What are INFJ characters? The Most Unique of Them All

In recent years, the INFJ personality has gained a lot of popularity. Let's explore what it is, where it comes from, and what its characteristics are.

The theory of 16 personalities is widely popular in both psychology and popular culture. There are several tests that aim to categorize individuals into their corresponding personality types, such as the Myers-Briggs indicator. Among the possibilities, one stands out for its uniqueness: the INFJ personality.

Whether you are familiar with the world of psychology or not, you have probably heard of it. It is also known as the Advocate personality or the Idealist personality. In any case, it has unique characteristics that set it apart from others. In fact, the Center for Applications of Psychological Types estimates that only 1-3% of the population exhibits its traits.

So, what is the INFJ personality?

As we mentioned earlier, the INFJ personality is one of the 16 personalities included in the Myers-Briggs indicator. It's a useful test for determining personality type and is particularly useful in the workplace, as it measures how a person behaves in that environment and how they make decisions.

This indicator was developed based on the ideas of Carl Gustav Jung, particularly those outlined in his book Psychological Types (1921). Among the entire catalog of this indicator, the INFJ personality has always been the most unique.

This is due to two reasons: firstly because it is the rarest personality type, and secondly, because it combines qualities that are generally considered incompatible. In very simple terms, the INFJ personality describes individuals as introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging.

From these four qualities, the INFJ category is derived, an acronym constructed from the English terms (Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Judging).

Characteristics of the INFJ Personality

There are many myths surrounding the INFJ personality. Some of these exaggerate their qualities, while others simply misrepresent them. What is certain is that we can determine the characteristics of this introverted personality:

Compassionate: INFJs are very compassionate, which translates into a high sense of empathy. They are not afraid to demonstrate these qualities when necessary, even if intuition always acts as a mediator. They practice compassion based on their beliefs, and values, and always from their point of view.

Combines emotion with logic: INFJs are often said to be very emotional. It's a half-truth, as their emotions are always mediated by rationality. They have an objective perception of right and wrong and, based on this, they hope to transform it. They are emotional, yes, but they never completely abandon logic.

Willing to help: after establishing a bond with another person, which may take time, they are not hesitant to help. They do so from their own space, as they may tire after a while and ask for solitude.

Have idealistic thoughts: if we have to highlight one characteristic of the INFJ personality, it's idealism. However, it's a characteristic they will always try to translate into action. They are not passive dreamers, but seek ways to turn dreams into reality.

Organized: they are planners, and when they exercise control, they do so based on it. This doesn't prevent them from making quick decisions when necessary, although they will try to be more methodical whenever they can.

The INFJ personality and relationships

INFJs tend to seek depth in their relationships. They are lively and live life to the fullest each day. They don't settle for anything less than true love in their relationships. For this reason, they may take a long time to find a partner.

As individuals, they may have unrealistic expectations due to their idealistic nature. This can sometimes work against them in relationships as they may be driven to seek a perfect relationship that doesn't actually exist.

The INFJ personality and friendships

INFJs seek depth in their friendships, just as they do in romantic relationships, and are not satisfied with superficiality. They dislike casual interactions and desire authentic and meaningful friendships, valuing quality over quantity in their circle of friends.

While they may be quiet and introverted around strangers, INFJs are very open and close with their friends. They enjoy talking to them and are able to share their passions and interests without hesitation. Although they also appreciate solitude, they find spending time with friends very enjoyable.

INFJ personality and parenting

Individuals with an INFJ personality have a very clear goal when it comes to parenting: nurturing independence. They are very responsible and take their role as a parent very seriously. They are very interested in raising their children in a positive way.

They find parenting an opportunity to use their various strengths, such as creativity and compassion. While acknowledging that parenting is not an easy task, they do not let fear overpower them. Their mindset allows them to face the challenges of raising a child.

Strengths and weaknesses of this personality

As we have seen, the uniqueness of this personality is not accidental. It combines various qualities, including those that conflict with each other. Always remember that INFJs are introverted and are characterized by the following strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

They have creative or artistic abilities.

They value close or deep relationships.

They have a reserved nature, especially in the presence of strangers.

They are always looking for ways to change their environment through action.

They can tolerate solitude, although this does not prevent them from actively sharing with a group.

They are sensitive and use this aspect along with their reason to interpret the world.

Weaknesses:

They become exhausted when they spend too much time in contact with others.

They avoid confrontation or do not know how to control it adequately.

Their idealism can lead them to have very high expectations.

They can create a barrier that makes it difficult to know them completely.

They can be stubborn in some things (even those destined to fail).

In some contexts, they can be very emotional.

The INFJ personality corresponds to various attributes of the cognitive functions established by Jung and the Myers-Briggs Indicator: thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition.

The dominant function of INFJs is introverted intuition, which can work against them as they can be stubborn. Their auxiliary function is extraversion, making them aware of others' emotions.

As a complement, and with less prominence than the previous functions, we find introverted thinking as the tertiary function. Finally, they have an inferior function of extraverted sensing. This latter function, although not highly developed, is what allows INFJs to remain connected to reality.

Celebrities with INFJ Personality Type

Lady Gaga: In addition to having a successful music career, she is a philanthropist who has carried out various humanitarian and charity works. She has also fought for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Nelson Mandela: He is a historical figure known worldwide for his fight against apartheid in South Africa. He is also recognized as one of the greatest defenders of human rights and social justice. 

Taylor Swift: American singer-songwriter and producer, known not only for her music but also for her charitable personality. She has supported the LGBTQ+ cause and has participated in several charity events to raise funds for various humanitarian initiatives. 

Joaquin Phoenix: In addition to being a great actor, he is a vegan activist who fights for equality and animal rights. 

Oprah Winfrey: She is an American journalist and television host known, among many things, for her character and personality. She is an activist for the Me Too movement, which was created in response to sexual harassment and assault. 

Martin Luther King: An activist known for his peaceful struggle against the inequalities resulting from racial conflicts. He fought for the civil rights of African Americans.

A rare personality

As seen, the UNFJ personality is very complex, which makes it rare. However, it is an interesting way of being that not everyone can afford to have.

We would like to conclude by reminding you that this and other types of personalities are indicative. If a test associates your answers with an INFJ personality, you should not condition your actions or thoughts to the criteria indicated above. 

Above all, you should be yourself and not anchor what you are to a test that cannot accurately measure what you feel, think, or do.