Words of Ivory
facettes de la petite mor
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2010
- Messages
- 492
- MBTI Type
- INFJ
This is actually taken from something I started to think about after looking at an user created group on the forums called "All INFJ". This original message is here.
INFJs are supposed to be... what? A type that is held by as little as 1% - 2% of people? If this is in fact true, why does it seem to me that there in fact an huge abundance of people who claim to be this type? How do you tell the bogus ones from the real ones?
Below is my own opinion as to why. I'm interested in hearing everyone else's thoughts, from both non INFJs and people who believe they are.
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Through my own observations over the last few years, I've come to the conclusion that many attempt to identify themselves to the type simply because it's considered so rare and "special". It is very easy to believe you are a good and understanding person, but the reality is often completely different.
People come to the belief that if they can relate to other equally confused individuals, they somehow possess the ability to "understand" each other. This creates a false blanket of misguided empathy that is easy to cling to, but very hard to maintain. I have found with a lot of INFJs though that their supposed capacity for understanding people does not in fact extend beyond themselves and their own common interests and similar personality traits.
Some (many?) kid themselves about their capacity for empathy, their ability to understand other people's feelings, and their emotional sensitivity because the INFJ template paints us as some sort of reclusive saints, and that's a very attractive image to aspire to.
When push comes to shove though, I've seen very few INFJs hold true to the type's description. They show themselves to be selfish and self-serving, only connecting with people for their own benefit and emotional security.
I think real INFJs know just how confusing this sort of thing can be, and especially how hard and emotionally stressful it often feels to try and figure it all out. It's just the way we think.
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This is mostly a random string of thoughts that I've just thrown down on the page (the screen?). It's not constructed, tidied or put down in any particularly organised fashion. So please don't take it too literally. I'm far more interested in what you people have to say.
INFJs are supposed to be... what? A type that is held by as little as 1% - 2% of people? If this is in fact true, why does it seem to me that there in fact an huge abundance of people who claim to be this type? How do you tell the bogus ones from the real ones?
Below is my own opinion as to why. I'm interested in hearing everyone else's thoughts, from both non INFJs and people who believe they are.
-----------
Through my own observations over the last few years, I've come to the conclusion that many attempt to identify themselves to the type simply because it's considered so rare and "special". It is very easy to believe you are a good and understanding person, but the reality is often completely different.
People come to the belief that if they can relate to other equally confused individuals, they somehow possess the ability to "understand" each other. This creates a false blanket of misguided empathy that is easy to cling to, but very hard to maintain. I have found with a lot of INFJs though that their supposed capacity for understanding people does not in fact extend beyond themselves and their own common interests and similar personality traits.
Some (many?) kid themselves about their capacity for empathy, their ability to understand other people's feelings, and their emotional sensitivity because the INFJ template paints us as some sort of reclusive saints, and that's a very attractive image to aspire to.
When push comes to shove though, I've seen very few INFJs hold true to the type's description. They show themselves to be selfish and self-serving, only connecting with people for their own benefit and emotional security.
I think real INFJs know just how confusing this sort of thing can be, and especially how hard and emotionally stressful it often feels to try and figure it all out. It's just the way we think.
---------
This is mostly a random string of thoughts that I've just thrown down on the page (the screen?). It's not constructed, tidied or put down in any particularly organised fashion. So please don't take it too literally. I'm far more interested in what you people have to say.