photo by: spettacolopuro
I am an INFP. That’s Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Below are five reasons why it’s great to be INFP. These aren’t based on any kind of formal analysis. They are simply based on my life experience as an INFP.
If you are an INFP, you may often feel as if you are swimming against the current, as if you tend to see the world differently than many other people. And maybe you’ve also wished that you could just “be like everyone else.” Take some time to appreciate your own unique qualities that you possess. And remember what they say (whoever “they” are): it takes all kinds. 
5 Great Qualities of the INFP
Your Vivid Imagination – The ability (and the desire) to sit for long periods of time and imagine things is a favorite INFP pastime. This might make you a good storyteller. Or, you may have a vision of the world, or of your community, or of some aspect of life that you think it is worthy of working towards. Just because you see it in your mind doesn’t mean it will automatically come to pass one day, but having a vision of what could be makes you a powerful force if you choose to act upon it. Just remember, what’s in your mind and what actually is will never quite match, but you can keep working on getting them as close as possible.
Your Depth of Feeling – You feel things a little more intensely than other people. This can be a painful, as events and circumstances that other people wouldn’t notice, the INFP is bothered by. But it can also be a wonderful thing, as the little moments of joy in life don’t pass unnoticed. You may think of yourself as being too sensitive, but, really, you are acutely aware and perceptive of the way it feels to Live, and this makes your experience of life very rich.
Your Relationships – Your desire for connection with other people is very strong. The connections you build have depth to them. You are a very good “bonder.” You are also an excellent friend to have, and despite your (probably) quiet demeanor, many people find it very pleasant to be around you. You make them feel peaceful, but they are not sure why.
Your Perception of the World – You are an observer. A very acute observer. And, things that other people miss, you tend to see. This knowledge of Life at a very subtle level makes you aware of the nuances of living. You can see the experience of life at it’s depths. Being an “observer” is often considered to be not as important as being a “doer,” but your observations are one of your very best gifts. Make sure you share them with others in some way.
Your Dedication to What You Love – You don’t like to do things that you don’t love. This can be painful when you feel like you have to. But, it can also keep you searching when others would have given up. And when you do find something you love, you put your soul into it. There is nothing for you that doesn’t involve love. So keep looking.
Imagination rules the world. – Napoleon Bonaparte
Any INFPs around? Agree or disagree? Have something to add? Other types – what are the best qualities of your own type? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.
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{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m an INFP, too! And yes, it rocks. Do you know who else is an INFP? Calvin, as in Calvin and Hobbes…my personal hero!
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Paying It Forward =-.
I think each of the qualities has positive and negative aspects for them. For example, “You are also an excellent friend to have” which is a positive until you start dating and you’re stuck in friend status.
I think the dedication to what you love sustains INFPs and keeps us stable in the day-to-day.
Now if we could only figure out what we love…
Me too
)) i think the blogosphere is a wonderful outlet for us INFP’s. Our sensitive/perceptive observations are not lost altogether in our own imaginations when we can write about them and share with others who may appreciate.
The one thing that sticks out to me the most is the vivid imagination. I see that as one of my great strengths. It also can be a weakness because sometimes you have to see things for what they are and not what they could be.
For example, when your hiring someone for a job, are you hiring them for what they can do or what they could do. I’ve learned the hard way on that one…a few times.
Thanks for focusing on the positives…
Hi Amanda – I used to think I was an ENFP, but now I’m not so sure about the “E.” I don’t know, Jung said we all go towards the opposite as we get older and move toward wholeness. So maybe that’s it. Lately I feel more like an INFJ, actually. Whatever I am, I’m glad you wrote this. Much of what you say applies to all NF’s, and as far as I’m concerned, we need more of that kind of energy in the world right now!
.-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..A Cat’s Wisdom =-.
Amanda,
Well…I’m an INFP too!! In fact, it had been a long time since I’d taken the MB test, and just did it again in November for a training program I was in. I agree with all the points you’ve shared – especially, most strongly for me – the idea of relationships and perception of the world.
On a side note, in our training session, there were 7 people, and one other person was also an INFP – and we really connected, at a deeper level. I’m sure it’s because of our similarities.
It’s good to be here today…very good…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Jay – I think I did know that…about Calvin being an INFP. Pretty cool.
Hi Corin – Thanks for your comment.
I think you are definitely right – there are positive/negative sides to all of these things. In fact, I think I’ll do another post, maybe title “5 Things INFPs Should Watch Out For” or something like that. By the way, I found your INFP Blog probably about a week ago. I loved seeing an entire blog dedicated to INFPs!
Hi Trish – Thanks for your comment! Yes, the internet is a great place to be an INFP. As you point out, it’s an excellent place to share!
Hi Nick – I think focusing on the positives is well needed.
You mentioned something similar to what Corin mentioned above – the idea that there are always positives and negatives to each quality. And your example illustrated that pretty well. Thanks for your comment. 
Hi Patty – I do think these items apply pretty well to all NFs – although maybe the imagination one tends a bit more towards the introverts. Of course, no personality type is a cage – we are always free to break out and do things that we never thought we would!
Hi Lance – Very interesting to know…I’ve had all these INFPs around me and I had no idea.
Birds of a feather, right?
Hi Amanda, I’ve recently discovered that I’m an INFP and it was quite surreal reading about all the things that match my personality and finding out that there are others like that too.
Your words are extremely inspiring and I can go along with all five reasons, think it shows that we are a special bunch of people. We should embrace these qualities. Having perception about things that matter in the world is extremely important and there’s not a lot of people who have that.
After reading this, I looked at some of your other blog posts. I’ve been going through a tough time in the last few weeks and things are at a bit of a cross roads. But like with this article, you inspired me and made me feel better. Thank you for that and it’s only right that you should know your post has had that effect. I shall read any future posts with interest
Enjoy your blog and especially this one. I’m another fellow INFP – do we just have radar that leads us to other INFPs who blog?
I’ve taken the formal test 3 times and each time come out as INFP, although the difference on the T/F continuum for me is only about 5%-ish on the F side.(That has its own advantages and disadvantages, but more advantages at work, being very “T-ish” prone – great for technical stuff.) I agree with you and just about everyone here. I have seen a blog (that now appears to be defunct) called “Surviving INFP.” I must say, there are days when I feel that way, too! Being so different and so sensitive can be a real struggle in the real world; on the other hand, I love the imagination and different nuances to seeing things – this really enriches my life, my creativity, and enables me to be of help at times to other creatures, humans and others. I don’t think I’d trade it. The biggest advantage I see to being an introvert in general and an INFP in particular is that I’m rarely bored and not dependent on others to give me energy or stimulation. Of course, that doesn’t apply to my 3 cats, who really enrich my life. I can’t help but feel that cats are really “introvert-friendly” pets: They’re relatively quiet (note the “relatively” – my Oliver can holler with the best of them, especially when the food bowl is empty!) and yet very companionable beasts. I also admire their independence. Dog lovers, I love dogs, too! Dogs can be great for INFPs and introverts in general because dogs bring us out of ourselves by needing to be out. I’ve found that admiring other people’s dogs can be a great way to connect with fellow animal lovers and it’s enabled me to get to know my neighbors in my condo community.
Keep up the great work with this blog!
Hi Martin – Thanks for your comment.
I think a lot of INFPs have the kind of experience you describe when they first find out they are INFP. It’s nice to know that there are others like you 
I’m glad the articles on this website have been inspiring. Thanks for telling me, and I hope whatever crossroads you are at gets a little easier with time. 
Hi Joana – Thanks for your comment! Interesting that you mention cats as very “introvert friendly” pets. I have 2.
Event though they don’t have the reputation for it, cats are very affectionate companions and can be quite social (and loud as you mentioned!). But not in the same way that a dog is. Cats need time to themselves and freedom to go about as they please. I think I found that if you give them that space they are very happy to then also be social and affectionate. 
Hello Amanda:
I’ve taken the MBTI a few days ago via the career center on campus, and was rated as an INFP. This was the third time in my life I’ve taken it officially, though I have also taken the Keirsey one and the results were similar. Sometimes the results meander between P and J, but the P has been constant the last several times.
This is great that you’ve posted this up today; I’ve found this via a Google Search while exploring more on INFP’s. I’ve visited one of the Facebook groups and explored the discussion board, interesting in many ways.
For the last few years, I’ve gone on a bit of a self-exploration, with paths leading me back to what INFP’s have been, for the most part, discourage, for one reason or another, to do: follow your bliss. More to the point, it’s searching inside yourself and embrace who you are. I’ve learned that you need to love you first before you can give to others, but that sort of thinking took me a long time to understand.
Too often, people tend to focus too much on our perceived weaknesses rather than their strengths, and I’m certainly one of those that have. I’ve also had the tendency to not give myself enough credit for what I have accomplished, then wallow big time when things don’t work out, or I backed out. And now that I’m becoming more aware of my inner power, I’m learning to embrace it.
So it was that I think your posting is just another layer, and a really empowering and positive layer at that. On top of the other things I’ve learned, perhaps returning to your posting every now and then will continue to remind me of the virtues of the beauty of what life should be. Most of all, it’s okay to be who you are, but don’t give the power of your growth to others.
Thanks again for the inspiration; I will subscribe to your blog, looking forward to your future postings.
Hi Velanche – I’m glad you’ve found your way to this post and enjoyed it! “Most of all, it’s okay to be who you are, but don’t give the power of your growth to others.” I think this sentence in your comment really captures the spirit of this post. Too many times people (of all types) are too focused on what they lack, rather than what they have. Recognizing your strengths, whatever they are, really is true power – the power to contribute to the world in your own unique way. INFPs, especially, need a reminder of this every once in a while. Keep up with your self-exploration! And, thanks for subscribing.
Also, I’d be curious to know the link to the INFP facebook group you visited. You can leave another comment or use the comment form if you still have it.
Hey thanks for the reply, Amanda; will surely keep in tune with your posts, and glad that you’ve found my comments to be of value.
The Facebook group is simply called INFP, which is at:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2221426348
Anyone who decides to do a search for the group, be aware that there are two groups called INFP; choose the one that’s linked to the “common interest” area for the correct one that I’m referring to.
Hope this helps; have a good Sunday!
Learning that I was an INFP several years ago explained many of the things I had trouble understanding about how I viewed the world. It always seemed to run counter to how the world wants to be viewed.
I don’t think there has been a more critical time for people to look deeply into issues. I think we need to share these views with as many people as possible. As we become more divided along philosophical and political lines as a society, we are quickly losing any sense of community. We can make a real difference as you have here with your gifted writing.
Namaste,
Roger
.-= Roger´s last blog ..Winter’s lesson =-.
Wonderful! Thanks for the link!
Hi Roger – I know exactly what you mean when you describe learning that you were an INFP. A lot of things begin to make sense. I also feel that being able to see things a little differently than others is a valuable trait and will continue to be so, especially, in the coming years. Thanks.
Hi Amanda
Thanks for a great post – I’m an INFP too and completely identify with all the traits that you identify, including imagination (one of my blogs is the Social Imagination Lab) and observation. I remember when I took the test and it said that INFPs were healers – I think that is an important role that we can play using our strengths and who we are.
Happy 2010!
Hi Olivia – Glad you decided to comment. I’ll definitely have to check out your Social Imagination Lab. Imagination is one of my favorite topics. Maybe I should write more about it here.
So many things to write about! I was also interested in your comment about relationships with other people – ‘you make them feel peaceful, but they don’t know why’. An ex said this to me – that he felt peaceful when he was with me. I don’t think that we necessarily know why either! Be interesting to dig more into this.
Hi Olivia – I was going to answer your comment a couple days ago, but then I decided to think a little more about what I had originally written. My first thought was that INFPs tend to be very focused (good listening skills, etc.) on other people that we are engaging with, and this makes people feel peaceful. But then I thought, maybe it has to do with the INFP herself. By that I mean, that the INFP is peaceful within himself and so brings that peace to other people that he is interacting with. Thanks for the thought – provoking comment.
Hi Amanda – I wish I could feel that I as an INFP brings peace to others because I’m peaceful within myself; while that is true for me sometimes, it isn’t true for me often enough because I still struggle with having to adapt to our more extraverted and demanding work and social society. I remember a blog some years ago called “Surviving INFP” and so often I have felt the same way! Perhaps, though, some of that conflict I feel within myself is because I’m something of a borderline INFP – I’m only about 5% over into “Feeler” territory, so I have a lot of “Thinker” characteristics, too. Still, I’m not an INTP; it does help to read both, though, especially where work things are concerned.
Hi Joana – I understand what you mean. I think probably all INFPs struggle with “keeping up.” And when you feel rushed and overwhelmed you definitely don’t feel peaceful. I guess that’s the INFP paradox, the potential to spread that peace is there, but getting to that place takes some work!
Thanks for your thoughts. I hope that it is that we are peaceful within ourselves. Of course, we all have that capacity, but maybe it is a particular gift to help to translate that inner space into a space for others.
Just to follow up on that point, that idea of creating the space, the conditions for ourselves and our work to emerge is something that I am becoming increasingly aware of – I wrote a blog post on it here – http://thefiver.wordpress.com/2010/01/02/creating-the-space-for-your-work-to-come-into-being/
And being peaceful, at peace is an important part of that space.
Intriguing!
The “observer” thing had me thrown for a moment because among my friends I’m known as being UNobservant. Compared to them I pay scant attention to the “real world.” But in terms of perspective I do see things they don’t see. So I guess I can go with that.
The most pronounced aspect my life has been, “You make them feel peaceful, but they are not sure why.” People become attached to my vibe and want it to themselves. It’s very strange, really, because my closest people insist (in both overt and covert ways) on having some of my time to themselves. Do any of you other INFPs have that issue?
Hi Sue – I understand what you mean. The difference between being “observant” and “the observer” are definitely different. My friends and family (especially when I was younger) would have thought of me as being “unobservant” also. I might not have been paying much attention to the details of the real world, but I was certainly not “unobservant.” Also, I’m seeing a lot of comments focusing on the “peaceful” thing, which I find interesting. Maybe that’s a follow up blog post.