I’m an INFJ; what does that mean?

So a little while ago, I did one of those personality tests, and did a video on it, where I talked a bit about being an INFJ. Now, I thought we’d go into way more detail, and talk about what it all means. It’s fascinating stuff, and scarily accurate!

Strengths and Weaknesses

According to this, my main strengths are being “creative, insightful, inspiring, decisive, determined and passionate, and altruistic“. I want to say most of them are pretty accurate; decisive, though? I can’t decide anything, to start with. Once I’ve decided, though, I’m stuck on it, and good luck getting me to change my mind. I really like passionate, I think that’s a good word for me! And altruistic is something I really, really hope I am. 

My weaknesses are “being sensitive, private, a perfectionist, needing a “cause,” and burning out easily“. Oh god, it’s too accurate. Maybe as a person that puts their life all over the internet, I don’t seem private, but when it comes to proper emotions, I keep them so bottled up. It’s so unhealthy, but hey ho. I also like “needing a cause,” because it’s not something I would say about myself, but now that they’ve mentioned it… 

Romantic Relationships

“They are warm, friendly, caring and insightful, seeing past facades and the obvious to understand others’ thoughts and emotions… look for a connection that goes beyond the physical, embracing the emotional and even spiritual connection they have with their partner… establishing genuine, deep connections with the people they care about.”

Another spookily accurate few sentences. This is why I have such a particular type of person I fall for; not that I could explain them to you, but they’re the sorts of people I have deep and meaningfuls with, and know I can trust with everything. Not just “how was your day” stuff, but deepest, darkest secrets stuff. And I definitely won’t take just anybody, obviously, I feel like I’m always looking for “the one,” and that’s part of that intense connection thing. 

Friendships

“There is a running theme with INFJs, and that is a yearning for authenticity and sincerity… seek out people who share their passions, interests and ideologies… don’t readily share their thoughts and feelings, not unless they are comfortable…very insightful and have a particular knack for seeing beyond others’ facades.” A lot of this is pretty similar to the relationship stuff, which I’m not really surprised about; I fall for friends almost always, so yeah, they’re the same sort of people. I like that stuff about being insightful, I think I’m a good judge of character! Some people I’m way, way off with, but I’m mostly good? 

“If they don’t learn to meet others halfway and recognize that the kind of self-improvement and depth they demand is simply exhausting for many types, INFJs are likely to end up abandoning healthy friendships in their infancy… will find themselves more sought after than they’d ever care to be… quality trumps quantity every time, and over the years they will likely end up with just a few true friendships.” WHOOPS, this is something I do a lot! I’m not casual, ever, and I know that I struggle with remembering that other people aren’t as intense with me. If I’m sharing my thoughts with you, I expect the same back. But, then that last bit makes me think it’s not that much of a flaw? Because don’t I want people that are similar to be, at least in that way? I also definitely don’t agree with the bit about being “sought after,” I’m so not one of those “intoxicating” types of people. It’s a nice thought, though? 

Career Paths

“Many INFJs struggle to begin a career early on because they see ten wildly different paths forward, each with its own intrinsic rewards… need to find meaning in their work, to know that they are helping and connecting with people… they need to be able to exercise their insightfulness and independence, learn and grow alongside the people they are helping, and contribute to the well-being of humanity on a personal level.”  Now, I don’t actually know what I want to do as a job, I just have the vague idea that I want to make a difference. I thought about being a teacher for a while, and who knows, that might still happen. But now I think I want to make a difference on a bigger level, like helping people in poverty, that sort of thing. How? Who knows? I completely agree with how they’ve phrased all of this though. I just need to know the job that fits all of that! 

“INFJs are more likely to, despite their aversion to controlling others, establish their independence by either finding a leadership position, or simply starting their own practice…often pursue expressive careers such as writing, elegant communicators that they are, and author many popular blogs.” Interestingly, I can’t see myself being completely independent like that. It feels like a lot of pressure, to rely completely on yourself. I mean, I guess leadership to an extent..? Also, the last bit is obviously completely accurate. 

And, a summary

I just love these things so much! They’re so interesting! How can it all be so accurate, when there are so many different people that fit into each type? I also quite like this self reflection, because I kind of avoid doing all that sort of stuff. Tell me about your types, as well! Are they spookily accurate? Or way, way off? Let me know!