INTP or INFP?

[Mal12345]

Hm, I guess I think everyone's entitled to their opinion and probably saw something I didn't, so I tend to take everything into consideration. I beat myself up about stuff, but it would be hard for people to get to me, probably due to getting used to it throughout school.


I've studied dominant Fe types a fair amount over the last couple of months because I thought my sister might be one. At one point I vaguely considered it, then read it through again and laughed at how much it didn't sound like me. I try to keep things equal between me and others, so I don't feel indebted to them, but I tend to forget things that make good hosts, like my sister always offers drinks when my friends arrive whereas I don't even think about it. She also goes out of her way to help others out with their work or life, whereas I'll give them some advice but I leave it at that. I'm not good at comforting people.


Hm, I've seen comments like these before:
http://www.personalitypage.com/html/INFP_per.html
"May be extremely sensitive to any kind of criticism
May perceive criticism where none was intended "

All I see is "may" this and "may" that.

Doesn't that kind of language remind you of astrology? It does me.

 

[tsumatachi_san]

That just clinches the INFP more to me.

For instance, by contrast, a NT is less likely to be offended because they aren't offended by someone telling the truth (if they're right) or think people are friggen idiots (if they're wrong) so their opinions don't matter.

Thanks! I'm pretty sure NTs get offended, but as you said are less likely to. What would cause an NT to get offended? Being constantly told their wrong?

All I see is "may" this and "may" that.

Doesn't that kind of language remind you of astrology? It does me.

Haha, true, but then a lot of type descriptions do.

 

[Cantus Firmus]

I don't have much to add, and I'm not an expert on MBTI. But I'm an INFP, and you seem to be a lot like me in quite a few ways. I also have 9w1 in my tritype, though I'm pretty sure I'm a 5w4 first.

I can be a very logical person, but I expect everyone to have something to contribute. I want to hear criticism and assimilate others' ideas into my own knowledge. I'm more concerned with finding the truth than with apportioning credit or blame. Occasionally criticism can hit me personally, but most of the time I take it very well and dispassionately.

Years ago I tested as an INTP, but now I consistently test INFP. At first I didn't want to agree with it, because I value logic and T sounds so much more logical. How important are your values to you? For me, I've realized that logic is one of my values, because I value truth, authenticity, and intellectual curiosity. Are there some values that are very important to you?

I'm going out on a limb here, because I don't really understand the cognitive processes yet, but the way you write sounds more F than T to me. I would suspect and INTP would form a more detailed outline of what they're writing rather than letting it come to them as they go. Other forum posters, please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd actually lean towards that outline method myself, but then again I'd probably not finish the outline because I didn't feel like I had anything creative enough to make the project worthwhile.

 

[SensEye]

I haven't been really paying that much attention, but it seems to me that almost all the posters that can't figure out their types turn out to be NFs.

It's like there should be a MBTI help FAQ entry: If you are unsure of your type, consider yourself an NF and work from there.

 

[tsumatachi_san]

I don't have much to add, and I'm not an expert on MBTI. But I'm an INFP, and you seem to be a lot like me in quite a few ways. I also have 9w1 in my tritype, though I'm pretty sure I'm a 5w4 first.

I can be a very logical person, but I expect everyone to have something to contribute. I want to hear criticism and assimilate others' ideas into my own knowledge. I'm more concerned with finding the truth than with apportioning credit or blame. Occasionally criticism can hit me personally, but most of the time I take it very well and dispassionately.

Years ago I tested as an INTP, but now I consistently test INFP. At first I didn't want to agree with it, because I value logic and T sounds so much more logical. How important are your values to you? For me, I've realized that logic is one of my values, because I value truth, authenticity, and intellectual curiosity. Are there some values that are very important to you?

I'm going out on a limb here, because I don't really understand the cognitive processes yet, but the way you write sounds more F than T to me. I would suspect and INTP would form a more detailed outline of what they're writing rather than letting it come to them as they go. Other forum posters, please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd actually lean towards that outline method myself, but then again I'd probably not finish the outline because I didn't feel like I had anything creative enough to make the project worthwhile.

That's a good example, thank you. Hm, I think my values are pretty self-orientated. I mean, I expect things from others, but I expect a lot more from myself. For example, some of my values are: to always try my best, to push myself and so develop, to reach certain goals, to keep an open mind to avoid making mistakes or cutting out the potentially correct. From others, I expect: a certain level of care for others/the world, lack of ignorance or at least receptivity to other ideas, to not complain then do nothing.

I think I tend to describe things or put things 'clinically' according to my friends. I sum things up if I'm not interested in them so I don't have to focus on them any more, but if I am interested, I'll explore every angle to see if it fits. I do outline now, but more with a general and very flexible idea.

I haven't been really paying that much attention, but it seems to me that almost all the posters that can't figure out their types turn out to be NFs.

It's like there should be a MBTI help FAQ entry: If you are unsure of your type, consider yourself an NF and work from there.

Haha, possibly. I've heard if you're unsure it's more likely you use Ne somewhere, as that seems to be the ultimate doubting function.

 

[Cantus Firmus]

I haven't been really paying that much attention, but it seems to me that almost all the posters that can't figure out their types turn out to be NFs.

It's like there should be a MBTI help FAQ entry: If you are unsure of your type, consider yourself an NF and work from there.

Maybe it's an NF thing. I certainly am incredibly comfortable with saying "I don't know." I use caveats in almost all of my statements, and I think one reason people really trust my expertise is because I'm always quick to point out how much I'm sure of and how much is speculation. If I have insufficient data to come to a conclusion, then my stance is that I haven't decided yet. Once I finally decide something, it's based on sound data and logic, and I'm not going to change my mind without significant new information.

So if that's a typical NF (or INFP) mindset, then that's why we stay unsure of our type for so long. Some types may be more inclined to pick the first thing that seems right and go with it. I suspect NTs have a similar desire to find the right answer, but are less comfortable admitting that they don't know. Again (here's the caveat), this is just speculation.

 

[SensEye]

Maybe it's an NF thing. I certainly am incredibly comfortable with saying "I don't know." I use caveats in almost all of my statements, and I think one reason people really trust my expertise is because I'm always quick to point out how much I'm sure of and how much is speculation. If I have insufficient data to come to a conclusion, then my stance is that I haven't decided yet. Once I finally decide something, it's based on sound data and logic, and I'm not going to change my mind without significant new information.

That's just sound analysis. I think the main reason so few people do this is we live in predominantly SJ world where projections of certainty and confidence are valued above accuracy. So it's common to bullshit you know everything when nothing is further from the truth. Personally, I admire people who can clearly state what they are sure of and what they are not.

On the personality front however, no one is going to be more of an expert on "you" than you. So it would seem with some introspection one could come to a firm conclusion. Maybe it was easy for me since I am strongly T, and it seems to me that it is that F-T divide that trips people up. So I'm subscribing the doubt to an F thing. I think there is perhaps a misconception you can't be a rational thinker and F at the same time, which isn't true, but I think this misconseption leads some of the more analytical F's to deny their F-ishness.

 

[tsumatachi_san]

Just wanted to revive this thread thanks to posting the questionnaire on another forum and getting a very different response:

You are interested in exploring the theory behind certain subjects, correct? An INTP, at least from my general knowledge, is interested in thoroughly understanding an idea or concept as much as possible. In other words, you desire objective truth. You want to explore a theory, keep modifying something to fit your current framework or model, until everything seems to make sense.

Somewhere in your post, you also mentioned something about preferring to observe your environment and watch how situations unfold, in direct contrast of acting now and planning ahead. Postponing something to continue the process of gathering information, in other words.

These traits are, if I am not mistaken, characteristic of an INTP.

How would you respond to this?

 

[Stephano]

Fi over Ti

 

[tsumatachi_san]

Fi over Ti

I'm going to be incredibly annoying and ask why.

 

[Stephano]

I don't like rude, unimaginative people who can't see anything other than their own opinion and way of life. Also people who force their opinions on others or cause harm. Selfishness is also really annoying.

This is Fi to the core! I am a Fi user as well and I relate to that. You do not want other people to feel bad or be harmed.

I want to be able to do things I like, things like writing, thinking, reading, learning languages and so on.

NFs are good at languages and seem to like writing (I do btw).

 

[valaki]

I don't like rude, unimaginative people who can't see anything other than their own opinion and way of life. Also people who force their opinions on others or cause harm. Selfishness is also really annoying.

This is Fi to the core! I am a Fi user as well and I relate to that. You do not want other people to feel bad or be harmed.

I don't see a problem with Fe user thinking this way as well.

I want to be able to do things I like, things like writing, thinking, reading, learning languages and so on.

NFs are good at languages and seem to like writing (I do btw).

Not only NF's like those things / are good at it. This fits INTP just fine too.

 

[Stephano]

I don't see a problem with Fe user thinking this way as well.




Not only NF's like those things / are good at it. This fits INTP just fine too.

Yes, you are right of course, but it's what I noticed on myself. Also INTPs use Fe as their inferior function so they don't really use it that often. I cannot decide for you, I'm sorry if it looked that way.
Here is a good test to determine your functionorder. It will probably be not 100% correct but it helped me with my type enormously.

 

[Standuble]

In your inner world do you find yourself determining the worth of an object? Do you find yourself evaluating what it means to you and whether it means less or more to you than before? Do you perceive your values and views changing within you? Do you have trouble maintaining interest in tasks which you have determined to now be of less value? Do you do all the above whilst being unaware or indifferent to what society's views are and even what other Fi users value or care about?

 

[tsumatachi_san]

Yes, you are right of course, but it's what I noticed on myself. Also INTPs use Fe as their inferior function so they don't really use it that often. I cannot decide for you, I'm sorry if it looked that way.
Here is a good test to determine your functionorder. It will probably be not 100% correct but it helped me with my type enormously.

I think the link to the test disappeared. Also, I think Fe vs Fi is usually quite difficult to tell apart overall, hence my problem.

In your inner world do you find yourself determining the worth of an object? Do you find yourself evaluating what it means to you and whether it means less or more to you than before? Do you perceive your values and views changing within you? Do you have trouble maintaining interest in tasks which you have determined to now be of less value? Do you do all the above whilst being unaware or indifferent to what society's views are and even what other Fi users value or care about?

Well, the dominant function is usually unconscious, but I've tried to catch myself thinking in certain ways. For worth, I'll try to use an example of deciding what to do. I tend to consider whether or not whatever it is needs to be done and when, then if I really want to do it. I can be scatter-brained with certain things, like I forget to wash the dishes until the evening when my mum reminds me I said I would, but I always intend to do the things I say I will. It matters to me that I keep to my word. I don't really work with a routine, but more try to achieve a certain amount each day. I don't really enjoy obligations, such as I ended up being pressured into attending a university society with my friends and feel too awkward to say no (although I'll probably come up with an excuse if I really hate it). I'm usually not too concerned by worth though, because I think everything has some worth. I won't say something like playing video games is a worthless activity just because nothing concrete comes from it.

I have noticed a change in myself recently, personality-wise, though. When I was younger I was a lot more quiet and agreeable (basically a pushover, if I'm being honest). This lasted for a while thanks to lack of self-confidence due to a lot of problems at home (i.e. my sister suffered from severe mental illness that affected everyone and I was the only one who could really manage her, even if I didn't want to). But over the last few years I've gained a lot of confidence (meaning I will speak up if someone says something I don't think is right) in everything except the social arena. I struggle to make friends because I don't understand the world of socialising or the rules that go with it (people usually make friends with me by encouraging me into conversations with them). I thought this could be inferior Fe, but it might be not having Fe in my first four functions. What do you think?

 

[valaki]

Yes, you are right of course, but it's what I noticed on myself. Also INTPs use Fe as their inferior function so they don't really use it that often. I cannot decide for you, I'm sorry if it looked that way.
Here is a good test to determine your functionorder. It will probably be not 100% correct but it helped me with my type enormously.

Where's the test?

I think the link to the test disappeared. Also, I think Fe vs Fi is usually quite difficult to tell apart overall, hence my problem.

Yeah...

Well, the dominant function is usually unconscious

What do you mean by that exactly? Shouldn't it be conscious but so natural that you don't notice its presence?

I'm usually not too concerned by worth though, because I think everything has some worth. I won't say something like playing video games is a worthless activity just because nothing concrete comes from it.

Is this just a generic statement that "everything has some worth"? Or is this something you've put some deep thought into?

I have noticed a change in myself recently, personality-wise, though. When I was younger I was a lot more quiet and agreeable (basically a pushover, if I'm being honest). This lasted for a while thanks to lack of self-confidence due to a lot of problems at home (i.e. my sister suffered from severe mental illness that affected everyone and I was the only one who could really manage her, even if I didn't want to). But over the last few years I've gained a lot of confidence (meaning I will speak up if someone says something I don't think is right) in everything except the social arena. I struggle to make friends because I don't understand the world of socialising or the rules that go with it (people usually make friends with me by encouraging me into conversations with them). I thought this could be inferior Fe, but it might be not having Fe in my first four functions. What do you think?

How were you so good at managing your sister if you don't mind me asking?

That sounds pretty weak Fe, really. I still lean towards INTP but that's just an impression and it's naturally a very superficial one. Btw I thought INTP for you originally because of how you said you're more concerned with ideas. Though okay, maybe that could still be INFP :/ You said it's hard to tell if that's natural development. Do you feel natural that way or is there some problem with it?

 

[tsumatachi_san]

Replying a bit in bold.

What do you mean by that exactly? Shouldn't it be conscious but so natural that you don't notice its presence?

That's what I meant by unconscious, because you don't need to consciously use it, it just happens naturally.


Is this just a generic statement that "everything has some worth"? Or is this something you've put some deep thought into?

I tend to get frustrated by people when they say something's worthless, because everything has worth to someone or something. I tend to make statements like that only if I've thought them out.


How were you so good at managing your sister if you don't mind me asking?

I really don't know. I seemed to be able to communicate on her wavelength better, I guess. It's hard to remember because I was under so much stress at the time.

That sounds pretty weak Fe, really. I still lean towards INTP but that's just an impression and it's naturally a very superficial one. Btw I thought INTP for you originally because of how you said you're more concerned with ideas. Though okay, maybe that could still be INFP :/ You said it's hard to tell if that's natural development. Do you feel natural that way or is there some problem with it?

Why do you say weak Fe? I think I am concerned by ideas and live i my head most of the time, but I do care about people, much as I don't like to admit it sometimes. I'm not exactly sure what's natural for me at the moment, but I think I'm more into spreading ideas or discussing them. For example, if I like a subject, I can talk about the ins and outs of it for hours, which usually results in listeners getting kind of bored. But then, in my friend group I'm sort of the one who makes sure everyone keeps a level head about things and I rarely let myself fully relax around others.

 

[Stephano]

Where's the test?

Whoops! Here it is
http://similarminds.com/classic_jung.html

 

[valaki]

I tend to get frustrated by people when they say something's worthless, because everything has worth to someone or something. I tend to make statements like that only if I've thought them out.

The same for me

Why do you say weak Fe? I think I am concerned by ideas and live i my head most of the time, but I do care about people, much as I don't like to admit it sometimes. I'm not exactly sure what's natural for me at the moment, but I think I'm more into spreading ideas or discussing them. For example, if I like a subject, I can talk about the ins and outs of it for hours, which usually results in listeners getting kind of bored. But then, in my friend group I'm sort of the one who makes sure everyone keeps a level head about things and I rarely let myself fully relax around others.

Well you yourself said so heh. You talked about having a problem with socialising. Though, maybe I was analysing the stereotype way there :/

Why don't you like to admit it that you care about people?

Why is keeping a level head important?

 

[valaki]

Whoops! Here it is
http://similarminds.com/classic_jung.html

Oh that one... I got unknown type on it once. I liked it (I scored the same for two highest functions)

I'm curious if OP tried it...?