Are INFP's boring???

[Scott N Denver]

Are INFP's boring? For comparison purposes, what about INFJ's?

Sometimes I feel like "INFP's: The most interesting people that you will never actually bother to talk to."

[jixmixfix]

I think their pretty boring at times it depends...I knew one who was pretty pretentious ....

[jixmixfix]

Are INFP's boring? For comparison purposes, what about INFJ's?

Sometimes I feel like "INFP's: The most interesting people that you will never actually bother to talk to."

ALL infps tend to appreciate Disney world.

[Scott N Denver]

ALL infps tend to appreciate Disney world.

Ummm, what does that mean???

[velocity]

Sometimes I feel like "INFP's: The most interesting people that you will never actually bother to talk to."

:coffee:

are certain somebodies in your life not giving you as much attention as you would like?

[Scott N Denver]

:coffee:

are certain somebodies in your life not giving you as much attention as you would like?

Actually, it was a reaction to something I read on a thread over at the INFP forum

[INTPness]

I dated one and I don't think they are boring at all when they actually choose to talk and engage. When things need to be discussed and they shut down and/or freeze up because "they aren't good at sharing their feelings", it gets REALLY strange (boring is just one word that I would use for these moments; boring, awkward, strange, confusing, helpless, etc.).

Me: I'm just trying to discuss something with you. Why is this so difficult? Just talk to me, that's all I'm asking.
Her: :huh:
Me: OK, look. I'm not mad. I'm not upset. Everything is fine. But, I need you to talk and communicate - it's a very normal part of successful relationships. And you're so smart too. You're very capable of communicating - you're just not doing it for some reason. What's up?
Her: :shock:
Me: :doh:

[Scott N Denver]

Actually, it was a reaction to something I read on a thread over at the INFP forum

A poster started a thread about how they thought extraverts succeed in life merely for being extraverted [like its some kinda secret code or set of rules everyone follows, "oh look, an extraverted person, how interesting! lets go talk with them and then hire them for this job even though they aren't actually qualified or anything", or something like that]. Apparently they thought noone really wants to talk with or listen to an introvert. Others posted back disagreeing, but I'm sure plenty of INFP's have felt that way at some point or other.

[velocity]

Actually, it was a reaction to something I read on a thread over at the INFP forum

Okay. That would suggest a personal insecurity of the poster, then. That which holds are attention is subjective, personal. You're not going to be interesting to everyone. These kinds of questions (Is 'X' boring? Am I boring?, etc) are pointless and are, in fact, the kinds of questions that bore me.

[jixmixfix]

Ummm, what does that mean???

dreamers...

[velocity]

Apparently they thought noone really wants to talk with or listen to an introvert. Others posted back disagreeing, but I'm sure plenty of INFP's have felt that way at some point or other.

Yea, like I said. Personal self-effacing thoughts. No good.
And we've all felt insecure at some point.

[Scott N Denver]

Okay. That would suggest a personal insecurity of the poster, then. That which holds are attention is subjective, personal. You're not going to be interesting to everyone. These kinds of questions (Is 'X' boring? Am I boring?, etc) are pointless and are, in fact, the kinds of questions that bore me.

I'm expecting quite a bit of insightful commentary from other posters on this site regarding this issue, which is why I started the thread. For example, I'm curious how often ENF's find INF's to be boring, or if ENF's don't but perhaps aren't willing to go talk with the INF's to find that out. Do we as INF's give off vibes of "I'm busy, don't come interrupt my super-deep feelings?" Are our emotions so intense that they come across as boring? Do people think that we will be boring, and then talk to us, and then get really blown away due to our complexity and interestingness? I for one have been told that "you're a very interesting person" MANY times in my life. Really, there should be a lot of aspects about this that people can talk about if they so choose...

[OrangeAppled]

ALL infps tend to appreciate Disney world.

I really prefer Disneyland.

[ragashree]

ALL infps tend to appreciate Disney world.

Urgh, speak for your function shadow!



Don't know if it helps to answer the question, but this thread's starting to send me to sleep already :zzz:

[Thessaly]

The number one thing guys tell me over and over again, is that I'm interesting. And I have to agree. I am damn interesting lol.

[ragashree]

*tries to add something useful*

This is probably more to do with the innate infp oversensitivity to others' behaviour and emotions than anything else. It might not even be to do with insecurity per se; more that infps tend to be hypersensitive to the emotional states of others, often before they notice them themselves, and to tend to feel over-responsible if those emotions seem negative. I think it's easy for infps to feel guilty if the person they're speaking to is not entirely happy and at ease, and to want to try to "fix" the situation. However, quite frequently whatever it is will be bothering the other person a lot less than it is the infp!

[Alwar]

Are INFP's boring?

Not if you get past their shields.

[JivinJeffJones]

Sometimes I feel like "INFP's: The most interesting people that you will never actually bother to talk to."

Man, you can't say that as an INFP. :doh:


As an INFP I'm not really in a position to comment, but I have a few thoughts on the subject. Firstly, obviously INFPs aren't the most engaging people, which can be very boring for those around them. If you walked by a plain closed door you wouldn't find it very interesting. If you walked by a plain closed door and someone told you the room contained ebola, you would find it much more interesting. For a while.

Secondly, I suspect that INFPs tend to lead deceptively habitual (and boring) lives when they aren't doing well especially. Perhaps this comes from Si, or perhaps it's just a product of being such internal creatures.

[velocity]

I'm expecting quite a bit of insightful commentary from other posters on this site regarding this issue, which is why I started the thread. For example, I'm curious how often ENF's find INF's to be boring, or if ENF's don't but perhaps aren't willing to go talk with the INF's to find that out. Do we as INF's give off vibes of "I'm busy, don't come interrupt my super-deep feelings?" Are our emotions so intense that they come across as boring? Do people think that we will be boring, and then talk to us, and then get really blown away due to our complexity and interestingness? I for one have been told that "you're a very interesting person" MANY times in my life. Really, there should be a lot of aspects about this that people can talk about if they so choose...

Gotcha. Well I'm going to head out of this thread then, because it (introversion versus extroversion, intensity of emotions, etc) just doesn't apply to what captures my attention. I'm more of an attitudes gal. Personal thing. :D Also, thank you for the clarification. Specifics really help with a question like this because a generalized "Are blah's boring?" is likely to garner a chorus of "Well that's subjective." I think what you're asking here is more of an inquiry into how to communicate with others better and how to improve one's relationships/grasp of interpersonal perception.

[velocity]

Man, you can't say that as an INFP. :doh:


:D +1

[OrangeAppled]

I'm boring when bored, and most people bore me, sooo.....

[Jonathanthegreat]

dreamers...

your avatar is simply amazing and that guy is gonna be champ for a loooooooooong time.


They say only boring people get bored.

I don't find the INFP's I know boring.

[BerberElla]

(I'm still on a toss between I or E myself)

I have INFP friends, well more like 1 in real life anyway and a few online lol but the one in real life doesn't talk as much as me, tends to sit down listening to me waffle on for hours.

I don't find him boring though, it can be tough carrying the conversation at times for me, but once I throw something at him that captures him he will start bouncing back my ideas at me (he still can't talk as much as me though lol).

I think he is a laugh, and not boring at all.

When I'm around infp's I feel relaxed, I feel like I can unleash my Ne without judgement (like I'm insane), and that they will totally get it.

It's not boring, it's comfortable and relaxing and I don't actually find that boring.

When we went to see foo fighters together, he was far more rowdy than me. :cool:

[alcea rosea]

Are INFP's boring? For comparison purposes, what about INFJ's?

Sometimes I feel like "INFP's: The most interesting people that you will never actually bother to talk to."

INFP's are really, really, really interesting to talk to. Not boring, never.

[Sky is BLUE!]

Sometimes I feel like "INFP's: The most interesting people that you will never actually bother to talk to."

INFP's are really, really, really interesting to talk to. Not boring, never.

That is so true. They're amazing. I've gotten to know a couple of INFPs more closely over the past few years and they're the funniest and the greatest people I've ever met.

It's not a surprise to me because I'm always trying to look for more than meets the eye. If I could only overcome my hesitancy, I don't like to be too intrusive :blush:

But it always feels like so many people are missing out on their awesomeness.

Do we as INF's give off vibes of "I'm busy, don't come interrupt my super-deep feelings?"

:yes: I'm inclined to think so from personal experiences.

I'd love if people would come to me to talk but at the same time I'm trying my hardest to blend in to the background. Personally, I dislike sitting around, doing nothing. I'm always either secretly people-watching while pretending to read, with my headphones on or writing or doing these things all at the same time because I don't want people to think I'm staring at them.

I can imagine how this would make me look like difficult to approach. I'm not! I'm always wondering: How am I to advertise that I'm approachable? Should I simply sit there, smiling, trying to catch eye-contact?
Doing something like this feels very, very awkward. Neeeeeeeedy.

I'm boring when bored, and most people bore me, sooo.....

:laugh:

The domino effect? A thinks that B is boring, it shows and B is mirroring A's behaviour, causing the A to think that B is boring...

And all the while both A and B are really interesting people :doh:

[Happy Puppy]

Are INFP's boring? For comparison purposes, what about INFJ's?

Sometimes I feel like "INFP's: The most interesting people that you will never actually bother to talk to."

It's because you guys are damned invisible. After talking to Udog, Ihave been trying to engage the INFPs. You guys are like faries.

"hi INFP, how are you?" Down go the eyes in a sweet Fi way and you deflect the conversation onto somebody else in the room. Like you have force fields or something.

Then I look up and you have vanished into the mist.....

INFJs are more solidified and I really like them and engage quite a bit with them. Ni is the ultimate Ne bullshit detector.

[Unique]

INFPs boring? lol far from it

[Edge]

Are INFP's boring?

not at all. i really appreciate their company. ive sometimes hung out with my closest infp friend from night to morning. their opposite, the estj bore the shit out of me! granted this is from an intps perspective and i find alot of things that socieity deems boring as facinating. i notice infps are not the greatest at telling jokes, even if their beyond type nack for humor is amazing. i.e. a brain that has potential for great comedy combined with an infp makes a medium level joker. it might be because they're too serious (but with every flaw comes a strength.)
except for their emo-ish hair cuts, they dont stand out much.... and emo's dont even stand out!

dont mind me, talking crap.

[MattC333]

In a word...No!
I love INFPs, they are more stable than ENFPs yet are on the same wavelength. They can enough sense without going off on excited tangents!
:D

[Southern Kross]

Hmmm, I'm wondering if it was my comment that sparked this...

I think 80% people think I'm insanely boring. The things that interest me, consequently the stuff I like to talk about, often leaves people with either this glazy eyed expression or a WTF look. I don't think they dislike me - they just think I'm a harmless weirdo. I would have to say I'm not the sort of person people ever really hate, nor am I the person people really like. To me, this = boring.

As for the other 20% of people:
- 18-19% tolerate my 'boring-ality' because they kinda like me despite it.
- 1-2% really connect with me and find me interesting

I'm not being a cry-baby about it. Its just something I've come to accept. But I agree with Johnathanthegreat: I think those 80% of people are pretty boring themselves - so not much lost.

[Lauren Ashley]

Are INFP's boring? For comparison purposes, what about INFJ's?

I would say no, INFPs are not boring at all. The things that go on in their head are quite marvelous, to say the least.

I get the sense that ESxxs consider me pretty boring, because of my lack of attention and/or caring to the tangible, outside world. Other types usually do not think I'm boring.

[Fluffywolf]

I don't know any INFP's in real life. Only a few on the net. They're not boring there. :)

[Aerithria]

Are INFP's boring? For comparison purposes, what about INFJ's?
My best friend is an INFP, and he's far from boring. Aside from a few miscommunication issues, he's one of my favourite people to be around. We tend to have fun, scheming evil schemes and dorking out on video games. I think he's fairly balanced though, which might help.

My other best friend's an INFJ, though she's a relatively unhealthy one. I think her Ni is often in overdrive mode when it comes to paranoia, heh. But she's also fun, though in a completely different way. Less video games, more being overly dramatic for no reason. I find it's easier to communicate with my INFP friend, though.

I really prefer Disneyland.
Disneyland > Disney World. I don't get why it's automatically assumed that a higher number of theme parks makes Disney World the superior choice.

[ajblaise]

The INFP I know the best has some kind of moderate bi-polar thing going on, so they're definitely not boring. I find them more interesting than a lot of other types, but I can see how they might be dull to sensors.

[Chloee]

awww, INFPs - nope. not at all. You asked for INFJs as well, ... hm, must admit they are my least favorite Ns, ... they are just fucking confused and too much "i love all people i would never ever hurt anybody ever". (this is based on 3-4 infjs i know from RL so...INFJs don't take it as offense.)

[FireyPheonix]

It's because you guys are damned invisible. After talking to Udog, Ihave been trying to engage the INFPs. You guys are like faries.

"hi INFP, how are you?" Down go the eyes in a sweet Fi way and you deflect the conversation onto somebody else in the room. Like you have force fields or something.

Then I look up and you have vanished into the mist.....

INFJs are more solidified and I really like them and engage quite a bit with them. Ni is the ultimate Ne bullshit detector.

Guilty, your honor. Hey maybe that's our super power! Interest deflection.


That's a bad habit of mine disappearing...I kinda like almost being a figament of some one else's imagination.

I also think we are somewhat of an acquired taste. Those who like us, and find us fascinating, tend to hold us in high regard, but I guess more than a few people wonder why, 'till some thing sage comes from our mouths.

I also tend to react with surprise when some one is actually interested in me as a person....but boring, I think I'm far from it.

[Silent Stars]

A lot of the INFPs I know think they're the most boring people on Earth, but I find them very interesting.

[runvardh]

But boring keeps the scary girls away... :unsure:

[Lauren Ashley]

awww, INFPs - nope. not at all. You asked for INFJs as well, ... hm, must admit they are my least favorite Ns, ... they are just fucking confused and too much "i love all people i would never ever hurt anybody ever". (this is based on 3-4 infjs i know from RL so...INFJs don't take it as offense.)

:cry:

But seriously, can you expand on this? How sure are you that these people are INFJs (as opposed to ISFJs and ENFJs)?

[King-Of-Despair]

I think if you can dig under the solid steel walls of an INFP without scaring them too much, you'll probably find them to be very interesting people. The iron clad fence may look dull on the outside, but on the inside there is a hyper imaginative mind. It helps if the INFP lets people in quickly, but when you're on the receiving end of a reserved anyone, you'll probably be bored, and being bored in a certain persons presence frequently, makes you associate that person with boredom, which then leads to the conclusion that the person is boring.

[whimsical]

they can be boring if you are not a person they are comfortable around, otherwise no

[Scott N Denver]

Hmmm, I'm wondering if it was my comment that sparked this...

Hmm, I honestly don't remember, but I wasn't thinking so. I think a lot of the posters on the INFP forum are younger, many in college, and many in HS. I don't know for sure, or even necessarily remember the OP itself, but I was wondering if it was from a quiet HS student who felt like all their ES__ HS peers found them boring because the OP was an IN__. I think anyone that actually KNOWS an INFP could never find them boring, in general. But we are pretty meek, quiet, non-assertive, passive, etc, so for Joe Bloe the ES__ on the street who doesn't know us I'm sure we'd seem rather dull. I've NEVER heard an NF call an INFP boring that I can EVER think of. Personally, spending lots of time around NT's and TJ's [work] I think they generally have like zero interest in what I find interesting, and I'm sure I completely baffle them.

[seeker22]

INFPs are NOT boring! Especially once they are comfortable with you - you will see a whole different side of them. My best friend in the whole world is an INFP. She has great depth and substance...

[stigmatica]

Not once you get to know them, but I think they tend to be a bit guarded with strangers. My favorite Aunt is INFP, and she and I can talk for hours on end totally enthralled in our conversation.

[the state i am in]

i generally don't find any Ne or Ni person boring. shared interest only helps. sometimes i like the feeling-focus of infp Ne imagination more than any other type, on the whole they're probably my favorite writers. (altho intp, infj, entp, enfp, and intj are all pretty good too). i think artistically i value what they bring to the table more than any other type, altho it is much easier to communicate and work with entps, and it is probably more in touch with and harmonious my actual vision. dom Fi is like a bomb always waiting to go off, when it comes to articulation/creative self-expression, and it's counterproductive to be overly-arranged or too conceptual or have sanded edges when the idiosyncracies are the basis for FiNe to speak!

it takes them a while to formulate their thoughts, sometimes. if they're practiced writers/banterers, they're fantastic. i'm not sure what it is, but it seems like there's a lot of subspecies of infps, and i don't think it's just that i identify with the values of some very strongly and the values of others weakly. it MIGHT be 4w5 vs 9w1, but i really don't think so. occasionally you'll meet an infp that seems so brilliant and complex and masterful when dealing with (the articulation/understanding of?) the world of feeling. it's deeply humane, profound, and healing. helps release those things festering inside all of us, give voice to them, hear them finally for the first time, and use that productively in our lives/know ourselves better.

[Lauren Ashley]

it seems like there's a lot of subspecies of infps, and i don't think it's just that i identify with the values of some very strongly and the values of others weakly. it MIGHT be 4w5 vs 9w1, but i really don't think so.

There are many types of INFPs. They come in fun flavors like Ben & Jerry's. None of these flavors are in the least bit boring.

[OrangeAppled]

The domino effect? A thinks that B is boring, it shows and B is mirroring A's behaviour, causing the A to think that B is boring...

And all the while both A and B are really interesting people :doh:

Something like that....IDK, I was just being silly :tongue:.

[Udog]

Are INFP's boring? For comparison purposes, what about INFJ's?

Sometimes I feel like "INFP's: The most interesting people that you will never actually bother to talk to."

I think velocity indirectly hit upon one of the main things - INFPs tend to lack that bit of an edge that would make us come off as lively and interesting to someone just glancing at us. We tend to be 'unassuming', which for many is boring.

INFJs usually are awesome banterers and have that edge INFPs lack. They are good at winning people over, and are usually very expressive. Ya, I find them far from boring.

[Pitseleh]

Far from it. Even the unhealthy ones are quite interesting.

[jimboworld]

So far you've made 3-4 unvalidated posts with little regard of actual reasoning which to the rest of the participants in this thread that ISTPs are generally surface dwellers who thrive on pretentious catch phrases.

I think their pretty boring at times it depends...I knew one who was pretty pretentious ....

[Casssita]

As an INFP, I certainly often feel boring, but then if I scrunch up my face with all the effort I can muster and try to be objective, I remember that I do have a good number of hobbies that have interest value, can have good conversations (both serious and bantering) and have more than once had a friend just stop mid-conversation and express something that can be vaguely paraphrased as telling me I am odd/interesting/unique.

However, I think UDog has hit upon the problem. INFPs are unassuming. Unassuming is often boring. Also, some of us tend to have issues interacting in anything other than a one on one setting, so... unless conditions are practically perfect, any potential for being interesting is locked away. Internally, the INFP in a group setting is too busy gasping like a fish to be interesting. Or... at least me. I believe some of the more extroverted types can function better with people, and draw attention through antics and general charisma, and as INFPs, we are keenly aware of the fact that we can't capture interest in such a way- whether or not we'd actually want to. (Afterall, it is contrary to our character to be in the spotlight...)

I think a more interesting question is how would an INFP overcome this while still staying true to his/herself? Have any INFPs found ways to successfully mitigate this? Do any other types have possible solutions?

[marmalade.sunrise]

Ummm, what does that mean???

I don't. Appreciate Disney world, that is.

[marmalade.sunrise]

I don't think I'm boring - I have many varied interests, and have done interesting things in my past. I'm actually a bit strange. However, I guess I could seem boring to outsiders because I like to read a lot and I'm a home body. I'm probably boring from the point of view of someone who likes to party all of the time or watch sports, because I'm not into any of that.

I'm not as reserved as some INFPs. Then again, I'm a little "i"...more extraverted than some INFPs. I'm an iNFP.

[Elaur]

It's an interesting question, to me, because I've had people tell me that they will be "too boring" for me to be interested in talking to. It makes me question why they think they are 'boring' and I'm 'not boring'. Does 'not boring' just mean 'extroverted' to some introverts? Actually, I've had extroverts say it, now that I think about it.

[Synapse]

It's an interesting question, to me, because I've had people tell me that they will be "too boring" for me to be interested in talking to. It makes me question why they think they are 'boring' and I'm 'not boring'. Does 'not boring' just mean 'extroverted' to some introverts? Actually, I've had extroverts say it, now that I think about it.

Its defensive in nature. Saying it implies the person has insecurity in their ability to be interesting which then really implies that they are interesting just started to believe they are boring because their life isn't satisfying. Then behave boring, like another mind clutter thought that rolls back the curtain of belief.

[Synapse]

The reality is to be boring wouldn't a person have to cease to exist.

I mean come on, how can any person be BORING!!!.
If any person was truly boring then why are you alive.

Think of all the micro organisms that find your body sexy, do they think your boring, hellz no. What about the food you eat, I bet that last sandwich you ate is screaming, yaaah, don't eat me your not boring already just get away from that tomato sauce. :D

[Udog]

It's an interesting question, to me, because I've had people tell me that they will be "too boring" for me to be interested in talking to. It makes me question why they think they are 'boring' and I'm 'not boring'. Does 'not boring' just mean 'extroverted' to some introverts? Actually, I've had extroverts say it, now that I think about it.

It probably suggests they have made assumptions about you... both about how exciting your life is and the type of stories they'd need to be able to provide to properly entertain you.

[Synapse]

It probably suggests they have made assumptions about you... both about how exciting your life is and the type of stories they'd need to be able to provide to properly entertain you.

Yeah and that too. the lackluster, its interesting to note how personality switches gears. say from strangers, work, family, friends etc.
The warming up effect. takes longer for some than others to see the more comfortable person in action.

[InaF3157]

Maybe it's the closeness of INFP to INTP that's behind this, but two of the most hilarious and fascinating people I know (and i don't know that many ;)) are INFP dudes. One of those asked me once if he bored me.
I think what makes them so interesting is that shared traits allow us to understand each other at a high level but then throw the differences into starker relief. How can they be so different after all that? A distorted mirror. I can see how the differences can irritate but not how they bore. It's boring if they clam up and don't allow you to see what they really think and feel. Once you get past that it's cool.

[A Schnitzel]

I know some INTPs and INFPs that are boring conversationalists and others who are some of my favourite people to talk to in the world. With INFPs it usually has to do with how much personal confidence they have, if they're too busy wrestling with their inner demons there's no room for me in the conversation.

[rainoneventide]

I'm not trying to gather a pity party or anything, but I always think I'm extremely bland and boring when I'm around others. So then I feel like I need to do something to entertain them and make them happy, but that only stresses me out more, so in the end I become boring because I don't know how to open up and be myself without risking the pain of rejection. All the walls go up. I always feel like I need to be more, I need to be better.

I think the best advise for fellow INFP's out there is to say in your mind "screw this". Seriously. Just try and stop worrying about being perceived as boring. Instead of labeling yourself, try to be more objective and think--I'm not boring, that guy is just too fucking hard to amuse.

I've been trying to practice what I preach more, and it feels much better. With the newfangled "screw this" philosophy, I become less stressed and anxious, and then my real self slowly emerges. It's not about being more fun, it's about realizing that you shouldn't give a shit about what people think, because people are going to think whatever they want to think no matter what you think. ... :)

I also try to remember past, positive encounters with others. They're just little things, but they make me feel good.

I definitely feel more at ease once I manage to give myself more credit.

[Synapse]

Would also like to add if you can write more than a page about your life then you ain't boring, and every person can.

Boring is a subjective term really, what is boring to one person is a gem to the next.
Usually introversion tends to shine less than extroversion since the energy is different in expressing and processing information. Place brain mapping equipment to learn the kind of activity that is happening then a completely different picture unfolds.

[nasmoe]

I enjoy everything I do on my own time so technically no, but to others, sure.

[CzeCze]

INFPs are boring when they lose confidence or don't feel safe to come out of their shell. They will withdraw and remain very silent and still, not unlike a turtle into its shell, and not come out again until they feel its safe to play.

Withdrawal is a common safety mechanism it's just that being already baseline shy, INFPs doing it a lot means that people around them (except for the kindred spirits who can sense their real personalities under the surface) will never really see the actual INFP, just their game-safety face.

[CzeCze]

I'm not trying to gather a pity party or anything, but I always think I'm extremely bland and boring when I'm around others..

See, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I think INFPs are humble (which is a positive trait) but lacking confidence is the pebble in your shoe. You get on a self-defeating loop the way INTPs do (but with them it's about lack of competency or some other 'worst case scenario' loop) and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I've dated at least one INFP who said those exact words, "I'm actually a pretty boring person. I'm not that interesting". I think she really believed that and it caused all kinds of problems (amongst other things) because she had all these confidence and even trust issues that was compounded by INFP need for reassurance.

[pockets]

I'm not trying to gather a pity party or anything, but I always think I'm extremely bland and boring when I'm around others. So then I feel like I need to do something to entertain them and make them happy, but that only stresses me out more, so in the end I become boring because I don't know how to open up and be myself without risking the pain of rejection. All the walls go up. I always feel like I need to be more, I need to be better.

I think the best advise for fellow INFP's out there is to say in your mind "screw this". Seriously. Just try and stop worrying about being perceived as boring. Instead of labeling yourself, try to be more objective and think--I'm not boring, that guy is just too fucking hard to amuse.

I've been trying to practice what I preach more, and it feels much better. With the newfangled "screw this" philosophy, I become less stressed and anxious, and then my real self slowly emerges. It's not about being more fun, it's about realizing that you shouldn't give a shit about what people think, because people are going to think whatever they want to think no matter what you think. ... :)

I also try to remember past, positive encounters with others. They're just little things, but they make me feel good.

I definitely feel more at ease once I manage to give myself more credit.

pretty much the same experience for me.
i actually think 'screw this' too.