Mysterious and observant, the INFJ isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Known as one of the most empathetic personality types, it’s ironic that people would perceive the
INFJ as a threat, however, some of their natural qualities rub some people the wrong way. So,
why is it that people see the INFJ as a threat and is it understandable or uncalled for?
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Alright let’s jump right into it starting with..
Number 1: They point out obvious injustice Let’s start off with one of the most
common perceived threats of the INFJ - their unapologetic approach to questioning injustices.
Whether it be in the workforce, in school, in romantic relationships or people in
higher power. When people fear their unfair attitude towards a situation will be exposed
they can get rather defensive and stubborn. And this is exactly what INFJs see right past.
When INFJs begin questioning why certain corners are cut and why certain people are getting the
brunt of the difficulty, the ones playing the game can see INFJs have a total threat to the
system they have running. Maybe they’re afraid of losing their position of power,
their perceived control, or their social status, regardless of what
it is, INFJs don’t hold any remorse for enlightening others of someone arbitrary.
Number 2: They take calculated risks in life Some people live life on a whim while others
lead through clear and concise structure. INFJs are somewhere in between. Guided by introverted
intuition, a lot of the time INFJs seem like they’re making drastic or spontaneous decisions
in life, there's always a method to their madness. In fact, the goal to live life with their dreams
as guidance is something INFJs hold very near and dear to their heart, and that can feel threatening
to people that want them to be less ambitious. An example of this would be that INFJs are usually
great employees because of their personable and hard-working nature. However, because they get
bored easily and are always looking to make a move to the next best opportunity, certain managers can
feel threatened knowing they may not have them for long. They may think the INFJ is making the wrong
decision for leaving a company, but in reality, their calculated approach rarely fails them.
Number 3: They’re not afraid to speak their original ideas
Similar to how the INFJs need to point out injustice when they’re faced with it,
this creative personality type also isn’t afraid to communicate their ways of doing things.
The kicker to that is that sometimes people don't want their way of doing things to be challenged.
This level of independence and assertiveness can feel rather threatening to people who
set out to take all the credit or remain closed off to outer opinions.
INFJs are so familiar with using their imaginative ideas in life that they know when they will
work and when they won't, making it difficult to remain submissive when being influenced by others.
This sense of individuality can also threaten people who always go by the book,
because the originality of an INFJs thoughts usually stems from going against social norms
in some way. In these instances, rebellion can certainly be perceived as threatening.
Number 4: They have little sympathy for the victim mentality
INFJs understand the effect of their thoughts, words and actions,
and how it ultimately all comes back into their experience. While this may serve their empathetic
nature well by being able to effectively absorb and reflect the feelings of others,
it’s not to say that they always have sympathy for stupidity or intentional self destruction. Sure,
INFJs are known for sometimes giving a little too much sympathy and the benefit of the doubt
to people who may not entirely deserve it, yet the INFJ can clearly see the difference between
someone who is putting in the effort despite their hardships and someone who sees themselves as a
victim to life’s circumstances. This observation in behavior can be threatening all on its own,
but even more so when people are turning to an INFJ for the empathy they’re known to lend out.
Number 5: They strive to be perfect at everything
The perfectionistic nature of the INFJ isn’t as threatening to others as it is to their own
self-critiquing, however, perfectionism can certainly be considered threatening to some.
If you’ve worked on a team with an INFJ, you’ll know that they may be a little more delegating
than their usual laid-back selves. When an INFJs name or success is tied to an outcome,
you can bet their micromanaging-tendencies come in stronger than expected.
Although they’re not exactly competitive by nature, INFJs are always in competition
with themselves. And that alone makes the INFJ a threat to the more competitive folks. Constantly
striving to be better than they were while incorporating their determination and imagination,
INFJs work their way to the top with humble intentions.
Number 6: They don’t require outer approval Depending on the people they’re surrounded by,
most INFJs don’t trust others with their thoughts, ideas and secrets like others do with them.
They understand that the motives of certain people aren’t always what they seem,
so they don’t bother taking their disapproval too seriously. In fact, INFJs can easily convince
themselves that if someone is trying to talk them out of an idea, that that person must not
understand the INFJ’s view on the matter. This sometimes results in them ultimately shutting out
the approvals of others completely. Not only can this feel threatening to some people, especially
friends and family who may just want to help, but it can also fall back on the INFJ. Sometimes a
trusted opinion or 2 can actually really help them get a different perspective on everyday matters.
Number 7: No one ever knows what they’re really thinking
With a vast inner world that is occupied with a continuous sequence of internal thoughts,
INFJs carry with them a mysteriousness that is difficult to crack.
Because of this, they say you could know an INFJ for years and never really know much about them,
and that can feel seriously threatening to people who think they have them all figured out.
Because of their unique thoughts patterns and their deep understanding of humans they rarely
share their deepest thoughts with other people. INFJs know they think about topics that most
people wouldn't even think of diving into, and probably have opinions about everyone they meet
that they don’t ever want to share. They can easily put on a front that gives everyone
else around them the assumption that there's nothing going on behind the curtains when in
reality they’re thinking of things that would probably confuse or offend the average person.
Number 8: People trust them with their lives
Some people see the INFJ as a threat simply because of their ability to make meaningful
connections with those around them. Some people naturally confide in the INFJ with
their personal issues, life problems, thoughts and feelings because of their empathetic magnetism.
However, with these seemingly effortless connections that usually come when the INFJ
is minding their own business, comes jealousy from those who don’t have this so-called gift.
With heart-to-heart conversations and naturally deep questions, INFJs are able to achieve a
genuine connection in less time and with less effort than some other people-persons are
able to accomplish. Of course, to the INFJ, it’s not about making as many connections with as many
important people as possible, but sometimes they end up as a teacher’s pet or bosses favorite just
because of their authenticity. Let’s just say, some people don’t always appreciate that quality.
Number 9: They’re extremely attentive While some people are put off by an INFJ’s
mysterious energy, others can feel threatened just by the amount of attentiveness an INFJ
brings to their connections and conversations. In fact, one of the greatest abilities of the INFJ
is their attentive listening skills and their ability to ask the right questions. However,
nowadays, people are used to half-thought-out answers and only partial attention spans,
so when in a conversation with a genuinely interested INFJ, people can become suspicious.
They may even start to question if the INFJ has an ulterior motive behind wanting to help,
feeling threatened to the point of wanting to stop talking to them all together.
Number 10: Their observing nature makes them seem judgmental
Speaking of being attentive, in the end, there's nothing more threatening than being
deeply analyzed by an INFJ, especially if you have something to hide. INFJs may take the back
seat in a conversation but their piercing gaze and scarce input can certainly make some people feel
like they’re under the spotlight with no idea what could possibly be going through the INFJs mind.
This is most prominent during large group settings and first time meetings because
the INFJ is in total analyzing mode, trying to form a baseline of who certain people really are.
They try to be discrete, but sometimes the INFJ stare gets the best of them.
Well PSYCH-Os, that’s it for today’s video.. So, would you say you’ve ever been seen as a
threat as an INFJ? Let us know in the comments below! Also, make sure to leave us a like,
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