If you’re reading this post, there’s a high chance that you’re trying to work out if you’re an INFP vs. INTJ personality type. These two types are sometimes confused because they share a number of 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 INFP vs. INTJ personality types:
1. Dealing with emotions.
INFPs and INTJs deal with feelings in very different ways. For starters, INFPs tend to be more comfortable dealing with the irrational nature of emotions than INTJs.
INFPs are exceptionally aware of their feelings in a very intricate way. They are constantly processing their emotions, and, as a result, they can sometimes seem like they’re in their own world. INFPs are arguably the personality type that is most in touch with their emotions.
Despite this, they can appear aloof and unemotional. While others usually view them as calm, they feel intensely passionate on the inside. Even when an INFP is incredibly excited about something, it can be hard to tell that’s the case.
INFPs are easily moved and tend to cry more often than a lot of other personality types. They don’t like to cry in front of other people, though, and will wait until they’re alone if possible.
On the other hand, INTJs can find it harder to understand both other people’s emotions and their own. This is 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. Seeing as emotions often don’t have an entirely rational origin, INTJs can find them confusing or even 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.
INFPs and INTJs focus on different criteria when making decisions. When deciding on the right path, INFPs prioritize emotions, while INTJs place more of an emphasis on logic.
INFPs have a deep need to stay true to themselves, and they aren’t particularly concerned about what others think of them.
When making decisions, INFPs ask: “How do I feel about this?” As an INFP myself, I actively rebelled against peer pressure when I was a teenager and made it very clear that I would only do what I felt was right.
INFPs are driven by a need to remain authentic, and they often make decisions based on what feels right. Ultimately, they are always looking to create harmony within themselves.
INTJs use deductive logic to make decisions. This means they start with 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 is the most rational and efficient path.
3. Sociability.
As introverts, INFPs and INTJs need a lot of alone time. Both types are independent, but INFPs tend to be more sociable.
Despite being introverts, INFPs are people-oriented. They have a strong need for deep connections, and it’s highly unlikely that an INFP will feel fulfilled without them.
This need for connection motivates INFPs 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, INFPs 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 INFPs.
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 INFPs and can be wary of other people having ulterior motives. This means that they tend to be guarded and can struggle to open up to others.
4. Communication style.
INTJs and INFPs can both need time to collect their thoughts. However, INTJs are much more direct in the way they communicate, while INFPs consciously think about how their words will impact others.
INFPs 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.
Plus, they 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 private about their feelings, but INFPs are generally slightly more open about them. In addition, INFPs choose their words carefully and often want to get across how they feel about something.
INFPs have very strong morals, and they filter what they say through a lens of whether their words are in alignment with their values.
INTJs are straightforward and detached when they communicate. Seeing as they focus heavily on facts, they 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 it’s a waste of time to go back and forth discussing different points of view.
Ultimately, INTJs tend to be articulate and are often seen as people of few words. They can struggle when it comes to verbalizing their emotions.
5. Showing love.
INFPs and INTJs take different approaches with regard to how they show love. In general, INFPs are more open about showing someone they care.
INFPs are always looking for ways to support their loved ones and address their needs. They feel happiest when the people they care about are fulfilled, and they are highly empathetic.
As a result, INFPs 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 INFP 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 such overt ways. For INTJs, actions speak louder than words, and they often express their love through thoughtful gestures.
This doesn’t mean that INTJs don’t care about their loved ones; it’s just that they tend to express it in different ways. However, they can come across as cold at times, and this tends to be unintentional.
INTJs are naturally so logical and efficient that they sometimes forget to show their softer side, especially if they are feeling tired or stressed.
INFP vs. INTJ frequently asked questions
So now we have explained the key differences between the INFP 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 INFPs vs. INTJs more creative?
INTJs and INFPs are both highly imaginative. However, their creativity often manifests in slightly different ways.
For starters, INFPs 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 to see problems from innovative perspectives and come up with novel solutions. They are the kind of people who invent the next mode of transport.
In the end, both INTJs and INFPs have the potential to be highly creative individuals. It’s just that they show their creativity in different situations.
Do INFPs and INTJs have a similar energy?
INFPs and INTJs are both introverts and intuitives, so it’s no surprise that they share certain characteristics. Both types keep themselves to themselves, yet it’s clear that they have a lot going on in their heads.
INFPs and INTJs are deep thinkers and are both focused on their inner worlds. However, INFPs are more focused on their emotions, and for INTJs, it’s facts and data. As a result, INFPs are more emotional and while they are both private, INFPs tend to have more distinctive facial expressions.
INFPs also come across as softer than INTJs. While they aren’t outgoing and bubbly, they usually give off a receptive and kind energy.
INTJs tend to be more matter-of-fact. They can come across as more detached and logical compared to INFPs. Plus, they are more likely to say what they’re thinking.
Are INFPs vs. INTJs more introverted?
Both INTJs and INFPs 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 INFPs are one of the more ‘extroverted introverts.’
However, it’s worth noting that 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.
INFPs have more of an innate tendency to come out of their introverted bubble because they are more people-oriented. For INFPs, 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 INFPs are actually quite similar in the big scheme of things.
Final thoughts on INFP vs. INTJ differences
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our individual INFP and INTJ posts, which delve deeper into each personality type. Last but not least, you might also enjoy our post about INTJ vs. INTP differences.
