The INTJ vs INFJ key differences. If you know your MBTI, it’s no surprise that these personality types are quite similar in certain areas and so different in others. Sometimes it is quite common for one to be mistyped as an INTJ instead of the other and vice versa.
The INTJ is known as the Mastermind, and they are also known to be colder and more robotic in comparison to their INFJ counterpart. INFJs, on the other hand, are a lot more sensitive. They are the ones to be emotional because of their “feeling factor”
It is important to note that neither is better than the other. INTJs might seem cold and distant sometimes but that doesn’t mean they do not feel emotions. They just try to rationalize it. The INFJ might be one to wear their heart on their sleeve but this doesn’t mean they do not incorporate the use of logic every now and then.
So, what are the INTJ vs INFJ key differences all about? Here are 6 ways these personality types differ from each other regardless of their possibly similarities.
Difference In Outlook
As an INTJ woman, many times I’ve been told I come across as mean when actually stating obvious truths. I’ve had to deal with my non approachable demeanor without much worry because I’ve never been a social person. It helped get that out of the way. This is not going to be the same experience with an INFJ. Here’s why.
INFJs are warmer and accommodating to people. They appear a lot more friendly than INTJs. This means they can easily pass as a people’s person. They can go from formal to informal as quickly as the conversation starts.
INTJs are more formal and business like. They find social pleasantries exhausting and would avoid personal conversations if they can. Small talk is more exhausting for this personality type but they would engage if they find you interesting or are curious enough.
Difference In Expressions
An INTJ will not backdown from a spiritual debate because they possess the extroverted thinking function. They enjoy knowing people’s opinions while expressing theirs. They enjoy a good logical argument and will back out when they feel the other person getting emotional.
The INTJ detests when conversations get heated because it’s easy for emotions to come in. They handle constructive criticism and disagreements a lot better than the INFJ who could get emotional when things like this come up.
Difference In Independence
INTJs are more independent than the INFJs but as they are both introverts, they both possess a great degree of independence than the average person. They both enjoy solitude and their alone time and would want to focus on things that matter to them.
INTJs however takes this to a whole new level. Most people categorize the INTJ as a loner. They enjoy being on their own and think any forced interaction is not acceptable. They are considered the most independent of all 16 personality types according to the MBTI.
INFJ are independent too but are a lot more accommodating. They don’t mind reaching out and although they have a small group of friends, it’s a lot bigger than an INTJ could possibly have.
Difference In Communication
As mentioned above, the INTJ detests small talk and enjoys more meaningful conversations. But here’s something else: they would avoid those too if they could. They generally don’t like talking and would prefer it if it was done telepathically. Trust me, I should know.
This makes it difficult for them to nurture relationships, and that’s why they usually end up alone. But this can’t be said about INFJs who possess better communication skills. This makes them more approachable than their counterparts.
Another reason is because INFJs are prone to idealize people and see them more in a positive light. INTJs on the other hand see people in a very realistic one. This leaves them being critical even without actually disliking the individual.
Difference In Emotions
INTJ’s feeling function is introverted and this means talking about their emotions can be challenging for them. Not only does talking about theirs make them uncomfortable but other people’s too. They prefer other methods of expressing like writing and sarcasm.
If you keep getting emotional around the INTJ, their natural response would be withdrawal which is different from the INFJ. The INFJ has a more extroverted feeling function and are comfortable in expressing their emotions.
But just like the INTJ, they are also introverted and will express themselves in other creative ways. However, they don’t mind people being overly emotional around it. They understand the need for an outlet and would always seek it out.
Difference In Socializing
Unlike the INTJ who can function without a social group, INFJs crave for this. They want a small group of friends who are by their side and they get to go on adventures with whenever they can.
INTJs on the other hand can find it very difficult to keep up. Both personality types are the large crowd types either and when they do want to socialize, it’s with a selective group of people.
The INTJ vs INFJ key differences gets to show you how similar hit how different these personality types are. What else do you think should’ve made the list?
