Commonly known as Idealists, Healers, Harmonizer Clarifiers, you can get an idea of who INFPs are. If you want to know them better, this post discusses the personality traits of INFPs and their relationship compatibility with other types.
I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.
―Audrey Hepburn (an INFP)
INFP refers to one of the 16 personalities defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
I – Introverted
N – iNtuitive
F – Feeling
P – Perceiving
It’s important to know a person’s strengths and weaknesses before getting into a relationship with him/her. This would give you a better understanding about your (future) mate. Dealing with people and relationships can be cumbersome for some. But that’s not the case with INFPs. They genuinely understand and care about people and their feelings. They seek and value harmony. They are great listeners and make good communicators. They tend to find good, even in the worst of situations and people as a whole. The only problem they may face is, keeping in touch with reality. They can get engrossed in their thoughts, so much so, that they land up in their ‘dreamland’ (which is nothing but perfect!). Friends and family need to alert and shake them from their fantasies, and get them back to the real world.
Talking about their weaknesses, INFPs are very sensitive and less likely to bear criticism. Another thing about INFPs is that, they may get uncomfortable in social encounters. They need some time and space to adjust themselves to foreign elements, be it people, places, or things. They are ready for change, and would appreciate it, if their partner has some extrovertish traits, which would enhance their social life.
An INFP’s relationship with a fellow INFP makes for a good match because both these individuals have a basic understanding of each other. With similar traits and a belief in long-lasting relationships, they would make an ideal couple. LoveBondings further tells you about their compatibility with other personality types.
INFPs in Relationships
✦ Relationship with an INFP can be extremely warm and fulfilling. INFPs adore the idea of being in love. They believe and strive towards having long-term bonds. They do not entertain flings and short-term affairs.
✦ These dreamers have an ideal person in their head, and so they have a tendency to compare their current love interest with their dream-lover, which may create issues if their mates don’t meet these expectations.
✦ INFPs have a special way of showing their love. They use creativity in planning different ways to show their affection and concern for you.
✦ As this personality type is an introvert by nature, it takes time for them to open up and share their feelings. They are fascinated by someone who respects their introvertish behavior.
✦ INFPs are extremely loyal and committed in a relationship. They respect your personal space and freedom, and expect the same from you.
INFP’s Compatibility with Other Types
✦ INFPs tend to get along with ‘iNtuitive Feeling’ types (INFP, ENFP, INFJ, ENFJ) and ‘iNtuitive Thinking’ types (INTP, ENTP, INTJ, ENTJ).
✦ Out of these, INFPs are most compatible with ENFJs (Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging) and ENTJs (Extraverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Judging)
✦ INFPs are least compatible with ISTPs (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving) and ESTJs (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging).
✦ Statistics show that the INFP females tend to get attracted to INFP, INFJ, ENJF, ENFP males, while INFP males prefer INFJ females.
INFP-ENFJ
✦ They share a special chemistry as the iNtuition-iNtuition trait in them, helps them to share and discuss their ideas, imagination, gut feelings, and future plans. They have an easy-going conversation with a deep understanding of each others’ metaphors and analogies. Their language of love is also similar which is showing their affection in creative ways.
✦ Their Feeling-Feeling attribute brings out the caring nature in them which makes them more selfless. Even if there are conflicts, both the partners are forgiving, and hence, they sort out things soon. They share a very warm, romantic relationship.
✦ The Introvert-Extrovert pairing creates the ‘opposites attract’ magic. Here, the extrovert lends a listening ear to his/her introvert mate, and is fascinated by the fact that the introverted partner is self-reliant, and doesn’t really rely on external/social stimulation. On the other hand, the introverted mate will appreciate the lively behavior of his/her extroverted partner.
✦ Judging-Perceiving personalities generally complement each other, where the Judging partner is highly organized, and the Perceiving partner likes to go with the flow. Here, the Judging partner will take all the decisions, and the Perceiving partner doesn’t have any qualms about following the plan sheet made by his/her partner. Conflicts may arise, when the Judging partner starts taking the Perceiving partner for granted, and ignoring the decisions made by him/her. The Perceiving mate may find the Judging partner quite overbearing at times.
INFP-ENTJ
✦ The explanation for the Introvert-Extrovert , iNtuition-iNtuition, and Thinking-Feeling compatibility of the INFP-ENFJ personalities holds true for the INFP-ENTJ couples as well.
✦ However, the Thinking-Feeling attribute varies here. The Thinking partner is fascinated with the Feeling partner’s empathetic qualities, while the Feeling partner admires the determination and objectivity of his/her Thinking partner.
✦ The relationship may go through some storms because the Feeling partner may find the Thinking partner to be blunt at times. Besides this, the Feeling partner, when hurt, will sulk, and may not disclose the reason for being upset with their mate. The Thinking partner may not understand this behavior, and may end up being misunderstood.
✦ Overall, their relationship will be great, if both these individuals accept their differences. The Thinking partner needs to get a little more empathetic, while the Feeling partner has to accept and understand the Thinker’s stoic nature.
Dating Advice
✦ Relationship with an INFP won’t just fall into place. You need to put in efforts and make compromises to make this relationship work.
✦ Since they are shy and introverted in nature, you need to initiate a conversation with them.
✦ They like deep conversations, cute gifts, little gestures that show care.
✦ Show interest in art and psychology as these are the things that interest INFPs a lot.
✦ Don’t violate their principles. Set them free as they too believe in giving you space and respect your independence.
If you’re seeking a meaningful relationship, then an INFP would be the best choice.
