INFJ personality type in a nutshell

So what’s the meaning of INFJ personality type? INFJs are complex individuals who have a strong desire to help others and make the world a better place. They are the rarest personality type. With a combination of strong morals, idealism and a focus on the future, they have a unique ability to come up with carefully considered plans and take steps to bring positive change to people’s lives.  

INFJs are exceptionally talented at reading people. They can often sense someone’s mood the moment they walk into a room, which is both a blessing and a curse. It plays a part in why INFJs are so empathetic and kind, but it can also be overwhelming and draining for these sensitive individuals. People of the INFJ personality type are constantly looking for a deeper meaning behind what people do and say.

“Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes.”

Carl Jung

Despite being people-oriented, INFJs need a lot of alone time, shielded from the emotions of others, in order to recharge. It’s common for INFJs to be mistaken for extroverts but they feel exhausted when they’re around people for too long, particularly if the conversation revolves around small talk.

Famous INFJs

1. Carl Jung: Carl Jung was an INFJ. He has a strong influence on the world as he developed the theory that MBTI is based on.
2. Cate Blanchett: Cate Blanchett, an INFJ, is hard-working and has a mystical air about her.
3. Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela was an INFJ. He fought tooth and nail for justice and a better future.

Best matches

ENTP

ENTP: So Visionary

ENFP

ENFP: So Curious

INFJ personality type relationships

When it comes to relationships, INFJs take commitment seriously and rarely have casual flings. They yearn for meaningful connections and to feel understood but finding someone who understands their complex nature is not an easy task. Fortunately, when they do meet that special someone, INFJs have many desirable qualities that make them highly attractive.

INFJs are most compatible with partners who are supportive and loyal. It takes them a while to open up so it helps if their partner is patient. So which types are the best matches for an INFJ? ENTPs and ENFPs are the best personality matches for an INFJ. You can read our complete guide to INFJ compatibility to learn more.

Ideal date

Embrace your cultural side and grab two tickets to a show at the theatre. 

Strengths

Weaknesses

The meaning of INFJ

So what is the meaning of INFJ? INFJ is one of the 16 personality types. INFJ stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling and Judging. Each letter represents certain personality characteristics:

1. Introversion means that INFJs direct their energy to their inner world.
2. iNtuition means that INFJs focus on concepts and abstract theories.
3. Feeling means that INFJs primarily make decisions based on people and values.
4. Judging means that INFJs prefer to live their lives in a structured and organized way.

At So Syncd, we call INFJs ‘So Thoughtful’ because they have a caring nature and are always looking out for other people. They are also known as The Advocate, The Mystic and The Counselor.

If you want to delve deeper into what it means to be an INFJ, check out our post about INFJ cognitive functions.

INFJ personality type characteristics

Being the rarest personality type, INFJs are frequently misunderstood. They have many layers to their personality and are deeply private. INFJs are skilled listeners who enjoy helping people solve their personal problems. Not being ones for small talk, INFJs prefer to jump straight to deeper topics, and meaningful connections are extremely important to this personality type.

Don’t let the soft-spoken and empathetic nature of an INFJ fool you. They might be reserved, but they always stand up for what they believe in. If they see something that they think is unfair, they’ll let their opinions be known, and they have a strong sense of what the world ‘should’ look like.

INFJ values

INFJs have a strong desire to help others, particularly those who they are close to and those less fortunate than themselves. They have a deep sense of empathy for both animals and humans, to the extent that they are capable of feeling the emotions of others as if they are their own.

Harmony is important to INFJs too. This personality type has an uncanny ability to read other people and know what they’re thinking. External emotions impact INFJs so much that if their environment is filled with conflict and discord, they are deeply impacted. As a result, INFJs are most content when the people around them are happy.

The paradox of the INFJ

INFJs are emotional but analytical. As well as being in touch with the emotions of people around them, they are also in touch with their own emotions. However, they have a pragmatic side as well and they’re not just idle dreamers.

INFJs are highly analytical, which can come as a surprise to a lot of people. They love to approach problems from a logical perspective. Whereas some personality types tend towards science or humanities, INFJs don’t seem to have a clear preference. They can thrive in a variety of career paths, from fiction writer to brain surgeon.

Are INFJs rare?

INFJs are the rarest personality type. INFJs make up:
1. 2% of the general population.
2. 2% of the female population.
3. 1% of the male population.

Female INFJs

Female INFJs tend to feel like they don’t quite fit in. Their ability to see points of views from other peoples’ perspectives means that they are acutely aware of how differently they think compared to a lot of people. Female INFJs are nurturing and people-oriented but in a reserved manner and they can come across as distant.

Male INFJs

Being empathetic and gentle, male INFJs often feel particularly misunderstood as their personality characteristics go against stereotypical masculine traits. Male INFJs are in touch with their emotions but they tend to only share this side of themselves with very few people, if any. They are caring and considerate and the right partner for them will deeply appreciate these traits, along with many of their other unique characteristics.

Find meaningful connections as an INFJ

If you’re looking for meaningful connections, sign up to So Syncd today to meet your perfect personality match. You can download So Syncd from your iOS or Android app store.