How to Interact with the Introverted: Part 2

How to Interact with the Introverted: Part 1

Today's INFJ Meme

"INFJs see two people in everyone. They see the public persona, the outer shell, that everyone else sees. But they don’t stop there. Their Se and Fe functions pick up subtle non-verbal cues which are then synthesized and interpreted by their Ni. This provides them with information about an individual’s inner world that is completely missed by other types. Because of their keen perceptiveness, INFJs are rarely fooled by facades or fakery. They can readily see beyond appearances and apprehend an individual’s deeper motives and intentions, including any underlying ego issues. In fact, INFJs can often see the truth about people more clearly than those people can see it in themselves."

Your Type Does Not Define Who You Are

Most often when I come across MBTI groups or blogs, they make the mistake of assuming everyone is their type 100% and that certain types are all the same. In fact, this is just the opposite.

The traits of your type are merely a foundation, a collection of surveyed and observed results. Every person is different and not everyone will have all of their type's traits. Granted, you will have quite a bit of them - that's why you were placed in that type - but it does not define who you are.

I made this myself. So proud. Isn't it pretty?

Think of it as a "check the box that applies to you" survey. People are going to have similar answers, but not a 100% match every time. You see, people aren't clones fit into a handful of categories: they are infinitely unique beings with a vast array thoughts and emotions. Just like snowflakes, no one person is ever the same. So why would people assume that INFJs or ENTJs (or any other type) would all be the same, or that everything their type says is true of the individual?

Sadly, a lot of this comes from the individual themselves. They lump a type together and rant and rave about them, assuming it's true for all people in that type. Then, they'll turn around and do the same thing to themselves; they'll try to fit themselves into all the traits of the type. What we all have to realize is that there is no 100% match and a 60-something question standard test doesn't know who we are better than we do.

According to INFJ papers, we all have a moral code, or standards. But our morals aren't going to be the same. Same thing goes for our ideals and our imagination. We're not a hive mind; unless you're in some creepy, isolated, brain-washing cult of some sort, no one is. We are shaped by events in our lives as well as our environment.

No test is going to change who we are, nor should it. You're still the same person you were before you took the test, only now you have the information and tools to take a deeper look at yourself and become a more well-rounded person. That's what we should take away from this test.

 Please note that there is a difference between constructive criticism and hate. Constructive (polite and helpful) criticism, other points of view, and opinions are welcome. Rude comments and hate are not; those comments will be removed.

About "Understanding INFJ"

I am an INFJ. I have been one all of my life, though I thought it was just me and I had no idea about the MBTI test or types. Being the introvert that I am, I spent a lot of time thinking about who I am and reflecting on such things as how others interact together, how I interact with others, body language, facial expressions, vocal tones... As a result, I moved along much faster than normal and developed my type rather well. Being surrounded by extreme extroverted types all my life also helped me to adapt to other types and venture outside my comfort zone. Though it was exhausting in every sense of the word, I am thankful for it. It has provided me with a great understanding of myself, others, and the world around me. It has given me the tools to adapt, evolve, and blend into different social situations.

When I learned about the test and took it, I scored such a high INFJ result. I was curious and started reading on it; what I found explained a lot and really helped me work some stuff out.

The purpose of this blog is to help INFJs understand more about themselves and others, as well as encourage them to strengthen their weak areas and refine their strong points. However, it's not just for INFJs. All types are welcome to come learn, compare/contrast, and share things from their view point. This blog will be based on facts that I learn, a few opinions, and many personal experiences.

I may not post here every day, or even every week. Life intervenes and we have to work hard just to stay afloat. What I will promise is that I will at least post every two weeks with some bit of information, useful links, or something I've thought of.

So, welcome one and all. Let's begin.

Please note that there is a difference between constructive criticism and hate. Constructive (polite and helpful) criticism, other points of view, and opinions are welcome. Rude comments and hate are not; those comments will be removed.