INFP - The Mediator

Personality Type Cross-reference

• Type 4 - The Individualist
• Type 9 - The Peacemaker

• Temperament Type - Phlegmatic
• Animal Type - Otter
• DISC Type - Influential
• Socio-Communicative Type - Expressive
• True Colors - Blue
• Color Code - Blue
• Personality Compass - West

Dominant Function - Introverted Feeling

• INFPs experience a great depth of feelings, but as introverts, they largely process these emotions internally.
• They possess an incredible sense of wonder about the world and feel great compassion and empathy for others.
• While these emotions are strong, they tend not to express them outwardly, which is why they can sometimes be mistaken as aloof or unwelcoming.

Auxiliary Function - Extraverted Intuition

• INFPs explore situations using imagination and 'what if' scenarios, often thinking through various possibilities before settling on a course of action.
• Their inner lives are a dominant force in personalities. They engage with the outside world by using their intuition.
• They focus on the "big picture," and things will shape the course of the future.
• This ability helps make INFPs transformative leaders excited about making positive changes in the world.

Tertiary Function - Introverted Sensing

• When taking in information, INFPs create vivid memories of the events.
• They will often replay these events in their minds to analyze experiences in less stressful settings.
• Such memories are usually associated with strong emotions, so recalling a memory can often seem like reliving the experience itself.

Inferior Function - Extraverted Thinking

• This cognitive function involves organizing and making sense of the world objectively and logically.
• While this is a largely unconscious influence in the INFP personality, it can show itself in times of pressure.
• When faced with stress, an INFP might suddenly become pragmatic and detail-oriented, focusing on logic rather than emotion.
• Because they are typically ruled more by intuition and emotion, INFPs can sometimes struggle to feel productive and efficient.
• Learning to develop the extraverted thinking function can help people with this personality type create a better sense of balance.

Traits

• INFPs are reflective, creative, and idealistic.
• They recognize different possibilities and long to find their meaning in life.
• They seek to find the underlying meaning of things.
• They are driven by the thought of making the world a better place.
• INFPs primary function is Introverted Feeling in which they know what they value.
• Their auxiliary function is Extraverted Intuition, in which they can see different paths/ways of doing something.
• INFPs tend to be introverted, quiet and reserved.
• They can relate to others.
• They are great listeners and are always willing to help people.
• Despite being reserved, they are quite warm with people they are familiar with.
• In social situations, they have to expend energy, which tends to drain their energy. Hence, they prefer interacting with a select group of close friends.
• While they like to be alone, this should not necessarily be confused with shyness.
• They can be overly sensitive to criticism, even when no criticism was intended.
• They may develop strong grudges towards other people whom they think have oppressed them.
• INFPs emphasize personal feelings, and their decisions are more influenced by these concerns rather than objective information.
• INFPs like to keep their options open when making decisions.
• They often delay making important decisions just in case something about the situation changes.
• When decisions are made, they are usually based on personal values rather than logic.
• Almost everything experienced by the INFP contributes to their value system, which the INFP then evaluates as crucial or trivial.
  
• They are generally very flexible; however, once an opinion/decision violates their values, they will aggressively defend their cause.
• They enjoy learning in environments where they can be flexible and creative.
  
• They may be overtly consumed with an idea in their mind that they begin to ignore anything that goes against their values.
• They may be unable to let go of a problem and become engrossed by it.
• They typically rely on intuition and focus on the big picture rather than the nitty-gritty details.
• They can be meticulous about things they care about or projects they are working on but tend to ignore mundane or boring details.

Friendships

• INFPs typically only have a few close friendships, but these relationships tend to be long-lasting.
• While people with this personality type are adept at understanding others' emotions, they often struggle to share their feelings.
• Social contact can be problematic, although INFPs crave emotional intimacy and deep relationships.
• Getting to know an INFP can take time and work, but the rewards can be great for those who have the patience and understanding.

Personal Relationships

• INFP are idealists. Hence, they tend to have high expectations - including in relationships.
• They might hold an idealized image of their perfect partner, which can be a challenging role for any individual to fill.
• People with this personality type care deeply about other people. Yet, as introverts, they can be challenging to know.
• They tend to become very close and deeply committed to the few they forge close relationships with.
• They also dislike conflict and try to avoid it.
• When conflicts or arguments arise, they usually focus more on how the conflict makes them feel rather than the exact details of the argument.
• During arguments, they might seem overly emotional or irrational.
• They can also be good mediators by helping those involved in a conflict identify and express their feelings.
• Because they are so reserved and private, it can be difficult for other people to get to know INFPs.
• They tend to be entirely devoted to their circle of close friends and family and place a high importance on the feelings and emotions of their loved ones.
• Much of their energy is focused inwardly and characterized by intense feelings and strong values.
• They tend to be very loyal to the people they love and to beliefs and causes that are important to them.

Partner Relationships

• As with friendships, INFPs may struggle to become close to potential romantic partners.
• Once they do form a relationship, they approach it with a strong sense of loyalty.
• They can sometimes hold overly romanticized views of relationships and may have excessively high expectations that their partners struggle to live up to.
• They also tend to take comments personally while at the same time struggling to avoid conflicts.
• If your partner is an INFP, understand that they may sometimes struggle to open up, be overly sensitive to perceived criticisms, and often place your happiness over that of their own.

Parenting

• INFP parents are usually supportive, caring, and warm.
• They are good at establishing guidelines and helping children develop strong values.
• Their goal as parents is to help their children grow as individuals and fully appreciate the world's wonders.
• They may struggle to share their own emotions with their children and are often focused on creating harmony in the home.

Careers