I am having issues with my diagnosis as INFJ

[Andy K Octopus]

vs INFP. Both descriptions fit me, but I feel like J probably fits me better than P. I lean towards the INFJ type, but there is a lot of INFP in me. When I see the scores of type preference, I am always clearly an INF, but the J and the P are almost evenly split, sometimes going one way, but mostly going to J when I take tests.

Could someone please help me clarify my type diagnosis. I am saying it is probably 70-30 in favor of INFJ, (if my enneagram helps, I am a type 4, probably with a 5 wing)

[Andy K Octopus]

Originally Posted by Andy K Octopus

vs INFP. Both descriptions fit me, but I feel like J probably fits me better than P. I lean towards the INFJ type, but there is a lot of INFP in me. When I see the scores of type preference, I am always clearly an INF, but the J and the P are almost evenly split, sometimes going one way, but mostly going to J when I take tests.

Could someone please help me clarify my type diagnosis. I am saying it is probably 70-30 in favor of INFJ, (if my enneagram helps, I am a type 4, probably with a 5 wing)

I might want to say I have also shown a 3 wing in some tests, and no wings with my type 4 enneagram description

[Jennifer]

Well, it is a bit difficult to weigh things out for you, without having any real information to go on or observation of you...

Although there are similarities between INFJ and INFP, the motivations are different (similar to INTJ and INTP "almost being the same" but not really). They are both NFs, but operate off different functions.

INFJ runs off Ni but expresses Fe. Thus, what you see on the surface tends to be more structured, more desire on closure, a more formalized sense of interaction with others (because they use Fe rules to express commitments). They tend to speak with more detail or at least with more of a sense of delineation in what they say. And internally, because of Ni, INFJs are very able to see other viewpoints as "equal" if different. They will judge people more often based on their actions or what they express.

INFP runs off Fi but expresses Ne. They tend to speak in more generalized terms and patterns (because of the Ne). Their warmth is more individualized in some ways, because it's coming from Fi (internal and thus personally expressive) rather than Fe (the external rule system defining what different acts "mean" relationally). They seem to judge people based more on their motivations, not necessarily what comes out.

Out of the two, in terms of interaction (which occurs in the external world), INFPs (using Ne) seem more flexible than INFJs (using Fe), who seem to be more self-controlled and have their world a bit more orderly and prioritized. In terms of control issues, INFPs seem to control their inner world and let the outer go more, while INFJs seem to like to control their outer world more.

Also, there is this thing called "revenge" that I see so much more in INFJs than in INFPs. I cannot really define it well yet, but INFJ dreams seem to be more violent and expressions of anger and retaliation and implementing "justice" against someone for the wrongs they have committed against them. It is like the INFJ has been prevented by Fe from acting on their anger, so it comes out in other ways; also, emotions have to be carried out in specific acts, implemented in some way.

The INFP can be gravely wounded by someone as well, but the judgment is something they carry around internally. Outwardly, they might fail to show or implement it, and even waver / show doubt about it. They tend to resolve the matter internally, rather than needing to extrovert it like the INFJ.

Note: In light of all this, it seems much better to piss off an INFP than an INFJ.

Note: These are just my first thoughts of some of the differences, and so they are prone to revision.

[cafe]

Jen is such a tease flirting with all the INFJs with that delicious flattery.

[Jennifer]

Originally Posted by cafe

Jen is such a tease flirting with all the INFJs with that delicious flattery.

... whimper... please. I didn't mean it!

Don't hurt me.

[Athenian200]

Originally Posted by cafe

Jen is such a tease flirting with all the INFJs with that delicious flattery.

I didn't really see it as flattering... seemed a little critical of us, and sort of praised INFP's. I understand a lot of it, but it still came out that way.

[Jennifer]

Well, I'm sorry if it seemed that way. I have always had a soft spot for INFJs, so it was purely a description of the differences... and because INFJs are generally more clear and assertive (and INFPs are less committal and exposed), there was simply more I could say about them.

Maybe you are getting fixated on the "revenge" thing?

IxFJs are also probably the most strong-willed people I know when they get an idea in their head. That can be a bad thing, but it is also a wonder to behold in good situations.

[Athenian200]

Originally Posted by Jennifer

Well, I'm sorry if it seemed that way. I have always had a soft spot for INFJs, so it was purely a description of the differences... and because INFJs are generally more clear and assertive (and INFPs are less committal and exposed), there was simply more I could say about them.

Maybe you are getting fixated on the "revenge" thing?

IxFJs are also probably the most strong-willed people I know when they get an idea in their head. That can be a bad thing, but it is also a wonder to behold in good situations.

Oh, I understand, and I agree that what you wrote was accurate. I just meant that it seemed like you could relate better to INFP's, or that their style made more sense to you. Basically, if you had pointed out more flaws in INFP's, I wouldn't have thought it was as critical. So just point out some negative traits of INFP's, and we'll call it even.

[cafe]

Originally Posted by Jennifer

... whimper... please. I didn't mean it!

Don't hurt me.

Hurt you? I'm practically blushing!

[Jennifer]

Originally Posted by athenian200

Oh, I understand, and I agree that what you wrote was accurate. I just meant that it seemed like you could relate better to INFP's, or that their style made more sense to you.

Well, of course I relate better to INFPs:

INTP = Ti + Ne
INFP = Fi + Ne

And my Ti has been primed with religious training and morality = the seeming cause-and-effect of particular behaviors, so I do deal very well with INFPs, if they are not complete flakes.

I can follow INFJ thinking/behavior but do not do it as instinctively.

Basically, if you had pointed out more flaws in INFP's, I wouldn't have thought it was as critical. So just point out some negative traits of INFP's, and we'll call it even.

Negatives? A quick few:
- Wishy-washy / Can't be "hard" when they need to be
- Overly dramatic
- Self-absorbed/Self-important
- Flighty / Flakey

Art thou appeased, oh, my INFJ friends?