It is very easy to confuse INFJs and INTJs.
Even though they share a fair number of differences among them, some people may find it difficult
to tell them apart.
One reason for that is that they are both introverted personality types, so obviously
they will have some similarities.
But the differences far outweigh the commonalities and today we will be taking a look at them
in this video: INTJ Versus INFJ, 10 ways to tell them apart.
Please hit the like button if you enjoy this video and let me know if I’ve missed anything
in the comments.
So here is INTJ versus INFJ.
Mindset.
INFJs and INTJs are both forward looking personality types.
However, INFJs are more likely to be “people pleasers” while INTJs, on the other hand,
care far less about other people feelings.
INFJs tend to channel their insight to themselves and to other people while INTJs are more inclined
towards ideas and concepts.
The bottom line being that INFJs care about people’s feelings and can let their emotions
get to them while INTJs prefer to busy their minds with more pragmatic things.
Difference in Dependence.
Since both INFJs and INTJs are introverted personality types, they enjoy seclusion where
they can be left alone with their thoughts as this gives them an opportunity to fixate
on matters that are truly important to them.
However, the main difference is that of independence.
Since INTJs stay in their own skin, they are free of the shackles of expectations and hence,
more liberated.
Fun fact, did you know that INTJs are considered to be the most independent out of all the
sixteen personality types.
Social Needs.
INTJs usually do not engage in any activity, unless it benefits them in some way.
Even though they are introverts like the INFJs, INFJs still appreciate a small group of friends
that care about them and that they care about.
INTJs are into none of that.
They don’t like playing around and are “too busy” to indulge in socializing
for the most part.
Idealism and Critique
INFJs hold people they like in a very high regard and consider them as their idols.
INTJs on the other hand do not carry a soft spot for anyone and see them in a very realistic
light and with a critical eye.
So if we take an example of a classroom, the shy girl in the corner who obsesses over Taylor
Swift and thinks she is flawless is probably an INFJ.
And that serious, reserved boy in the next corner who criticizes well-established, world-famous
stars is probably an INTJ.
Difference in Humbleness.
INFJs and INTJs are both intellectually inclined.
However, there’s a notable difference here as well.
Let us imagine the class scenario again.
When the teacher is teaching, an INFJ would take them seriously and believe that what
the teacher is saying is correct because they are a qualified person with ample knowledge.
But INTJs come with a pinch of pride in them, in some it can be a tablespoon, you never know.
They do NOT like to be treated as inferiors so sometimes they can get ahead of themselves
and think that they are better than the teacher.
They treat everything that the teacher tells them with doubt and do not completely believe
it until they have done their share of research and are satisfied.
So next time you see someone who is usually reserved but argues on almost every topic,
chances are that they’re an INTJ.
Emotional Vulnerability.
As we have established earlier, INFJs are highly emotional beings.
They care about people and their relationships with them.
INTJs are quite the opposite.
They do not consider people or feelings towards them to be important and regard them as hindrances
in achieving their goals.
Ability to Communicate.
Even though they’re both introverts, INFJs are still better than INTJs
as far as communication is concerned.
You can have a fun little chat with an INFJ but an INTJs?
No chance.
They absolutely HATE small talk and prefer something more philosophical and meaningful.
However, there is a huge downside to it.
As a result of this, INTJs often end up damaging their relationships with people who they can
discuss their interests with.
Difference in Cognitive Functions.
The differences in cognitive function highlight the differences between
INFJs and INTJs very well.
If you don’t know, Cognitive functioning refers to multiple mental abilities, including
learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem solving, decision making, and attention.
The Cognitive Functions of INFJs, in order from most dominant to least dominant,
are as follows:
Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Extroverted Sensing (Se)
While those of an INTJ are:
Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Extroverted Thinking (Te)
Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Extroverted Sensing (Se)
It is interesting to notice that they share the same functions, except that their feeling
and thinking functions are reversed.
This proves to be the root cause of their other differences.
The Heart and The Mind.
It would not be wrong to say that INFJs rely more on their heart
while INTJs use their mind more often.
This leads to INFJs getting hurt over insignificant things, worrying excessively
and taking things personally.
INTJs are immune to this because they think logically and with reasoning.
When faced with a project, INTJs would forget about the outside world and indulge themselves
completely into that task.
This may cause them to appear selfish.
But since the INFJs care for others and continuously push for harmony,
they come across as far more considerate.
Emotional Expression.
INFJs are expressive.
They do not shy away from demonstrating their feelings.
They are introverts but if they are comfortable with you, they would not have a problem crying
in front of you or telling you how much you mean to them.
But INTJs would not tell you that they care about you even if the world was ending.
Ok, that was obviously an exaggeration, but you get the point.
As said before, INTJs are people who like to “stay in their own skin”
and are extremely reserved.
They DO NOT grant access to anyone into their own little worlds.
They do not show emotions or express their feelings.
This can make them feel cold and unfriendly, but this is not usually the case.
The bottom line is, while both the personalities are introverted and may seem similar at first,
they can easily be told apart from each other with a little observation
as they exhibit many differences.