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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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Comments
12.15.09
What a wonderful affirmation of the INFP preference! And yes, you are correct that INFP's often feel like they are swimming against the current-particularly in organizations.
Here are three other things that INFP's come to learn:
First, the dominant function for an INFP is introverted feeling. As you noted, they have a depth of feeling that mere mortals have a hard time grasping. Because their internal radar is constantly attuned to people and values, many INFP's with whom I've worked often report that they needed to develop very good boundaries so that they do not get overwhelmed by that sensitive depth of feeling.
Second, an INFP IS pleasant to be around - unless someone transgresses one of their deeply held values. And then "hell hath no fury...!"
Third, and most delightfully, INFP's have a very playful side and often a delicious sense of humor once you really get to know them.
Thank you for sharing your insights. Each of the other type preferences have their gifts as well and I also hope others will share them.
DrJohnDrozdal
12.18.09
Hi Dr. Drozdal - Thanks for responding to my post. I absolutely agree with your mention of INFPs needing to create good boundaries for themselves. This is something I regularly practice and have found that it makes my days much more pleasant!
01.03.10
Nice (though IMO brief) listing of INFPs! I consider myself to be one also judging from the Type Talk at Work book a family friend gave me. I took the indicator test but it was not accurate since I didn't answer it all in one sitting, but I hope it doesn't disqualify me :). Actually, I also feel that depending on a situation, I can be the opposite, but in general I'm an INFP. A couple of the points you mention I wonder of myself like: feeling, because I have a bad habit of overanalysing, also my perception of the world isn't as acute. I do have to agree about making connections, and the last point is very true for me. I feel like I have too many interests, and when my mom gives me suggestions on possible careers(for now) I feel like 'eh.'
01.23.10
Hi Mara - I think there will always be things about each INFP (or any type) that won't fit the generalization, but it's that thought process where you use the description to think about yourself that's very valuable. Thanks for your comment!
01.24.10
hmmmm :) vivid imagination. hmmm, yep. i love sci-fi and fantasy books: i have a collection of nearly 400, and i remember the story-lines of them all.
depth of feeling: yep. nuff said about the best bits; worst bits, the silliest things absolutely hammer me flat: i've had people really concerned like i was physically in pain or something - just have to tell them it's ok, just a silly thought.
relationships. always been a strange one this, for me. the word "relationship" implies "sharing the same goal". that's what a relationship is. if you share the same goal with someone, you _have_ a relationship. no same goal equals no relationship. and... my goals are pretty far-out, so i don't have that many relationships! so - i'm a bit pathological about relationships, but those that i have i really appreciate.
perception of the world: acute. so sharp i cut myself. absorb information and things like a sponge, but it's such a high degree of observation, it used to be overwhelming. now i kinda stay away from things, that keeps the signal-to-noise ratio down, and i can focus on things i'm here to do.
dedication to what i love: ... mmm... yeah, i'd say so. sort-of. for me, it's more like this: i see things that other people don't: i remember the disparate facts and can make the connections that other people wouldn't. i think, "that's not right. those people are going against the way i think things should be, because if things were like i think they ought to be, they'd be more efficient / have more opportunities to take advantage of if they wanted to / feel more empowered. there's lots of people being disadvantaged, here.". then i think, "is it in my power, with my knowledge of computer technology, do i have the time resources knowledge and money to do something about this, yes or no?" if answer equals yes, then act, otherwise no, drop it like a stone. simple, pathological and clear-cut. completing the loop is itself the reward; overcoming the technical challenges along the way are the things i love, and fulfilling the overall goal is definitely the cherry on top of the cake.
so - yeah. close. but i'd say i'm much more pathological than most. you're helping me to fulfil a goal, or you're not. you've got something to contribute to one of the goals (hello. tell me and we'll have fun with it), or you haven't (bye. have a nice life).
03.25.10
I am an INFP as well. I am curious if INFPs are more likely to put their lives online. I am a "lifestreamer" and wonder if personality type affects propensity for doing so... what do you think?
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