs often enjoy leisure pursuits with loved ones as well. When they want to be sociable, they can be exceedingly charming and outgoing. Their flexibility, gentleness, and sense of humour can make them quite popular in social situations.” (Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow of Lifexplore, 2008) "In addition to differences in brain pathways accessed, extroverts have a low sensitivity to dopamine—often known as one of the 'feel good' neurotransmitters—yet they require large amounts of it. Adrenaline is needed to make more dopamine in the brain; so the more active the extrovert is, the more adrenaline is released and the more dopamine is produced. Dopamine is correlated with movement, attention, alert states, and learning. "Introverts, however, are highly sensitive to dopamine. If their bodies produce too much of it, they feel over-stimulated. An introvert’s dominant pathway uses acetylcholine, which plays a large part in our sleep and dream states. "This difference in neurotransmitter sensitivity and production goes so far as to favor which basic parts of our systems are activated: Whereas extroverts are linked to the dopamine/adrenaline, energy-spending, flight-or-fight sympathetic nervous system, introverts are associated with the acetylcholine, energy-conserving, parasympathetic nervous system that relaxes and calms the body." ("What Does it Mean to be an Introvert?" 2011) Perfectionists (self-critical) "They tend to do well in high school, and often excel in college. To please others, they may take courses they do not like -- and even succeed in them. The potential for self-doubt and self-criticism, however, is always close to the surface. Even when told they have done a 'good job,' INFPs know the only true judge is themselves, and may punish themselves for work they consider less than perfect. In general, while INFPs love to learn, grow, excel, and please others, they are always their own worst critics; they often remind themselves that they could have done better. It is a life-long struggle between self-approbation and self-depreciation. In the end, INFPs almost always tend to sell themselves short." (Morris Cox of "INFP: Performing Noble Service to Aid Society", 2012) Procrastination "They have trouble finishing what they start because of their perfectionistic nature. When they do finish a project, they may not consider it done ‘for good.’ Projects can always be improved upon, revised, and reworked, and therefore INFPs find it hard to bring tasks to closure. Because they are able to visualize the finished product long before it is done, the actual completion is of less importance.” (Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow of Lifexplore, 2008) Quirky "In The Introvert Advantage, Laney has included a fascinating set of diagrams that map the pathways used in the introverted brain vs. the extroverted brain. Laney also describes some quirks of temperament that extroverts might find mystifying or annoying: Introverts may appear glazed or dazed when they’re stressed out, tired, or in groups. They may start talking in the middle of a thought. Introverts have a good memory but they can take a long time to retrieve memories. They can also experience a temporary inability to access things they know quite well, fumbling around to explain a task they perform all the time or forgetting a word they want to use. They might think they told you something when they have only thought it. And they may be slow to react under stress." ("What Does it Mean to be an Introvert?" 2011) Ramblers "INFPs use Extraverted Intuition (Ne) as their auxiliary function. Ne can function either perceptively or expressively. The verbal expression of Ne amounts to something like 'brainstorming aloud.' When orating, NPs may not always seem to 'have a point' as they haphazardly move from one idea to the next. Even ideas that seem inwardly cogent to the INFP may suddenly sound incoherent when they attempt to convey them through their Ne." (Personality Junkie, "INFP Personality Type Profile," 2013) Reserved, Yet Passionate “Although they demonstrate a cool reserve toward others, inside they are anything but distant. They have a capacity for caring which is not always found in other types. They care deeply – indeed, passionately – about a few special persons or a cause. One word that captures this type is idealistic.” (Alan of Alanz Eyes 2 blog, 2006) "You feel things a little more intensely than other people. This can be a painful, as events and circumstances that other people wouldn’t notice, the INFP is bothered by. But it can also be a wonderful thing, as the little moments of joy in life don’t pass unnoticed. You may think of yourself as being too sensitive, but, really, you are acutely aware and perceptive of the way it feels to Live, and this makes your experience of life very rich." (Amanda Linehan of Look Far, 2009) "Male INFPs can be seen by others, particularly macho traditionalists, as too gentle, even wimpy. The INFPs' generally passive, live-and-let-live exterior, however admirable, may lack the take-charge quality often associated with maleness -- until they feel that their value system is threatened, that is. Then, the easygoing ways (of male and female INFPs alike) can give way to harsh rigidity... These very same qualities in an INFP female are more socially acceptable, even admired... This INFP complexity -- an easygoing exterior masking a compulsive interior -- may make for inner stress." (Morris Cox of "INFP: Performing Noble Service to Aid Society", 2012) “INFPs may have difficulty sharing their feelings about others. They keep so many of those feelings inside that they may forget to tell their partner how much they love and appreciate them. They also need reminders of their partner’s love. [...] When things go wrong in a relationship, the INFP takes it to heart but does not readily discuss it with others. They may not be willing to communicate to let others know how they are feeling. When scorned, they are very hurt and may overreact in an almost maudlin way.” (Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow of Lifexplore, 2008) "INFPs tend to avoid confrontation, at least to the point where confrontations are inevitable and then they turn into their true warrior selves. Their Feeling side is Introverted so they are more impacted by the negativity. INFPs are hurt by rejection and don’t expect it. [In comparison,] INFJs are less hurt by rejection because they expect it [due to being less trusting of others than INFPs].” (David DeVaughn of Nancy R. Fenn's blog, 2007) "The introverts’ [brain] pathway is more complicated and focused internally [compared to extroverts]... This may explain the tendency of introverts to experience what is known as l’esprit de l’escalier (stairway wit)—the frustrating experience of thinking of a clever comeback when it’s too late. The witty remark comes to mind much too tardily to be useful, when one is on the “staircase,” so to speak, leaving the scene. It’s probably why a lot of introverts are writers. They have all the time they need to come up with what they want to say—especially witty comebacks ;)" ("What Does it Mean to be an Introvert?" 2011) Self-made Martyrs "As children, INFPs' deceptively easygoing natures may cause others to take them for granted. INFP children have a high need to please parents -- and be stroked for it. Generally, they are tender and sensitive to the world around them and, like their INFP elders, often give in to others at the expense of their own needs. If such self-sacrifice is not appreciated or, even worse, is criticized, the INFP child can become sullen, self-critical, often overpersonalizing each remark. The potential for martyrdom begins early." (Morris Cox of "INFP: Performing Noble Service to Aid Society", 2012) Trust "The INFP’s approach to every situation is to grant trust and respect from the outset. It then becomes yours to lose. It should be noted that if you violate an INFP’s loyalty or trust then you’re DONE! They will never trust you again. But this is unlike the 'done with you' of an INTj or INFj. The INFP will still talk to you, they still listen to you. They will let you be part of their lives… but you’ll never ever regain that which you lost because by violating the trust and loyalty you burnt down the house it lived in [...] -the point being here that the only adage 'fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me' holds true for the INFP. And, INFPs don’t like being fooled.” (Elixir of Death blog, 2008) Work “INFPs need a purpose beyond the paycheck. Their job must be fun, although not raucous, and it must be meaningful to them. They need a strong purpose in their work. They want to be recognized and valued, without undue attention given to them. INFPs prefer occupations in which they can be involved in making the world better. Having their heart in their work is important to them.” (Sandra Krebs Hirsch and Jean Kummerow of Lifexplore, 2008) "You don’t like to do things that you don’t love. This can be painful when you feel like you have to. But, it can also keep you searching when others would have given up. And when you do find something you love, you put your soul into it. There is nothing for you that doesn’t involve love. So keep looking." (Amanda Linehan of Look Far, 2009) "One factor in the INFP’s difficulty identifying a suitable career path is the ebb and flow of their interests. Like INTPs, they may quickly grow restless and impatient when performing the same job or studying the same subject for a sustained period of time." (A.J. Drenth on INFP careers at Personality Junkie, 2009) "INFPs also bring their self-criticism and perfectionism to the workplace, which can sometimes hamper their natural skills. An INFP may be an excellent musician or a superb teacher, but even if showered with accolades, INFPs may never quite be satisfied... In the long haul, what INFPs choose as a career must serve their own idealism. If it doesn't, they can become restless and stressed and their work can become sloppy and counterproductive." (Morris Cox of "INFP: Performing Noble Service to Aid Society", 2012) Why the INFP Label May Comfort Us "I had to take a personality type test when I filled out all my employment forms at The Citadel Writing Center recently and surprise, surprise, I am an INFP.[...] Though I do find the questions too easy to read and to determine how my answer will define me, it is fascinating to read the results. 1% of the population is an INFP. Wow. I keep reading, and think, yes, yes, this is me! This is why I am introverted, why people think I am a snob but am really just shy, and slow to warm to others, this is why I am always with my head in the clouds, and idealistic, why I am always looking for praise and reassurance, this is why I like to work alone and get tense when it’s time for group projects, it’s all there! It’s a relief to read these descriptions about myself and think, it’s okay to be this way, this is the way I am built." (Amy Stockwell Mercer of Living Well With Diabetes, 2008)