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[ENFP] INFP vs. ENFP

arcticangel02

To the top of the world
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
892
MBTI Type
eNFP
So, I'm a little confused about my type, now. I've classified myself as an ENFP, and when I read things about them (such as the enfp fact or fiction thread going on - not so much the profiles found around the internet), a lot echoes true.

However, a couple of people have mentioned that I don't seem like an E, and perhaps I'm more of an I? This does sort of play into doubts I've had for a while - I've never been totally sure which one I am. And so I went looking at the INFP profiles and comments, and there's quite a bit there than sounds like me, too.

But how much of that is just the -NFP part, and how much is the E/I? (I'm new at this, I'm sure you can tell - I am not very familiar with the theory behind it all.)

Am I then an E, who is in the (bad?) habit of spending a fair amount of time on my own (or not so much alone, but getting social contact via the internet)? I do always wish I got out more, and whenever I do, I always really enjoy myself. Or am I an I, who is quite comfortable with any social interaction, (although I don't really go out and actively seek it)?

Can an INFP be outgoing and social and so very chatty when the occasion is right? Can an ENFP spend fair periods of time with minimal (physical) human contact?

I don't feel like I get drained in social situations, but neither do I feel completely lost without constant interaction.

I'm probably just an xNFP, but anyway, the point of my post is: what are the main differences/tell-tale signs between ENFPs and INFPs? Anything that really determines one from the other?
 
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Economica

Dhampyr
Joined
Apr 23, 2007
Messages
2,054
MBTI Type
INTJ
Whichever type you are, you are well-rounded. :yes:

Do you recognize the following when you do interact (perhaps minus the 'fog of dullness' part):

As for myself, everything I do of importance has to do with other people. I have no problem whatsoever being the center of attention of many people, and I never experience the "overstimulation" llnf mentioned. I allow myself to be completely immersed in whatever conversation or activity the group is doing and let the Ne run it's course so that I can "go with the flow". The company energizes me. The more positive interaction occurs, the more engaged, hyper, and outgoing I become. Before I am engaged in a conversation/activity with someone, I kind of stay dormant and remain inside my mind, keeping mild awareness on the rest of the world. However, the slightest positive acknowledgement of my existence or sign of willingness to reciprocate socially that I notice on the part of others sets me off immediately, and the fog of dullness that gathered outside of me since the last interaction lifts and I become recharged again.

If so, then I'd say you are an ENFP whose Fi is well-developed enough that you can forgo social interaction for a while without decharging. :nice:
 

JivinJeffJones

New member
Joined
Apr 25, 2007
Messages
3,702
MBTI Type
INFP
The ENFPs I know are definitely prone to go into hermit mode on a reasonably regular basis. Likewise, INFPs with any degree of confidence are very sociable in social situations. We enjoy time spent with good friends. Possibly a difference is that INFPs find low-level, shallow contact with a lot of people very draining, whereas my best ENFP friend says that he finds such contact extremely stimulating. I'm not sure if this holds true of all ENFPs.

As an INFP I am the opposite. When I'm left alone for long enough I almost need to talk to people to anchor myself because my thoughts get so loud and varied that I find it difficult to maintain awareness of where I am and what I'm doing. When I'm stuck in a situation where I have to be around people contributing some species of small-talk I get so bored that it turns into an existential depression.
 

Economica

Dhampyr
Joined
Apr 23, 2007
Messages
2,054
MBTI Type
INTJ
JJJ, do you recognize yourself in the ENFP paragraph I quoted? (Just checking to make sure it does weed out the socially confident INFPs. :))
 

JivinJeffJones

New member
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Apr 25, 2007
Messages
3,702
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INFP
JJJ, do you recognize yourself in the ENFP paragraph I quoted? (Just checking to make sure it does weed out the socially confident INFPs. :))

No, I tend to plateau very quickly in terms of stimulation derived from even the most pleasing company UNLESS the conversation turns to something I am deeply interested in. When there are lots of people there - even when I'm friends with everyone - I look forward to the point where half of them have gone home and only the faithful few are left in the party debris. And no matter how much of a good time I'm having, I invariably feel a vague sense of relief when I'm on my own again. Maybe relief is the wrong word. I feel renewed appreciation for solitude.
 

Economica

Dhampyr
Joined
Apr 23, 2007
Messages
2,054
MBTI Type
INTJ

Good, then the quote should be adequately discriminatory.

And no matter how much of a good time I'm having, I invariably feel a vague sense of relief when I'm on my own again. Maybe relief is the wrong word. I feel renewed appreciation for solitude.

Nicely put. :) I'm the same way.
 

arcticangel02

To the top of the world
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
892
MBTI Type
eNFP
Whichever type you are, you are well-rounded. :yes:

Do you recognize the following when you do interact (perhaps minus the 'fog of dullness' part):

If so, then I'd say you are an ENFP whose Fi is well-developed enough that you can forgo social interaction for a while without decharging. :nice:

Woo, I'm well-rounded! :party2:

But yes, that does seem a bit like me - I am certainly quieter at the beginning of a party, and then as the night goes on I tend to get sillier/more outgoing/whatever. :D

The fog of dullness actually sounds fairly accurate, too. Perhaps it's the sort of situation where I don't remember how much I enjoy getting out there and socialising until I actually am out there, and so sit contentedly on my own in the meantime? Sort of like lethargy, maybe. If you never get out and exercise, all you feel is a desire to do less moving and more sleeping, whereas in fact what you really need is more.

Hmm.

Possibly a difference is that INFPs find low-level, shallow contact with a lot of people very draining, whereas my best ENFP friend says that he finds such contact extremely stimulating. I'm not sure if this holds true of all ENFPs.

I do seem to be the latter. I don't initiate shallow conversation with strangers, but should they speak to me, I often find it quite delightful. As for people I know only slightly, when I’m bored in class, I do have a habit of wandering over to others and asking them how they’re going. :)
 

SillySapienne

`~~Philosoflying~~`
Joined
Jan 14, 2008
Messages
9,801
MBTI Type
ENFP
Enneagram
4w5
I am an extrovert who not only needs, but enjoys time spent alone. Why? Because only in solitude do I feel free to indulge myself fully, and without guilt. Also, I enjoy my own company, i.e. I happen to both stimulate and entertain myself.

I think I am an extrovert because I am genuinely concerned with, and affected by people, and the human condition. I think people can be fascinating, and I love trying to figure people out, and learning other people's perceptions of this thing called life.
 

arcticangel02

To the top of the world
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
892
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eNFP
In the right circumstances I can talk your ear off for hours on end about things.

But is that more one-on-one or in a social group setting? I think most don't have an issue with being talkative and the like when they're around a friend or family member. Being out with strangers is something different, wouldn't you say?
 

Ender

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Jan 12, 2008
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INFP
Enneagram
2w%
But is that more one-on-one or in a social group setting? I think most don't have an issue with being talkative and the like when they're around a friend or family member. Being out with strangers is something different, wouldn't you say?

It all depends. I can do it in a group setting at times. Get me talking about something I'm confident about or have a real interest in and the group setting doesn't much bother me. It is a lot rarer then when I do it on a one-on-one basis though.

For instance I actually belong to a car owners club, and we have regular meets on friday nights. I have no problem talking to most of the people there at times.
 

ferrisbueller

New member
Joined
Dec 27, 2007
Messages
53
MBTI Type
ENFP
I've definitely had the same problem, where the NFP was a lot more clear than the E/I. especially in new situations I tend to be a little reserved, waiting for a while to let my bubbly E self burst out. When I talk about the test with other people, those who don't know me well tend to think that I'm an I. However, I've realized that once I get a little bit more comfortable in a situation I am the embodiment of the zany ENFP. You're probably just an ENFP who isn't as E as most. Also, ENFPs need alone time, so don't let that make you think that you're an INFP. Every ENFP that I know takes time alone to recharge.
 

heart

heart on fire
Joined
May 19, 2007
Messages
8,456
...my thoughts get so loud and varied that I find it difficult to maintain awareness of where I am and what I'm doing...


These are the times that make life worth living. I tunnel into this cave whenever I can and let the thoughts take over! :smile:
 

surgery

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Joined
Sep 28, 2007
Messages
257
MBTI Type
INFP
Enneagram
Four
Unlike other Extraverted types, ENFPs need time alone to center themselves, and make sure they are moving in a direction which is in sync with their values.

Yes, the ENFP needs time to collect its thoughts. However, ENFPs usually seem more willing to 'get going,' so to speak. Just like its title -- the Inspirer -- ENFPs quickly exude life. The INFP, I believe, would be more focused on its inner thoughts at any given time. I rarely venture out of myself to create a social interaction. Also, I agree that we do not readily start chatting about more "shallow" things. It is when our imaginations, emotions, or something we deem more significant are stimulated that we begin to open up. For example, many of my ENFP friends always seem to have a funny story to share. While even if I had one, sharing it with a large group is a foreign concept to me.
 

SillySapienne

`~~Philosoflying~~`
Joined
Jan 14, 2008
Messages
9,801
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ENFP
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4w5
I refuse to shoot the shit, and absolutely cannot stand mindless, empty, parrot-like conversations, if you can even call them that.

If I am in the mood, yes, I will spark a conversation with a stranger, but I will do so with the intention of really trying to get to know them, or more accurately, to get, or find something about them.
 

heykitten

New member
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Jan 5, 2008
Messages
21
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INFP
i suppose it depends on the context of the situation/environment but i don't mind small talk, it's a way of getting to know others without invading their space i've found, however i would be very bored if the conversation did not lad to more intellectual matters, there's only so much we could say about the weather, y'know? e.g. in a party, i'm perfectly happy and willing to approach others and initiate conversation and introduce myself etc. most people can easily mistake me for an extrovert and i am on the 90-100% spectrum of introversion! reflective of my rather Fe mothering side, give and receive pattern of getting to know others.

the biggest indicator being i NEED the alone time -- it's not a matter of needing a little; i would wilt without the following days and weeks to recharge by myself in my room after my social time to just to do my own thing, sit and go over my thoughts etc.
 

Priam

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Dec 20, 2007
Messages
272
MBTI Type
INTP
I am an extrovert who not only needs, but enjoys time spent alone. Why? Because only in solitude do I feel free to indulge myself fully, and without guilt. Also, I enjoy my own company, i.e. I happen to both stimulate and entertain myself.

I think I am an extrovert because I am genuinely concerned with, and affected by people, and the human condition. I think people can be fascinating, and I love trying to figure people out, and learning other people's perceptions of this thing called life.

While certainly not contradicting, I would stand up as an introvert for whom the last paragraph rings true. People are the best! They're puzzles constantly retwisting themselves in new shapes, mysterious shadows behind faces that tell nothing! Their thoughts, however vapid, can be unique and moving. I enjoy, even embrace, worthwhile company for its own sake, but I eventually need to pull back for a while and just be without, outside the world with just myself and my thought process. What's the most draining for me is not people, but rather the sense that my own brain is lagging four or five steps behind and must run to catch up. I want to pause, work things out on some meaningful level, but the world just keeps ticking over and drags me along with it. I am mentally ill-equipped to deal with skimming over the surface, whereas a huge chunk of the world seems to simply live there. It's enough to make the old fashioned "cave in the desert with only psychadelic mushrooms to keep you company" routine seem rather appealing.
 

Lateralus

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May 18, 2007
Messages
6,262
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ENTJ
Enneagram
3w4
I am an extrovert who not only needs, but enjoys time spent alone. Why? Because only in solitude do I feel free to indulge myself fully, and without guilt. Also, I enjoy my own company, i.e. I happen to both stimulate and entertain myself.
I value my alone time and actually start to get irritated with people if I don't get enough of it because I need time to process my thoughts. I think that's a consequence of being an NP, causing ENFPs and ENTPs to appear almost introverted at times.
 

autumn

New member
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
106
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eNFP
I value my alone time and actually start to get irritated with people if I don't get enough of it because I need time to process my thoughts. I think that's a consequence of being an NP, causing ENFPs and ENTPs to appear almost introverted at times.

I would love to hear more of your thoughts on how this relates to being an NP.
 

Aminal

New member
Joined
Jan 21, 2009
Messages
1
INFP vs ENFP

Tested ENFP but lost the results.
So I took the test again and got INFP, but there was a note at the top of the page telling me there had been points deducted for reliability and to click back and fill out the blank answer if I wanted to. The question that had not been answered was do you feel at ease in crowds to which I do and did click yes. That answer brought me back to ENFP.
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