Just so we're clear, ENFP
aren't the only type that keeps pestering others about that, are they? If so, I might be one...
no no...infps are pretty bad about it too. they just usually think it's intp or infj or something..they're not usually confused about rather or not they're introverted.
The difference, as noted, is that ENFPs will tend to want opinions on their own type, whereas a questioning INFP will want opinions on what the types they are considering are like. This is likely because the Ne-dom wants to brainstorm with other & the Fi-dom just wants more info before they make their own evaluation. The ENFP will be more content to brainstorm forever, & more inclined to re-open the discussion again in the future, whereas the INFP will at some point decide on their type & then not budge.
/massive generalization
So would we say that ENFP's are more likely to change their values as external stimuli challenges it? INFP's deny external stimuli and hold tight to their inner values, regardless of how out-of-touch they may be with reality? And is this the reason INFP's appear to have "other-worldly" vibe?
I'd like to get some INFP input on this...
INFP's... how often do you change your values?
I don't have defined values in the way people seem to think Fi-doms do. I have these concepts of what is ideal, often illustrated in my mind via fantasies, but I'm open to many external manifestations of that concept. When something opposes these concepts in a way that threatens them, then I balk, but then also look for a new avenue to move past an obstacle. So more often than changing values, I simply change the way I see them being fulfilled in reality. When I do adopt a value/ideal, it often comes from recognizing a need I did not realize before.
For instance, when I was a child, I used to say I never wanted to marry; but once I got a bit older, I realized that marriage did not have to mean what it means for everyone else (ie. the house in the suburbs with the kids). Plus, I realized I need & want companionship & romance, etc, and so then marriage became a part of an ideal future in my mind. It was something I could now see value in for myself.
When I drop a value, it comes from realizing something is not as important as I previously thought. Sometimes its life experience, factual info, observations, or simply imagining a new possibility which seems ideal & does not require that thing.
However, I really find the core ideals staying the same, and the changes being minor ones I've branched off of those. It's not that systematic of course. I'm guessing this is not even all a Fi process either. It's pretty common for people to change values based on realizing a new need. However, I think the INFP tends to refuse to drop values/ideals with the hope that a way to realize them will manifest at some point, or if it doesn't, they'd rather live in an escapist fantasy than deal with reality. I think ENFPs may simply be more pro-active, but sometimes less discriminating, trying all kinds of things on for size.
INFP's do seem to have a special wisdom to them, even at an early age, I've noticed. I admire the INFP for not relying on other people so much.. and I feel like a jerk for mentioning this.. so it is in no way meant to be harmful... but I did read a study on relationships that shows partners of INTP/INFP have the greatest dissatisfaction. This study could be total bullshit.. but it's come up a few times. The only thing I can assume is that its the introversion factor, or a difficulty for them to verbalize emotionally.
Again, INFP input requested =)
If it's the same study I saw, then the INTPs have the most dissatisfied mates, but may be oblivious to it. The INFPs are the most dissatisfied themselves, but may actually have satisfied mates. In the case of the INFP, it's likely too high ideals leaving them unhappy, but the same high standards tend to make them good partners.