10 Good Things and 10 Bad Things About Being an INFP

The Good

1. INFPs are peacemakers. We leave no rock left unturned when trying to understand a difficult conflict, especially rifts between loved ones.
2. INFPs are highly creative. That active imagination often translates into exceptional artistry, writing, and musicianship.
3. INFPs make great confidants. Don’t worry. Your horrible dirty secrets will die with us. Also, we probably won’t judge you too hard.
4. INFPs value balance, beauty, peace, and kindness. Your neighborhood herbalist, naturopath, massage therapist, or Reiki healer? Probably an INFP. Healing arts are the perfect place for us folks.
5. INFPs may be outwardly quiet, but we are never bored, and are easily occupied with our own daydreams of the future. There is no better company for an INFP then themselves or another INFP who can enthusiastically join along in their mischief.
6. INFPs are inclined to be sentimental and romantic. We have every anniversary and birthdate remembered. We still have that box of photos and notes from middle school stashed behind other boxes of pictures and Christmas cards.
7. INFPs are big picture people. Details and logistics may be a struggle for us to maintain, but we will go above and beyond if we believe the task at hand contributes to a greater mission or purpose.
8. INFP’s are empathic. The highly sensitive nature of the INFP allows us to understand emotion in a way few other personality types can. We are very good at reading the emotions of others and in groups.
9. INFP’s have well developed personal philosophies. We are always assessing our place in the world and looking for ways to make it better for everyone around us.
10. INFP’s will change the world. Our passion for a cause makes us an unstoppable force behind any mission.

The Bad

1. INFPs are passive aggressive. Because we really dislike conflict, we are inclined to express our displeasure indirectly and unclearly.
2. INFP’s are clutter disasters. The negative aspect of the INFP’s tendency towards keeping “everything” is that we can quickly become overwhelmed with “stuff.”
3. INFP’s tend to leave things incomplete. We tend to move on once we have accomplished what we set out to do. Often times, things get left unfinished. Things like cleaning dishes after baking a cake becomes, superfluous. If I baked a cake, I may not notice that there are dishes to be washed because, hey I just baked a cake!
4. INFPs are total space cadets. We have amazing imaginations. If left unchecked, we will stay on a thought so long we may not notice that we are walking right into a wall. For that reason…
5. INFPs are prone to booboos. Cuts, bumps, scraped knees, and broken arms. Ouch!
6. INFPs are procrastinators. The tendency to over-think every possible scenario can often leave us frozen in our tracks. Self-doubt can set in if we’re not careful.
7. INFP’s have a loner streak. Often times, crowds are overwhelming to us. We may not always let on that we would rather be at home with a book and not at your birthday party. The problem is…
8. INFP’s are dangerously self-sacrificing. We love you so much that we will endure your birthday party because it’s important to you. You may never realize this, and we will never tell you.
9. INFP’s crave validation. Please tell us how wonderful we are and how you appreciate our efforts. We need that. Tip: You will get even more out of an INFP if you always recognize they got your back.
10. INFP’s are their own worst critics. Since we take our mission-driven work seriously, we are constantly assessing its worthiness. Sometimes this negative trait can lead to a lack of confidence.