What I Love (and Don't Love) About Being an INFP

I've been hearing a lot about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator lately, and I have zero complaints about that. It's actually surprising to me that I've only blogged on the topic once, since I'm a huge fan of this personality test. But before I get ahead of myself, let me start with a disclaimer: No, I don't think the MBTI should define our lives, and no, I don't let it define mine. People sometimes ask me if I really relate to everything about my personality type when I share my love for the test, of if I'm just "trying to fit the mold" because that's what the test told me I am.

My answer is always that I love the MBTI because it describes me almost perfectly. I wouldn't make such a big deal about it if it didn't. If you're not familiar with how the test works, check out my last post on the topic. But basically, I am considered an INFP. And today, I wanted to share some of the things I love (and maybe don't love so much) about being one.

INFPs value individualism over fitting in.

For people with this personality type, we actually get a twisted thrill out of not fitting the mold. I believe this has to do with the fact that INFPS are very introspective people, so we have a pretty good idea of who we are and what our values are. We define ourselves according to those things, and don't like the idea of doing what everyone else may consider normal simply for the sake of fitting in. I actually tend to be suspicious (for better or for worse) of what's considered normal and expected. I want to tread my own path without letting what's popular or traditional distract me.

INFPs are spontaneous (sometimes maybe too much...)

The fact that we're a Perceiving (instead of Judging) type means that we'd rather opt out of to-do lists and "go with the flow." I know this is true about me because I love when my travels or mission trips go off course and new adventures come up. But I know that also drives some people crazy... For most INFPs though, we don't need to know exactly how things are going to turn out (unless it comes to something we're really passionate about. We can become very focused on details when we need to be). That also means we can be a little (okay, maybe more than a little) messy, scatterbrained, and sometimes disorganized when it comes to our personal lives. That's something I'm definitely trying to work on.

INFPs are children at heart.

Depending on how introverted an INFP is, they can tend to come off as distant and serious at the first impression. I know I'm naturally guarded when I first meet people (much as I'm trying to work on that), but when I'm alone or with those I'm close to, I like to be silly and enjoy life as much as possible. INFPs aren't afraid to indulge in things people might consider childish if they make us happy. For me, that means I get way too excited about windy days, spotting hawks flying around my city, or my favorite Disney Movies.

INFPs do not like conflict.

I call this my run-away-at-the-first-sign-of-an-argument tendency. INFPs value harmony, which means even when we may have a problem with someone, we're more likely to keep it to ourselves for as long as we can stand to. I used to think this was a good thing, that I was helping keep the peace by avoiding disagreements. But over the past few years, I've really learned how this can work against me. I admire people who are direct and honest (without being rude) about their concerns. That requires bravery, and fosters healthy communication. So I know this is something I need to develop more in my own life, and I'm glad I have people around me who set a great example on how to do it.

All these things make it so clear to me that I'm an INFP. But what about you? Have you taken the MBTI, and do you agree with your type?

#personality #life #2016