INFP Personality Type Explained: Career, Strengths and Weaknesses

INFP are keenly interested in making the world a better place. Besides aspiring to understand themselves better, they are also interested in how to help others. An INFP personality type is often described as both “idealist” or “middleman.”

People with this type of personality often spend a lot of time exploring their own goals in life and thinking about how they can use their skills and talents to serve humanity better. INFPs tend to be insular, idealistic, creative, being driven by high values.

INFPs can be very meticulous about things they really care about or projects they are working on. Nevertheless, they tend to ignore all the boring details. They usually rely on intuition, being more focused on the big picture, rather than on small details.

INFPs tend to drain their energy, preferring to interact with a select group of close friends in social situations. They tend to be closed, quiet and restrained. Although they like to be alone, it is not necessarily to be confused with shyness. It just means INFPs get their energy by spending time alone. On the other hand, they must expend energy in social situations.

INFPs prefer to keep their options open when it comes to making decisions. All the made decisions are usually based on personal values, not logic. INFPs often delay important decisions in case something changes.

INFPs pay special attention to personal feelings, and their solutions are more dependent on these problems than on objective information.

INFPs can have an idealized image of the perfect partner in their minds, which can be a difficult role for their loved person, so they have high expectations, including relationships.

People with this type of personality care deeply about other people, but they can be hard to recognize, being introverted. They tend to become very close, deeply committed to the few maintaining close relationships with. They also do not like any conflicts, trying to avoid it.

When conflicts or arguments arise, they usually focus on how it makes them feel, rather than on the real argument details. They may seem overly emotional or even irrational during disputes. However, they can also be good intermediaries, assisting people to be involved in the conflict both to identify and express their feelings.

They are not inclined to be loyal to their close friends and family, attaching great importance to both feelings and emotions of their loved ones. It can be difficult for other people to recognize the INFP because they are so closed and private. They tend to be very loyal to the people they love, and to the beliefs and reasons, being important to them. Most of their energy is concentrated inside and is characterized by intense feelings and strong values.

INFPs tend to be very spiritual, creative and artistic. They often have a talent for learning languages, but may prefer to express their thoughts and feelings via writing, rather than speech.

INFPs usually succeed in a career where their both creativity and vision can be expressed. Although they work well with others, they usually prefer to work alone.

Despite the fact they are firmly committed to their own values, INFPs are also interested in learning more about others and are willing to listen and consider many aspects of the problem. Because of having strong ethics and values, they are also passionate about protecting or defending their beliefs.

While people with this type of personality understand the emotions of people well, it is often difficult for them to share their feelings with others. INFP usually have only a few close friends, but this relationship is usually long-lasting. Getting to know INFP can take a lot of time and work, but the reward can be great for those who have both patience and understanding. A social contact can be difficult, although INFP craves both emotional closeness and deep relationships.

INFP parents are good at setting guidelines, helping children develop strong values, being usually supportive, caring and kind. They can struggle to share their emotions with their children, often focusing on creating harmony in the home. Their goal as parents is to help their children grow as individuals and fully appreciate the wonders of the world.

INFPs can struggle to get close to potential romantic partners, as is the case with friendship. Once such people form a relationship, they approach them with a strong sense of loyalty. If your partner is an INFP, understand he/she may struggle to open up, be too sensitive to perceived criticism and often put your own happiness above his own. Sometimes they may have both overly romantic views on relationships and high expectations their partners struggle to justify. They also tend to take comments personally, while also trying to avoid conflicts.