1

Its sad that we have to come to a forum to find each other…lol, yes google got me here. Well in all my INFPness I would like to make a common suggestion. A place where there is a new post everyday :) Ok, thats lame. But I must admit, it a friendly place ppl. Check it out.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/INFP/

2

For jobs, don’t think of just the arts or writing, folks. I have found helping others to learn techology (like the WWW or computer applications) very rewarding. So is anything that involves connecting people with information that they need. Add in just a bit or creativity (like providing that info through a newsletter or a website), and it’s a very nice INFP career.

Job stuff can be relatively easy if you stay clear of Big Business … but personal life can be a problem. I’m always feeling not close enough to my friends … the problem is probably that they are mostly INTP or INTJ (because I’m mostly working in techie stuff), and they are interesting and pleasant, but not all that *warm* …

3

I feel like I have continuous confusion and inconclusion in my life as an INFP. It is the most difficult when it comes to career. I find that I do things very well, however only if I enjoy doing it and it’s hell for me to be forced into doing something I’m uncomfortable with or find boring. I can’t fake it like the rest of the world. The key to happiness here is to do something you enjoy and that gives you personal satisfaction. I hope I find it, and I hope all of you do too.

4

i hate myself! but i love myself at the same time. when i complete a project (usually late), i tend to pat myself on the back just a little too hard, you know? almost too much self love. but then i go through months of self hatred, especially when i have no projects to work on. i also suffer form seasonal affectation disorder (SAD). therefore, i am usually in hibernation for 6 to 8 months out of the year. like a bear. i have a love-hate relationship with myself and find it very strange. its all rather confusing and frightening. somebody help me! i think i’m an INFP too. let me know what you think.

5

Im in my office and just taking the personality test. I too, am a INFP. I always knew I was so sensitive to my surroundings and could have a feel of what people are perceiving things. I use to call it a hunch. I always knew my dad wanted to live out his dream in me. I couldn’t disappoint him b/c now I know that INFP pleases people. Engineering is not for INFP PPL. IF your a ISTP and have that logic by all means. Im surfing the internet and realize that I’ve been drained and not protecting myself more from the breeding Extroverted world. Im glad I found this website to relate to the "ideals, Healers" of our planet. We have to take care of ourselves (recharge) and make sure we don’t get taken advantage of by people who are addicted to our empathy. It just called on me being a psychiatrist would reciprocate my idealisms and heal the needy…While feeling accomplished and good about myself. We have to balance out our high ideal=requirements that are needed for us to blossom and not drown in our dreams. Make sure you know the people who will give you energy to anchor your ideas and visions, and the ones who will drain you for their superficial needs and greedy ambitions. Give yourselfs space to breath and love yourself more. (we are make up 1% of the population)we need to stick together. I dont know who put that INFP’s are good writers b/c I ain’t.

6

As I read more of these comments I can feel the ones who have characteristics of infps and those who don’t. You can’t relate yourself to a personality if you are going to use evidence from a summary of that personality. You should instead say what you beleive and what touches your soul as a way of interpreting your own personality. I can say that I beleive that your life is a choice and every choice you make affects the outcome of your life. Anything you do is a choice and you can choose anything that makes you happy or sad. If someone is wrong with your life you can choose to make it right. Don’t rely on these personality types to make you feel better you are not 100% of that personality. You are probably not even 50% of that personality because it’s impossible if it is made up from people. We are imperfect logicaly it doesn’t make sense. WE can dream or imagine that we are as motivators and drivers to suceed.

7

I don’t know if I’m an infp. I read and did several tests and I find it very easily persuasive to think of yourself as all of them. I am very committed to how I feel and I know for one fact is even if this is me I in my heart will only take what I truly beleive. Even if the facts tell me I am this type I won’t beleive it because only what I beleive counts. I really do beleive in my heart and my soul and I love playing music and music itself. I am very perfectionistic or I just don’t give myself enough credit.

8

I’m yet another piece of INFP driftwood washed up by the unfathomable internet sea! And I find that you all speak my language, one which I feared that only God understood. I am clumsy, unmotivated on the home stretch, on the outskirts of the party aching to be comfortable in the center, and deeply artistic and searching. The only place I come near to "finding" is in a relationship with God, in prayer or you might say meditation. Thank God that I’m not alone… There are actually people out there who "get it!" I’m a classic slacking artist. One of my jobs is to paint murals every month or so and I NEVER get them done on time. I have one waiting now… And although physically I’m cut out for sports I am never quite coordinated enough to be considered a good player. I am intrigued by other people and other personalities, and I want people to like me, so I try to make up for my shyness and fear of being considered a snob by smiling at everyone and being "nice…" but I’m so awkward. At least it works to some extent. Anyway, the author of this page deserves an applause from all of us wanderers. Cheers! May all of you enjoy being what we are.

9

How nice it is to find this site and people who understand what it’s like to be this still water that runs deep and strange. Just before I posted this I accidentally shut down Windows and had to reboot because my foot pushed the wrong button. I hear this is typical of Intuitives, hee, we’re not always that graceful, esp. with mechanical things. Oh, the troubles I’ve had figuring out who I am and what I want to do and how to do it. Yeah, most people I know are so much more attuned to the Real World, the day to day things. They dig money and they understand it. They know who they are, or they know enough and don’t care about trying to figure it out, lucky them. I procastinate and daydream and I know I frustrate my many normal, non-INFP friends and relatives. It’s funny, sometimes I’m very bossy and strong-willed and practical-seeming, I can be that person, especially with chores and family needs, but it can take an effort. Sometimes I’m spacy. I worked for a while in a chain pet store and was a total disaster: I couldn’t learn all the fish equipment, and could barely even scoop up fish in the little nets, I kept dropping them actually, or capture crickets. Canaries would fly all over the place when I opened their cages to clean them. I got yelled at by my boss. And I detested selling live mice to people I knew would feed them to their snakes. It’s very hard when you have strong feelings against something to do it. I was also miserable at interaction with the public, unless they were either polite or children, because children like me. I was never put at the cash register because I think they instinctively knew I was doing a crummy job and might mess that up, too. So kids: sales, managing cash, and managing too many unfamiliar physical items in an untrained and fast-paced (for me) environment, that is all wrong for the INFP, unless you can work at it hard and not get distracted and discouraged. And I was not qualified for the work, I’m smart and college-educated but at that job I was a total moron. That’s part of my INFP experience—-if I’m doing the wrong work, I’m utterly moronic. And that image is enhanced by my shyness and blushing.

In spite of that clumsiness I mentioned, I’m a very good cook, and I dream of going to chef’s school. When I practice the physical tasks, and love them, I’m fine. But that doesn’t count out my other lifelong dream of writing, of course. Oh dear.

10

Warm?! You kidding? It’s like everyone’s a cold hard rock & i’m trying to just get by & find happiness .. somehow. Online games really help. Music too.

PS that guy who said engineering is not for INFP, i wish you had told me that 3 years ago :(

11

psychology or arts ..

12

Does anyone know any university subjects recommended for an INFP to pick

13

it seems that we are not alone after all… yep another INFP here… i’m another corner sitter who prefers to talk to one person.. shy and reserved and often mistaken for a snob .. it hurts when people look at me that way because i know that, like the rest, i would do anything i could for anyone just for the asking.. friends are hard to come by for us but those that take the time to look deeper become close friends .. we’re misunderstood yet we have so much to offer.. our insites may not fit inside the box but that’s not a bad thing .. it’s a comfort to know that i’m not an alien after all.. or maybe i am.. who knows …

14

two days after i find out about the subject "personality tests", as the most of the people , i’m infp , hehehe yeah, take your time dig the subject, and get to faster to the cloncusion that u need a bit of action and energy from yourself to get out any form of depression or other feelings you are conflict with.

15

Bless you all…the statistics at socionics.com suggest that INFPs are the most common type…but that’s because their sampling is so off…they’re looking at internet searchs and INFP is a much more common search than any other…it’s just because we few little wandering INFPs are so constantly searching for ourselves…and here we end up…washed up on little tranquil beaches of the ether. Hello friends. I don’t know what to do either. I write a little…and then get frustrated because it’s not good enough. If I pick up a pen it has to be James Joyce quality, and the getting there is so difficult. So it doesn’t come out well enough, good, but not good enough so I put the pen down and fear it.

And you can’t really talk about it with other people who aren’t like you because you get dismissed as a whiner, as weak and pathetic. We’re not. We’re lovely. We’re the little dots of twinkling beauty in this world that may never be seen but make everything magical. So a little connection at least from all our little glowing computer screens. Reading these comments and this article has been so delightful. A big hug to all of you out there. It’s so nice and so rare to meet another INFP, and a lovely second place to seeing you all out there.

Love all serve all. (and other trite phrases that…well…who cares if they’re trite…they’re pretty.)

16

I’m a expressed INFP as well. I’m happy and entirely comfortable in my "mystical and a little bit strange" skin, and I’d have serious words with any non INFP who tried to imply that there was something wrong with me.

All of the personality types serve a purpose, and this fabulous diversity of human beings was created for a reason. The sad fact is that civilization/mankind on the whole, rather than celebrating our differences and seeking to learn from each other….has throughout history proven itself to have a tendancy to ostricise those who sit in the really different and significantly less prominent group….which just happens to be us.

In business, the most prominant personality type is the ESTJ (I know this because I’ve worked with certified Myers Briggs consultants)…which means that the business world’s most poplular and desirable human profile is the one that is the exact opposite to all of us. You might say that as INFP’s we are the anti-thesis of what business, and therefore perhaps even society in general, desires itself to be. Quite a challenge.

Here’s an interesting fact though. Almost all the truly great writers throughout history, were INFP’s. Perhaps they were thought to be a little strange in their own time….but their ability for introspectiveness and reflection, with their hunger for wisdom and knowledge, combined with the natural gift for writing that most INFP’s seem to possess….has left behind a legacy of literature containing learning that non-INFP’s need and indeed cherish. So, we have a place. We’re the healer idealists and they need us…they usually just don’t know it. And let’s not forget they we need them.

Most people can’t be in their own company for too long. They can’t stand the quiet thoughts, they are terrified of self awareness. Perhaps the greatest gift of being an INFP, of being any introvert type, is the fact that we’re not afraid of ourselves. Or at least, not afraid to face ourselves.

17

Cool stuff. Thanks all for sharing your plights as INFP. Fear Not! The good path is a narrow path. Hell, I don’t need to tell anyone on this sight. You’ve probably already chosen the path less-traveled. At least you know who you are. Many others are uncapable of such introspection or just ignore it.

18

How did I KNOW even before stumbling onto this post that you were an INFP? It takes one to know one, I guess. I like to think that if I am doing what I normally do (i.e., walking down a dark street, looking hopefully into the eyes of strangers, looking for someone awake, alive, hungry, looking for someone INTERESTING) I always pick up on the INFPs. They are hungry for meaning, for truth, for life, and are, without a doubt always passionate, even though our type of passion is not necessarily attractive to other types.

I have an ENFP friend who wears her glowing enthusiasm for life on her face for all to see. I realized one day that she is like the surface of a lake — she reflects beauty and light brightly and immediately and as an essential part of who she is.

I, and other INFPs, are like the womb of the earth … we have to absorb all of that light and heat into ourselves for a while in order to produce life. Like the seed struggling constantly toward its actualization, we absorb all around us and work slowly to discern its meaning. In the end, we can also reflect beauty, it just takes a little longer. The beauty of a lake and the beauty of a rose are very different, but each is valuable and important.

19

Im not everything it says i am but i try to be myself and not let other people push me around. -Mandy-

20

LOLOLOLOL..ok let me describe my current moment. I am a 24 yr old at BCC (a 2-yr colledge). i have spent 4 yrs in 3 seprate colledges and still at the very end of my 2 yr era..you know the part where they say to pick a major….umm that is a hard thing for an INFp to do. i finnally said Psycholgy. I am currently seeing an advsior because i sat through a whole class and forgot to pay for it and forgot to pay my application fee…… ok so i am waiting and i get online on thier website to better understand the situation….what do they have..why they have carrer choices for INFP (and since I am nosy enough to read anything INFP..i grab that like a kid grabs his frist present on his brithday)….. so i get online and then i get distrated by looking for infp stuff (i just bought a book "how to spreed read people" and have 18 million other books on personailty type and infps..ect..ect.. (never completly read anyone of them but i like buying INFP books and reading half way through…..i hate my P side…) anyways I just wantted to post and procrasnate somemore by adding my one little hashmark and say..hey look there is another infp person in another INFP situation reading this and laughing and enjoying that there are other people like me who are always late ……….sorry cant finish this post i think i am late for my advisor appointmant..lol

21

I have spent the last 5 years fumbling around in the investment business. I have the gift to connect with people and make them feel at ease, which is a plus in sales-but am severely disillusioned with the culture and readily accepted, if not encouraged, dishonesty. Is there anyone in a similar position that managed to find a silver lining in such a dark cloud?

22

I am fortunate to be an infp who has learned how to give the finger early on and follow my own path willfully. Of course the draw back of this willful approach has given me half a dozen psycho-somatic symptoms but I am slowing down and healing from that. I surfed the internet as I am in grad school seeking a better understanding for my scattered career which had included mainly different low payung jobs inthe arts playwrighting, performing sculpture painting etc. I want to focus already!

23

Any clues on how to deal with depression, Fellow INFPS?

24

INFP’s are vulnerable to drug/alcohol addiction, I know first-hand

25

This sight is so sad you guys, but being the infp that I am , I read every post . how lame. ps… I’m 23Ive been in college 6 years and still dont have a major and am in major debt! but I’m making advances each year…my goal is to learn a subject good enough to go into acadamei( college teaching) the key is to never give up, cling to faith take small steps each day and let the universe pull you through. blah blah volunteer somewhere, (only 1 place, dont over do it) you have got to interact with people, even if it’s forced, this is crucial to your sanity! play a sport for fun, it will take your brain off your own thoughts. I recently took up soft ball. Journal, I know it’s hard I’ve got about 6 and the entries are hit and miss, but force yourself, it will fulfill your craving to write.

!!Sometimes you just have to do things not because they feel good, but because it’s necessary for your survival, in the end, we are responsible for the choices we make or choose not to make, pick something, stick to it whether you like it or not!!! There are many non infps including the famed business ENTJ in jobs they hate, they take the sacrifice now and enjoy the benefits later in life!! So get over yourself fellow infp, start living and accepting responsibility or the world will pass you by.

26

ps.. if your still in college, look into joining your debate team.

Find a mentor. NOt JUST AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR, but a college professor or staff, go to their office. Be open with them. Tell them that you have problems with being dedicated and finishing projects and that it often effects your studies and personal life. and that you need them to be your motivator and guide, if they agree good, if not swallow your pride move to the next person until you find a mentor!! Set a plan for meeting with them reguarly 1/week, twice a month, whatever,seta an end date! This will keep you focused. set a time where you are actually on campus and most likely to go. Make a list of goals that they will help you keep track of, and go from there!! If your college has counseling, go to therapy or group therapy and be open, stop feeling pity for yourself and recognize that the therapy is to help you live your best life, you deserve it!

27

More jobs for infp’s remember "practice makes perfect" Creative

writer: poet/ novelist editor story director screenplay writer

presentation designer researcher

classical musician Commercial

researcher/ analyst legal mediator job analyst consulting physician interpreter/ translator holistic health practitioner occupational therapist

organizational development specialist human resource development specialist educational consultant social worker Inter-Personal

minister/priest/rabbi missionary yogi/monk/nun tutor/ advanced studies teacher college professor career counselor psychiatrist

28

Yeah i’m gonna add to what Em said. What do you say to a fellow infp who’s struggling with stuff like failure, disappointment, disillusionment, friendlessness and is more or less at the end of his road? This is wrong, this isn’t fair, and if this is what life is i’m not sure I want it.

29

I am a 21year old, INFP and I can relate to so many of the comments already made. I am very introverted and frequently contemplate about how my actions now will affect the future. A fear of getting old plagues me because I think that my goals will not be accomplished in life. Therefore, I may end up when I am considerably older, reviewing my life and thinking , what did I do with my life and was I actually happy? My desire is to have a fulfilled, enriched existence, full of purpose and meaning. I seek to develop my spiritually, strive for answers to enhance my understanding of others to a greater level and also enrich my knowledge of the world around me.

I am currently a student reading a science degree and I dislike it immensely. I had hoped to become a doctor in order to satisfy my desire to help people in a medical capacity but I find it so difficult to apply myself to achieve that goal. Learning about the human body in such great detail bores me and I lack the inclination to concentrate on studying it. The intricacies however, of the human body are of course fascinating to me but I just cannot be bothered to learn every little compartment. So I find myself flitting from one thing to another avoiding my course and wishing to be doing something else. However, when I am interested in a subject, I research it almost obsessively. For example when I found out my personality type, I explored all the data extensively and absorbed it with enthusiasm.

I procrastinate and change my mind frequently because failure scares me. I do not want to disappoint my family or myself. This is especially evident when it comes to my career choice, as I want to find an ideal one. I get depressed about it quite often because I want to have a goal or vision to aspire towards. My last decision about my occupation was to become a full time voluntary worker, travelling around the world getting involved in various projects helping the underprivileged but how impractical is that? Will I actually earn any money? But this would honestly be my dream job. I also love being creative, writing comedy sketches is a hobby of mine. I love coming up with wacky ideas. I see the funny side in a lot of situations, making comedy sketches would be exciting. However, becoming a screenwriter who gets their work recognised nationally or globally is a difficult attainment to achieve and it is also a financially unstable career. So I thought of doing these two careers simultaneously and I actually now feel some kind of peace in my latest decision. Whereas, with previous career choices doubts had niggled my mind.

There is also a desire in me which craves fame and riches in a weird way. Strangely, I seek personal wealth and adoration and fantasise about being famous. Conversely, having been influenced strongly by my Christian upbringing, I am preoccupied with serving humanity whilst detesting the whole celebrity game. These high profile figures adored by a considerable number of individuals are only making their wealth due to appearance, their superficial qualities taking precedence. Some of these celebrities do not to take a vested interest in using their position or wealth to help the needy. I therefore, dislike the ludicrous amounts of money and glory they receive and in addition the way in which some members of the public idolise them. Many millions and billions are poured into the movie, music and sports industry whilst public health services suffer. Nurses, doctors, social workers etc are underpaid and in my opinion. I personally feel they are engaging in a far more meaningful profession compared to those who are working in the entertainment and sports sector.

Consequently, I think that if I had too much wealth and power, I would like it initially but would then dislike it. I would despise the intrusion and the spotlight on my personal life. The fear of the fame and wealth going to my head and sending me on a destructive, downward spiral is also an issue. However, the desire to taste that type of public glory is very alluring. It is the good versus evil debate in my mind.

As a child I would often switch to an alternate reality in my dream world pretending to be famous, someone else or my life situation to be different. I suppose a lot of us fantasise, trying to escape our life. I had a very overactive imagination and I still do sometimes. Can anyone else relate to this? For instance, I may imagine that someone tries to break into my house and I think what I would do. I think it would be fun to carry out some matrix style moves disarming the intruder, knocking a weapon out of their hand by performing a sequence of spinning kicks and punches, lol! I will also conjure up imaginary situations, to give an example. I may consider being trapped on a desert island playing out the characters, the scenario etc in my head. Wondering how the characters would react to certain situations, imagining their emotions, maybe I should have been an actress? As I am writing these thoughts down now which I have never ever shared so intimately with anyone before, I am realising that my creative mind needs to be given more of an outlet. An important question that I think that needs to be analysed here is whether I have a difficulty in separating fantasy from reality?

In essence there is an inner conflict within myself, as you have seen I appear to be a contradiction. Do I choose the humanitarian work over the writing or can I do them in concert? The more people orientated work will help the needs of the local and global community but my writing is more for my creative benefit and may lead me to encounter riches and fame. But through writing, I would hopefully bring some sort of enjoyment to those who read it? As a result I would be helping people to feel better and happy? Hence, I am not becoming an individual who just promotes themselves and seeks fame. Can I have the best of both worlds and become a famous writer with the primary aim of putting others first?

Another issue I struggle with, is sharing my feelings with other people. I can come across as cold and aloof. When I meet people for the first time, they see me as reserved and shy and I open up to them slowly. Nonetheless I am far from shy with those who are close to me. I enjoy listening to people rather than talking to them. I did not speak till I was nearly four, lol! I am an observer but when I have got something to say I do make my point heard. A lot of the times, I feel an outcast and cannot relate to others. My thoughts are often seen as quite abstract and unique as I often jump from one topic to another in conversation. There are many things that I see as trivial and unimportant, paying attention to detail is very challenging for me. I can seem quite self absorbed thinking too much about the world around me, therefore I do not receive much input from others which I think is a definite weakness as I like to arrive at the conclusion myself, possibly forming my own biased view. I do not ask people for advice very often. This is a big weakness, thus I then find myself quite amazed when I receive information from others that I am unaware of and I then find the input quite helpful.

I apologise if you feel this is a non-sensical ramble and you think that I am slightly strange. I needed to write my most inner thoughts and feelings down and I would be delighted to receive responses good or bad to what I have said.

I would love to chat with other INFP types, my email address is The_03Watcher@yahoo.co.uk

30

I loved reading the above comments! I relate to so many of them—it’s like reading about my own inner world from someone else’s point of view, and it’s so rare to find that. So many feelings (cue music: feeeeelings….nothing more than feeeeeelings….). ;-) I often feel embarrassed when I get too "feeling," because it seems like I’m the only one who feels so deeply. I feel as though I go overboard sometimes, especially at work, and then I try to act in a more acceptable "SJ" kind of way, which means I’m acting in a way that isn’t true to myself. And thus…the guilt quotient goes up! Sometimes I think the worst part of being an INFP is feeling so deeply that empathy is just a part of your being (and getting taken advantage of because of it really sucks sometimes). I know other people don’t get it (the feeling of true empathy) and that’s a true bummer, because it means they think I’m not being real. But I am being real—I’m being my empathetic real self! Even worse: when you let your mind wander at work and seek out possibilities or just absorb the work environment, which makes other people think you’re weird and lazy. I try to do things to make myself look busy (even when I’m not) because I know it’s the thing to do…but it just seems so silly. I’d like to exist for a day in the mind of an SJ just to know how it feels to see the world in a concrete, sensate kind of way.

I do like being an INFP (I know the above makes it sound like I don’t, but I do!). I love empathizing and helping people with their problems. And I love my crazy dreams and vivid imagination. I love that I sometimes "know" things about people as soon as I meet them. I wish I knew *why* I felt certain things from people…it would be nice to know….but it’s also cool that I do. I love exploring possiblities, throwing out crazy ideas, and the feeling that I see the world from a different perspective than most. And I do like feeling that we’re all in this together: egalitarian and equal, knowing that the concrete, seen world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be just because the majority says it is so.

Sometimes it’s tough marching to the beat of your own drummer. But it’s also a good thing. :-)

31

I have recalculated my personality type. Not because I was unhappy with the results, mind you, but because some of the questions had more than one appealing answer. And because I sit on a teetering line between INTP and INFP. I alternately become the cold, dispassionate thinker on some days, and the deep, empathic feeler on others. It’s as if my brain and heart have to share power, so they flip a coin to decide who will be in charge that day.

I love both types equally. I’m in the company of Einstein and Shakespeare. I can explore my love of theoretical physics and literature with equal zeal. But I fear others will never really understand me and my apparent split personality. Fortunately, I believe the only person I need to understand me does. :)

32

I think all the previous posts have summed up everything on INFP’s and I couldn’t relate more! My main struggle is deciding on a path and just going. After a year out of finishing a bachelors degree, I can’t seem to find a career path that suits me, and my interests. Jumping from one job to the next and debating whether to go to grad school, but then what to study! It’s like that for sure - any advice, lettme know.

33

Maude,

why do mountainous waves pull me into the abyss,

memory of your eyes touching mine,

knowledge of our existence together,

like a weathered sail,

float my heart and soul,

Harold

34

It sounds like another recording of the same old tune: “You are whatever you want to be. If the test doesn’t score things the way you want them scored, then the test is wrong. If it doesn’t tell you what you want to hear, ask to hear something else. You are the source of your own standards for truth and right.” There is a bit of truth in this, but not enough.

I, too, am the one in the corner at the party, talking intently with one other person for hours on end, mistaken for a snob. I came to the party in the first place because I wanted to show that I was like everyone else and knew how to have a good time. Oh, well. I used to writhe in frustration and shame over little things like that; now I just laugh and let it be.

35

I wish sometimes that I could change myself as well. On the one hand, I’m absolutely full of pride in the fact that there are others like me, and that this burden of uniqueness isn’t truly unique. On the other hand, I have trouble relating to most of my friends on many things, particularly emotional issues (It’s tough being this type of guy, when it embodies nearly everything that guys aren’t “supposed” to be.) When I do wish that I was another type of person, it is often someone outgoing, confident, able to detach themselves (particularly in relationships- I get so torn apart by them,) and generally more happy as a result of an outlook borne not so much on “ignorance” (that is an unfair term to use here) but on a sort of indifference. While I enjoy exploring all there is to my character, I hate it so much that I have to deal with these feelings. I may possess a strong aptitude in the arts, music, and writing- but there is of course always a price to pay. Very rarely am I not hurting.

36

I always think to myself…if only I weren’t an INFP I’d be good at math, or more outgoing, or more concerned about money. If I really force myself to be those things, however, I feel like I’m swimming against an river downstream. Society expects me to be these things, and I try and try, ultimately managing to land somewhere in realm of external societal acceptance, but subsequently becoming confused, betrayed and ultimately inferior in the process.

37

Interesting to finally realize that I am not the only one like me. The descriptions of INFP’s that I’ve found on other websites are very me. It’s a little wierd to see it all spelled out so matter-of-factly. I don’t think I’ve ever met another INFP in person. But I must admit that I like the way I think. It’s entertaining to me. I hope we all find all the true blessings of being the way we are.

38

that’s way to true to my liking :)

39

One thing about INFPs is that they go on google and search for stuff relating to INFPs and they land on sites like this one.

40

Here in Calgary, I am famous. Whether I’m an INFP or not. Everyone knows who I am, but none confront me. I am known as M.

41

i am a major infp.

i recently encountered another infp along my journey. we became friends as only to infps could. feeling so intensly. understanding so completley. finding such juicy and warm signifigance in everything we say to each other. the blurting,the knowing looks that REALLY know.

infps are amazing to infps

dacoward

42

yeah, i too feel like i’ve always been on the outside looking in….but, i’ve enjoyed the journey…the little steps along the way. and getting somewhere had no meaning for me, even though i saw incredible drive and ambition in friends.. i enjoyed watching their struggle to “get somewhere” but, never understood why it was so important. and i still don’t

we moved quite frequently while i was growing up, 30 different schools from 1st to 12th grade. it was one of the best times of my life…and one of the most complex, interesting and intriguiing. i met beautiful and strange people along the way. and learned so much… and am always looking to learn more..

43

If anyone has mastered the art of being an INFP in this society- can they give me some advice on how to finish things? I start a million projects and never finish anything, when I hit the homestretch of anything I get bored and depressed and tired. Why can’t I just accomplish something?! Also is there a foolproof way to trick yourself into being on time and making doctors appointments etc. ha ha. This life is a trip!

44

I hate the fact that I fall victim so often to thinking I can change my personality type…..I am who I am and can’t be anyone else no matter how hard I try, which when I actually sit down to think about what I’m doing, my attempts seem so ridiculous…..I too, of course, feel alone in the world sometimes. I’m the kid with the headphones who sits completely absorbed in her own little world on the bus, staring blankly out of the window at nothing seemingly important at all . It must seem so odd to most non-INFP people who really only feel like chatting with one another as their highlight of the day……..I guess I can understand why I do feel so isolated. I think the 16 different personality typings are QUITE interesting and very helpful.

45

Being INFP finally explains what has been driving me all along. I never understood why people just didn’t get it. No one was like me I guess with only 1% of people falling into this personality type finding like persons would be an extrordinary task. Nevertheless I am who i am and i wouldn’t change it for the world. For all you INFP’s out there stay strong committed to the cause and Godspeed on you journey

46

Read your comments about taking the personality quiz with a sheepish grin. That’s what I sometimes do as well.

47

How well I understand you all. Sometimes I think how much easier life would have been had I not been born an INFP. I’ve always suspected it was easier to be another type, though perhaps not nearly as interesting.

48

You are different, that is true … You can lie to others …. that is true Or play a game at a certain time … But you can not lie to you … you know your values, what you believe in … To change, it takes a long time and to do so, you have to face reality, to experience your new you, not only change answers on a paper … or in a form … Even if I am not so convinced by all those tests on the net …

49

what’s your obsession with the word MOTHER? it doesn’t even have to do with anything in any of your sentenses. You think it’s funny? - I think it’s just plain immature!

50

Well, how interesting…I guess I just never knew that I could change my personality with the click of a button…how absurd is that?! Yes, we are the folks, sitting at the end of the pool, watching the chair “arrangers”, the social bee’s, and everyone else in the world…I think that most of the time, it’s a fine place to be. Although there are times when I wish it weren’t so…maybe I SHOULD try the computer personality change button….

51

I am utterly and completely an INFP, much to my dismay. I only say this because being an INFP has made my life difficult. I’m one of those people who would rather spend the day dreaming about everything that actually doing it and as a result, nothing gets done. I love that I am introspective and curious, but the world just sees me as someone who’s lazy and directionless. I start things and don’t finish them,(college, for one). I’m 26 and terrified of embarking on my dream career of museum curator because everyone else I know is working in a “practical” cubicle and I wonder if I should just resign myself to the safe route. (I know, Waah, waah,waah)

52

Amazing. All your comments are spot on in their description of my own personality; it’s absolutely stunning. I’m always late, can never make up my mind, never get things done because I think about it too much, etc etc.

53

Hello! Sorry for mistakes, I’m italian. Anyway, it’s nice to know that infp represent only 1% of the population. It helps a lot to live more quietly and in peace with one-self, without trying to change… I hope a lot of infp will discover this!!!! Fortuna a tutti!

54

Hi, I have been trying hard to change my personaltity type and force it into a well disciplined one for what I didn’t realise were the last few years in my Finance jobs. There were a few reasons for this, the one was frustration - at other people for not understanding me and just life in general not turning out and me being frustrated. I realised just recently, that being in a ‘stable’ position and narrow state of mind may not be me, (what a revelation!) and that as I have been untrue to my existence I have lost my essence of what made me really excited and happy. As for other types, I come close to an E so I have the extroverted ‘side’ to myself as well. Does this not sound like an INFP diary entry?

55

Hi, my name is Thomas and of course an INFP. AS I scrolled down these comments, I felt as though I was reading the words of my clones. Thank you all for putting down your words.

I was definitely the ugly duckling in a family of business people, and now I’m a wannabe writer. Its refreshing to know that I’m not the only one who thinks the way I do. We really should create an INFP chapter or society, except that if we did, none of the INFP’s would probably attend. As for the laws of attraction; I am fascinated by Extroverts, but I’m to afraid to get into any sort of relationship with them. I feel they’ll dump me without cause or notice. Is that just me? Well, anyway, I’m going to assume we’re all not equally INFP. But thanx for writing :) And by the way. This Personality type may be hurtful, but its definitely more interesting. At least your brain works with possibilities.

56

Hello, my name is Al and I’m an INFP : ) Or at least I think I am because I’m always second guessing myself, hence that is one of the traits of being an INFP. Yes, I would have to say it’s somewhat disccouraging but yet different. I guess I have the characteristics of an INFP; abstract thinking, paying no attention to detail, sometimes fogetting appointments, dwelling on the past, wishing I was still a kid, wondering what’s the true meaning of life, feeling my current job has no meaning at all, worthless! I always think that I was meant for something else but I’m always procastinating and can’t get into next gear to do something about it! I somewhat envy the people who has goals in life and achieve them which makes me think what’s going to happen to me as I get older? Am I going to be left behind in society? These thoughts go through my mind every single day. The weird thing is I have no problem telling people what they should do with their life or help them make their own decisions but I can’t make my own! Why is it so easy for me to give advice to people based on my values but I can’t enforce them for myself? As for career options based on the INFP type I’m not sure if I’m suit out or interested in the ministry, social work, artist, musician, or being an actor. Psychology or psychiatry? I guess one thing is that everyone needs have a passion for something and that is what I currently don’t possess but envy of others who do have the zest to do something… I only hope that someday (hopefully soon!) I figure it all out or am I destined in this virtual prison of thinking all my life?

57

How lovely to find others with a similar heart beat. I just stumbled accross this site while trying to make career decisons, torn between what I really love and what is practicle, as I’m sure many of you can relate. Always hoping that just a little more insight and values clarification would help. It is hard, always wanting to be the savior of the world….. trying to paint the picture of the woderful what could be…. It is nice to know I’m not alone. Thank You all for helping me to find the courage to believe in the unbelievable and just be willing to be myself and embrace my calling, no matter how impracticle it may see. Good Day and God Bless!

58

To Mutti …Did someone clone me and name it Mutti? As I read your posting it sounded so much like me I just had to stop my search for infp music to comment on it. If you like tests try tickle.com, but if you are like me you probably have already done 10 times the tests on tickle than anyone else!

59

i am an infp, and i am fuckin hiphop yo!

60

Claire, I’ve done some research on the subject, and it seems like all NF’s are good at understanding other NF’s (including INFP’s), but NT’s are also good at understanding NF’s (some say even better than other NF’s). The trick with this one is the intuitive stuff — N’s get it — the higher concepts and the philosophy and the spirituality. Both NT’s and NF’s are N’s instead of S’s. All that to say that, you’re right, there are very few people for us INFP’s to connect with(NT’s are about 5% of the population tops and NF’s about 13%), but they do exist. NT’s are often science nerd types or otherwise eccentric, so you might want to go looking in a lab. Anyways, that was an encouragement to me. We can connect with other NF’s (not just INFP’s), and NT’s understand us. This whole group is less than 20% of the population, but it is a lot more than 1%, so that’s encouraging. I feel the way you do a lot — like I’m looking for friends and a romanic relationship that doesn’t exist, but I believe that we do know what we are looking for, and we will find it, but it is very very rare. Another reason that we don’t find it a lot is that the introverted ones of this group are hiding out, so I guess that should leave us with 10% of these people that are noticable. And the extroverted NF’s, since they know how to morph into other people’s idea of how they should be so well and relate to them so well, might look like another type most of the time (it’s all that Intative Feeling playing chamealion). So what are we left with? I guess about 2% of crazy NT’s to notice (you should read about them sometime. They’re supposed to be wild, and I think that I’ve met a couple in passing that fit the bill). So we INFP’s really have to look hard for connection, which is ironic because we need it the most. I have only one girl friend that I can say that I have truly connected with, and she was most definitely another NF (probably INFP). So my experience fits yours, but I am encouraged. I hope I can lift your spirits too. I put my e-mail down if you want to e-mail me: stvincentmillay 1980@yahoo.com. I hope I didn’t seem too trite or like I was trying to be an expert. I just know how you feel, and this helped me.

61

I have to say that it is “cool” when any test says that you are one percent of the population, which is just about as cool as my natal chart, or my iq test-or how about that inkblot personality test i took? So perhaps there is a common underlying tone to the individuals who actually posted on this site. Those of us who are self inquisitve and enjoy analyzation of self and others - along with thinking in general. As much bullshit as I think all of these tests are, I must admit I am addicted. I should blame that on my “gemini rising”, or is it just my infp personality type? One other test said I was an infj. Cool as well, and still restricted to one percent of the population. One interesting differnce in the infj description-they get the power of preminition (well, that might be exaggerating, but who cares). They know how to talk to me, these personality people.The inkblot people, well passion wins above all. So anyway, I’ll just go sit in my corner and study all of the little tidbits of info I find while I let the rest of the party dissolve around me. So just maybe I want to be a writer. I won’t lie, but I hate admitting to these kinds of tests. All I ask is that you ignore my grammar (and typos if I made them), for I have had a few drinks. I will add… any personality test, horoscope, iq test, love test, psychic abiltiy test you take is just because you search for the inner voice. Everyone should, and perhaps it is just one percent of the population that feels compelled to do so. All fo the results of these tests - in my opinion- ask you to look for these traits within yourself. If i am correct, most of the peole here will find something within their personalities to work that analysis. Through that process I do beleive you gain knowledge of yourself, others as well as the human condition. A healthy obsession. *on a fun note of boredom.. take the test as someone you know. A close freind. Be that person and see what it says. That is some fun insight…. Fiction can be fun!

62

this is a bit ridiculous. some strange tangled web it is, that draws us infps together. a heat sink. in my world of vigorous achievers (i’m a stanford student), I find myself floating quietly. a pale ghost happy with my elusive passive existence, but for those who tell me that that my life lacks substance.

I used to believe I could change my personality if I just thought that way. I guess because I had no trouble empathizing with others, I thought I could assume others’ personalities as well. but i am stuck with me. =)

63

Hello fellow nfers. I am a hopeless infp as well. I dream of being a famous writer and I sure hope it works out because as you all know…nothing else will do. All or nothing. Hopeless romantic. Big dreams. I am sure that I am perceived as an aloof snob, but since I focus on the good in people, I guess it doesn’t matter. At least you all go to parties…I just stay at home and wallow in the fog of my dreams. We are not the aliens, we are the humans. The true humans. We experience life fearlessly and inspire others with our life force. We take huge, passionate bites out of life and wear the juice on our faces like a badge for the world to see. We are the ones who are struck by a rainbow, even imagine ourselves sliding down it, when everyone else is too absorbed in their everday lives to notice. Here’s a quote for all of us, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined” Henry David Thoreau.

64

Wow. I always love to read about myself through others’ eyes. I am such an INFP it is disgusting. I always had an abstract way of thinking, and am fascinated by learning more and more about myself; hence landing on this site. We’re a strange breed, and very unique & aloof nonetheless. People have always stereotyped me as “snobby” or “cold.” I am none of these. I just like to sit and absorb my atmosphere and environment before participating in it. I love the arts, writing, fine wine and a pleasing ambience. People that don’t know me think I am very passive and reserved. But when I am around people I’m comfortable with, I won’t shut up. Are all INFP’s like me?

65

I’ve just done the same! Gone surfing for other INFPs when I’m supposed to be working at home on my computer code. How did I end up in this mess? By trying to be what others wanted me to be and suppressing my creativity as being “trivial and unscientific”. Feeling ashamed of my strong emotions — how weak to feel so much! Rather I think it was weak to get caught up in this fraud of a life, however fine its material comforts.

66

yeah, really inspiring to hear from others of the type. being a bit nomadic i’ve come across many people but not too many that i could really relate to in a ‘NF’ kind of way. funny how you learn to adapt ay. keep smiling with your eyes everybody.

67

Ah, here you are - my soul mates. I’ve experienced the angst of being an INFP, and have experienced five years of true suffering of my own doing (but then, isn’t everything our own fault regardless?), and I’ve agonized on what I should do to find peace, and I’ve always loved to feed my mind, and concepts and ideas can thrill me, and, and … I’ve always believed I should have been born independently wealthy so that I would not have to worry about the mundane things like working to earn a living and I could hire people to make sure that all things are done so that I could be left in peace to contemplate and/or study, or hop on a plane to some refugee camp to give them hope, travel somewhere else and work with the Red Cross, work with new immigrants to my country (Canada) to give them the best shot….maybe I just need a sugar daddy? Anyone know a rich man that wouldn’t mind supporting me, that would enjoy me for who I am and who would let me be just me? :-)

68

Listen up, I am a i/enfp and I can tell you that you all need to JUST DO IT when it comes to the "I can’t focus enought to reach my goals" schtick. Trust me, I understand that it feels like we are genetically wired to be frenetic starters of and unfinishers of things. But look, getting anywhere requires some focus; what doesn’t come naturally you have to muster. Don’t use personality type as a crutch! Lots of INFP’s are very prolific, don’t sell yourself short.

Also, If you don’t have passion for one thing in life, then ramble and explore until you find something you can’t stop doing/exploring; you will be better off for it. But if you are really dreaming of being a curator or writer or doctor, or whatever, then commit to it! Once you start on what feels like a limited path, it will open up to be another world of limitless possibilty and potential (if you are really looking.)But you won’t know how varied and textured these worlds are unless you enter them.

All of these comments about trying to choose between careers are really about choosing between values, or about trying to escape ‘choosing’ because it is limiting….Here is the thing; not choosing anything is the most limiting thing of all. And once you commit to a path, you will see how you can pull in other interests. My career is a combination of architectural history, finance, and social justice——I swear! The trick is to KEEP DOING ACTUAL THINGS THAT RESONATE WITH YOU, and don’t stop! THe experiences will build on each other and your world will become richer and more complex….the real pitfall is too much thinking and too little action. One thing I always try to remember is, ‘THis is what I am doing NOW"; That way I can be totally invested in something without the stress of wondering if I should be doing something different. It doesn’t matter, because it is only what I am doing for now, and I can always do more/different things later. Commit to a life of action based on your core values and this all becomes easier. Remember what they say:you can’t turn over a field in your mind.

69

Hi fellow INFP’s. I write only because I don’t have to stand in front of you all and speak. If I were to sum up all of the previous posts, I could do it in one word: AMEN! I am the one swan born into a family of 12 ducks (that’s right, a one with a two after it). A self employed General Contractor who cannot seem to make a living because I always give more than I should, do more than is required, and ask for less than is reasonable. I am repeatedly taken advantage of, but feel it is the right thing to do. I have been told my work is art, but feel that anything less is not acceptable. I am truly in the one percent of contractors; hence, an unsuccessful one. I persevere because I know I should, because I know that somewhere, sometime, my real calling is waiting. I’m sure my story is a variation of everyone else’s, but felt compelled to tell it. Good luck to you all.

70

Since I had my son, my stress level has been very high. I know that there are certain supplements that can be taken, but does anyone have any suggestions? WBR LeoP

71

A colleague of mine has asked me numerous times to take personality tests: first, with the "Please Understand Me" test and second with the online Myers & Briggs version. I didn’t remember my "Please Understand Me" type—I had to look at it after having completed the Myers & Briggs test. Even though I took the tests two years apart, I have come up as an INFP both times.

I don’t understand my introversion very well. I am a community organizer and I have been one professionally for five years. I have such an intense passion for this "idealistic" work but I am exhausted by the interpersonal interaction and the sometimes bureaucratic nature of non-profit work. I feel trapped by my success and steadily increasing income in this field because I often enjoy my profession, especially reflecting back on successes.

More frequently, I find myself drained, wondering about how I ended up in a profession that is such an odd mix of matching my ideals and my desire to get to know other peoples’ interests but clashing with my desire to retreat into a hermit-world in which I read, watch movies and exercise in solitude.

I’m not sure if I can continue for another 5 years…maybe not another 2 years.

72

A colleague of mine has asked me numerous times to take personality tests: first, with the "Please Understand Me" test and second with the online Myers & Briggs version. I didn’t remember my "Please Understand Me" type—I had to look at it after having completed the Myers & Briggs test. Even though I took the tests two years apart, I have come up as an INFP both times.

I don’t understand my introversion very well. I am a community organizer and I have been one professionally for five years. I have such an intense passion for this "idealistic" work but I am exhausted by the interpersonal interaction and the sometimes bureaucratic nature of non-profit work. I feel trapped by my success and steadily increasing income in this field because I often enjoy my profession, especially reflecting back on successes.

More frequently, I find myself drained, wondering about how I ended up in a profession that is such an odd mix of matching my ideals and my desire to get to know other peoples’ interests but clashing with my desire to retreat into a hermit-world in which I read, watch movies and exercise in solitude.

I’m not sure if I can continue for another 5 years…maybe not another 2 years.

73

I have struggled with depression in the past and got better, so i’d like to think i’m not depressed again just very stressed. WBR LeoP

74

I havent been able to figure out why my memory seems so forgetful all of a sudden but now i know that stress and depression can be part of why I feel that way. WBR LeoP

75

It really is sad in a way isn’t it that we come here to find others like ourselves. In another way though it is a demonstration of the potential of this medium. At any rate I am so pleased to finally find people who seem to think like I do. Who experience that "not belonging" while at the asme time ahving others ay what a great person you are. its comforting.

76

Wow, I’ve been through a pretty challenging time of late, comming out of uni and floating around in the working world not really finding my place. Reading about my INFP personality, so much fits into place. I have such an intense imagination that stops me from dealing in mundane activities and small details. I also feel the world on a deep level and have a tremendous ‘feel’ for other people. I often drift off into my own thoughts and struggle to complete tasks.

77

Indeed, it is great to find soul mates on this page. What a strange existence it is to be an INFP. I do spend a lot of time feeling quite out of sorts in the world. I could spend days analyzing my interior life, personality, skills — and others as well. My challenge is I have never found a job/career that has felt (even somewhat) right to me and this is very troubling at age 38 with a wife and 5 children! I work in PR and do a lot of writing (which is good) but I have absolutely no passion/interest for the subject matter (technology) and the ways of cubicle life. I’ve hit a wall. I’ve had INFP-like visions/dreams for the last decade of being a vocational/career counselor or coach, helping people understand themselves, etc…. This dream pops up every couple years but then I get frustrated because I can’t (immediately) make it happen. My recent inspirational visions of this "calling" have caused me grief about where I am — and if I’ll ever attain the dream. Work seems absolutely meaningless. I’m on the edge of tremendous hope for the future, or tremendous disappointment. What to do?

78

I have felt a bittersweet sense of relief to find out about these Jungian personality types. I took the test 1/2 dozen times recently and every time it says I am an INFP. My whole life people told me I was different. I didn’t know why. So many people seemed so ‘surfacy’ or uncaring. I did not know how to adapt to this world and so I developed my shadow personality to my detriment. I became a performer and eventually did not even know who I was. I had used alcohol to escape myself and to become more extroverted. I cried when I found out about INFP’s because it explains so much about my life. I can now embrace that quiet shy little girl, me, and accept that there was nothing ‘wrong’ with her - she WAS different, and it’s ok. Now I am inviting her back in and letting her grow again. Sorry if I am sounding psycho and giving INFP’s a bad name by sounding crazy, but this is how it has been for me.

79

I have felt a bittersweet sense of relief to find out about these Jungian personality types. I took the test 1/2 dozen times recently and every time it says I am an INFP. My whole life people told me I was different. I didn’t know why. So many people seemed so ‘surfacy’ or uncaring. I did not know how to adapt to this world and so I developed my shadow personality to my detriment. I became a performer and eventually did not even know who I was. I had used alcohol to escape myself and to become more extroverted. I cried when I found out about INFP’s because it explains so much about my life. I can now embrace that quiet shy little girl, me, and accept that there was nothing ‘wrong’ with her - she WAS different, and it’s ok. Now I am inviting her back in and letting her grow again. Sorry if I am sounding psycho and giving INFP’s a bad name by sounding crazy, but this is how it has been for me.

80

I just realized today that I am an INFP too. I’ve always wondered why my emotions were never accepted by the vast majority of people I’ve hung around with. The only people who have seemed to accept my emotional states unconditionally have been my boyfriends. I’ve always wondered why I never quite fit in anywhere. I’ve always wondered why I am so much better at expressing myself using the written word instead of speaking. I’ve always wondered why I want to be the center of attention and receive praise, but at the same time I want to be invisible and unnoticed.

It’s cool to know that I’m not a sensitive weirdo.