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This personality is curious, kind and sincere.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart — Last updated on Oct 03, 2022
There are so many different types of personalities in the world, aren’t there? Well, if you go by the Myers-Briggs type spectrum, there are really only 16 personality types.
This spectrum shows the very basics of everyone’s personalities, based on four different traits: extroversion, decision-making, the basis of their life choices, and how they take in information. The system processes this information through personality tests.
Let’s talk about one of the most idealistic and caring personalities in the spectrum: the INFP personality type.
INFP Meaning
In the Myers-Briggs personality type spectrum, INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving.
INFPs are known for being the kind of people who will eventually change the world because of their effort to do right by others. They are idealistic, youthful, and overall great people.
People with this personality type tend to be introverted, idealistic, creative, and driven by high values. They are also quiet and reserved, spend a lot of time exploring, and are usually focused on the big picture.
This personality is also known as the mediator personality, making INFPs great at listening and understanding, while also figuring out great solutions and compromises.
With INFP being so rare, you'd imagine it's one of those diamonds in the rough kind of personalities. And it kind of is.
INFPs value authenticity, and always strive to find truth and meaning in the world around them. They have extremely strong core values, and since they are usually seen as unconventional and a little odd, they are very accepting and non-judgmental of others.
However good the personality is, everyone has weaknesses, including the INFP.
Positive & Negative INFP Personality Traits
1. Open-minded
INFPs are often the people who will befriend and defend those that most others shun. If you’re the kind of person who will stick up for folks that others deem a “lost cause,” you might be an INFP.
2. Kind
The thing that most people recognize about INFPs is their kindhearted nature and, to a point, this isn’t a good thing.
They never want to hurt the personal feelings of others, so they tend to find themselves taken advantage of from time to time, often to the point that they may even put themselves in jeopardy.
They might need to reel it in, lest they become bitter to the world.
3. Introverted
Introverted to the core, INFPs are typically the ones who are not into going to the club. However, volunteering at an animal shelter will make their day, and that’s why people have a lot of respect for them.
4. Loyal
Everyone needs a close friend or lover who is an INFP, if only because they tend to be the most loyal people in your crew. INFPs are loyalty, personified; they are the perfect partner or friend.
When things hit the fan, you can count on an INFP to stick by your side, no matter how ugly it gets.
5. Easily exploited
The problem with being an INFP is that their loyalty, open mind, and big heart are easily taken advantage of by the wrong person.
As such, INFPs can often find themselves in toxic relationships with users and abusers. More alarmingly, they also tend to stay in these relationships, simply because they hope to change the partners they have and because they feel bad about leaving.
INFPs do not realize why this happens to them, primarily because they have such a hard time believing that people can be cruel for cruelty’s sake. If this happens too frequently, INFPs may end up eschewing dating altogether.
6. Creative
Most people would never fully guess it, but INFPs are one of the more creative types around. This deeply emotional group is known to fantasize and get artsy, but rarely brings their full creativity to the forefront.
To a point, they live in their own little world. This may give them a slightly “spacey” vibe from time to time.
7. Caring
Lucky is the person who dates an INFP personality type! This type is known for doing everything possible to make their partners feel happy, loved, and supported.
If you’re looking for the type to give you presents “just because,” date an INFP. They are known for treating a partner like gold.
8. Good listener
INFPs aren’t extroverted and often don’t like too much attention. However, they adore listening and often will act as a venting space or absorbent shoulder to people around them.
INFPs have strong mediator personalities, being able to listen to multiple points of view. This is where their intuitiveness plays a big part.
9. Sincere
With INFPs, you never have to worry about sincerity. Quite the opposite, in fact; they often lack tact and can be fairly blunt at times.
When dealing with this personality, it’s important to remember that this is because they are very honest, not because they are trying to be jerks.
10. Aspiration for self-improvement
INFPs love improving themselves and enjoy spending time on personal development. As such, they tend to love self-help books as well as any program that can enrich their lives.
11. Distracted
Most INFPs are very “inside world” people, so it’s not surprising to hear that they tend to be pretty quickly distracted. To a point, this is a good thing, since the regular world may be a bit much for them at times.
12. Desire to belong
Sincere, sweet, and caring, INFPs really just want to carve out a nook for themselves. They want to belong and live a comfortable life. They’re not extravagant, they just want a better world.
INFP Compatibility & Relationships
INFPs are set on finding their soulmates and don't want to settle for just any romance. One of the most important INFP traits is their strong sense of loyalty, which makes them hopelessly devoted to the one they love.
Though they come off as a bit clingy, INFPs will respect their partner's space and independence. INFPs are also extremely accepting and will welcome all their partner's flaws; however, they still want to help their partner learn, grow, and pursue their goals.
On the flip side, INFPs hate confrontation, which could lead to inauthenticity — not only compromising their relationship but doing damage to their self-worth. Like any relationship, open communication is the key to a happy and healthy bond with an INFP.
If they are willing to speak about their true thoughts and feelings, and why their partner needs to reciprocate that, this relationship can be amazingly beautiful.
Who should an INFP marry?
The best matches for an INFP are ENFJ, INFJ, and INTJ.
ENFJ is INFP's natural partner. INFP is attracted to ENFJ’s energy, optimism, and positive attitude, while the ENFJ personality type is drawn to the INFP’s deep and thoughtful nature.
The INFJ personality and INFP have a lot in common; they are both sensitive and empathetic, value alone time, and are loyal. Both personalities look for peace and harmony in relationships.
INTJ and INFP are actually very different people; however, they are intellectually compatible. The INTJ personality and the INFP personality have vivid imaginations, which are a good mix and allow for stimulating conversations.
Are INFPs good in bed?
For INFP, intimacy is much more than just an act. They feel strongly about being able to connect deeply with their partner. Most INFPs can be extremely passionate lovers, and always want to make the interaction meaningful in some kind of way.
Most people see INFPs as shy introverts, but being with the right person can be rather intense. When they do find this person, intimacy helps make them feel alive in new and exciting ways.
INFPs are not complacent people and often enjoy being able to experience new things with someone they trust. Their creative side adds up in the bedroom, and they are open to experimentation.
Best Career For INFP Personality
INFPs generally prefer work that aligns with their own values and allows them to help others. INFPs are motivated by vision and inspiration, so they will want to engage in causes that feel important to them.
INFPs enjoy creative problem-solving and want to understand complex issues, thoughts and feelings, both of their career field and related to their coworkers.
The best careers for INFPs include graphic designer, editor, animator, film editor, photographer, translator, writer, or PR specialist.
Tips For Relating To An INFP Personality Type
1. Strive to understand them.
Though INFPs are introverted and prefer hangouts with close friends rather than a night on the town, more than anything, they crave to be understood by their fellow human beings.
Rather than superficial friendships with strangers, INFPs want their closest friends to take the time to understand what makes this personality tick. And doing so will allow you to get that much closer with the INFP.
2. Allow them alone time.
After spending tons of time dedicated to caring about others, being loyal, and expressing themselves, there's no doubt the INFP can become overwhelmed and exhausted. This is when they need time to be alone.
In getting to know an INFP, it's important to understand that if this personality type doesn't get down time by themselves, they will form an internal disconnect of sorts.
3. Stimulate their curiosity.
Being so open-minded and accepting means that INFP has endless questions on all sorts of topics. As such, they have wonderful communication skills and a desire to learn more about themselves and their world.
Because their brain never stops thinking and they are focused on the future ahead, anyone in the INFP's life must realize that though their idealistic point of view may not serve them well in the end, it's all a part of their curious nature.
Famous People With INFP Personalities
- Princess Diana
- Audrey Hepburn
- Derek Jeter
- John Lennon
- Kurt Cobain
- William Shakespeare
- Helen Keller
- Winona Rider
- Lana Del Rey
Is INFP a rare personality?
INFPs are one of the rare personalities, making up about 4-5% of the population, opposed to the rarest personality type, INFJ, which is only 1.5% of the population.
Still, 4-5% is pretty rare, so if you are an INFP, you have a wonderful bout of personality traits that will help you succeed in life.
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is a writer based out of Red Bank, New Jersey whose work has been featured in Yahoo, BRIDES, Your Daily Dish, Newtheory Magazine, and others. Follow her on Twitter for more.