Being the rarest of the 16 personality types, ironically INFJs seem to undoubtedly be the
most talked about and researched personality types on the internet.
Yet, still with an odd fascination from the world, there are a few common misconceptions
that have been thrown in the mix of available INFJ information.
Misconceptions that make it difficult for true INFJs to relate to..
So today, we’re here to debunk them!
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Alright, let’s jump right into the video starting with..
Stereotype Number 1: INFJs are sensitive snowflakes Known for their naturally kind and compassionate
manner, the INFJ personality type can often be mistaken as overly sensitive because of
the stereotypical emphasis on their extroverted functions.
With such a focus on how the INFJ relates to the outer world, people seem to forget
that the majority of the INFJ’s life is lived inside their minds.
In fact, one of the key factors of the INFJ personality that seems to be largely ignored
by the MBTI community is that they run on their most dominant function of intuition
before their secondary function as feelers steps in.
Everything they do comes from an intuitive place, and in that place, emotions aren’t
always at play.
Especially because the INFJ’s secondary function is extraverted feeling, they tend
to gravitate towards analyzing outer emotions rather than inner ones.
In other words, INFJs have a tendency to focus on understanding background processes, deciphering
future outcomes and observing patterns of other people’s emotions rather than dwelling
on their own feelings.
Sure, they may feel overwhelmed by excessive surrounding energies and stimuli, but they
have a sense of composure that overwrites it in the moment.
And because of that, INFJs tend to actually hold a deeper level of emotional understanding
compared to other personality types, which results in less emotional reactivity.
Stereotype Number 2: INFJs are ambiverts
Speaking of their introverted and extraverted functions, INFJ’s can often be mistaken
for extroverts in particular social situations due to their understanding of other people’s
emotions.
With the ability to blend in with any crowd, most people don't know that it’s basically
all an act.
If an INFJ were to truly act like themselves in a crowd of people, they would automatically
seem secretive and reserved due to their need for constant observation and mental processing.
Luckily, this is why the INFJ is often referred to as the social chameleon of the MBTI, easily
blending in with a variety of social scenarios when needed.
Yet, not always totally enjoying themselves in the process.
With their most dominant function requiring them to take serious amounts of alone time,
this introverted personality type much prefers having nobody’s company but their own.
Therefore, they take certain measures to not act like a mysterious maniac, and with years
of practice, they can play the role of a well-seasoned extrovert like the back of their hand.
However, unlike extraverted traits of becoming more energized in the presence of other people,
INFJs tend to feel quickly drained.
Therefore, this introverted type prefers to be alone or with their most trusted people,
in order to truly feel like themselves.
Stereotype Number 3: INFJs are psychic Heightened intuition?
Yes!
Highly perceptive?
Yes!
Psychic..
Well.. not quite.
At least that’s not the case for every person with the INFJ personality type.
With a mystical essence surrounding their introverted intuitive gifts, the INFJ can
easily be misconstrued for having seemingly magical foresights.
If you’re an INFJ yourself, you’ll know that strong intuition can definitely bring
about some truly accurate future projections, yet the term psychic may be blowing things
out of proportion.
In fact, this incredible future-projecting ability all has to do with their incredible
pattern-recognition and observing skills that go on in the background of their conscious
minds.
Using their inferior function of extraverted sensing, this analytical personality type
subconsciously gathers copious amounts of information.
This makes them highly aware of seemingly unnoticeable details and actions going on
in any given environment.
The INFJ’s dominant intuition then synthesizes this collected information in hopes of finding
hidden insights, patterns and possible future outcomes; usually resulting in some sort of
revelation or epiphany moment that seems out of the blue.
Although this process happens against an INFJ’s will and mostly with little conscious effort
(much like psychic insights would) this powerful function is actually more psychologically
technical than it is of a spiritual matter..
Stereotype Number 4: INFJs know people better than those people know themselves
A good conversation with the INFJ counselor type can give others the level of comfort
and understanding that makes them feel like they’ve never been more understood in life.
And maybe they haven’t.
Yes, INFJs are able to gain a clearer predictive analysis of how certain steps can lead someone
in certain directions.
With deep insights into the human psyche, human emotions and interactive behaviors,
INFJs may very well understand other people more than the average person.
But never more than the person understands themselves.
And that’s where things get a little sticky.
No matter how much the INFJ analyzes someone, feels their emotions and puts themselves in
their shoes, they will never know what it’s like to live inside another person’s mind.
With their ability to see the best in everyone, they may even be able to show people perspectives
of their personalities that they didn’t see before.
But this doesn’t always mean they know the past experiences, struggles, and lessons of
the people they help.
INFJs are special..
But they’re not quite the superior sounding gurus they can sometimes be depicted as in
blogs and articles.
They make amazing counselors, mediators and advocates because of their highly empathetic
and understanding nature, but they don’t have all the answers to everyones problems.
They are still only able to give advice and suggestions from their own understanding and
through the filter in which they see life - therefore, nobody knows anyone more than
they know themselves.
Stereotype Number 5: INFJs are always fixated on details
Perfectionistic and organized, the INFJ personality type may seem uptight about the nitty gritty
details of life.
However, that's actually not always the case.
In fact, INFJs have a tendency to look at past details that don’t interest them.
Anything that doesn’t pertain to the patterns of behavior or the bigger picture may be subconsciously
noted, but never taken any conscious effort to focus on.
In other words, their introverted intuition and extraverted sensing may cause them to
subconsciously absorb and process minor details, but INFJs don’t actively fixate on the impertinent
details of life.
Instead, this personality type is much more focused on the overall impression of the atmosphere
around them, only voluntarily diving into details when trying to collect more information
for their introverted intuition to cipher through.
Yet, the INFJ only begins to consciously look for details when there seems to be missing
pieces to the intuitive puzzle they’re attempting to solve or make sense of.
As a matter of fact, too many details can actually easily overwhelm this personality
type, causing them to use their functions in an uncharacterized manner to navigate through
the overload of information and potentiality of so many options.
Instead, remaining distanced enough to where they can utilize their birds-eye-view while
maintaining their deeper understanding is where they like to be.
Stereotype Number 6: They’re relationship ruiners
Distance, solitude, daydreaming, unrealistic expectations, door slams, and the list goes
on.
If someone were to briefly read up on the INFJ relationship, they would quickly run
the other way.
In reality, however, these stereotypical traits have little to do with the love this personality
type has to offer.
Whether it be a platonic or romantic connection, this seemingly closed-off personality type
holds a beautiful essence of their personality that they only reserve for the most deserving.
Sure, the amount of time it takes for them to decide whether or not a connection is compatible
may be a little longer than most are willing to wait.
However, if proven worthy through the considerably simple requirements they put in place, most
INFJs are ready to invest themselves to their best abilities.
Once someone has crossed the barrier into the INFJ’s closest inner circle, it would
take serious wrong-doing for the INFJ to ever distance themselves.
If you're in a relationship with an INFJ in particular, it is entirely exclusive.
They actually give the other a part of themselves and don’t ever consider their loved ones
as options.
Despite the unique needs they require within their human connections, this empathetic lover
will always prioritize the people that have proven themselves as kind, understanding and
thoughtful.
Well PSYCH-Os, that’s it for today..
So, do you think you’ve been stereotyped with one of these 6 common misconceptions
as an INFJ?
If so, let us know in the comments below!
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