INFJs are incredibly creative, emphatic and insightful individuals.
The type to care about humanity on a large scale.
So many INFJs, like MLK Jr, Mother Teresa and Gandhi, have been pioneers in the social
movements that have shaped our society.
However, they were INFJs at their peak.
No one likes to talk about the dark side of the INFJ personality type, but an unhealthy
INFJ can be the complete opposite - incredibly toxic, and an absolute nightmare to to be
around.
Granted this side might be hard to relate to for many INFJs, as it only presents itself
when an INFJ is at their absolute worse.
However these behaviors and bad habit might still be worthwhile to know.
So lets explore; 7 Toxic Traits of the INFJ Personality Type.
Please leave a like if you enjoy this video and let us know your thoughts in the comments
below.
INFJs will be their own worst enemy
INFJs are known for being highly intuitive and introspective, and these qualities can
sometimes lead to excessive self-criticism when in a toxic state.
These INFJs are often their own worst critics, constantly second-guessing themselves and
their choices.
This is often an unhealthy manifestation of an INFJ's perfectionism trait, as they’re
pursuits will tend to be on the impossible side by most standards.
INFJs due to their compassionate nature, will also often beat themselves up for not doing
enough to help others.
However, this particular self-criticism is often very misplaced, as INFJs are already
likely to be doing a great deal for those they care about.
INFJs will shut people out of their lives prematurely
INFJs are often seen as the quiet, mysterious types.
They tend to be introspective and thoughtful, and they often prefer to keep to themselves.
However, there is more to the INFJ than meets the eye.
INFJs are actually very passionate and compassionate people.
They care deeply about others and want to make a difference in the world.
However, their idealism can sometimes lead them to be disappointed by the reality of
the world around them.
When in a toxic state, being exposed to the harshness of the outside world will cause
an INFJ to retreat into themselves in order to protect their ideals.
They may shut people out because they are perfectionists who are constantly striving
for an unattainable ideal.
By shutting out the people who they believe are not living up to their standards, INFJs
can maintain their sense of control and order, and to protect themselves from a world that
they see as being full of pain and hurt.
INFJs will become more prone to jumping to conclusions
INFJs are known for their incredible accuracy when it comes to reading people and understanding
complex situations.
However, this same ability can sometimes work against INFJs, leading them to jump to conclusions
without all the facts.
When an INFJ sees or hears something in a toxic state, that doesn't quite fit in with
their current understanding of the world, they will tend to assume that they must be
missing something, rather than questioning their own perception.
This can lead INFJs to make hasty decisions or draw premature conclusions without taking
the time to fully process all the information.
Whereas in a healthy state, INFJs are usually quite good at self-awareness, and with a little
introspection, they’ll catch themselves before they make any major mistakes.
INFJs will struggle to create healthy boundaries
INFJs are usually very self sacrificing people, generally putting other need before their
own.
However when in a toxic state of mind, their people pleasing tendencies can go into overdrive,
leading to a lack necessary boundaries.
INFJs can find it difficult to say no, even when they are already stretched thin.
As a result, they may end up taking on more than they can handle or agreeing to tasks
that they really don't want to do.
In particular, INFJs often have a hard time saying no to people they care about, even
when it would be in their best interests to do so.
This can lead to unhealthy relationships where the INFJ feels used or taken advantage of.
INFJs in a toxic state are far more incapable of setting healthy boundaries that protects
them from being overwhelmed or taken advantage of.
INFJ’s become very moody and irritable
Toxic INFJs are often referred to as "the moody type" due to their intense and complex
emotions.
Being highly sensitive, they’re more prone than most to becoming overwhelmed by too much
stimulus or by situations that are emotionally charged.
For INFJs who do not take the necessarily time to retreat in order to recharge and process
their feelings, will find themself being excessively irritated by everyone and everything in their
environment.
This can cause them to uncharacteristically lash out, and overtime this could lead to
a lot of irrevocably damage to their relationships.
INFJs turn into insufferable control freaks
INFJs are often thought of as the "idealists" of the personality world.
They are compassionate and caring, and they want everyone around them to be happy.
However, in toxic or unhealthy states, this trait can manifest as very controlling behaviour.
An INFJ in this state will have very strong opinions, and will be incapable on regarding
anyone else’s.
Toxic INFJs can be incredibly passive-aggressive, manipulative, and may even resort to threats
or ultimatums in order to get their way.
They would undoubtedly think they know whats best for everyone, and this belief system
can lead INFJs to become rather insufferable control freaks.
Ironically, their intention would rarely be to see anyone affected in a negative way.
Their logic in wanting to control things would be their genuine belief, that their decisions
will always be better.
Understandably, this well intentioned, but clearly excessive need for control often ends
up backfiring.
People will feel like they are being suffocated by the INFJ's constant demands.
So an INFJs inability to relax and let go of some of these control issues will eventually
end up driving away the very people, they’re trying to help.
INFJs can overthink everything into a crisis
For INFJs, overthinking is all too common, and when in a toxic state, it can reach incredibly
insufferable levels causing an INFJ to ruminate on past events, second-guess their decisions,
and worry about their future.
This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.
INFJs may start to doubt themselves and their abilities.
They may withdraw from social situations and become overwhelmed by their own thoughts.
They’ll constantly be questioning themselves, their choices, and their relationships.
INFJs in this state will often appear very distant and aloof to the people in they’re
lives.
They’d be too exhausted and lost, in a grip in their own mind to manage anything else.
As a consequence, these INFJs will also feel like they're not good enough for the people
in their lives, because they can’t seem to stop disappointing them.
INFJs will set impossibly high standards
INFJs are known for having high expectations, and when in an unhealthy state they will tend
to set them unbelievably high.
Because INFJs are natural idealist who tend to see the world through rose-colored glasses.
They will often have a Utopian vision for the world, and sometimes this vision will
be so fixed, they can have a hard time accepting anything less.
Toxic INFJs, in particular, set their sights so high, their standards are almost beyond
reason.
They're idealism has shown them a vision of what's possible, so anything less will feel
like a disappointment.
That’s why they can be incredibly hard on themselves, when they fall short of any of
their expectations.
INFJs will become extremely judgemental
A toxic INFJ will often be very critical and judgemental of others.
The impossible high standards they set for themselves, will also extend to the people
around them.
They're constantly striving for perfection, and they’ll expect the same from the people
in their lives.
An unhealthy INFJ would be quick to point out someone's flaws, before considering their
feelings.
Ironically, an INFJ will be doing this with the belief they are in fact helping an individual
to achieve their potential, regardless of how hurtful their words might be.
INFJs will find it hard to accept people for who they are, much preferring them to who
they want them to be.
An INFJs high standards, in this state will rarely feel compassionate.
Instead they’ll appear excessively judgmental and harsh to the people they’re trying to
help.
This has by no means an exhaustive list, but it should hopefully give you a good starting
point for understanding some of the less desirable aspects of this unique personality type.
If you're an INFJ, it's important to be aware of these traits and how they can potentially
manifest at certain points in your life.
We hope this video has been helpful!
Let us know in the comments which parts, if any, have resonated?