An INFP's Inner World

It was a process that took several years, but more often than not I don’t like people very much. I’m not rude at them, of course. I’m as pleasant as manners and politeness may dictate, but geez, I just don’t have the patience or the stomach for being in the presence of mean people or obnoxious groups anymore.

I don’t assume that everyone is a good person because they aren’t.

I’ve reached a point where if someone is a creeper, I stay away. If they are closed-minded and ignorant, I stay away. If they are drama-mongering drama flouncers, no thank you. If I see them screaming at and slapping their children in stores or kicking someone’s car because a parking space they wanted was taken …I mean, seriously? Something isn’t right there.

My tipping point is … life.

I’m tired of people shooting up schools, abusing and killing their families. The mega-thieving corporations are cruel and tiresome. The disgusting government rulers couldn’t care less if the taxes take a third or more of your paycheck.

Why would I wish to hang around with people like that? They are off my radar.

I’d rather snuggle with my adorable INTJ and my kitties in front of the fire. I’d rather stay home and read while fixing up my home. Honestly, most of the planet can take a flying leap for all I care. They may have their own reasons, excuses, and stories behind why they do what they do, and that’s all good. 💗💗

Yes, I do have a loving heart. I just have no need for crap in my life anymore. I know what I like and what I don’t like. And what I don’t like are most of humanity. I guess I’m not a floofy-poof INFP? *shrugs*

As much as I’d like to, I can’t save this world. I’ve helped some and I still do. Yet I’ve been so much happier and at peace since I’ve made the choice to cut out that toxicity and negativity from my environment. My depression has lifted and I’m enjoying life more than I ever have.

So, withdrawing from humanity was a healthy choice for me. 😊

Thanks for the question! 🌼🌼

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Absolutely!

One of an INFP’s traits - loves to ponder limitless possibilities. This means whenever an idea, person, or situation enters their horizon, an INFP will usually dwell, daydream, and imagine what it all might mean for them and the universe.

This tendency to read between the lines and dig into hidden meanings comes naturally for this inner-pondering type.

Have you ever watched a story on the screen and imagined all the potential paths the plot could take? Or glanced at a person at the bus stop and come up with interesting tales behind who they are and what their journey is?

I’ve taken this a step further if I’ve felt that someone might be potentially dangerous. Because you never know what unseen intentions lurk out there on this world.

I’m also good at noticing details, when things are moved in a room, and filling in the blanks when someone intentionally leaves information out while they’re talking. My thoughts instinctually pick up cues and body language pretty well from people. I may not always know the reason why someone is questionable in the moment, but I always pay attention when I get a tingly spidey-sense. 🕸

When I’m watching a mystery, I have to force myself not to think too hard because I hate figuring out the ending and ruining the surprise. It doesn’t really bother me too much. But what’s the fun in reading or watching a story if you can usually guess the ending? 😩

Anyway, INFPs can definitely be detective-minded. It’s kind of a natural trait and many probably don’t even realize they’re doing it.

Thanks for the question! 😊

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I don’t consider myself “normal” by Society’s standards

Here’s a list of things that would make me seem normal (not that these apply to me)

Basically, I’d appear normal if my behavior didn’t attract any attention that made me seem ‘weird’.

I’d be like everyone else.

*shivers* No thank you. I like my unnormal, weird self. 😋

Thanks for the question. 🍵

Related question- Are INFP rebels? If so, what makes them rebel?

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I love using MBTI profiles with my characters. I don’t necessarily need to match their behavior exactly to the Type I’ve chosen for them, because personality is fluid. But it’s so much fun to imagine what my character would do if I changed their personality.

Let’s say I’m wondering how one of my characters would respond to a particularly stressful situation and I know they’re an INFP. Well, I definitely know they’re an Introverted Feeler, so that would rule out a ton of possibilities right there. Instead of being loud and reactive, maybe they’d turn inward and dwell on the problem before responding.

I use MBTI descriptions not because I can’t imagine my own ideas for them, but it helps me to keep track of what they would and wouldn’t do or say in spontaneous scenes. And if I attach a different Type to each of my characters it keeps them from looking too much alike.

It’s part of the background creation I love putting together for my stories. 😄

Thanks for the question! 😊

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Sure. I believe that.

There’s at least Severe and Minor agoraphobia.

Severe would be agoraphobia that lasts for years or even someone’s entire life.

Minor would be agoraphobia that lasts a short time or randomly comes and goes.

I also believe there are varying levels within the Severe category.

For instance, if there were actual categories like Severe and Minor, I’d be in the Severe category.

Yet, the intensity can vary. I’m not always experiencing an anxiety attack when I walk out the door - or at least a visible one. Perhaps, 1 time out of 3 attempts I can get out there without the strong need to turn around and lock the door.

Usually, I dwell on an appointment for days beforehand. I’ll envision possible conversations, how I might answer potential questions, make a list of what I could wear and what I need to bring with me, and the route I’ll take to reach my destination.

Sometimes that can help me walk out the door and accomplish my goal.

Other days, even if I try to prepare, the anxiety will be too overwhelming and I’ll need to cancel or reschedule.

Or if the appointment is important and I can’t cancel, sometimes what happens is I’ll get landed with a heavy dose of derealization, which slows down a lot of the world around me. Derealization may make it easier to endure leaving home, but it’s a super struggle to remain in the present while it’s happening.

I’ve had people comment to me “oh, you must be getting better at going out, huh?” While I’m constantly reminding myself to focus on my goal and the anxiety might be swallowing me alive.

And I’m thinking, ‘my agoraphobia isn’t going away just because I happen to have a confident day or am able to hide it better than usual’. It also leaves me feeling self-conscious because they pointed out something different about my behavior. Thankfully, I’m no longer around those people.

So, yes, there are levels to agoraphobia because I’ve experienced them. There shouldn’t be just one broad Agoraphobia label that assumes the experience is the same for everyone. It isn’t.

I hope this helps. Thanks for the question. 😊

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This is one of those generalization questions that can only be answered with “no”. Because there’s no way to reach every single INFP all over the world and ask them if they are “overexcited”.

What’s being assumed here - All INFPs have emotional overexcitability or are excessively excited. That’s nice.

A better question would be: “What might cause an INFP to appear overexcited emotionally?”

Now that is a question I can attempt to answer.

I think this depends on the point of view of the person gauging the INFP’s emotions. Not that I think it’s really anyone’s business… 😜

I’m a bit touchy when it comes to someone attempting to judge how I choose to express or not express my emotions. If I’m not harming anyone, why does it matter?

If the person trying to judge my reactions dislikes emotional displays, they’ll spot a single tear and say that I’m too overexcited or exaggerating.

Just because that person is unable to feel deep emotions in the way I feel them, doesn’t mean my honest and genuine emotional response is too excitable.

I mean, you’re trying to compare emotions with the most feelie of all emotionally feelie types. It isn’t a fair comparison, since there is no comparison.

Sure, you could try to compare an average INFP’s emotional intensity to some other Feeler type while unhealthy, but that isn’t a fair comparison either. Because a healthy emotionally-driven INFP is not the same as another Type expressing intense emotions in an unhealthy manner. 😐

Emotional expression isn’t automatically unhealthy behavior.

Anyway. Back to the question.

Situations that may cause an INFP to appear overexcited emotionally

…really any sort of situation can create an emotional response, positive or negative.

Though usually, INFPs tend to hide away most of their emotions until later. So I feel that if you’re in the presence of an INFP broadcasting their feelings all over, then that INFP is probably not in a good place right then. They probably need a break to escape whatever situation they’re in. 😟

My answer- Ultimately, if you’re witnessing a highly-emotional INFP (unhappy, loud), the reason is probably stress. If you’re witnessing an INFP who is happy, talkative, silly, and super charming, the INFP is comfortable in your presence. There’s nothing excitable about it. 😉

I hope this helps! Thanks for the question. 🌺

Related question- How do you know when an INFP truly cares about you?

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That’s easy.

There are two ways to turn me into a scary-ass cinnamon bun. 👿

Those are two instances where I will turn into a scary beast in order to protect myself or someone I care about. I will not tolerate bullies and abusers of any sort attempting physical harm in my vicinity. 💗

Thanks for the question. 😌

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I have a short list of Introvert essentials. 😊

Thanks for the question! 🌼

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There are so many obvious red flags such as rudeness, bullying, and deceit. But I’m going to talk about behavior that’s a little harder to recognize.

Passive-aggressive behavior.

You know when someone makes a comment and it sort of sounds like a compliment, but there’s something else going on with what was said? You can usually tell by how you feel. If you’re confused or feel weird afterward, it was probably a dink being passive-aggressive.

Here are some examples

Of course, there are many different variations. And the passive-aggressive behavior depends on tone. For instance, a person could genuinely not realize a chore needed to be done right away and may not be trying to be annoying.

If someone remarks with various of the above, I’d be a little wary about their intent, and would probably keep a distance from them.

Thanks for the question! 😊

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That sounds difficult. I don’t know if anyone could remain in a productive state. Unless maybe they were a workaholic or pumped up on caffeine. 😏

I’m not sure how it is for other INFPs, but if the work is something I don’t want to do, I have to seriously force myself to stay focused. More than if I were busy with one of my hobbies. Maybe that’s normal for people though?

With my hobbies, I can work on making a soundscape forever. I love it so much. I usually try to finish a new one in 4 to 6 days. When I wrote this, my current theme was pirates. 😄 (It’s now Autumn and Winter💖)

My work ethic isn’t necessarily the same as staying in a productive state.

My work ethic for my job involves-

That’s it. Easy peasy. Then I’m as productive as I am within those personal guidelines, usually above average.

I’m the most productive when I enjoy what I’m doing, so I watch or listen to videos and music while working. Then my mind doesn’t wander too much. I find that I work better when something is playing in my headphones. Otherwise, the absolute quiet makes the day drag on.

As for rewards…? Hmm…

Finishing a work shift and logging out is a good reward for me. Knowing I have tomorrow off is the best reward! 😍

Thanks for the question. ☕

my YouTube Soundscape-Ambience channel Dragonfly Mage Ambience

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Sure. Personally, I think that INFPs have great potential to be amazing writers. They can draw on their imaginations to create descriptive scenes, and visualize locations and conversations between characters. Like Tolkien.

But, yeah, the potential for writing doesn’t mean a person will like it. Just like some people like cinnamon and some don’t. Or mushrooms. Or those nummy Smarties candy thingies… 🍬

I love to write, which is probably obvious. 😅 I began writing a diary when I was young, and also wrote down my dreams in a dream journal. I write stories and fanfiction. I write all over the place. I can’t stop! LOL

I’ve found that writing is the best way for me to translate my emotions into words, so they aren’t floating around in my head like a gelatinous mass of writhing stormy feels.

It’s okay to not like writing. We’re all different people with different life experiences.

Thanks for the question. 😊

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INFPs are discussed online quite a bit. So are INFJs and INTJs. It’s probably because they are some of the lesser common types and many want to know more.

A few reasons—

That’s all I can think of right now. Thanks for the question. 😄

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So, this question infers that a depressed Extrovert equals an Introvert?

There are huge differences between being an Introvert and being depressed.

For one thing, are you unhappy right now? Do you lack the energy to get out of bed? Do the activities you once loved doing feel uninteresting now?

Both Introverts and Extroverts can be depressed. And depression doesn’t turn an Extrovert into an Introvert. Introversion is not a mental illness. It’s a personality trait.

Are you normally an Extrovert, but you now have low energy and don’t feel like socializing as you once did? If so, then sure, you could be a depressed Extrovert.

The difference between being an Introvert and a depressed Extrovert is that Introverts can be happy about not socializing and may enjoy spending lots of time alone.

I’m sorry you’re feeling less than you previously did. If you were once an Extrovert, your depression won’t take that away from you. Maybe there are some things you need to work through, or feel stressed and need a break for a while.

Once this dark cloud drifts away, you should eventually return to your regularly scheduled Extroverted self. 🌼

I hope this helps. Thanks for the question! 😊

Articles: What It’s Like To Be An Extrovert With Depression Depressed or an Introvert? Extrovert vs Introvert: How Does Each Experience Depression?

I had to look up the difference between misconceptions and stereotypes. Because I’ve answered several about INFP stereotypes and I didn’t want to just repeat something I’ve already written.

Stereotype - a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing; cliché.

Misconception - a view or opinion that is incorrect based on faulty thinking or understanding; mistake, error, mix-up.

So, a stereotype is a popular and simple image of someone. While a misconception is someone’s faulty misbelief.

Hmm… What are the biggest faulty opinions about INFPs?

Geez. This could be anything. Especially if the person outright hates INFPs.

Some misconceptions I’ve seen about INFPs

Lovely, right? 😯 I’ve seen variations of these around the internet. Usually, these are the faulty opinions of a single person here and there who has it in for INFPs for whatever reason.

Thanks for the question. 😊

Related question- What stereotypes about your MBTI type do you hate the most?