There are definitely times when an INFP is extremely misunderstood.
This is probably due to their introverted tendencies, abstract thought processes, speaking
with metaphors, and dislike of opening up to just anyone.
If someone is speaking less often with others they’re obviously not going to be understood.
Can someone truly guess what sort of thoughts is brewing behind the eyes of an INFP?
I feel this is where some of the mysticism comes from.
INFPs may not open up often but when they do the topic is possibly deeper than expected.
Poetic riddles and idealistic ponderings.
I’d like to be thought of as enigmatic.
It’s a much more pleasant label than some of the usual labels people place on INFPs
Though it can hurt to be misunderstood when you genuinely wish the person you’re sharing
with could follow your train of thought.
I looked up variations of “How to be enigmatic” to see if any of those skills or traits sound
like an INFP.
WikiHow had an interesting article.
It included Speaking Enigmatically, Keeping Some Distance, and Having a Strong Personality.
What I noticed about the article I read is that it was written as a way to teach yourself
how to become enigmatic, not as traits a person may naturally have as part of their personality.
So the tone at times sounds a little like …
- INFPs are Introverts.
This means they are naturally not voicing aloud every thought.
They usually listen more than speak.
I’m not sure if this gives others an impression of enigmatic.
Usually, I’ve encountered labels like shy, cold, unfriendly, and aloof.
This means having an opinion that is possibly in conflict with
the crowd.
INFPs prefer remaining their true selves, even if their perspective is an unpopular one.
They really aren’t trend followers unless they genuinely agree.
- INFPs enjoy deep conversations over small talk,
especially one-on-one.
Sometimes the more unusual the subject matter, the better.
This article gives me the impression that by behaving in
an intelligent manner, people will see you as mysterious.
Their idea of an unusual colloquialism or phrase is the sorts of things an INFP may
say if they’re using metaphors.
That type of speech is normal to me but maybe for the average person, it isn’t?
Again, it seems they are saying that knowledge equals mystery.
Learn big words and become enigmatic.
From personal experience, INFPs want to be understood and will usually avoid large vocabulary
to make it easier for others to comprehend.
This one is common sense.
It relates to how much information is distributed around social media.
Introverts are much more private about their lives than Extroverts.
I’m not sure how much of a mysterious image this creates more than it’s just safe to
do this.
INFPs are slower to reveal than most types.
Basically, behave like an Introvert and you’ll be enigmatic!
Quality over quantity is the best way to go when it comes to relationships and friends.
INFPs usually have a small circle of close friends.
This point is about how well you keep your emotions under control.
I suppose it’s mysterious if someone behaves like a Vulcan during stressful ordeals?
For INFPs, the amount of control depends on the individual.
Some are better at reining in the feels than others.
You’ll be truly enigmatic if you don’t reveal your past history or
your future goals.
Apparently.
Other than at work, it’s rather difficult for me to remain solely in the present.
I rely on my past experiences to help me in the present.
And I enjoy visualizing future possibilities.
Work out your brain - Here we go again.
Intelligence equals mystery!
The article says, “Don’t spend hours playing video games…”
What?
Playing games takes away intelligence?
Sure, it’s great to take part in intellectual endeavors, but only if you truly enjoy it
and aren’t only trying to put on a false facade to impress others.
This is here because people aren’t normally kind?
This point is saying that being mysterious doesn’t equal mean and thoughtless.
Practice listening skills and remember the details of others.
INFPs are naturally kind-hearted.
“Let out your inner weirdness…”
This article likes suggesting people behave in ways that may not be natural or normal
for them, all for the sake of mystery.
Apparently, taking pictures, backpacking in the woods, and collecting crystals are considered
“unusual hobbies”.
If that’s the case, INFPs are naturally unusual.
Study strange trivia and skills so you can have specialized knowledge in your
back-pocket.
I suppose this is useful if you’re in search of conversation starters, but not if the only
reason is to impress people.
I have to say that INFPs seem to naturally have intuitive knowledge, not always knowing
how they came by such information.
Definitely an INFP trait.
This point is about teaching yourself how to not automatically follow leaders without
scrutiny and questions.
INFPs do this naturally since they aren’t usually crowd followers.
Overall, I’d have to say that INFPs do strongly possess at least 11 of the 14 traits that
are considered by this article as “enigmatic”.
It also hints that intelligence is mysterious, and it’s known that INFPs are intelligent
people.