My perspective of INFJs is probably highly different than that of other people. Honestly, it's probably more negative, but possibly more realistic. I don't see any magic unicorn when I see an INFJ, no mystical sage, no reclusive savant. They are certainly not "typical" either though. I would say I enjoy them more than I am impressed by them.
I actually don't find INFJs reserved & aloof, not with me; they are usually warmer than me & are the ones to approach me. They are certainly not gregarious, not with everyone, but they have this "Fe warmth at arm's length" that is at the very least "polite". This is a positive thing; they seem to make friends easily, everywhere hey go. However, they pick & choose these friends. If they don't like someone, they close up.
I don't find INFJs to be great, compassionate listeners who offer deep insight & advice, not with me; this is because I am the one listening to them. I've called the INFP the counselor to the Counselor, because that is the role I consistently find myself in with them. They certainly will listen to me, and they can say comforting things, but more often than not they are the ones getting emotional with
me. I do see them in their counselor role with others, but somehow the INFP Empath trumps them in regards to who ends up being the more emotionally supportive partner/friend.
I don't find them hard to read or understand, not any more than the next person. A part of me thinks they resent that I read them rather well; they're not used to it & maybe they like feeling mysterious to others. I think they feel some relief too though. Everyone wants to be known, even if that leaves them vulnerable. I think this is why I don't find them as "impressive" as others do; they're just human to me.
I DO find them very funny & witty. It's odd how online most are not as humorous as the ones I know in person. They are not crowd-pleasing comedians, but funny in a one-on-one bantering session.
They DO have unique perspectives, which gels well with my unique perspective. My ex said we both see the world as just a bunch of abstract shapes & that we're both weirdos (this is true). I feel rather at ease with most INFJs very quickly, which I can't say for most people.
I DO find them intelligent & often talented in some way, but many I've known are surprisingly not book smart. They grasp difficult concepts easily, they quickly form what I'll call "people strategies", and they express themselves well, but most I've known have been frustrated with academics. A big part of this stems from clashing with teachers. INFJs can be very "my way or the highway". As adults, they learn to play the game, but when you hear their real opinions it shows this is just a strategy. That's a little disturbing. On the other hand, this is probably why they make stuff happen easily.
I DO find INFJs good at accomplishing goals they set. They're good at organizing stuff & pursuing what they want in a way that seems effortless to me. They also will buck the trend where it suits them; I find them an odd mixture of conforming to societal values but in their own idiosyncratic way. I can admire this, especially as it works for them, whereas I'd just end up being cast by others as a weirdo.
I DO find them very warmly expressive. They give a lot of compliments, commendation & support. They try to be encouraging & helpful with people they like. They have a greater ease of communicating positive feelings, which I admire, as I am very guarded with feelings. They can be very kind & generous also. I've yet to meet a stingy INFJ.
I DO find they let people be themselves. Sometimes they'll push too much for someone to reach their potential, but ultimately they'll appreciate the unique strengths of individuals. They don't try & change a person into someone they are not.
I won't bother to go into more negatives in detail here, as
this post sums most of it up.
Let's also just say that when it comes to being made promises & repeatedly having them broken by the other person, I am in the one in that position with the INFJ. I am usually the one who feels deceived & hurt at the end of these relationships (if they do end).