I learned that I’m the INFP
I learned that I’m the INFP (Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) personality type after taking the Myers-Briggs test on 16personalities.com. It’s the ninth most common personality type, and I share this personality type with only four percent of the population (Truity.com). This is pretty accurate representation of me since I’m introverted. My values are important to me, and I like to help others. In this paper, I’m going to discuss strengths and weaknesses, romantic relationships, friendships, and potential careers of an INFP.
INFP’s are idealistic, which can be both a strength and a weakness. We focus on the good in people but sometimes forget that evil exists too. It’s good to expect the best out of others though it can leave to disappointment. A strength is that we like to work with others and are open-minded. We like to listen other people’s feelings and stances on issues. INFP’s are creative and hard-working, especially when we’re doing something we’re passionate about. A weakness is that we’re really introverted and reserved. We’re not the leader of the group, rather we’re a supporting role. Sometimes we want to help others so much that we forget about ourselves (16personalities.com). I find a lot of this true of myself. I do not like conflict and try to please others, putting myself on the back burner.
Our idealistic attribute comes into play with romantic relationships. The INFP personality type has an idea of what they think their partner and relationship should be like. We have trouble differentiating between reality and fantasy, so we feel like our relationship is lacking. Plus, we push our partners so much, it may backfire on us because they feel like they’re not good enough. On the positive side, we are feelers. INFP’s are sincere and loyal to our partners. Even though we hold our partners to a high standard, we help them to achieve it (Personalitypage.com). To summarize, INFP’s are “passionate, hopeless romantics, while still respecting their partners’ independence” (16personalities.com). Personally, I can’t speak much into this matter. I haven’t had a committed relationship yet, but I can say I do imagine what it would be like.
People with the INFP personality type do not have many friendships but the ones we have last for a lifetime. We’re capable of getting along with lots of people, though we open up to a chosen few (Personalitypage.com). It takes a lot of effort to truly get to know an INFP. We rather have a few friendships with people who have the same values as us. Once a friendship is formed, the INFP will be very supportive and helpful to you, but we will keep some things to ourselves. Our closest friends may have no clue of a crucial decision we are making, neglecting the option of receiving advice from the chosen few we care so much about (16personalities.com). I see a lot of this in me. It takes me a long time to open up to others, and I only have a few close friends. I tend to keep a lot of stuff inside of me instead of asking others for their opinions.
As for potential careers, “the INFP is not particularly driven by money or status, preferring work that aligns with their personal values and allows them to help others” (Truity.com). They like a career where they can be creative and pursue their ideals. INFP’s work well by themselves, but their easygoing nature allows them to work with others too, particularly if they share their views (Personalitymax.com). They have the second lowest income of all the personality types and are the fourth lowest in job satisfaction. INFP’s are more likely to be self-employed and stay at home parents. Possible careers include a graphic designer, preschool teacher, occupation therapists, and zoologists. A successful career for an INFP is also dependent on the individual’s strengths and interests (Truity.com). I have just started college and haven’t decided for sure what I want to do, but I am considering radiology where I can help others.
I found that the INFP (Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) personality type is an accurate description of how I am, and this research has allowed for me to better understand myself. Being idealistic can be both a weakness and a strength. I should push my partner to better but not as far as to make them feel like they’re not good enough. Even though I don’t want to express all my thoughts to my closest friends, maybe I should cause they could have great advice. As for careers, ultimately, I should do what makes me happy.
