Being an INFJ is like having a membership to a super exclusive club. It’s the world’s rarest personality type, making up less than 1% of the population.
Belonging to this group means you’re unique, complex and highly intuitive. It’s a constant balancing act between extroversion and introversion, idealism and realism.
But how can you be sure you’re part of this exclusive club? Well, there are certain telltale signs that can help you identify whether you’re an INFJ or not.
In this article, I am going to walk you through 9 signs that may indicate you’re an INFJ.
So let’s dive in and explore these distinctive traits that set you apart from the rest.
1) You often feel misunderstood
Being an INFJ often means feeling like you’re on the outskirts of society. You might feel like you’re constantly swimming upstream, going against the grain of what’s expected.
Why is this? Well, INFJs are a unique blend of traits that often contradict each other. You’re an introvert but you also have an uncanny knack for understanding people’s emotions and motivations. You’re a dreamer with your head in the clouds, but you also have a practical side that’s grounded in reality.
This combination can make it hard for others to really understand you. They might perceive your introverted nature as aloofness or your idealistic side as naive. But rest assured, feeling misunderstood is a common experience for INFJs and is one of the key signs that you might belong to this rare personality type.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Being unique gives you a different perspective on life and can be a powerful tool if embraced.
2) You’re sensitive to conflict
I’ve always noticed that conflict hits me harder than most. Whenever there’s a disagreement or tension, I feel it deep in my bones. It’s like a discordant note that sends ripples through my entire being.
And this isn’t just about big fights or heated debates. Even minor disagreements or passive-aggressive comments can throw me off balance for the rest of the day.
Over the years, I’ve learned that this sensitivity to conflict is a distinctive trait of INFJs. We’re wired to pick up on emotional undercurrents and disharmony, and it can be really draining.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that we’re averse to confrontation or incapable of standing up for ourselves. It’s just that we deeply desire harmony and understanding, and conflict feels like a direct threat to that.
If you can relate to this, you might be an INFJ too.
3) You have a knack for reading people
INFJs are often described as having a sixth sense when it comes to understanding others. They can pick up on subtle cues and unspoken feelings that others might miss. This ability stems from their dominant function, Introverted Intuition, which allows them to see patterns and connections in human behavior.
This intuitive ability can sometimes make INFJs feel like they’re privy to a secret language of emotions. They can walk into a room and immediately sense the mood, or meet someone and quickly grasp their motivations or insecurities.
While this deep understanding can be a powerful tool in building relationships and helping others, it can also be overwhelming at times.
Constantly picking up on the emotions of others can be draining, and it’s important for INFJs to take time to recharge and care for themselves as well.
4) You value deep, meaningful relationships
If you’re an INFJ, you likely have a small circle of close friends rather than a wide network of acquaintances. That’s because INFJs prefer quality over quantity when it comes to relationships.
You would much rather spend time having deep, meaningful conversations than engaging in small talk. You are drawn to people who aren’t afraid to dive deep and explore the big questions in life.
This isn’t to say INFJs are antisocial. On the contrary, they can be quite charming and outgoing when they want to be. But they value authenticity and depth in their relationships, and they aren’t interested in maintaining superficial connections.
5) You’re driven by a sense of purpose
INFJs are not just dreamers, but doers. They have a strong desire to make the world a better place and are often driven by a deep sense of purpose.
It’s not uncommon for INFJs to be involved in causes or projects that align with their values. They are often found in careers that allow them to help others and make a meaningful impact, like counseling, teaching, or the arts.
This isn’t to say that INFJs can’t be found in other fields. But regardless of their career, INFJs need to feel that their work is aligned with their values and contributes to something bigger than themselves.
If you find fulfillment in creating positive change and making a difference, you might be an INFJ.
6) You often feel a sense of loneliness, even in a crowd
As an INFJ, there are times when you might feel like a stranger in a sea of familiar faces. Even when surrounded by people, you can feel a deep sense of loneliness. It’s as if you’re on a different wavelength, tuning into a frequency that others can’t hear.
This isn’t about being physically alone. It’s an existential loneliness that comes from feeling different, from feeling like no one truly understands your inner world.
This can be hard to navigate and can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. But remember, it’s this unique perspective that allows you to see the world in ways that others can’t. It’s what makes you an INFJ, and it’s something to be cherished.
7) You’re often lost in thought
There’s a world inside my head that’s just as real and vivid as the one outside. I often find myself lost in thought, exploring this inner landscape of ideas, theories, and dreams.
Sometimes, I can get so caught up in my thoughts that I lose track of time. I might be staring out the window, but in my mind, I’m solving a problem or imagining a different reality.
I’ve come to understand that this tendency to introspect is a typical trait of INFJs. We have rich inner lives and enjoy delving into complex thoughts and ideas.
8) You’re a perfectionist
If you’re an INFJ, you likely have high standards for yourself and others. You’re a perfectionist at heart, always striving for the best in everything you do.
Whether it’s a work project, a personal goal, or even a hobby, you put your heart and soul into it. You pay attention to the smallest details and won’t settle for anything less than perfect.
While this trait drives you to excel, it can also be a source of stress. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and that perfection isn’t always attainable.
9) You feel a deep connection to the world around you
As an INFJ, you’re not just a bystander in life. You feel deeply connected to the world around you and to the people in it. You have a profound sense of empathy and you often experience emotions deeply.
You see the beauty in the world, but you also feel its pain. You’re often moved by art, music, and literature, and you have a deep appreciation for the complexities of human nature.
This deep connection to the world is what drives you to make a difference. It’s what fuels your passion, your creativity, and your desire to help others.
If you feel this deep connection, it’s the most telling sign that you might be an INFJ.
Final thoughts: Embrace your uniqueness
Being an INFJ is a unique experience, filled with depth, empathy, and a sense of connection to the world. While this journey can sometimes feel isolating, it’s important to remember that your rarity is your strength.
Your natural ability to understand others, your rich inner world, and your deep sense of purpose are not liabilities, but assets. They allow you to navigate the world in ways that others can’t.
The renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung, who developed the concept of personality types, once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
For INFJs, becoming who you truly are means embracing your unique perspective and using it to make a difference in the world.
If you identify with these nine signs, take comfort in knowing that being an INFJ is a unique gift. It’s a gift that allows you to see beyond the surface, to connect deeply with others, and to make a meaningful impact in the world.
So, embrace your uniqueness. Celebrate your rare perspective. And most importantly, remember that being an INFJ is not just about identifying with certain traits—it’s about recognizing and honoring your unique journey in this world.
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