If you’re interested in psychology, then you’ve likely heard of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
The Myers-Briggs test is an introspective self-assessment in which you determine your personality traits and decision-making style according to the principles of psychology.
The test assigns traits according to four categories of personality typology; introversion and extroversion, sensing and intuition, thinking and feeling, and judging and perceiving.
Although the Myers-Briggs test was created in the 20th century, it remains a highly reliable personality indicator.
Many people use the test to determine which careers to choose, who to partner with, and more.
This personality type blends introversion with intuition and thinking with judgment.
If you are an INTJ—or know someone who is—this guide will tell you everything you need to know about this unique personality type—complete with career guides and relationship advice. So read on to find out more about INTJs.
Quick Navigation
What is INFP? (And What Does It Stand For?)
An INFP, also known as ‘the Mediator,’ possesses the qualities of introversion, intuition, feeling, and perception.
These personality types are commonly known to be idealistic and lead vibrant inner lives.
INFPs are intelligent, creative dreamers. They tend to immerse themselves in art or music, preferring to live in their heads than in reality.
These personality types are interested in meeting the needs of others, and they commonly engage in profound relationships and helping professions.
According to research, INFPs comprise only between 4% and 6% of the total population, making them relatively rare among other personality types.
For this reason, they might often feel lonely or separate from others, but because they are so observant and sensitive, they are often problem solvers in social situations.
Key INFP Characteristics & Traits
The Myers-Briggs test predicts personality traits based on a series of questions. According to the test, INFPs share specific immutable characteristics and traits.
Having a firm understanding of those traits can help you navigate the world—whether you are an INFP or know someone who is.
INFPs are known, first and foremost, to be quiet and introspective. They tend to focus on their inner lives instead of the world outside.
As a result, they are described as ‘dreamers’ who tend to be reserved in social situations.
INFPs are highly creative, and their creativity begins with introspection. They love art, music, or design and are profoundly affected by the creations of others.
Mediators are highly romantic, meaning they have robust morals to which they adhere—and they often hold others to their high standards.
They see the best in people and actively work towards a better world—because they believe it is possible.
INFPs care about social issues and the environment. For this reason, they are described as empathetic, charitable, and generous.
They are known to experience the emotions of others actively and to care a great deal about them.
As a result, they are driven to engage in volunteerism or helping professions, dedicating their lives to helping others.
Lastly, INFPs wholeheartedly engage in everything they are passionate about. This hyperfocus makes multitasking difficult, an INFP can be unrealistic.
INFP Examples
There are many renowned INFPs. Because INFPs are highly creative and driven, they often receive great acclaim for their work in the arts or caring professions. Here is a guide to the most well-known INFPs.
Famous INFPs
INFPs are found among writers, artists, and other creatives. As a result, they are well-represented among famous people.
William Shakespeare:
The renowned 16th-century playwright was an INFP. Widely considered the father of modern language and drama, Shakespeare had incredible wit, dexterity with phrasing, and an understanding of complex human psychology. Moreover, this writing genius invented words and slang still used in the present day.
J.R.R. Tolkien:
The author of the Lord of the Rings series was also an INFP and known to be a dreamer and idealist. A linguistics scholar, Tolkien spoke dozens of languages, including Latin, French, and German, and invented a complex language for the characters in his books.
Isabel Briggs Myers:
Lastly, the creator of the Myers-Briggs personality test was an INFP herself! A talented writer and researcher, Briggs studied the work of psychologist Carl Jung and was inspired to expand on his concept of psychological types.
Other famous INFPs include:
- George Orwell
- Edgar Allan Poe
- Jim Morrison of The Doors
- Andrew Garfield
- Vincent Van Gogh
- J.K. Rowling
- Anne Frank
- Helen Keller
INFP Celebrities
There are many celebrities who are considered INFPs. The most well-known are the following:
Johnny Depp: the famous actor who has appeared in such movies as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” is an INFP known for his quiet demeanor and inventive style.
Fiona Apple: this highly sensitive and delicate singer creates music featuring unique lyrics that epitomize INTP ingenuity.
Bjork: her wildly creative electronic music and lyrics are temperamental and vibrant and represent the heightened perception of the INFP perfectly.
Robert Pattinson: exhibits many classic INFP traits, including creativity, style, and interest in others.
Heath Ledger: the late actor was also an INFP known for his quiet, gentle demeanor and sensitivity.
Timothee Chalamet: the introverted actor’s characteristics are displayed through his contemplative and introspective nature, often showing a preference for profound, significant discussions rather than mundane chit-chat. Typical of INFPs.
Nicolas Cage: the actor who has appeared in such films as “Ghost Rider,” “Face Off,” and “National Treasure,” is a known INFP with an eccentric personality and a creative style.
Winona Ryder: her portrayal of complex, introspective characters in films like “Heathers” and “Girl, Interrupted” demonstrates her ability to tap into the depth of human emotions, a characteristic often associated with the INFP type. Her reputation as an introverted and private individual aligns with the INFP preference for solitary reflection and a focus on inner values and ideals.
Kurt Cobain: this rock musician is widely considered to be the founder of the grunge movement. His intense lyrics and volatile guitar playing inspired youth around the world.
INFP Fictional Characters
Their strong emotions and artistic personality make INFP an inspiration for many fictional characters. For this reason, they often appear in books and movies. The most well-known examples of INFP fictional characters are the following:
Will Byers: the quiet, creative protagonist of the hit TV show, “Stranger Things,” is an INFP.
Luke Skywalker: the “Star Wars” protagonist is also considered an INFP for his gentle and empathetic demeanor.
Luna Lovegood: of “Harry Potter” is an INFP, like her creator J .K. Rowling.
Belle: the dreamy, romantic of “Beauty and the Beast” is an INFP who loves to read and cares deeply about others.
Rory Gilmore: the empathetic intellect in ‘Gilmore Girls’ embodies INFP traits.
Frodo Baggins: from “Lord of the Rings” is an INFP, much like the series author, J.R.R. Tolkien.
The Joker: from Batman. The Joker can be seen as fitting the INFP type due to his imaginative and emotionally driven nature, his ability to tap into the darker aspects of human psychology, and his inclination to challenge societal norms and express himself in unconventional ways. He may be referred to as an “unhealthy” INFP.
Walter Mitty: the title character in James Thurber’s short story “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.”
Cassie Ainsworth: this “Skins” character is an INFP who exhibits the quiet gentleness for which this personality is known.
INFP Strengths & Weaknesses
INFPs are fascinating characters who share many strengths—and a few weaknesses. Read on to explore a few.
Strengths
Creativity: INFPs tend to be involved in creative pursuits such as art, music, writing, or fashion. Because they are also idealistic, they tend to pursue their creative goals with passion and zeal. They see things from many perspectives and consider every possibility.
Passionate: Heightened feeling function makes the INFP caring and intense in relationships.
Intelligent: A perceiving personality that considers every issue from all sides, INFP love analysis. Because they are feelers, they use this intelligence to explore the heights and depths of the human psyche.
Humble and Reserved: INFPs possess robust moral codes, which they follow very closely. They are willing to give up their interests in favor of those of others. INFPs are dedicated to living meaningful lives, so they typically only pursue a goal if it contributes to their overall sense of purpose.
Open-minded and Flexible: Spontaneous INTPs love allowing things to unfold and are observant throughout the process. They are open and adaptive to most situations.
Weaknesses
Withdrawn: Because INFPs are highly reflective and become overwhelmed by the emotions of others, they often prefer to be alone. For this reason, they might isolate themselves when stressed.
Impractical: INFPs live in their mind. Their imagination is so compelling it can be hard for them to manage the ordinary demands of existence. They might need help focusing and centering themselves and are not always as productive as others, struggling to finish a project before beginning another.
Unrealistic: Dreamy INFPs are frequently accused of having high expectations that they and others cannot meet. They are disappointed when this occurs.
Changeable: Sensitive INFPs are often self-effacing and chameleon-like in social situations to appease others. They might surrender their interests to those of others. As a result, they are vulnerable to being taken advantage of.
INFP Compatibility – Who are INFP Compatible With?
INFPs are easy to get along with and tend to like most people. However, they are most compatible with other intuitive-feeling types, such as ENFJs, INFJs, ENFPs, and ESFJs. They tend to gravitate to those who share their profound feelings and open-mindedness. Consider the following:
INFP Relationships
INFPs make for excellent friends since they care deeply about the interests of others. Although they are frequently alone, they also love to spend time with people who share their sense of purpose.
INFPs tend to prefer small, tight-knit groups of friends. They maintain lifelong friendships, particularly with other intuitive-feeling personality types like ENFJs and INFJs.
Although they don’t find it easy to make friends, when they connect with another person, they do so wholeheartedly. They dedicate their all to their companions and tend to gravitate to those with similar values.
INFP Partners
When INFPs enter a relationship, they typically seek a profound connection that will last a lifetime. They believe sincerely in the possibility of true love, and they are highly romantic.
Because they are idealistic, they tend to have a preconceived notion of what their significant other should look like. However, they are often open to connecting with people of all different personality types.
Once in a romantic relationship, INFPs are highly dedicated and loyal. They tend to work hard at those relationships and dedicate themselves to improving the lives of their partners.
INFP Love Language
INFPs tend to prefer quality time as their love language. They love to spend time with the people they care about in meaningful ways. They tend to shy away from small talk and prefer deep conversations and connections. They gravitate away from worldly pursuits and share meaningful moments with those they love.
Best Jobs & Careers for INFP
INFPs are driven to pursue meaningful and creative careers. They tend to end up in artistic or caring professions. As a result, INFPs can be deeply unsatisfied in jobs that don’t interest them, so they must pursue meaningful work. Here are some careers that are perfect for INFPs:
INFP Career List
- Graphic Design
- Teaching
- Writing
- Art and Design
- Social Work
- Photography
- Psychology
- Music
- Medicine
- Journalism
- Non-Profit Work
- Architecture
Careers for INFP Females
INFP women are sensitive so they make them ideal teachers, psychologists, and counselors. Many work in therapeutic fields like massage or aesthetics.
Because they have heightened perception they often pursue the creative arts, such as painting, writing, music, and fashion.
Their work in these fields is usually highly original.
Careers for INFP Males
INFP is more common among women than in men. However, there are quite a few INFP men and a variety of careers they can pursue.
Many men of this personality type are interested in architecture. Some might also become coders, graphic designers, web developers, or scientists. This creative yet structured work appeals to many introverted and perceiving personalities.
Some INFP men find work in journalism, film, writing, or visual arts.
INFP Careers to Avoid
Rote, repetitive work is torture for sensitive INFPs. If an INFP does not feel passionate about their career, they will not excel and become withdrawn and depressed. Careers INFPs should avoid include:
- Sales
- Management
- Retail
- Law
- Public Speaking
- Technical Jobs
Summary
INFPs are creative, caring individuals who pursue meaningful endeavors and creative projects with passion. They make excellent friends and even better lovers and are integral to a well-rounded society. If you are among the 4% to 6% of INFPs, then consider yourself unique. Pursue and explore your creativity and passions.
