INFP personality

Forming around 4.5% of the population, INFP personalities are usually perceived as
calm, reserved or even shy. However, such an exterior can be deceptive even
though INFPs can be somewhat cautious, their inner flame and passion is not
something to be taken lightly. People with this personality type are really

affectionate, a trait not often seen in other types.

This
compassion can be really fervent and long-lasting but the INFP will use it quite
cautiously, directing their energies towards a few selected people or a worthy cause.
Idealism is the banner of INFP personalities and they are proud of it. Unfortunately,
it also means that INFPs can often feel misunderstood and isolated, as they are
relatively rare.
People with the INFP personality type have a clear sense of honor, which inspires and
motivates them. If someone wants to get to know an INFP, it is crucial to know what
drives them, to understand their chosen cause.
INFPs seek harmony in their lives and the surrounding environment, often feeling
dejected because of all the bad things happening in the world and trying hard to
create something positive. People with this personality type tend to see things and
actions from the idealistic perspective, rather than the prism of logic. They respond
to beauty, morality, virtue rather than utility, effectiveness or value.
INFPs can easily speak in metaphors and parables, and they also have an amazing
gift of creating and interpreting symbols for this reason, INFPs often find it natural
to write and enjoy poetry. This personality type does not worship logic, unlike the NT
types from their viewpoint, logic is not always necessary. It is also likely that an
INFP will enjoy hypothetical or philosophical discussions more than any other type.
INFPs may also often retreat into their hermit state (this personality type can easily
switch between the two states), withdrawing from the world and getting lost in their
deep thoughts their partner may then need to spend quite a lot of effort to
energize and awaken the INFP.
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
J. R. R. Tolkien

INFPs have the trait common among NF types their aptitude for foreign languages
is unmatched. INFPs also often become great writers and actors, as they can easily
reflect and convey their own personalities using the fictional characters. Generally
speaking, people with this personality type are extremely creative, innovative and
goal-oriented they can be great advocates for causes they truly believe in.
Finally, most INFPs have the ability to notice even the slightest hint of good in other
people. In INFP eyes, even the most revolting person will have something worthy of
respect or, at the very least, sympathy.

INFP strengths

Passionate and energetic. INFPs tend to be very energetic when it comes to causes
they believe in and are willing to fight for. They may be quiet and even shy in public, but their
passion should not be underestimated.
Very creative. INFP personalities find it easy to interpret signs and hidden meanings
furthermore, their well-developed intuition has no difficulties connecting the dots and coming up
with interesting, unusual ideas.
Open-minded and flexible. INFPs dislike being constrained by rules and do not seek to
impose them on others. They tend to be fairly liberal, open-minded individuals, as long as their
principles and ideas are not being challenged.
Idealistic. INFPs are perhaps the most idealistic of all personality types, believing that
people are inherently good and everyone should do their best to fight evil and injustice in the
world.
Seek and value harmony. INFPs do not want to dominate and work hard to ensure that
everyones opinion is valued and heard.
Can be very dedicated and hard-working. As mentioned above, INFP personalities are
both very passionate and idealistic. Not surprisingly, they can also be unbelievably dedicated to
their chosen cause or an organization. It is unlikely that an INFP will give up simply because
everyone else has abandoned the cause or it is getting difficult to keep going.

INFP weaknesses

Too altruistic. INFPs may be so focused on doing good things and helping other people
that they may neglect their own needs. Alternatively, they may fight for their chosen cause
ignoring everything else in life.
Dislike dealing with data. INFP personalities are very much in tune with emotions and
morality, but they are likely to have difficulties when it comes to dealing with facts and data, e.g.
analyzing connections or finding discrepancies.
Difficult to get to know. People with the INFP personality type tend to be private,
reserved individuals. They are also likely to be quite self-conscious.
Take many things personally. INFPs cherish their ideals and find it very difficult to
accept criticism, taking such comments very personally. They also tend to avoid conflict
situations, always looking for a solution that satisfies everybody.
May be too idealistic. INFP personalities are prone to being too dreamy and idealistic,
especially when it comes to romantic relationships. They may idealize or even idolize their
partner, forgetting that no one is perfect.

Impractical. INFPs do not really see practical things as important. They may even forget
to eat and drink if they are doing something that excites and motivates them.

INFP relationships and dating

INFP personalities are extremely loyal and faithful. They are romantic idealists who
can spend an extraordinary amount of time daydreaming about the perfect
relationship, where harmony and warmth are abundant. Looking for a dating partner
or nurturing an existing relationship is always one of the key goals for an INFP and
this pure passion is one of their most attractive traits.
One of the main issues faced by INFPs is that they gravitate towards putting their
partners on an imaginary pedestal, both when they are still dating and even later in
the relationship. In other words, INFPs tend to idealize and romanticize their
(sometimes long-awaited) partners, assigning them unrealistic traits. This happens
because INFPs are often so focused on the ideals of romance and love that when love
finally knocks on their door, it becomes difficult to separate imagination from reality.

That being said, this is not necessarily a bad thing,

provided that the INFP is mature enough to recognize and address these tendencies.
As their imagination is so rich and vivid, INFPs can always come up with new ways to
surprise their partner and improve the relationship. This is especially useful when the
INFP is dating. However, they should make sure that this does not become an
obstacle or a burden not many types can cope with the unrelenting stream of
INFPs ideas, especially if the relationship is still in its early stages. The INFP will do

their best to help their partner grow and develop, although this may not always be
appreciated.
INFPs love is deep and sincere, manifesting in unrelenting support and affection.
People with this personality type will also do everything they can to avoid conflict,
which can also contribute to the stability of the relationship. As long as their partner
is willing to reciprocate and make conscious efforts to resolve disagreements calmly
and peacefully, the INFPs love will endure all tests of time. It is doubtful that
someone with the INFP personality type will be jealous or overbearing quite the
opposite, an INFP is likely to trust their partner and respect their independence.
Despite their best efforts, the INFPs opposition to any kind of criticism or conflict can
cause problems in their relationships. This is especially relevant if their partner has
strong T or J traits as these traits inevitably push them towards rational, impersonal
comments or conclusions and the INFP may find it very difficult to examine those
ideas objectively without internalizing them and thinking that something must be
their fault.
INFPs are prone to reacting to stressful situations very emotionally, as if their entire
value system is being threatened they may also resort to guilt-tripping or irrational
accusations. It is really important that people with this personality develop their
ability to take criticism calmly and objectively. INFPs imagination can easily come up
with many different negative ideas and assumptions this should be prevented at all
costs.
When it comes to intimacy, INFPs are more likely to focus on satisfying the needs of
their dating or long-term partner, as opposed to putting their own pleasure first.
People with this personality type will not rush to sexual intimacy they will study
their dating partner, get to know them really well and only then consider moving on
to the next stage of the relationship. That being said, INFPs are likely to get a lot of
pleasure from intimacy as sexual acts will give them an excellent opportunity to
express their love.
Recommended partners: ENFJ and ENTJ types.
If you would like to learn more about how INFPs can get better at starting and
maintaining healthy romantic relationships, including advice aimed at specific
personality type combinations, download the INFP In-Depth Profile a 60+ page

guide covering a number of diverse topics. If you are single, you might also want to
take a look at our Dating section.