What are the top INFP traits you should know? The INFP is one of the 16 personality types described by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). It stands for Introverted, Intuition, Feeling and Perception.
The INFP possesses a strong desire to make the world a better place. This personality type gives a lot in trying to understand people the best way they can. They are on a quest to understand those around them. As a result, they also try to understand how to fit in the bigger picture.
They always want to discover their purpose in the grand scheme of things. The INFP is the perfect mediator. Therefore, they are ever ready to understand and serve humanity.
Does the INFP experience emotions? Well, it’s safe to say they posses a great depth of emotions. However, due to their introverted nature, they may not be the best at expressing it. Therefore, they tend to hold it in.
They find the world to be complex and are usually great empaths. They feel the emotions of others greatly but struggle to express theirs. As such, it can be a huge challenge for the INFP as they often come across as emotionless.
Another trait of the INFP is their desire to explore their imaginations as much as possible.
Are you wondering if you are an INFP? Are you trying to get to know an INFP better? Here are a few things you should know.
Read: INFP Facts You Should Know
What Are the Common INFP Traits?
Here are some of the common INFP traits that are hard to miss.
1. They Are Very Introverted
The INFP is very reserved, quiet and introverted. Just like every introvert, being in social situations can burn them out. It drains them. As such, they need time to recharge. This is a very important necessity.
This doesn’t mean they do not have friends. INFPs have a good number of friends. Just like every introvert, they have a selected group of friends they interact with. However, even with their friends, the need to recharge is inevitable.
Lots of people tend to classify the INFP as shy. However, when they’re around people in their group, they are completely different.
2. They Let Their Feelings Take Control
As a result of their feeling function being present, the INFP sometimes lets their emotions dictate their judgement. So, instead of objective information, they would rather go for a subjective option.
This can sometimes lead to poor decision making on their parts. They’re not like the Thinkers who base their judgments off facts and information.
3. They Always Look Out for the Bigger Picture
A trait hard to miss with the INFP, is the fact that they always see the bigger picture. This could be due to their intuition and their need to know how things connect.
Hence, they are very meticulous and will put in a lot in their projects.
4. They Aren’t the Swiftest in Making Decisions
When it comes to making decisions, the INFP stalls. This is because they need to leave their options open as much as possible. As such, it takes them a lot of time in making decisions, no matter how important the decision is.
When they eventually do make these decisions, they base it off subjective information and their personal emotions. They will rather use this than logic.
What INFP Traits Are Considered Strengths?
Every personality type has their strengths and weaknesses. However, there are always some exceptions to the rule. This is no surprise, as it is the basis of human dynamics. For the INFP, their strengths include that they
- Are sensitive to the feelings of people around them. This makes them great empaths. They usually know what to do in a situation where empathy is needed. They make other people’s emotions feel valid.
- Are very loyal and committed to whatever they put their minds to. This includes relationships of all kinds. The INFP isn’t the go-to for flings and casual dating. As such, they prefer long term commitments.
- Care about people genuinely and want to help out in anyway that they can. When they ask how you’re doing, they really want to know.
- Are introverted and prefer carrying out their activities alone. This doesn’t affect their delivery as they get things done in time.
- Are more interested in the bigger picture of everything. As such, they are interested in life, the universe, relationships, and so much more.
What INFP Traits Are Considered Weaknesses?
Some of the INFP weaknesses are that they
- Tend to overlook details in their quest for the bigger picture. So, people who require details can find this infuriating. This makes them miss out on the little things.
- Are very difficult to know. Even people around them do not know them completely. They will only open up when they feel comfortable with a person.
- Tend to let their idealism take over a large part of their lives. Their unrealistic believes can be a weakness.
- Are very sensitive and take things personally. They hate criticism and shy away from confrontation.
The Top INFP Traits You Might Posses
Wondering if you’re an INFP? Here are a few INFP traits you might identify with.
1. You Have a Strong Sense of Empathy
The INFP might have a world of their own. However, they always make out time to think about others. They are in no way self-centered. On the contrary, they are empathetic and compassionate to the people around them.
The INFP believes that people are completely different with their individual perception of life. As such, they can relate to people of so many backgrounds.
2. You Are Dedicated to Others
You hate when the people around you are in pain. Due to your empathy, you always want to know how others are doing. You want to know if they are okay and how you can help if they aren’t.
Sometimes you need to be sure of what they tell you just to satisfy your curiosity aroused by your caring nature. INFPs are passionate and have a great depth of emotions. They are just hesitant in showing their emotions to others.
3. You Are Very Self Conscious
As mentioned, the INFPs are introverted and this makes them reserved in nature. Sometimes, even people close to them don’t know everything about them. This makes them self aware about things they do and say around people.
When speaking to someone they barely know, you calculate your eye contact and body language so you don’t seem too interested or not interested enough.
4. You Require Your Alone Time
INFPs are known to be compassionate and loving. However, one thing that they absolutely love is spending time alone. You can go days without talking to people you love.
This doesn’t mean you love them any less. You aren’t just a fan of small talk plus you need time to yourself.
When there’s something to talk about, you always reach out. Also, if someone has something important to say, you are always willing to listen.
5. You Always Search for Meaning
The INFP has an intense connection with the world. This makes them explorers who want to visit places most people won’t. They need to know how everything is connected and it’s a fun past time for them.
INFPs are dreamers and will like it to remain that way. It gives them meaning and inspiration.
6. You Are Desperate to Please Others
You avoid conflicts as much as possible. Always trying to please people around you, it doesn’t rub off on you the right way. You always require a form of acceptance by people around you. And when you don’t get that, you try to change their minds.
This can be very draining for the INFP and they need to stop putting themselves in situations like this. People can’t always agree with you and that’s okay.
7. You Can Be Very Self Critical
INFPs set standards they try so hard to live up to. And when this doesn’t happen, it can leave them in a state of unrest. This makes them overly critical of the things they do and say.
Being overly critical of yourself, can make you have unrealistic expectations. When you don’t attain them, you’ll begin to think that you are not good enough.
8. INFP Traits-You Are Very Passionate
When you are interested in something, you devote all your time and energy to it. However, you don’t talk much about the things that are passionate to you.
Your convictions and beliefs are dear to your heart and you take them seriously.
9. You Are Creative
A trait you love so much about yourself is your creativity. It’s possible that you see things in unconventional perspectives and you live in your own world. You love to imagine and let your mind wander.
Daydreaming is an INFPs favorite past time and you are naturally drawn to creative things such as art, photography, music, writing, and so much more.
10. You Are Open Minded
INFPs do not force their opinions on others. They do not judge people by what they do and think. Thanks to their compassionate nature, they see reasons behind why people do what they do.
Your confident nature as an INFP makes it easier for people to talk to you about things they don’t share easily with others.
Do You Share Some of the INFP Traits?
If you are searching for INFP traits you identify with, then you’re in the right place. You should know that know that not all INFPs are the same. As such, they share a lot of characteristics but there are always a few exceptions.
If the traits mentioned above describes you, then you might be an INFP. The best way to know for sure is by taking a personality test. That way, you’ll know what personality type you are.
