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The beginning stages of good INFJ romantic relationships?

20K views 93 replies 31 participants last post by  unico  
#1 ·
I would really like to hear from INFJs about the beginning stages of their serious/good romantic relationships. Especially people who found it difficult to find a partner.



I'm a 27 year old female INFJ and I've never had a serious relationship. In fact I've never had a non-serious relationship...! I fluctuate between being OK with this and being miserable about it, but I guess deep down I feel quite distressed, because perhaps I am incapable of entering into and functioning in a romantic relationship.

I saw a psychologist for about 6 months to try to shed light on my perpetual singleness, but struggled to find any signifigant "root issues". SO, I seem to have convinced myself that it's because I'm an INFJ that I've had so much trouble connecting with men, but from what I read on this and other forums, most INFJs have at least had a few relationships a long the way.

I haven't had a great deal of attention from men, and have only really been pursued by strikingly socially inept guys who were invasively creepy- I'm guessing because they don't pick up on all the definsive vibes I must be sending; sleezy older men/employers who like the straight-laced vibe?; and the occasional man on the street asking if I'm a prostitute!

I'm pretty much a textbook INFJ socially (is there is such a thing- we're inconveniently complex...), I highly value authentic interactions, and in the right contexts am very amiable and engaging, but likewise awkward and aloof and "faux-hostile" when I have my thinking cap on or feel socially drained.

I feel that I could never date someone who I don't resonate strongly with in a few key areas which are important to me (compatible beliefs/spirituality; interest/empathy with different kinds of people; moving in a similar direction with what he wants in the future). But I find I am very rarely attracted to people these days. As morbid as it sounds- like maybe that part of me is dying! (very dramatic...)

I definately long for a good relationship- even if it crashes and burns in the end. "To have lived and loved...", but I guess my psyche is less cavalier on a deeper level.




Please any feedback would be really appreciated. But I don't think I can endure another person telling me to just to put myself out there more by going clubbing to meet men. NOT GONNA HAPPEN!
 
#2 ·
Hm...with mine, when he first started telling me about himself, I just "knew" he was a good match. This was when we were still friends and didn't know we had that kind of feelings for each other, so at first I discounted it. (Have always thought I'm the sort to make boyfriends out of usual friends first. I don't like the games people play when they look for girls solely as girlfriend material, but that's just me.) Then we both learned we were into each other, and it was head over heels...

Anyway, for me, it's just meeting new people. Doesn't matter how or where, or if you're just friends for a while. The type INFJs go for are more likely to be found in libraries than clubs, I think. Maybe a dating site, too? I'm not sure how those work.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for your reply Aizar- I definately agree with you about looking for a friend! That's what I really want.

I think the dating site idea wierds me out- because I suppose I like to gather information about people by observing them in person- you can't get a clear view of someone from a photo on a website and a few stats? And as you say- I really want to get to know a friend at the start- so I don't know how comfortable I'd be with the "dating" vibe straight off the bat with someone from a dating site.

But I suppose give me a few more years and I'll either be willing to try anything, or I'll be a dedicated hermit! ...
 
#28 ·
Hi. Sorry to hear about how things have been going for you. I was lucky for most of my years until I went through two years without meeting one person I would even consider. My friends had started going on dating sites so I tried one out. I wasn't particularly desperate for a boyfriend (I've never minded being single, though I tend to "date" when not in relationships) but it sounded like a laugh so I tried it. One of the first guys I saw, I messaged and now, over a year later, we're living together very happily. what I found was that I looked through hundreds of profiles and hated them all and then I saw one sentence on one guy's profile (who happened to be good looking....) and just knew he was for me. This might not connect with other INFJs, but the sentence was this:

"I have an old metal box hidden in my flat full of Russian money and a gun, because I want to believe that anyone who was snooping around would think I was a spy".

That got me straight away and I knew I'd like him. When I talked to him, we bantered easily straight away. He turned out to be interested in all the same things I did and...well...he pretty much ticked all the boxes.

Most people don't understand how I can see one sentence on a profile and say this guy's for me and be so convicted about it, but give it a shot. As an intuitive type, you might find you pick up a lot by the way people write and the things they think to include in their profile. You'd think it would be more difficult than meeting them in person and there's some truth to that, but you'd be surprised by how much you pick up about someone in a written profile. Besides, there's bound thousands of people in your local area and, if you're anything like me, you've got a shitload of boxes to tick. The fact you can search by age, location, preferences etc helps!

I recommend OKCupid and I'm sorry if I haven't helped at all, since you said you weren't interested in online dating! :)
 
#4 ·
I wonder. I've read about many INFJs having had few relationships. I've never had any myself, which I know is caused by complex issues I've had... What kind of people do you tend to crush on? Could you name a type? (I'm somewhat into NTs myself.) Maybe you could look on special hang-outs of these types; or maybe you could mention MBTI on your dating profile? I guess it'd be more accurate than favourite color, ethnicity etc. :)

Don't lose faith in your ability to attract - attractiveness is a lot about attitude, after all. I used to reek of desperation all the time, and it's no wonder I had no luck.
 
#5 ·
I think through the years I've jumped between a few types. I had a crush on an INTJ Lecturer of mine a few years ago.
I have stong connections with several ENFP female friends, and wonder if I'd be interested in ENFP men- but (as I tend to over analyse a bit) I think their big-time extraverting and people skills might be too much for me. But maybe not... I used to have crushes on ES types, but found them too flighty and I fear their potential lack of commitment.

I guess at this stage I'm open to the possibility of in INFJ/INFJ relationship, because I like the idea of being understood, among other things!

But pretty much I find it difficult to categorise what I'm looking for- I want to try to stay open minded, and just look for a genuine connection...? It's difficult to find someone who share's my spiritual beliefs, but isn't a wanker ;) (not talking literally of course- we all get a bit lonely sometimes!)
 
#9 ·
I haven't had a great deal of attention from men, and have only really been pursued by strikingly socially inept guys who were invasively creepy- I'm guessing because they don't pick up on all the definsive vibes I must be sending; sleezy older men/employers who like the straight-laced vibe?; and the occasional man on the street asking if I'm a prostitute!
You are not alone with that! In the past, I've gotten unwanted attention from socially inept guys who interpret saying "Hello" and smiling politely as "ZOMG I WANT TO DO YOU." Ew.

I've always had a difficult time finding people I really connected with, too...this seems to be common with INFJs. We don't seem to be the types who like to let it all out for just anybody - we need a certain amount of depth and comfort there before we can do that. And some more impatient types aren't usually willing to take the time to get to know us as people. It keeps us single for longer than we'd care for, but I think it's also a good way to rule out people whom we know won't work out very well.

But I don't think I can endure another person telling me to just to put myself out there more by going clubbing to meet men. NOT GONNA HAPPEN!
Oh, GOD, I hate it when people think THAT is all I ever need to do! If you're looking for something with depth and for real connection, you're not going to find it at a freakin' club! In my experience...you find it in the most random places.

With my relationship, it started with genuine friendship. After awhile, I noticed that a lot of his personality traits were quite complimentary to mine. For the record, he's a fellow INFJ (actually, more of an ambivert), and his empathy, respectfulness, and warmth really drew me to him. It wasn't a lightning bolt or anything, it was just that I found myself feeling relaxed and confident with him, and I felt "safe" being myself - I could tell that was all he wanted from me. He has such an easy time being himself, and I love that. It was a relationship we fell into easily, and a year and a half later, I still love it. :happy:

Also, he's a fantastic cook...I have to admit that a man in the kitchen is a sexy thing indeed. :laughing:
 
#13 ·
You are not alone with that! In the past, I've gotten unwanted attention from socially inept guys who interpret saying "Hello" and smiling politely as "ZOMG I WANT TO DO YOU." Ew.
Yes!


Oh, GOD, I hate it when people think THAT is all I ever need to do! If you're looking for something with depth and for real connection, you're not going to find it at a freakin' club! In my experience...you find it in the most random places.
Thanks!


That does sound nice- and similar to Aizar's experience. I see that it can happen for us INFJs. I just gotta hope I run into someone going my way.

It's an area of my life which I can't really control...I think. I can only hope for the best, and try not to get to jaded and crusty in the meantime! bah!!
 
#16 ·
Well depends on the break-up. Mine was different than others just like others are different than others. My problem is I'm not sure what I learned about myself through it if anything at all. I'd love the chance, that's why I kind have built a wall keeping women out anymore, too many women I have asked out never gave me a chance just to see what happens. I mean there were only 2 that I can think of that were actually upfront and simply said there wasn't any attraction which at least they were being honest, but the ones who were "unsure" or more hell bent on not hurting my feelings than being honest are the ones that have turned my heart. Also the ones who were actually "curious" about the notion but seemed it was all "talk" and no "walk".

I don't know, just makes "trusting" or letting any female close unless they are totally upfront with their feelings hard to do anymore. I'm not a total mind reader and I'm not a glass jar either.
 
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#14 ·
I always knew right away I wanted to be close to the person and talking with them was easier than with most people. We had a lot in common interests-wise and complementing personalities. My serious significant other is another INFJ. We both put up with each other's flaws and feel deeply for each other -- I feel deeply for people very quickly. We started out as friends and did activities together and gradually things got more serious.
 
#91 ·
We both put up with each other's flaws and feel deeply for each other -- I feel deeply for people very quickly. We started out as friends and did activities together and gradually things got more serious.
That's interesting. I've read that it can take INFJs a long time to open up about their feelings. (I've heard months)

Do other INFJs also feel deeply for people very quickly?
 
#20 ·
I have always been someone who wanted a relationship; it's been my primary fantasy in life since a child. I do have quite a bit of experience now - had a boyfriend through HS into college and then had a few short relationships in my mid-20's, met my 1st husband at 26, split up after 10 yrs together, had a yr long boyfriend after that and a few short relationships since then.

something that occurs to me that made me different than many of at a similar age - I haven't dated anyone seriously for a couple of years now as I am at the point where I only want the right one BUT when I was younger I just wanted a relationship so the quality of it didn't matter all that much to me. Now, I don't think this was always the healthiest thing for me, especially since a bit of it came from thinking myself not worthy of more, but I can say that it allowed me to get real-time experience with relationships and to find out what really worked for me and what didn't. Not holding myself to a certain standard gave me a chance to try things out and to grow from the experiences.

I think that part of our temperament causes us to stay on the sidelines and not choose something that we think isn't entirely right for us and that tendency can have us miss out on so much. I'm not saying to settle for something not right, but I am saying that taking a chance to TRY out something that might not be right gives us an experience of learning about ourselves through the eyes of someone else that we could never have otherwise, and that is valuable. We are social beings and there is nothing valuable in holding ourselves back from relationships until the right one comes along. When something is right, little can stand in it's way, so meeting people and getting to know them isn't going to stop the best person from also coming along.

I hope that made sense.
 
#22 ·
Many INFJs takes the phrase "you shouldn't look for love, love will find you" a little too serious, I too am doing this.
But time goes by without any luck and the shame towards my family just keep on growing. I feel terrible, especially towards my dad. A father should live through his son, and for him to see my less-social life, without love and activity must crush him. He, as an ESTJ can't have an easy or plesant time watching how my days go by.

Reading this makes me sad, because I walk just the same road. Maybe this is why we haven't found love, because the shame and the bad feelings about not having a partner has driven us away. With the thought of lack of love, I have gone hiding in fanasy worlds of games and books

People here said they have given up, how can you live with that? I can't imagine the shame towards my family, to not give my father or mother a grandchild. I myself can live without a partner, have been doing this a good while, but I feel worse towards my family than I do to myself. But give up is the last thing I will do!

Take action from advice said by experienced people like rubelin and other wise and experienced people here on the forum, I know I will.

Best wishes my fellow INFJs, may love find you someday...or you find it :wink:
 
#23 ·
There's alot of great advice being written here.

A little background on myself, I'm currently 24 years old. I've been in 2 relationships that I consider to be serious, whether or not the guys who took part in it felt the same way... I can't answer for certain. The first one lasted about 2 years the second one about a year. Both a failure but the experiences has more or less taught me to trust my insights and initial wonderings about a guy. It has generally been proven to be true with time but I also note that other 'insights' have been wrong as well.

I haven't had a great deal of attention from men, and have only really been pursued by strikingly socially inept guys who were invasively creepy- I'm guessing because they don't pick up on all the definsive vibes I must be sending; sleezy older men/employers who like the straight-laced vibe?; and the occasional man on the street asking if I'm a prostitute!
Wow that was rude of them to ask you if you were a prostitute, I'm offended. I'm quick to ignore / avoid eye contact with those creep types *shudder*. It's always the sane guys who pick up the social cues to stay away.

I think part of the problem for me growing up was that I had a lot of the "stay away stay away" vibe given to men. In highschool because I was perpetually single and took no interest in dating 'boys' (immature) rumor around school was that I was a lesbian. Totally untrue, but I can see why they would think so. I was a lot less defensive around women and a lot more defensive around men, thus the whole 'she's a secret lesbian' rumors.

The only advice I can give regarding the matter is to be open and attentive to those around you, sometimes that personal connection you want in a friend has to be initiated by you… seeing as we're the picky ones, right?

What has helped me a bit was at the very least accepting the fact that I may never find someone. Being okay with it takes the edge off any desperation I might otherwise feel.

That's not to say that I've resigned myself to it. I still long for a deep meaningful relationship but, in the case that I was not meant to have such a thing, I have already considered the results so it won't come as a surprise. Escaping the crushing fear of being forever alone has actually allowed me to grow and put forth a little more effort each day into finding someone.

That advice may not be for everybody, but perhaps there is something in there that could help.

I think it's more likely that since you've been single you have matured into/towards what's needed for a good relationship. Now the hard part, you just have to find someone who's done the same.

Just don't give up hope! From a completely logical standpoint, if by some off chance you do get stuck being single (which I highly doubt given the contents and construct of your posts) it would be better to continue searching for a special someone than to be rushed and desperate.

Again, I really don't think you'll have any problem finding someone. Don't force it, but put keep putting the effort into being ready when you find them, being observant in case you happen across them, and be patient. It will happen. Also, don't forget to take care of yourself while your at it. It's something I think a lot of us struggle with.
I second balderdash's advice whole heartedly.

I feel that I could never date someone who I don't resonate strongly with in a few key areas which are important to me (compatible beliefs/spirituality; interest/empathy with different kinds of people; moving in a similar direction with what he wants in the future). But I find I am very rarely attracted to people these days. As morbid as it sounds- like maybe that part of me is dying! (very dramatic...)
I'm on the same page with you here. I look for the same things in a companion. I haven't been attracted to a lot of guys since my last breakup about 2 years ago. I could easily go another 2 years without having strong feelngs for a guy. I liked an ESFP for about a week but snapped out of it quickly at the end of the last year though LOL Mistake on my part *face palm*

I definately long for a good relationship- even if it crashes and burns in the end. "To have lived and loved...", but I guess my psyche is less cavalier on a deeper level.
It depends on your standard of good. If by good you mean a level of excitement and seriousness shared by your partner, then I would say..... I'm unsure. What I considered to be good in both my previous relationships was good at the time but in retrospect… I don't know. My most recent ex was not the best communicator. What I've had to deal in the aftermath of the breakup is the fantasy I put up versus the reality of what actually occurred. If I focus on the fantasy it seems full of depth and all things great, if I focus on the reality it doesn't seem as deep as I may have imagined it to be. If it was so great, why did we break up? Makes me question whether relationships could be 'good' if they lead to an ending.

Please any feedback would be really appreciated. But I don't think I can endure another person telling me to just to put myself out there more by going clubbing to meet men. NOT GONNA HAPPEN!
Oh gosh, no! Never go to a club to meet men LOL That is the worst advice ever. The crowd at clubs are not what I consider 'marriage' material.

….Now, I don't think this was always the healthiest thing for me, especially since a bit of it came from thinking myself not worthy of more, but I can say that it allowed me to get real-time experience with relationships and to find out what really worked for me and what didn't. Not holding myself to a certain standard gave me a chance to try things out and to grow from the experiences.

I think that part of our temperament causes us to stay on the sidelines and not choose something that we think isn't entirely right for us and that tendency can have us miss out on so much. I'm not saying to settle for something not right, but I am saying that taking a chance to TRY out something that might not be right gives us an experience of learning about ourselves through the eyes of someone else that we could never have otherwise, and that is valuable. We are social beings and there is nothing valuable in holding ourselves back from relationships until the right one comes along. When something is right, little can stand in it's way, so meeting people and getting to know them isn't going to stop the best person from also coming along.

I hope that made sense.
I second this advice. I think sometimes we may set up an impossible standard… from my failed relationships I have learned a lot of new things from the men that I shared my life with… it's a learning experience that I would've lost out on if I had only one specific type in mind. With that being said, I wouldn't advise that you lower your standard TOO far.

I like to say, be adventurous… not dumb. I've seen a lot of people make dumb choices for mates; I mean, ending up with really crazy people @_@; Witnessing it makes me reconsider lowering any sort of standard X__X;

I think the dating site idea wierds me out- because I suppose I like to gather information about people by observing them in person- you can't get a clear view of someone from a photo on a website and a few stats? And as you say- I really want to get to know a friend at the start- so I don't know how comfortable I'd be with the "dating" vibe straight off the bat with someone from a dating site.

But I suppose give me a few more years and I'll either be willing to try anything, or I'll be a dedicated hermit! ...
I really second Alizar's recommendation on a dating site. It's something I've personally considered as of late. I mean lets be honest here, using a dating site can be very beneficial (logically):
1) you aren't limited by physical space (since the virtual world is a lot more easily accessible)
2) you have more control over what traits you like and don't like. For instance, you can screen out anyone who uses recreational drugs….etc…. That's 80% of the work done for you.

I have my reservations about using a dating site as well, but if I don't open up my level of comfort to try something new then the only result I COULD get is what I currently have… right? So why not give it a shot? What have we to lose?

Although you may not be able to get a clear view of someone through a website and stats, I would still give it chance. Sometimes people write profile pages that are several pages long with detailed descriptions. It's useful, it's not just about stats. For the serious relationship seekers, they put a lot of effort into their dating profiles; and you'll be able to tell that they 'care'. If you're interested in intuitively figuring somebody out, you could always 'Skype' them before meeting them in person?

I feel the same way about the "dating" vibe straight off the bat; not something I like and I'm trying to get around it. I don't like going into something with the idea that we're dating or looking to date. Friends first then.. dating; I'm more comfortable with that.

However I don't think you're alone in that thought. We don't know that there aren't people on dating sites who aren't already seeing/thinking "friends first, then love". Know what I mean?

Regardless.. you could always specify in your dating profile how you feel; that you're here firstly to find a friend and secondly to date. I think that's an accommodation the dating site / community can make =D Give it a shot, we've got nothing to lose.

Best wishes my fellow INFJs, may love find you someday...or you find it :wink:
Amen.
 
#35 ·
Wow that was rude of them to ask you if you were a prostitute, I'm offended. I'm quick to ignore / avoid eye contact with those creep types *shudder*. It's always the sane guys who pick up the social cues to stay away.

Ha, well, I actually smiled and said "No, sorry," apologetically. He shook his shaggy head and said "Shame, shame. You're lovely!", and I found it hard to be very offended. He was sort of endearing in a 50-something, tatooed drug-addict kind-of way. Plus it happened about 50 minutes after my sleazy new employer in a cafe said to me, "Go into the kitchen and tell the chef that I say you've got a great ass." Charming.

I think part of the problem for me growing up was that I had a lot of the "stay away stay away" vibe given to men. In highschool because I was perpetually single and took no interest in dating 'boys' (immature) rumor around school was that I was a lesbian. Totally untrue, but I can see why they would think so. I was a lot less defensive around women and a lot more defensive around men, thus the whole 'she's a secret lesbian' rumors.
I really relate to this! Except I think I started the rumour...!

You have lots of good points Ethanol, thankyou!

I'm trying to be open-minded about the dating site thing. I went and signed up to one yesterday to see what the vibe was- and ah...I really don't think it's for me. But I will defintately keep thinking about it over the next week.

The only advice I can give regarding the matter is to be open and attentive to those around you, sometimes that personal connection you want in a friend has to be initiated by you… seeing as we're the picky ones, right?
You're very right. I need to be careful about this, and make sure I'm doing it.
 
#24 ·
Oh, to clarify, I wasn't saying that we should force ourselves to go out and be social in ways that are very uncomfortable. I meant to trust getting to know people who we might not think are the ones we will ultimately stay with and to allow relationships to happen even if we aren't sure they are everything we want.

Live the life that is right for you and don't shut yourself off to opportunities that show themselves. There is a good chance that there are people in your life who would be happy to take things up a notch into the romantic but we have a tendency to discount them or not pay attention to them because we think they aren't everything or because we are so scared of rejection. You can't know someone isn't a good fit for you until you try them on =)
 
#25 ·
Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts. After reading it I indeed think we INFJs should force ourself out once in a while. We can't really expect love to come knocking on the doors to our dark rooms wich is only illuminated by our computer screens.
This is a big, big problem for us. I've done this in junior high, I've done this in high school, and in college. Waiting for the perfect match to come along and just say "hello". This I found out is about as rare as finding diamonds in your backyard.

I do envy the people who are seeking nowadays. One of the benefits of technology, like this forum I guess.

My elderly neighbors who still own a farm, met each other at the county fair. You bought your livestock and met your spouse in the same day!

I'd say you are never too young to enter a relationship @Katethequick!
 
#26 ·
This is a big, big problem for us. I've done this in junior high, I've done this in high school, and in college. Waiting for the perfect match to come along and just say "hello". This I found out is about as rare as finding diamonds in your backyard.

I do envy the people who are seeking nowadays. One of the benefits of technology, like this forum I guess.

My elderly neighbors who still own a farm, met each other at the county fair. You bought your livestock and met your spouse in the same day!

I'd say you are never too young to enter a relationship @Katethequick!
Given that INFJs tend to be very good at expressing themselves in writing but struggle to communicate our complex thoughts and ideas in face-to-face interactions, we probably do best meeting people online rather than in person.
 
#29 ·
See, this is the beauty of the internet :) It makes it much easier to meet people. I've never personally used dating sites before but if I was still single at this point, I'd probably consider it. I met my husband online in a random chat room. It's a long story but we didn't meet in person for three years so there was literally tons of emails and IM's exchanged between us in that time. By the time I met him in person, I knew him like the back of my hand and vise versa.

I think you can "see" who a person is online if you're trying to. Maybe even more so because people are generally more inclined to open up over the internet than in person...unless they just really fail at written communication. Plus, you both have more time to think about what you want to say. It just makes the whole process easier. At least I believe it does. Give it a chance.
 
#31 ·
I think you can "see" who a person is online if you're trying to. Maybe even more so because people are generally more inclined to open up over the internet than in person...unless they just really fail at written communication. Plus, you both have more time to think about what you want to say. It just makes the whole process easier. At least I believe it does. Give it a chance.
I think a big problem for me is prospective relationships are a scary thing anyway. And maybe part of me doesn't think anyone else is actually as interested in me as I am in them. Buuuut, that could get pretty deep. Maybe I'll take it to one of the shrink threads. :]

Maybe the internet is the best place for forming INFJ² relationships. I had some thoughts while at lunch with my brother and a friend of ours. Both extraverts. Both very good at talking and prying information from people. Both very funny guys. I was thinking, maybe I should look for someone online to bridge the awkward conversation portion of the getting to know someone stage. Even for friends, I usually make them at work where there is already something to break the ice. Well, either that or they are friends because they've known me since I was knee high to a grasshopper. So, perhaps the internet can be a good starting place for INFJ/INFJ relationships of both the romantic and non-romantic kind. We have more of a shield here than we do in person.
 
#30 ·
Hi, Katethquick. I think a lot people can empathize with you in some way. Finding a real match can be hard. Also, even if it's not specific to romance, many people get the feeling that their peers have lived more or done more than them. It's a very common and difficult thing to deal with. It often happens with careers, but in your case, romance.

I'd suggest you try online dating. There are sites that make you take compatibility tests, personality tests, etc. This will help you avoid dealing with guys who are completely wrong for you. You're looking for someone of substance, well, there are men out there who are looking for the same thing. You just need a little help finding them.

No matter what, dating will be a good thing for you, a real learning experience. You just have to take some risks and put yourself out there. I have one friend in a 6 year relationship, a married sister, a married former roommate, a married high school buddy, and one other married friend. What do they all have in common? They met their match through various online dating sites. All of them were nearing or in their thirties and needed some help in widening their nets.
 
#32 ·
I have met an infj online and from my perspective based on the numerous emails and messages we have given each other, she seems to have a lack of dating history - which makes me feel even more special. How my relationship turns out with her is anyone's guess but I have faith because of how she speaks and what she slowly revealed to me. We are set to meet next week.

I say this because she is an infj that is putting herself out there and will get to meet someone special - me! (by that I mean someone who has promised her already that I'll be sincere). Lol!

Let me restart. Not just an infj, but someone who is naturally timid (both of us) has risked a few bucks to meet someone that will end their streak of disappointment, heart break, brink of giving up, or whatever term you use to describe your romance frustration. I have read every post on this thread and find myself rejuvenated because a second chance just may be in front of my screen.

Because my favorite ex is an infj who has moved 3000+ miles away, I already am certain she is infj. Slow start but in a week or so she is already expressing her views on love. "love conquers all" she believes, even though we have different zodiac signs and the Internet will tell you our signs are not the best match. (I could be giving myself a lot of false hope too)

My point is that there are so many great potential matches out in the Internet. You hear of dateline specials of rapists and pedophiles but at the same time there are way more beautiful people out there who genuinely value genuine people all sorts of admirable ethics.

I recently put down 30-something bucks for three months. That's a lot less than my bar tab last week. How much would you risk finding the love of your life? it took me a good dose of humility and acceptance that I might meet my soulmate online and not at the local rose garden. But what is the difference IF it works?

In one week, I sent out messages to 12 different people of which 5 have been responding and 2 have given me their numbers. According to their pictures, they're quite lovely. I also received 2 first messages from other women, though one is a 45 year old coug that I politely turned down.

Everyone (all personalities) need backup plans. For those of you who are too busy to meet new people, too shy to come out of your dark room, or too frustrated with the type of people you meet... Roll a different dice. In the end, you lose out on a bar tab in the worst case scenario.

1. If anyone wants to know how my online dating experience goes for the next three months, message me and I'll be polite and honest and answer every question
2. Doing the same thing over and over again will always have the same result. So grab the dice and roll :)

Thank you for sharing your stories, especially @Vivid Melody
 
#39 ·
Obviously, I'm not an INFJ, but I am in a new and so far successful relationship with one. How did we meet? We've known each other for something like five years, and met through a mutual hobby - in our case, we're both involved in the same medieval reenactment group, and then became involved in the same tabletop gaming group. We've always gotten along very well, if rather casually, and then began talking more frequently and in greater depth. And then suddenly we were both single at the same time and fell into each others' arms, more or less. (For data collection: he's in his early forties and to the best of my knowledge has had three serious relationships before me. Yes, I would call us serious even though it's been three months.)

Personally, I can't imagine being in a relationship with someone that I didn't have some level of friendship with first, but you can take that with a grain of salt, as I am an INTJ, not INFJ. :)
 
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#42 ·
Personally, I can't imagine being in a relationship with someone that I didn't have some level of friendship with first, but you can take that with a grain of salt, as I am an INTJ, not INFJ. :)
Nah, I agree with you - I like to look before I leap. It's a good way to make sure you and the other person will get along well. I'm not a fan of "surprises" in that respect.
 
#56 ·
I have found the single best piece of advice for finding a relationship in general, and especially for INFJ, is being positive. Granted, not the easiest thing for INFJ, but practice helps. Maybe sign on a friendly ENTP to write emails for you. ;)
Mmm, true that. I admit to having a lot in common with Liz Lemon, and her kill-joy singles event antics. Happy Anna Howard Shaw Day! :)
 
#51 ·
Well.. for the longest time, I never thought I'd find anybody.. I guess we all go through that phase.. I was just too picky and decided to give the next guy who walked into my life a chance. Biggest mistake/regret of my life, though it was not all in vain. This guy is a real creep he goes unmedicated for bi polar disorder, rage disorder, and ADD.. but he's quite honestly got a host of undiagnosed mental illnesses, he is a pathological liar [who will lie about just about anything] who I believe to be a sociopath and he's quite manipulative. It's some irony that when I finally decide to give someone a chance, actually the next guy to show an interest a chance, this is what I wind up with. Anyway, I had tried to break it off with him several times but he manipulated me into giving him several more chances.. (he threatened to kill himself, both of us, get my family involved, basically make the break up unbearable and never-ending, and trust me, I'm still dealing with repercussions for breaking up with him- I mean I think most of his "major" threats he had no intention of carrying out, but he still made a shitstorm of my life for a little while) and all the while I was falling for his friend, this is where I am somewhat (perversely) thankful for having gone through a wretched and hellish relationship- because it led me to a sort of love that is a storybook romance and something I never thought I'd find.

So things with this first (horrible horrible) guy lasted about a year, I flew out to San Francisco to visit my cousin.. while out there, I found the strength to end it for good and let him throw his tantrums and carry out his threats.. (which lasted a full year after that, and 2 years later I still run into him through mutual friends and he loves to rehash things with me. so obsessive.) I realized that I was missing "A" more than anyone else back home, and a bottle and a half of wine later I was pouring my drunken soul out via text message. It was 4AM his time, I couldn't wait til morning for his response.. I called him until he woke up (now I look like the obsessive one LOL) and told him he had a ton of messages and to only take them seriously if he felt the same way.. if not, to please pretend like it had never happened. It didn't take but 10 minutes for me to get a reply saying he felt the same way. We spent the remainder of my vacation dying to see each other.

My ex ended up getting furious. He had cheated on me multiple times with multiple girls, when I had remained loyal to him and tried to help him through his mental issues.. tried to help him better himself, and he basically slapped me in the face for it. Then he put me through hell for breaking up with him. He called the cops on me a couple times. He cornered me if he saw me around the neighborhood (new guy and ex live a street apart) and tried to "win" me back. He told me I was not allowed to be in "his" neighborhood without his permission. His mother harassed me several times and eventually (6.5 months after the breakup and after I had cut all ties to him) brought my father into it (I was not a minor). He told me I ruined his life and moved to Illinois for a year, where he had mutual friends tell me he was doing great, had a job, was going to culinary school, had a girlfriend [who he was just happy to hold in bed and didn't even try anything with, which is how I knew it was a crock of shit because he was not that sort of guy... I refused to let myself be alone with him most of the time.. ], etc. What was he really doing? Getting 3 DWIs, crashed his car, apparently did not go to culinary school, could not keep a job.. basically all the stuff he was doing here. He ended up coming back last fall. Now he pretends like he's over me but anytime we are at a mutual friends house, partying/whatever he has to bring up all these wonderful memories with me, in front of my current boyfriend, that quite frankly, I just don't remember. It was all sunshine and roses for him, it was the worst year of my life for me.

Okay so aside from the Ex creating havoc and trying to ruin our newly budding relationship (backtrack 2 years), it was absolutely wonderful. He really loves me. He has dreams about me when I'm laying right next to him. He is absolutely loyal. He has his own problems, ADHD and family issues, kinda "grew up a screw up" type of thing, but then again so did I, and we relate to each other on so many levels because of it. He is not the person I would choose for the rest of my life, for myself, because he doesn't have "it all figured out." I think that is one of the failures in my dream of the perfect man, because I don't think anyone has it all figured out. I think everyone is just as lonely and scared as the next person. We are opposites. He's a Sagittarius, I'm a cancer. Our relationship is not perfect. But if you ask me if he makes me happy, then the answer is yes. I know he loves me, I know he wants to provide for me. He's having trouble making his own path in life, but he's making baby steps. He's trying.

The beginning was pure magic too. Weak in the knees when we kissed, staying up all night to talk to each other and not running out of anything to say. Actually wanting to be with each other, even though we faced a long uphill battle with my ex. After we "came out" to our friends about dating and whatnot, they all said they saw it coming. They could just see it in our eyes, there was something there. It's kind of funny, cause it took us 6 months to even admit the possibility to ourselves.

I guess the biggest thing I've learned in my mistake is not to give just anyone a chance. I should have waited until I found someone I actually felt something for.. But then I might have never met my current boyfriend- and he might have never showed me what love can really be like. I think it was meant to be, I'm not sure about forever, but it's lovely for now.
 
#52 ·
I think the key here is, you took a chance and got yourself out there. Meeting people...lots of people....is a huge part of finding a great match! Not to mention, you probably had more exposure to the friend than you would have normally gotten from a few dates with him. If you just met him on a dating website and went on a few dates, you might not have seen him in the same light.

In all honesty I think the biggest mistake INFJ do make is that they haven't had enough time with someone to build the trust up, and really know someone. Too many conjectures and too few facts. Knowing someone legitimately can take years, especially an N. How could 2-3 dates of 3 or so hours ever suffice?
 
#57 ·
It starts with a gaze. You are attracted and in awe. Then shared penchants are introduced. Camaraderie ensues. After a while, little secrets are divulged to each other. Soon, it gets strictly platonic. Then there'll be tinges of romance. Very subtle efforts to ascertain whether the feelings are mutual. It could be gentle, accidental brushes of the hands. Or sweet, empathetic words. Or harsh, uncouth ones just to see what will piss you off. Sexual tension. You fall back and mellow out due to the things being said truthfully and honestly. They are like verbal sunshine, these words. It'll win you over eventually. In a daze, you end up kissing the person you wanted to kiss for a long time. And this is where the real deal begins.