Understanding yourself can be a complicated journey, but what if I told you there exists a roadmap? One that’s personalized to the core traits and tendencies that make you unique.
Meet the Myers-Briggs personality types. Of the 16 possible types, INFJ stands as the most uncommon one, and that’s where our focus lies today.
If you ever felt you’re different, unusual, or simply can’t fit into any box, you may be an INFJ. So let’s delve into the nine signs that may prove you carry this rare personality type. Buckle up, it’s self-discovery time!
1) You’re intensely introspective
Much of life is a grand performance, a play of interactions and appearances. But you, my INFJ friend, tend to be backstage – firmly lodged in the world of your thoughts, and according to Carl Jung, that’s a classic introverted trait.
But being an INFJ, it’s not about being shy or socially awkward. It’s about being infinitely intrigued by insights, meanings, and possibilities within yourself.
You may find you’re often daydreaming, thinking about life’s big questions, or just observing and figuring out people’s motives while others are busy socializing.
The world inside your head is so rich and intense that you could forget the need for external interaction. And this, being an introspective translator of human emotions, is sign number one that you may be an INFJ, the world’s rarest personality type.
2) You feel things deeply
One of the traits that make an INFJ stand out is their ability to experience emotions with profound depth. You know it when you feel genuinely happy for your friend’s success instead of feeling just a nominal delight. You may cry watching a touching movie scene as if it’s happening to a close family member. When something hurts, it doesn’t just prick, it stings.
Allow me to share a personal example.
Last week, I had a minor disagreement with a dear friend of mine. While others might be able to shrug it off as a trivial argument, I couldn’t get it off my mind. Their slightly hurtful word felt like a deep wound in my heart that influenced my mood and thoughts for the rest of the day. It’s not about nursing grudges; it’s about feeling things so intensely that it’s hard to just flip the switch and move on.
If you relate and find yourself experiencing emotions at such an intense level, you might very well be an INFJ.
3) You crave authentic connections
INFJs are not proponents of small talk; they crave real, profound interactions. It’s not about the number of friends on a social media platform; it’s about the quality of emotional connection with a chosen few.
While it’s evident in today’s hyper-connected world, where an average person has about 338 Facebook friends, an INFJ’s friends list is typically shorter but more intimate. These are relationships where deep conversations about life’s meanings and the pursuit of authenticity take precedence over the latest celebrity gossip or the weather.
So, if you find a deeper satisfaction in having fewer but meaningful relationships in your life, this could be a tell-tale sign of your INFJ personality type.
4) You’re a harmony seeker
Harmony isn’t a luxury for INFJs, it’s a necessity. Exceptionally sensitive to their environment and the emotions of those around them, INFJs strive for peace and avoid conflict where possible.
You might notice this in yourself when you’re always the one trying to mediate disagreements, or when you avoid certain people who disrupt your sense of balance. A chaotic or tense atmosphere may feel deeply unsettling to you and you might spend a lot of effort trying to create more serene and comfortable surroundings.
So, if you constantly find yourself striving for harmony, both within and around you, this might be another sign that you’re an INFJ.
5) You’re future-oriented
As an INFJ, you’re not one to dwell on the past or stay in the present. Instead, you tend to live in a future full of possibilities. You often find yourself dreaming about what could be, planning for a brighter tomorrow, or thinking about how your actions today will affect your world tomorrow.
This future-orientation isn’t about fantasy, but rather the desire to realize your visions. This may vary from envisioning positive changes in your personal life, to a bigger picture such as building a better society or envisaging a more sustainable planet.
If you find your mind often journeys into the future, it’s a strong indication you’re an INFJ, always reaching forward with optimism and persistence.
6) You feel a deep regard for humanity
As an INFJ, you’re often moved by the plight of others and feel compelled to make a difference. I like to think of INFJs as emotional Swiss Army knives; equipped with empathy and understanding, ready to connect with others at a deep emotional level.
You might find yourself pouring over humanitarian issues, getting involved in charities, or just doing random acts of kindness in your everyday life. You may get a knot in your stomach when you see someone going through a tough time.
Why? Because you care, profoundly and unconditionally. You care to a degree that you may often put others’ needs before your own. This deep sense of compassion, this need to heal the world, is a profound sign of your INFJ personality.
7) You value alone time
While the world rushes to be more sociable and outgoing, you, as an INFJ, have always cherished your alone time. It’s a realm where you recharge, reflect, and even revel in the beauty of solitude.
I remember carving out ‘me-time’ between all those deadlines and commitments, irrespective of how busy I was. A long walk alone or a quiet evening with a book wasn’t a luxury but an absolute necessity.
It’s not about being antisocial but about understanding your need for solitude as essential as breathing. Embracing this aspect and taking time for self-reflection is a definitive trait of an INFJ personality.
8) You’re susceptible to burnout
Walking in an INFJ’s shoes means you’re passionate, idealistic, and always striving for perfection. But, on the downside, you’re also prone to burning out. This could result from your constant quest for excellence, your tendency to internalize emotions, or your habit to shoulder other people’s problems.
Even events supposed to be fun can take a toll on you due to the high social interaction and stimulation involved. Concerts, parties, or gatherings can leave you feeling drained rather than recharged.
If you frequently find yourself on the path of exhaustion, it could be a sign that your intense and caring INFJ personality is burning its candle at both ends.
9) You often feel misunderstood
As an INFJ, feeling misunderstood is more of a norm than an exception. Despite your ability to understand others’ feelings and motives, the same courtesy may not be reciprocated as people might find it hard to read you.
Sometimes, it’s the feeling that others don’t get your depth or are unable to match your passion for profound subjects. Other times, it’s the frustration that comes when people misconstrue your need for solitude as aloofness or indifference.
This constant feeling of being ‘out of sync’ with the world can result in feelings of loneliness or alienation. But, remember, this paradox of understanding others while feeling misunderstood, my dear INFJ, is the hallmark of your unique persona. It doesn’t make you hard to love, it makes you beautifully complex. You are an intricate blend of depth, passion, and vision, embodying the world’s rarest personality type.
