If you’re reading this post, there’s a high chance that you’re trying to work out if you’re an INFJ vs. INTJ personality type. These two types are often confused because they share many of the same characteristics. Both types are cerebral, perceptive, and creative. They are deep thinkers who have a natural ability to think outside the box.
But there are also some core differences between how these types think and experience the world. In this post, we explore these core differences. If you’re unclear about your type, we hope this helps you.
So here are five differences between the INFJ vs. INTJ personality types:
1. Dealing with emotions.
INFJs and INTJs deal with feelings in very different ways. For starters, INFJs tend to be more comfortable dealing with the non-rational nature of emotions than INTJs.
In addition, INFJs tend to focus on other people’s emotions. They innately absorb the feelings of others in real-time. This means that they are highly empathetic, and they truly feel other people’s emotions as if they are their own.
It can happen with anyone or anything. It could be a close family member, someone they are sitting next to on the train, or an animal in a book.
When they are around happy people, they naturally take on similar emotions, and the same goes for other scenarios, such as when those around them are sad. However, INFJs can struggle to understand their own emotions to the same degree.
On the other hand, INTJs can find it harder to understand both other people’s emotions and their own because they are so logical.
While INTJs do feel things deeply, they often try to rationalize their emotions. This is because they can find it hard to accept anything that doesn’t have a logical explanation. As emotions often don’t have an entirely rational origin, INTJs can find them confusing or overwhelming.
INTJs are most comfortable when dealing with facts and linear reasoning. For example, knowing that they will lose 1kg if they have a 7,700 calorie deficit is comforting to an INTJ. In order to accept something, they like to have evidence, but this just isn’t possible when it comes to emotions. The same goes for INTJs dealing with the emotions of other people for similar reasons.
2. Making decisions.
INFJs and INTJs focus on different criteria when making decisions. When deciding on the right path, INFJs focus on how it will impact the people involved, while INTJs place more emphasis on logic.
INFJs primarily base their decisions on how they will affect others. They want to create win-win scenarios and avoid hurting anyone’s feelings. Of course, this isn’t always possible, and when they do have to take action that involves hurting other people, it deeply affects them.
INFJs are often the peacemakers in their families or social groups. They will try to see both sides of every issue and find a resolution that works for everyone. When making decisions, INFJs ask: “How does this impact the group?” Ultimately, they are always looking to create harmony with the outer world.
INTJs use deductive logic to make decisions. This means they start at the facts, then go to the theory and then return to the facts. Essentially, INTJs use logic that is based on what is verifiable in the outside world. They tend to focus on the end result they are looking to achieve and work backward from there in order to decide on the best decision to get to that point.
When making decisions, INTJs ask: “Does this make sense based on facts?” They are always thinking about what the most rational and efficient choice is.
3. Sociability.
As introverts, INFJs and INTJs need a lot of alone time. Both types are independent, but INFJs tend to be more sociable.
Despite being introverts, INFJs are people-oriented. They have a strong need for deep connections, and it’s highly unlikely that an INFJ will feel fulfilled without them. This need for connection motivates INFJs to be more sociable than INTJs.
However, they tend to avoid large groups and prefer one-on-one interactions or small gatherings of close friends. Ultimately, INFJs are a paradox of wanting to connect with people but also finding social interactions exhausting. Finding that balance is essential for the well-being of INFJs.
INTJs, on the other hand, are content with fewer close relationships and usually spend less time socializing. They are independent and self-sufficient, and they’re perfectly happy spending time alone. In fact, they often pride themselves on their ability to be self-sufficient.
In addition, INTJs are more skeptical than INFJs, who can be wary of other people with ulterior motives. This means that they tend to be guarded and private, which means they can struggle to open up to others.
4. Communication style.
INTJs and INFJs can both need time to collect their thoughts. However, INTJs are much more direct in the way they communicate, while INFJs consciously think about how their words will impact others.
INFJs are warm in the way they communicate. It’s common for people of this type to ask a lot of questions because they are deeply curious about people, and they are incredible listeners.
INFJs are more likely to be expressive and emotional in their communication style. They may use anecdotes and personal stories to help explain their points, whereas INTJs are more likely to use facts. Both types are extremely private about their feelings, but INFJs are more likely to be open about their emotions.
In addition, INFJs choose their words carefully and are often very persuasive, not in a salesy way, but subtly because they know exactly what makes people tick. INFJs are exceptionally thoughtful and tend to filter what they say through a lens of how their words will impact others. This means they might not always respond quickly because they want to take a second to consider their audience’s life experiences and perspectives.
INTJs are straightforward and detached when they communicate. They focus heavily on facts and see the world as relatively black and white. This means they are clear about what they think and, in turn, what they say. INTJs often look for one answer based on facts. Additionally, they like to get to the point when they communicate because they are so focused on efficiency.
This also means that they can feel like it’s a waste of time going back and forth discussing different points of view. Ultimately, INTJs tend to be articulate and are often seen as people of few words. In particular, they can struggle when it comes to verbalizing their emotions.
5. Showing love.
INFJs and INTJs take different approaches to showing love. In general, INFJs are more open about showing others that they care.
INFJs are always looking for ways to help their loved ones, and they feel happiest when they are able to do so. They are naturally aware of the needs of others, and they try to meet those needs in whatever way they can.
As a result, INFJs make a conscious effort to let people close to them know that they are loved. They often do this in many ways, depending on what they think that person needs at that specific time. Ultimately, you won’t be left wondering whether an INFJ cares about you or not—they will make it known.
INTJs, on the other hand, are not as naturally inclined to show their love and care in overt ways. For INTJs, actions speak louder than words, and they often express their love through thoughtful gestures rather than words.
This doesn’t mean that INTJs don’t care about their loved ones; it’s just that they tend to express it in a less direct way. However, they can sometimes come across as cold, but this is generally unintentional. INTJs are so logical and efficient that they sometimes forget to show their softer side, especially if they are feeling tired or stressed.
INFJ vs. INTJ frequently asked questions
So now we have explained the key differences between the INFJ vs. INTJ personality types. Even for those who have explored personality types in depth, it can still be hard to tell the difference between these two types.
Let’s now look at some frequently asked questions about each personality to help make it clearer for you.
Are INFJs vs. INTPs more creative?
INTJs and INFJs are both highly imaginative. However, their creativity often manifests in slightly different ways.
For starters, INFJs are usually more in touch with their feelings and emotions, which can give them a greater understanding of the human condition. They are also often gifted with strong storytelling abilities and tend to have a greater need for self-expression.
INTJs often pair their creativity with their highly analytical and logical nature. This can help them see problems from innovative perspectives and come up with novel solutions. They are the kind of people who invent the next mode of transport.
To summarize, both INFJs and INTJs have the potential to be highly creative individuals. It’s just that they show their creativity in different situations.
Are INFJs people-pleasers and INTJs selfish?
There is a common misconception that INFJs are people-pleasers and INTJs are selfish. Of course, as with any type, there are people out there of these types who display those characteristics. But healthy INFJs have strong boundaries, and healthy INTJs care about other people’s needs.
Healthy INFJs are able to find a balance between making sure people around them are happy and looking after their own needs. It’s true that they’re naturally more aware of other people. However, healthy INFJs are able to access different aspects of their personality to work out when it’s time to shift the focus to themselves.
Healthy INTJs are not innately selfish. Yes, they are direct, and they know what they want, but they also have a compassionate side. It’s just not always obvious. INTJs are more likely to make decisions based on logic, and this can be viewed as selfish by some people, but they see it as choosing the path that makes the most sense.
Are INFJs vs. INTJs more introverted?
Both INTJs and INFJs are introverts, but they tend to be at different ends of the introversion spectrum. INTJs are considered to be one of the most ‘introverted introverts,’ while INFJs are one of the most ‘extroverted introverts.’ While these two types need a reasonable amount of alone time to feel their best, they also have the ability to spend time interacting with people and the outer world when necessary.
INFJs have more of an innate tendency to come out of their introverted bubble because they are more people-oriented. For INFJs, their loved ones play a significant role in their life, and they strive to make them happy. In addition, they are just innately interested in human psychology.
INTJs are driven by logic and are more likely to show extroverted tendencies when there is a clear reason. It can sometimes be a stepping stone to achieving a goal. For example, they may show more of their extroverted side while leading a team or a company.
Even though they are at opposite ends of the introversion spectrum, INTJs and INFJs are actually quite similar in a lot of ways.
Final thoughts on INFJ vs. INTJ differences
If you haven’t already, check out our individual INTJ and INFJ posts that delve deeper into each personality type. Last but not least, you might also enjoy our posts about INFJ vs.INFP and INFP vs. INTJ.
