[INFP] Cynical INFPs

[dynamiteninja]

I'm an INFP but I frequently get mistaken for INTP or even ENTP due to my cynical nature, high valuation of logic and my dry and ironical/sarcastic sense of humour.

Can any other INFPs or even other NFs relate?

 

[BlackCat]

Yes. :hi:

 

[OrangeAppled]

In person I come across a lot colder, sarcastic, and "logical". I'm pretty emotional at core, but that's not my everyday, public face.

 

[Biaxident]

Fuck no...

I'm not cynical, nor am I sarcastic.

 

[ajblaise]

I know a really cynical INFP, but it's not really the cool sarcastic kind of cynical. But more bitter and negative. Though I'm sure there are INFPs out there with dry cynicism.

 

[Polaris]

Can any other INFPs or even other NFs relate?

Mmm-hmm, kind of. I don't do cynicism, but I do have a (sometimes) sharp tongue and a knack for philosophy. I know there have to be a lot of people who read some of the things I've written and come away thinking I'm an NT. These are people who don't realize that NFs are capable of being thinkers and that we're not all fluff-filled teddy bears.

 

[sleuthiness]

Blackcat, you come off like a male infp Mary Poppins. Warm and cuddly and all that junk.

I wonder if I come off like an istj sometimes since I'd rather not embarrass myself by acting on every first whim, potentially ruining my public reputation (haha!) with a 100% hedonistic-driven me (a sort of anabolic/acid-pumped es/ntj rage that does exist). I'd be really afraid of my own will if I had more than the iota of energy I have to sustain what I do present.

In light of the fact that my energy level is low but awareness is very high, I do say little but aim for maximum efficiency - below the belt only sporadically. I have a fairly good grasp of what I (and others) can and cannot accomplish - and thus usually try to use that ground to listen to others, mixing ideas/thoughts, and push very hard for a direction (general or particular) that they should consider. Brain/willpower is up there in abundance, but I have a very hard time working for my own benefit because I have such rein over everything I do (and often people in my immediate environment) and the individual doesn't really matter in the long run, really.

Kind of weird? In sum, I am an optimist, realist, dreamer, etc. ice cream swirl.

 

[Stanton Moore]

I'm an INFP but I frequently get mistaken for INTP or even ENTP due to my cynical nature, high valuation of logic and my dry and ironical/sarcastic sense of humour.

Can any other INFPs or even other NFs relate?

I can relate. I don't get mistaken for other types, because I don't know anyone who types, but my 'public' face is very cool, and probably seems arrogant/superior at first blush. This is a calculated self-protective measure; once you get to know me, I'm very inviting and open to contact.
inside I'm often cynical, and value logic highly (mostly as a 'checking' function for intuition).

 

[heart]

When complaining about me, people most often complain that I am cold, aloof, cynical, don't give a damn, bad attitude, etc. Extroverts have also complained that I am borning and lights on, no one home.

I don't know anyone who is into typology off this board though.

 

[Wiley45]

It really depends on my mood and who is near me, but yes, I can relate. Some people who know me well say I can be cynical and sarcastic.

 

[Coeur]

I have a really mean, sarcastic sense of humor, but I don't come across as cynical. Probably because I'm not cynical.

 

[wolfy]

I'm cynical. Isn't cynical the sane way to be?

 

[metaphours]

Yes, I've always been a cynical (or at least sarcastic) person and people sometimes mistype me for an INTP.

 

[SciVo]

Cynicism is just angry, wounded optimism. (Their true opposite is apathy.) I think that a healthy INFP is naturally optimistic, but once that's injured, it can be a long road back. Though I rarely lapse back into melancholy any more, the appreciation for dark humor is a permanent addition. The best I can do now is "darkly optimistic," often descending to "brightly angsty." But hey, at least now I know how to fix my self-talk when it goes over a cliff! That'll serve me well until I die, at which point I expect it to stop working so well.

 

[dynamiteninja]

I can relate. I don't get mistaken for other types, because I don't know anyone who types, but my 'public' face is very cool, and probably seems arrogant/superior at first blush. This is a calculated self-protective measure; once you get to know me, I'm very inviting and open to contact.
inside I'm often cynical, and value logic highly (mostly as a 'checking' function for intuition).

I can relate to this.

And a lot of the posts here, I really appreciate it.

The INFPs on the global chatter INFP forum really annoy me sometimes. The vast majority are extremely INFP, it always makes me question my being an INFP (which I undoubtedly am) as I don't really feel that I fit in there.

 

[poppy]

Cynical INFPs are kind of a bummer.

 

[Bubbles]

Used to be! Now it just takes a bad mood to bring that back.

But I discovered I'm actually too idealistic to pull that crap off for long.

 

[The Decline]

I know of an INFP who relates well to my dry and sarcastic humor, but she is by no means a cynical person- she cannot help herself to feel the good in people.

 

[CzeCze]

Cynicism is just angry, wounded optimism. (Their true opposite is apathy.) I think that a healthy INFP is naturally optimistic, but once that's injured, it can be a long road back.

Exactly.

To start with, INFPs and INTPs are often hard to distinguish from one another irl. Fi is cold and prickly, you cold, prickly, cynical INFPs.

But on top of that, I agree in the case of INFPs the cycnism/sarcasm is a defense/cover up/coping mechanism to having been hurt/disappointed. And once an INFP has been disappointed or hurt, watch out!

 

[SciVo]

Oh noes, I've been looking at a fundamental aspect of human nature from the narrow point of view of my specific temperament! I am truly a failure as an NF.

Ah who am I kidding, I totally forgive myself for disbelieving that someone could really think so poorly of the human race, what with us being such a beautiful treasure of infinite variety and all.