Are you INFJ? And does that mean that INFJs get along well with each other?

[Paidiske]

It's descriptive, not prescriptive.

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

First time I read the headline for this post, I thought you were talking about positions in rugby or something. I used to read a lot of (or somewhat) cognitive psychology literature, and they don't put people in pre-established boxes. In fact, they work to get people out of boxes people themselves put in. I wonder how much of those pre-established boxes are simplifications mixed with some universal truths (maybe even leaning to horoscope-type quality of insights) that one doesn't even have to acknowledge. I wonder if they are just another layer of chains.

Self-understanding is always important and helpful. However, any particular test (like the Myers-Briggs) that evaluates personality factors will result in generalizations, most of which apply but some not. We are unique individuals and cannot be pigeon-holed so easily.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

We are unique individuals and cannot be pigeon-holed so easily.

I don't mind being pigeon holed as amazing, omnipotent, intelligent, superior, well-informed, compassionate, best Christian out there hands down, humblest of the humble. I can take it. it doesn't bother me.

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

I don't mind being pigeon holed as amazing, omnipotent, intelligent, superior, well-informed, compassionate, best Christian out there hands down, humblest of the humble. I can take it. it doesn't bother me.

You and me too, bro'! But that ain't goin' to happen. Oh well. No one out there is qualified to judge either one of us-- only God, and fortunately He loves us despite our weaknesses. By the way, I am a high N, the rest are balanced.

 

[JesusIsMyTicket]

Eh I love Meyers Brigg types and I really do think they define a lot! XD Perhaps I like labels too much as well.
I am an ESFJ according to most places. Nonetheless, I would recommend remembering each person is unique in their way and no personality test will totally define every aspect, but you may find yourself relating to a lot.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

a useful video on INFJ

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

But I think we should downplay this idea of us as being "extra special". That stat. about INFJ's being 2% of the population might be exaggerated. In God's eyes, we are all equal.

 

[AngelJ]

I'm also an INFJ and I only learned of it when I took the test to apply for a government job. I take life as it's given to me, one way or another Although I'd be much happier in a room or somewhere off by myself, more than being surrounded by people, I believe, I would be missed ..I'm the only one around that can do everything.

- I watched that video posted here. last year, it was at 1%.

 

[Neari]

I am INFJ. I'll include some data later ( or somebody else can). Are you eccentric like me? Tend to feel you are perceptive and not enjoy rational, left brain debate?
Starting to sound like a pain already?
We are all complex. I feel complex but I know that doesn't make me any better than simple souls who get on with it and just do it. I envy such people who are unpretentious and pragmatic. The hard workers of the world don't suffer procrastination and moral dilemmas. I can create moral dilemmas out of very simple problems , someone once told me.

Hi, just wanted to drop by, I'm an INFJ also.

 

[Meowzltov]

All these labels are just that, labels. Each human being is so unique, I don't think any label serves them justly. But you can throw me into the same general pile of INFJ-ish people.

INFJ is a label based on our answers to a long list of questions, so it says a lot about us in four little letters.

So you are saying to include you because you took the test?

 

[Meowzltov]

Another INFJ here. I'll let my eccentricity speak for itself.

Paul, there's a book that's probably out of print now, but it's an interesting read if you can get hold of a copy: Wake Up the Sun: An Exploration of Personality Types and Spiritual Growth by Margaret Dwyer. She looks at how spirituality can be different for, say, introverts vs. extroverts and so forth, and makes some suggestions both for working from our strengths and strengthening our weaknesses.

Oh, I so had you pegged! Typewatcher here!

There is a wonderful book called Temperament and Prayer that discusses how the four broad types (NF, NT, SJ, and SP) approach prayer and worship differently. I think it is a good book for pastors to have.

Hey did you know that almost all books on prayer are written by NFs?

And we read the Bible TRANSLATIONALLY which is something other types rarely do. It means that we believe the Bible is written specifically for us as individuals, that "This passage has a message in it that is just for me."

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

Hi, just wanted to drop by, I'm an INFJ also.

welcome to the CF INFJ club. We are a non-for profit group aiming for greater self-understanding through sharing of life experiences and anecdotes of times we showed our "true colors."

 

[Meowzltov]

Hmm.... as I typed I looked up my last personality test online. The last two I took at two sites say, well one says INTJ and the other says ISFJ.

You have far too much empathy for an INTJ. You simply have a strongly developed Ti function (introverted Thinking function). This is true of many INFJ's, so you are not alone. My online persona tends to be very rational, although I'm a true feeler in the real world.

The thing that marks the difference between an INFJ and an INTJ is what happens when your gut intuition and your reasoning conflict? Let's say your gut is telling you that someone is dangerous but your reasoning tells you that there is no reason to think such a thing. The INTJ will continue to interact with the person. The INFJ will avoid them.

 

[Meowzltov]

I pictured you more as an extrovert Paidiske. With all that public speaking you have to do, I thought extroversion was an advantage as a minister.

I worked very hard at developing a extroverted persona. People at school, work, church... they have no idea I'm an introvert. But honestly, once I'm home I just curl up with my alone time activities and recharge my batteries! I think I could go a week without any human interaction and be just fine.

 

[Meowzltov]

I have heard some people claim that you need to be an extrovert to be a good minister. I disagree

Introverts in general make better listeners, and INFJ's in general are great counselors -- a terrific plus as a pastor!

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

That's why, as a teacher I was exhausted by the end of the day. What extroverts take in their stride, chatting to countless people all day, introverts like me (also have soc. anxiety), just find totally draining. I too pretended to be an extrovert. I was an imposter !

 

[Meowzltov]

INFJ:
I's do not connect well with people in general and prefer to keep to themselves.
Js are insecure and hate change, so they are not very flexible. They tend to be rigid and judgmental in their views and can be obsessive-compulsive in their work style, over-analyzing and second-guessing everything. They love order and are great at plans and agendas, and keeping to them. They need to practice spontaneity and learn to "let go and let God."
Fs are emotionally driven rather than rationally driven, so rational arguments rarely work to lead them forward. FJs can be extremely protective of both self and family members (to a fault).
The saving grace of the INFJ is the high N. This intuitive ability to understand situations and people at an almost psychic level will help them connect with others at a deep level and trust those few who are trustworthy. This trust loosens up their rigid self-protectiveness so that they can cooperate with others and be more flexible and tolerant.

I would not recommend this particular summary. Although accurate, it is too skimpy, and brings out only the unflattering qualities of I, F, and J. Every trait has it's up side and down side. It's not like there are right traits to be, only different traits.

 

[Meowzltov]

Self-understanding is always important and helpful. However, any particular test (like the Myers-Briggs) that evaluates personality factors will result in generalizations, most of which apply but some not. We are unique individuals and cannot be pigeon-holed so easily.

I agree, you have to tailor it.

Bruce, do you use the MBTI in your counseling profession? Do you find it useful?

I find I get clients that look down on themselves and want to be their opposites (oh I'm an emotional wreck; I wish I could be clear headed and rational, etc.) or they view themselves as all that and a bag of chips and everyone else as worthless. I use the MBTI to help them see that everyone has their up side and down side, that it takes all kinds to make the world go around.

It has been particularly helpful in working with couples. It helps them appreciate their differences in thinking, and gets them to see the good side of the other which maybe they once found attractive, but had forgotten about.

 

[Meowzltov]

But I think we should downplay this idea of us as being "extra special". That stat. about INFJ's being 2% of the population might be exaggerated. In God's eyes, we are all equal.

I agree. I don't think the fact that daisies are more common makes them less special. Maybe the world has fewer INFJs because it just doesn't needs so many!

 

[S.O.J.I.A.]

I'm No Flipping Joke