INFJ or INFP or another Type?

[zarc]

I've been reading some contradictory things regarding INFJs on MBTIc/generally online and some other types labelling themselves any order of INXX (nvm other XXXX). A few things for INFJs as not disclosing information easily about themselves which I know to be what INFJs do easily and joyfully when emotionally healthy. Not something so personal to them of their feelings or about their ideals unless confident in sharing them but, one example, stories about themselves while trying to Fe connect/relate to others or helping them. What others may consider too personal may not be so for the INFJ in question. Or telling people what they think they should do or should be doing (I'm doing it right now....I know). Not to say we're all asses about it or intending to be so *ahem* When I read people saying they might be INFJ or INFP and put INFx, it really puzzles me as INFJs prefer 'closure' or being decided in knowing who they are or anything, really. Everything, probably. Yes, all. Paranoia is a word for others if so, but we just look paranoid...It's wanting to be always Prepared for ourselves and others, methinks.

Vicky Jo, an INFJ and Type Specialist (among other things) created INFJ or INFP? a closer look. I was able to understand better as to why there is such difference even though I was already sure I was INFJ. It wasn't due to uncertainty at that point but rather wanting to learn more as to why. Her INFJ.com is my Rosetta Stone as to Everything Holistically and Eerily Me, the Menu is accessible on the tiny Dolphin pic on the righthand bar side and then other submenus too as well as The INFJ Handbook from the original Menu page....). I've yet to see these sites referenced here so I thought I'd elucidate this for you all if not seen yet. If older members are aware and have mentioned it in a Thread (I couldn't find any), sorry! But there are always new members (and even old) who may not have seen it yet, so check them out if so, as they're great sites! (Even her husband's INTJ site is good too for anyone curious or wanting to know more of their INTJ friend/lover/enemy/themself)

I realise it's hard 'typing' people online, even with horribly done online tests, possibly biased info, and mislabelled people touting they're that type and confusing one into believing they've mistyped themselves of any type! It may be rude of me to insinuate that you, if thought INFJ or INFP, may or may not be that type-- or even any other type mislabelling themselves. Please forgive me if it seems I'm pointing you down and out of your type. I'm not trying to type anyone either nor will I as I'm not a Type Specialist in the slightest. Nor about any or all INFJs here (I'm very certain I've read of INFJs here and some not so certain). If you turn out to still be an INFJ or INFP, no worries, right? I'm largely griping about online info/others who flap all over the place excited b/c they got one online test and base their whole life on it-- I'm also just pointing someone who can better show an INFJ or an INFP (Vicky Jo in case you forgot ), who's far more proficient than I'll ever be (not that it wouldn't stop me from trying to figure out if asked...heh)

Even if you are secure in knowing your Type of INFJ or INFP, it's a great resource tool in learning more about yourself or why you're so different (and so amazingly, beautifully different too! ). For the INFJ.com site, at the least, it's a fun quest in discovering why you re/act, conform (to social ideals/appease others) or disconnect or seem so, direct or idealize even though you may feel it's pointless in this jaded world.

Much Later Edit: I continue highlighting differences b/w the two Types throughout this Thread . At times, there will be remarks on other types too such as ISTPs which can seem similar to INFPs which can show the difference b/w INFPs/INFJs. If any believed INFPs or INFJs, or those who feel they know these Types well, read all of my thoroughly detailed (Oiii! ) depictions of either or both and feel I've misjudged them or both, please tell me so as I like to take into account other's observations. Note, I am not a Type Specialist, though I fancy I'll come close to being one throughout the years of learning ALL Types + their Cognitive Processes, so it's wise not caving in to my powerful Ni when it struts itself out to the world or in this Thread!

In order of writing specifically on INFP and INFJ:
Here,
Here,
Here,
Here - Highlights Emotionally Healthy vs Emotionally Unhealthy
Here - My views on two chars I think might be INFP/INFJ in Pride & Prejudice with links my thoughts in greater detail)
Here - How INFPs and INFJs Evolve into becoming Emotionally Healthy by being Emotionally Mature and how they can become Emotionally Unhealthy by being Emotionally Immature by accessing the First Four Cognitive Processes in GOOD ways and BAD ways + analogy b/w Trees and Forests and which Type is likely to get blinded by one or the other...

My responses with regards to INFPs, INFJs and a few other types or misconceptions I tried highlighting out:
Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here

[wedekit]

Yeah, I like the infj.com website. It can literally be like a bible I refer back to when I need some insight into my situations.

[zarc]

Originally Posted by wedekit

Yeah, I like the infj.com website. It can literally be like a bible I refer back to when I need some insight into my situations.

So, Vicky Jo would be your Goddess then. I prefer to think of it as an INFJ Rosetta Stone .

[Mort Belfry]

Originally Posted by wedekit

It can literally be like a bible I refer back to when I need some insight into my situations.

Literally a similie? Hmmmmm. I'll allow it.

[zarc]

Originally Posted by Mort Belfry

Literally a similie? Hmmmmm. I'll allow it.

You are so kind. I think....

[heart]

It seems simple once one truly understands the difference between Fi and Fe which one INFP or INFJ. A cognitive function test still seems the best way to tell for sure to me, but that's just my opinion.

[zarc]

Originally Posted by heart

It seems simple once one truly understands the difference between Fi and Fe which one INFP or INFJ. A cognitive function test still seems the best way to tell for sure to me, but that's just my opinion.

Yea, your right. My gripe is that I don't see or read, anyway, of people who do that. From reading online, I largely find people just taking those quizes (which are somewhat fine. 70% correct?). Or just start asking largely about their 'new' type (w/e type) w/o having tried learning but have clearly labelled themselves and even admit so. Or do the XXXX.

I'm not against 'newbs' at all but an honest search into MBTI, if going to be taken seriously, should IMO, be looked at seriously and not just superficially. I don't mean to indicate that all newbs or people do this, just for those that do. It might not seem a problem. But I know that INFJs like to 'be what they're supposed to be like" or connecting w/ the group (it's their group too, which is pretty STRONG to be a part of if felt so isolated in life by being different!). It's not about lacking independence or orginality. But we like knowing we're displaying our type or our type explains us. And, though, we're all different (all types too), the cognitive processes are the same. If someone claims to be an INFJ (and is healthy emotionally) but exclaims they don't feel comfortable talking about their feelings with others or disclosing personal info it's a red flag from what I've learned (and Vicky Jo, INFJ specialist lol, has stated). <--even taking direction from someone I deemed proficient is an INFJ thing (not to say other types don't do it either but some more than others).

I've read that INFPs know their own feelings best and their values too. INFJs aren't so sure of their 'personal' feelings (generally, understood over time), they can point out other's feelings , and their values may be their own too...however, they largely adopt others' values if it seems apporpriate to them/appeals to them/or were raised with them. If it smells fishy/unauthentic/mean/etc, they can reject right away or they can reject at a later point. INFPs don't like telling people what to do as it seems rude to them and they don't like it whereas INFJs do like to (being nice about it! or not...).

I also have been very dismayed of the INFJ "special" "rare" "psychic" drivel that's perpetuated by others and Keirsey (Vicky's stated his wife has preferences for INFJ so there's some bias. I can't recall if she knows them personally but she knows Linda Berens so it's possible). People LOVE being told they're unique/special/rare. So it's a pitfall for people who desperately want that label (who mostly doesn't want to be special/rare?) INFJs are no less psychic than any other type! Rarest? Has this been varified? What thoroughly globalised testing has there been to determine this? Maybe it is the rarest, maybe not. I feel that to mark one group special in such a way than another is to incite that in someone who may not be that type but wish to be it. That isn't to say any INFJs claiming to be aren't truly INFJ or are psychic. I've certaintly had psychic experiences but it's not b/c I'm an INFJ. My INTJ is has, so has an ISTP friend and other's more outgoing than all of us. I just don't like the sterotype and want others to view all types as equally beautiful/special b/c they are!

[heart]

Originally Posted by DD

Yea, your right. My gripe is that I don't see or read, anyway, of people who do that. From reading online, I largely find people just taking those quizes (which are somewhat fine. 70% correct?). Or just start asking largely about their 'new' type (w/e type) w/o having tried learning but have clearly labelled themselves and even admit so. Or do the XXXX.

I took the real MBTI in college and I still came up like 50-50 between the P-J thing. The counsellor just told me to pick which was I "liked" better and go with it! It was not until I read much deeper about the difference between Fi and Fe that I finally understood which one I was.

[Kiddo]

I'm an INFX through and through. I picked my type simply based on hemisphere dominance. I'm left brain dominant which correlates with J.

[heart]

I have to say, I don't think it is possible to be INFx without throwing out the whole MBTI theory. I think it is possible that INFP for example, with stronger Te may mistake this for being J.