INFP
Introverted Feeling with Intuition
People with INFP preferences have a great deal of warmth, but may not show
it until they know a person well. They keep their warm side inside, like
a fur-lined coat. They are very faithful to duties and obligations. related
to ideas or people they care about. They take a very personal approach
to life, judging everything by their inner ideals and personal values.
They stick to their ideals with passionate conviction.
Although their inner loyalties and ideals govern their lives, they find
these hard to talk about. Their deepest feelings are seldom expressed;
their inner tenderness is masked by a quiet reserve.
In everyday matters they are tolerant, openminded,
understanding, flexible, and adaptable. But if their inner loyalties are
threatened, they will not give an inch. Except for their work's sake, INFPs
have little wish to impress or dominate. The people they prize the most
are those who take the time to understand their values and the goals they
are working toward.
Their main interest lies in seeing the possibilities
beyond what is present, obvious, or known. They are twice as good when
working at a job they believe in, since their feeling puts added energy
behind their efforts. They want their work to contribute to something that
matters to them-human understanding, happiness, or health. They want to
have a purpose beyond their paycheck, no matter how big the check. They
are perfectionists whenever they care deeply about something.
INFPs are curious about new ideas and tend to have
insight and long-range vision. Many are interested in books and language
and are likely to have a gift of expression; with talent they may be excellent
writers. They can be ingenious and persuasive on the subject of their enthusiasms,
which are quiet but deep-rooted. They are often attracted to counseling,
teaching, literature, art, science, or psychology.
The problem for some INFPs is that they may
feel such a contrast between their ideals and their actual accomplishments
that they burden themselves with a sense of inadequary. This can happen
even when, objectively, they are being as effective as others. It is important
for them to use their intuition to find ways to express their ideals; otherwise
they will keep dreaming of the impossible and accomplish very little. If
they find no channel for expressing their ideals, INFPs may become overly
sensitive and vulnerable, with dwindling confidence in life and in themselves.