I'm an INFJ (I think)

[TriflinThomas]

After analyzing my functional stack, reading all the INFJ profiles I could get my hands on, and observing others on this forum, I have come to the conclusion that I am most likely INFJ. I started with the inferior (Se), and how it relates to the INFJ, especially this excerpt:

Despite being the most otherworldly and abstract of the types, INJs have a curious thirst for sensory novelty, material comforts, and physical thrills (Se). They may drive expensive cars, purchase luxurious homes, or arrange for the exclusive accommodations when travelling. INFJs, in particular, often develop refined and expensive tastes for food, art, design, architecture, and the like.

When caught in the grip of their inferior Extraverted Sensing (Se), even the most responsible INJs may lose control. They may turn to drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, extravagant vacations, desserts, or shopping binges to indulge their Se. Again, to guard against such extremes, INJs may attempt to impose severe restrictions on their behavior.

Because of their inferior’s concern for all things physical/material, INJs also tend to struggle with subsistence-related fears. They may worry excessively about losing their jobs, being forced to relocate, or not having enough money.

And, as a whole, I relate more to the Se inferior than the Fe inferior.

Then, I moved on to Fe. I looked at how I talk to people, and I noticed that I am constantly mirroring other people's emotions whilst in conversation with them. I also realized that I place a lot of value on common courtesy, and I am constantly annoyed by my brother's lack of courtesy with little things. I also despise those loud, douchebag students who disrupt the harmony of classrooms, and see them as inferior.

Lastly, my Ti. My Ti is strong because I assume that I was stuck in a Ni-Ti loop throughout my high school career as a result of a persistent external stressor. But, mostly the position of Fe and Se in the INFJ functional stack lead me to the conclusion that I am INFJ as I am just now getting to know myself because of the absence of my high school stressors.

Another thing is that I feel out of place here (probably as a result of my Ti being tertiary instead of dominant). Also, little things like having a soft spot for the disadvantaged, and these (quotes from http://typelogic.com/infj.html)

Those who are activists -- INFJs gravitate toward such a role -- are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power.

INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless. The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ.

And the I and J combination, while perhaps enhancing self-awareness, may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings.

And these quotes from (http://personalityjunkie.com/the-infj/)

Because of their strength of intuition, many INFJs report feeling like aliens in the world. One INFJ described her experience as a constant feeling of deja vu.

INFJs see two people in everyone. They see the public persona, the outer shell, that everyone else sees. But more importantly, their Ni provides a deeper sense or impression people, penetrating appearances and reading hidden motives and intentions. Rightly or not, INFJs often feel they can see people more clearly than those people can see themselves.

Especially this one

INFJs often fancy themselves “purists” or classicists. Many enjoy collecting antiques, historical artifacts, old first edition books, rare art, or anything that satisfies their thirst for what they perceive as pure or classic works. For similar reasons, they may find themselves captivated by a certain period in history, a specific genre of music, or a handpicked selection of actors or writers.

Since Ni is a perceiving function, INFJs often report that its workings often feel effortless. When they express the need to “think about” something, this means something very different from what it might for other types. Namely, the lion’s share of INFJs’ “thinking” or processing occurs outside of their conscious awareness. In other words, their best thinking is typically done without thinking, at least not consciously. For INFJs and INTJs alike, “sleeping on” a problem is as sure a route to a solution as any.

Like other FJ types, INFJs work to cultivate “good feelings” in the interpersonal environment. In order to survey others’ feelings, Fe contributes to INFJs’ ability to read emotional expressions and body language. This, in combination with their Se and Ni, allow them to effectively read, understand, and relate to others.

Especially this

INFJs commonly experience a conflict in values between their Ni and Fe. For example, they may be asked by a friend or relative to donate to a cause they don’t believe in. This puts them in the difficult position of deciding between honoring their own perspectives (Ni) or maintaining the harmony of the relationship (Fe). Since INFJs can having difficulty saying no, they will often opt to oblige others, even while inwardly regretting doing so. INFJs may experience similar issues in school. INFJs are disposed to questioning the veracity of what the teacher or other students are saying, not to mention issues of character. At the same time, however, they want to please the teacher and maintain external harmony. This can leave them feeling torn between allegiance to truth (Ni) versus Fe people-pleasing.

This is me exactly

For instance, INFJs who grew up in a religious home may be disposed to interpreting their insights through the lens of their childhood faith tradition. As they develop their Ti, however, they might come to question whether that wisdom might better understood in psychological terms.

INFJs may forget to eat regularly and appear undernourished, or they may overeat because of lack of attention to how much they are eating. To compensate for this mind-body disconnect, they may subject themselves to overly strict, even obsessive, regimens of diet and exercise. Like other types, when trying deal with inferior-related issues, they are wont to go to extremes.

 

[ProxyAmenRa]

Does this mean you will read 'Man, Economy and State'?

 

[Architect]

INFJ's and INTP's are closely related, which is why we pair up well as soul mates. I thought I was an INFJ - until I met one who I eventually married. The best way is to look at the functions, for INFJ it's Ni, Fe, Ti and Se.

Primarily what is your interior head like - is it a nebulous world full of people possibilities? Are you often giving others guidance and advice? Does being a High School career counselor sound like an ideal job? If yes to the above then you are probably an INFJ.

 

[TriflinThomas]

people possibilities

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by this.

A lot of my friends do come to me for advice. I don't want the be a high school counselor, though *shudders* I do want (and like) to help people, but not as a career. In my perfect world, I help people by donating and volunteering to philanthropic causes.

 

[Architect]

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by this.

A lot of my friends do come to me for advice. I don't want the be a high school counselor, though *shudders* I do want (and like) to help people, but not as a career. In my perfect world, I help people by donating and volunteering to philanthropic causes.

It means you take social injustice as very, VERY near and dear to your heart. You decry the loss of the middle class in America at the dinner table, and you get depressed over the level of poverty in the world. You think about the people around you and what they are doing. Are they living up to their potential? What careers are people doing, how about their relationships? You are highly amused by everybody's foibles. You kind of have a hard time with technical matters, but yet you can think analytically. You have no interest in how things work, but how people work.

These are the kinds of things that make an INFJ tick.

 

[intpz]

You have no interest in how things work, but how people work.

I think you can be interested in that without emotional involvement. Analysis of certain behaviors, thoughts, etc..

 

[TriflinThomas]

It means you take social injustice as very, VERY near and dear to your heart.

Yes

You think about the people around you and what they are doing.

Yes

You kind of have a hard time with technical matters, but yet you can think analytically.

Definitely, yes.

 

[ProxyAmenRa]

Yes

Yes

Definitely, yes.

What a clusterfuck...I'm sorry dude.

 

[PhoenixRising]

It means you take social injustice as very, VERY near and dear to your heart. You decry the loss of the middle class in America at the dinner table, and you get depressed over the level of poverty in the world. You think about the people around you and what they are doing. Are they living up to their potential? What careers are people doing, how about their relationships? You are highly amused by everybody's foibles. You kind of have a hard time with technical matters, but yet you can think analytically. You have no interest in how things work, but how people work.

These are the kinds of things that make an INFJ tick.

That is interesting. I am a definite INTP, textbook really. However, I do take social injustice to heart and am partnered with many charities and other organizations that combat slavery, starvation and the mistreatment of children. The only thing that ever brings me to tears or makes me angry is when I hear about the corruption of the rich and suffering of the poor. I also am constantly trying to help the people around me live up to their full potential. I really feel like that's my calling.

In another thread we were discussing Einstein, he was very much the same way. You mentioned that caring for the well being of others is an INTP trait. Does this mean that this sentiment is something shared by INTPs and INFJs rather than something that separates them?

 

[intpz]

@PhoenixRising I don't care or feel emotional when I hear about things like you've mentioned, but I do not like certain cases. To determine if I'd want to help out the guy (say he's poor, was born in a poor family and country), I would have to talk to him first. If it turns out that he's an idiot, fuck him, I don't give a shit. If he turns out a smart guy in a shitty situation with even shittier ways out, I would want to try to help him. Although, I see this as curiosity, as I wouldn't go far with it, just as far as five minutes, unless he'd be extra-interesting, then I would spare more time talking to him and finding out what he thinks. However, I don't feel emotionally involved, even in a case like this.

 

[redbaron]

In another thread we were discussing Einstein, he was very much the same way. You mentioned that caring for the well being of others is an INTP trait. Does this mean that this sentiment is something shared by INTPs and INFJs rather than something that separates them?

Yes, it is a shared trait. We share the Ti/Fe stack with INFJ. The desire to impact the world in a meaningful way (Fe) is something we share.

INFJ operates primarily within Ni - dissecting, seeing possibilities and trying to gather the underlying impression behind things, something an INFJ can be very, very good at. However you don't often see it, because it is so internal. Similar to the way in which many people mistake how serious the inner world of an INTP is.

INTP possesses Ne as our top extroverted function. We tend to express the possibilities and impressions we see and receive in the world - something that the INFJ can easily identify with because of their (Ni), and can prompt them to open up about their inner world that very few others rarely see.

Both possess similar external values and ability to identify and charm others (Fe), with the ability to de-construct and analyse things internally in detail (Ti). INTP's dominant extroverted function (Ne) directly compliments and identifies with the dominant function of an INFJ (Ni) - and vice-versa. The least function of an INFJ (Se) also compliments the auxiliary of an INTP (Si) in some way.

Both types are playful, but both possess very serious and analytical inner worlds.

 

[Architect]

In another thread we were discussing Einstein, he was very much the same way. You mentioned that caring for the well being of others is an INTP trait. Does this mean that this sentiment is something shared by INTPs and INFJs rather than something that separates them?

INTPs and INFJs care about people in very different ways. INTPs generally care in the big sense ("I want to discover something to help mankind") while INFJs want to help in the personal ("I want to help somebody I know"). INTPs generally despair for individuals ("that guy really pisses me off") while INFJs generally despair for humanity ("I've lost my faith for humanity" is something I hear frequently from my INFJ).

So yes there are similarities but as you might expect the two types tend to express it on opposite poles.

 

[PhoenixRising]

Yes, it is a shared trait. We share the Ti/Fe stack with INFJ. The desire to impact the world in a meaningful way (Fe) is something we share.

INFJ operates primarily within Ni - dissecting, seeing possibilities and trying to gather the underlying impression behind things, something an INFJ can be very, very good at. However you don't often see it, because it is so internal. Similar to the way in which many people mistake how serious the inner world of an INTP is.

INTP possesses Ne as our top extroverted function. We tend to express the possibilities and impressions we see and receive in the world - something that the INFJ can easily identify with because of their (Ni), and can prompt them to open up about their inner world that very few others rarely see.

Both possess similar external values and ability to identify and charm others (Fe), with the ability to de-construct and analyse things internally in detail (Ti). INTP's dominant extroverted function (Ne) directly compliments and identifies with the dominant function of an INFJ (Ni) - and vice-versa. The least function of an INFJ (Se) also compliments the auxiliary of an INTP (Si) in some way.

Both types are playful, but both possess very serious and analytical inner worlds.

That makes sense, thank you for this explanation. Do you know of a good site where I could study the different function stacks of MBTI types? I haven't been able to find one with cohesive information, so I only know bits and pieces.

 

[PhoenixRising]

INTPs and INFJs care about people in very different ways. INTPs generally care in the big sense ("I want to discover something to help mankind") while INFJs want to help in the personal ("I want to help somebody I know"). INTPs generally despair for individuals ("that guy really pisses me off") while INFJs generally despair for humanity ("I've lost my faith for humanity" is something I hear frequently from my INFJ).

So yes there are similarities but as you might expect the two types tend to express it on opposite poles.

I find that I care both for humanity and for individuals. Perhaps it's because of my spirituality, I find that I truly love every person sincerely because I understand how fundamentally connected we all are. I also lose faith in humanity sometimes, but don't tend to target individuals. Sometimes I can't stand "stupid people" as a general group.

I think perhaps all of this depends on the individual more than the specific type. To say that someone has to think, feel or act in a specific way because they are INTP or INTJ is narrow minded to say the least.

 

[Architect]

I think perhaps all of this depends on the individual more than the specific type. To say that someone has to think, feel or act in a specific way because they are INTP or INTJ is narrow minded to say the least.

Oh dear, here we go again. I think I'll put a standard disclaimer in my sig

"Typology describes a form of hardwired programming, probably having to do with some few genetic determinants, and otherwise the necessary balancing required for a dynamic yet forceful psyche. Personality is what develops as a person grows up. Take the comments as generalizations, which may not be accurate as this is not a physical science, and individual differences will occur. Do not take the comments as a form of mind control, dictates on how you should live or act, or as an indication of small mindedness on my part because of over literal reading on your part."

In any case you might have more astutely noticed the liberal use of the words 'generally' and 'might' in my comment.

 

[MissQuote]

I find this topic quite informative thus far, and is helping me in being closer to accurately type two different people I believe *may* be INFJ's, as well as helping me reflect on myself and my similarities with the type.

As pheonix asked, is there a site where one can compare the different stack ups of all the different types? (To an INTP's standard ) I've noticed many sites/books have information supposedly highly comprehensive but it only begin to touch on the surface of the subjects, imho.

 

[intpz]

@Architect what if one's grandparents and parents are ESFJs, an you are an INTP, assuming that your parents were confirmed using a DNA test? According to what you are saying, that is impossible, and yet there are cases like that.

 

[PhoenixRising]

Oh dear, here we go again. I think I'll put a standard disclaimer in my sig

"Typology describes a form of hardwired programming, probably having to do with some few genetic determinants, and otherwise the necessary balancing required for a dynamic yet forceful psyche. Personality is what develops as a person grows up. Take the comments as generalizations, which may not be accurate as this is not a physical science, and individual differences will occur. Do not take the comments as a form of mind control, dictates on how you should live or act, or as an indication of small mindedness on my part because of over literal reading on your part."

In any case you might have more astutely noticed the liberal use of the words 'generally' and 'might' in my comment.

From what I've seen of your posts on here, you struck me as being a very strongly opinionated individual. I didn't think you were attempting to sway my opinions, or practice "mind control" as you put it. Nor did I mean that you were being narrow minded, I was making more of a general statement that it would be narrow minded to think that personality was a black and white matter. I was blatantly stating the obvious, hoping to cause people to think in terms of probability rather than absolutes.

I am not an extremely precise person. I can be, when it comes to my work, but when it comes to my interaction with people, it's almost exclusively intuitive. The general impression of your meaning is what sticks with me, and so individual words are taken very lightly. If you intend to illicit a precise response from me, then please do say so. I am accommodating when it comes to other's communication preferences.

 

[redbaron]

That makes sense, thank you for this explanation. Do you know of a good site where I could study the different function stacks of MBTI types? I haven't been able to find one with cohesive information, so I only know bits and pieces.

This is where I read about the different functions. It's only a one or two sentence description for each, but I felt like it was more than enough to help me articulate my thoughts. I haven't found a site with cohesive information, although I haven't looked either.

http://www.mypersonality.info/personality-types/ti-function/

I prefer to draw conclusions based on a small amount of succinct and impersonal information and create understanding with my own thoughts. I find that the more I read, the more knowledge I gain, but the less understanding I develop.

If I was to break down the time I spend on topics I find interesting, I'd say only 5-10% of my time is spent researching to expand my knowledge and 90-95% is spent developing understanding.

 

[Architect]

@Architect what if one's grandparents and parents are ESFJs, an you are an INTP, assuming that your parents were confirmed using a DNA test? According to what you are saying, that is impossible, and yet there are cases like that.

Sorry but I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Do you mean the genetic factor comment? If so, why would you assume that an INTP couldn't have ESFJ as parents? That has nothing to do with what I was talking about. Genetically a ESFJ can have an INTP (at least an ESTJ and ESFP had me). I would hypothesize that, given the rarity of INTPs, that genetically it is a recessive gene, and yes two parents can carry recessives and so produce on in the zygote.

This is a different topic, and I'm not an expert in the field, but that is some of my speculation.

Nor did I mean that you were being narrow minded, I was making more of a general statement that it would be narrow minded to think that personality was a black and white matter.

Well you quoted my text, then said that to believe that type determines behavior is narrow minded to say the least. What else was I to think other than you were throwing down the gauntlet? I'm not demanding you be precise, but at least you say what you mean, or be clear about what you mean.

By the way I am strongly opinionated, when I have one at all. I only comment on a thread when it is about something that I have directly worked in or analyzed. For the most part my comments are on science & technology and typology threads, where I can be quite forceful as I've worked (professionally in one case and as a hobby in the other) for over 20 years. I'm happy to change my opinion if somebody has better evidence to the contrary, but I've had enough time on these questions to be pretty sure of the answers.

 

[TriflinThomas]

@Architect what if one's grandparents and parents are ESFJs, an you are an INTP, assuming that your parents were confirmed using a DNA test? According to what you are saying, that is impossible, and yet there are cases like that.

Wrong thread?

 

[Vrecknidj]

Most INFJs I know (and I know perhaps a half dozen fairly well) have the uncanny ability to know what others are feeling before those people themselves do. I think this is probably a common trait to INFJs. Is it something you have?

 

[TriflinThomas]

Yeah, especially my best friend

 

[intpz]

The purpose of that reply was to ask @Architect about the correlation genetics and personality, as I disagree with him. I don't think that something like personality is genetic. It reminds me of the "apple doesn't fall far from tree" from those cop movies, where a son of a criminal wants to be a cop, or a son of a cop who screwed up is a cop, etc.. Bleh.

 

[Architect]

The purpose of that reply was to ask @Architect about the correlation genetics and personality, as I disagree with him. I don't think that something like personality is genetic.

@intpz
I didn't say personality has anything to do with genetics; it doesn't. Temperament does, by my hypothesis.

 

[intpz]

@intpz
I didn't say personality has anything to do with genetics; it doesn't. Temperament does, by my hypothesis.

What do you mean by temperament? If it's the 4 letters and cognitive functions, that's what I called personality.