The INFJ stare is a term that is used to describe the intense and piercing gaze of an INFJ personality. It has complex origins and generally isn’t intended to be intimidating, although it can sometimes have this effect. INFJs are often seen as mysterious and enigmatic, so it’s no wonder their stare has been the subject of much discussion. But what exactly is it and how can we better understand it? Let’s dig deeper.
The INFJ stare is often characterized by its intensity. It may seem like an endless gaze, as if the INFJ is looking right into your soul. They may appear thoughtful and analytical—like they’re deeply assessing you or the situation. This type of stare is often accompanied by a quiet confidence, making it all the more mysterious.
In this post, we’ll explore the origins of the INFJ stare and the reasons behind it. Whether you’re an INFJ who is trying to understand your own behavior or someone who is trying to better understand the INFJ in their life, learning more about the INFJ stare can help you gain insight into the inner world of this personality type.
Gathering information during the INFJ stare
One of the reasons why INFJs have a tendency to stare is that it helps them to gather information. INFJs are a unique combination of analytical, intuitive, and empathetic. They have a talent for reading people that goes beyond what is on the surface. This makes them particularly skilled at understanding emotions and intentions, as well as deciphering underlying meanings in conversations. But this doesn’t happen by magic.
INFJs primarily take in information through their secondary cognitive function called extraverted feeling. This function is focused on observing and understanding the emotions of others. They pick up on all kinds of signals, such as subtle movements in body language and facial expressions.
The INFJ stare enables them to focus on taking in all of this information without saying a word. They can observe people and situations with an intense focus that makes it easier to read the underlying context. After all, INFJs are all about gathering data and making connections.
In addition, they carefully observed what people say and how they say it, amongst other things. This helps them to build an accurate picture of the situation and gain insight into what people are really feeling. In short, while an INFJ is staring, they are likely engaging their extraverted feeling function and trying to gain as much insight as possible.
Processing information during the INFJ stare
But it doesn’t stop there. To process the information they take in, INFJs need time and space to reflect on it. By staring, they are giving themselves this opportunity. It helps them to analyze and make sense of the situation more accurately.
INFJs primarily process information using their primary cognitive function called introverted intuition. This function is focused on making connections between information and concepts. It enables them to see the big picture and build a deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics of a situation.
Introverted intuition is a complex and often abstract process. It involves connecting the dots between seemingly disparate pieces of information and drawing meaningful conclusions. This is why INFJs sometimes need more time to process information than other types—they are digging deep rather than just taking things at face value.
For an INFJ, it’s not as simple as just listening to what someone is saying and accepting it for what it is. They need time to analyze it, search for patterns, and understand how it fits in with the big picture. They may also start running through various scenarios in their mind, fleshing out what could be happening based on probabilities and predicting possible outcomes.
As you can see, this is a complex process. It takes time and, as such, may explain why the INFJ stare can sometimes appear so intense and unwavering. They may also tap into their third cognitive function, introverted thinking, during this time to check the new information is logically sound and that it is in accordance with what they already know.
Why the INFJ stare is so intense
As we’ve discussed, the INFJ stare is a way for people of this type to take in information, primarily relating to people, and then process it. This whole affair requires mental energy and has a depth that can be difficult to understand unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. Furthermore, it is intensified by their extremely active inner world.
There’s another reason why the INFJ stare is so intense. Despite having a talent for reading people, INFJs can be quite unaware of their physical surroundings. As such, they may be completely lost in their own thoughts and not realize that they are staring. Essentially, INFJs can get so caught up in their heads that they fail to notice how long they’ve been looking at someone or something.
While deep in thought, their facial expression can appear intense or unreadable. This isn’t intentional, and it’s not because they are trying to conceal anything. Rather, it’s simply a combination of their active inner world and unawareness of their physical surroundings.
How others view the INFJ stare
So, how do other people view the INFJ stare? Well, it depends.
On one hand, people can be fascinated by the intensity of the INFJ stare. They might be able to tell that the cogs are turning and that the INFJ is making some sharp observations. This might make them intrigued by the INFJ and all of their hidden depth.
People might find themselves wanting to figure out what’s going on inside the INFJ’s head and understand why they are so focused. While the INFJ stare can be confusing in some ways, it can also draw people in.
Others may be intimidated by the INFJ stare or not know quite what to make of it. They might take it personally or worry that they have done something wrong. In fact, there are several misconceptions about the INFJ stare, so let’s move onto the next section.
6 misconceptions about the INFJ stare
As with many aspects of this personality type, the INFJ stare has hidden depth and complexity that can be easily misunderstood. Here are six common misconceptions about the INFJ stare.
1) They are judging people.
The INFJ stare isn’t a sign of judgment. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It comes from a place of wanting to understand people, not judge them. INFJs have a deep desire to connect with people and understand their thoughts and feelings, which is why they often observe them so intently.
2) They are trying to be mysterious.
INFJs aren’t trying to be mysterious when they engage in their intense stare. To be quite honest, INFJs are far more focused on other things than trying to appear a certain way. The INFJ stare can indeed come across as mysterious, though, but it’s unintentional.
3) They are attempting to manipulate or control.
The INFJ stare isn’t some nefarious attempt at manipulation or control. While some people might use tactics like that to get what they want, INFJs aren’t the type to do so. They generally have good intentions and it’s not in their nature to be controlling.
4) They use it to intimidate.
Again, this isn’t true. INFJs don’t use their stare as a way to intimidate people. They are generally quite nurturing and compassionate and don’t want to make people feel uncomfortable. In fact, INFJs greatly value harmony, which means they have an innate desire for people to feel at ease around them.
5) They look down upon people.
The INFJ stare isn’t a sign of superiority or looking down upon someone. As mentioned above, INFJs have a genuine desire to connect with others and understand them more deeply, not view them as inferior. INFJs are deeply empathetic and hate for people to feel they are being looked down upon.
6) They use it to hide their true emotions.
While they are private individuals, INFJs don’t use the stare to hide their true emotions. Indeed, they are often expressionless while engaging in the INFJ stare, but that doesn’t mean they are doing it to hide something.
Final thoughts on the INFJ stare
In short, there’s more to the INFJ stare than meets the eye. This article has delved deep into the complexities and nuances of the INFJ stare. It’s important to remember that while the INFJ stare is noticeable, it’s not as dramatic as might be assumed after reading a whole article about it. It generally lasts a few seconds—it’s not some never-ending gaze that lasts the entirety of a conversation.
Ultimately, it’s important to understand and respect the INFJ stare for what it is—a sign that the INFJ is processing information and trying to understand someone on a deeper level. Essentially, it helps INFJs to read people quickly and draw conclusions without needing to hear all the details.
So, the next time you find yourself on the receiving end of an INFJ stare, take a moment to appreciate the depth that lies behind it.
If you liked this article, you might also like The INFJ Door Slam and Everything You Need to Know About the INFJ Male.
