Are INFPs cowards? ...or "cowardly"?

10575 Views 80 Replies 47 Participants Last post by PrinceinExile, Nov 9, 2011

Rainbow

Discussion Starter · Aug 31, 2010

This just came to mind, I don't know why.
But I think they seem like cowards. Maybe just to outsiders, though.
What do you think?

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Ectoplasm

· #2 · Aug 31, 2010

I regard myself as a coward. Usually when I have a heated or even vicious argument with someone I try and stand strong and hold my ground yet my sensitivity kicks in and I start to shake like a leaf even when trying to pass like some sort of tough guy! I'm deadly serious about that.

I wouldn't say most INFPs are cowards though.

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Rainbow

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 31, 2010

hehe, happens to the best of us. maybe it's better to just play dead.

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Etchingsunderthecarpet

· #4 · Aug 31, 2010

I think bravery is doing what you are afraid of. The bravest souls in the world wouldn't be brave without fear. But maybe I just can't stand the idea that I am a coward :laughing:
But seriously, just because we dislike conflict doesn't mean we are cowardly.

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Rainbow

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 31, 2010

Etchingsunderthecarpet said:
I think bravery is doing what you are afraid of. The bravest souls in the world wouldn't be brave without fear. But maybe I just can't stand the idea that I am a coward :laughing:
But seriously, just because we dislike conflict doesn't mean we are cowardly.

I don't mean necessarily cowardly when it comes to conflict. But also cowardly when it comes to getting over our phobias and just stupid fears we might have.
For example, I'm scared of swallowing pills and faced with many opportunities to get over the fear, I have never even *tried* to get over it. lmao.
pathetic

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Lad

· #6 · Aug 31, 2010

Nah, I usually pick fights with teachers all the time. If anything I see someone that's threatening (authority figure, or whatever) and I tell myself "just because you have ________ doesn't automatically mean you're smart" or whatever. Then I slowly bring them down a notch till I'm "superior." Alternatively though, if they put up a good fight then I respect them.

I'm polite to virtually everyone I meet though. I don't consider myself the kind of person that would ever PICK a real physical fight, but i'd love for someone to pick one with me just so I have an excuse.

As for the coward notion, I'm hesitant to pick fights with family. I think it might be some neurological issue from the past.

Aside from that though, I'll be on the first in the scene (going into Policing -- no, I won't beat up hobos or excessively abuse my "powers").

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minkaybell

· #7 · Aug 31, 2010

psychologically, i think i *ahem* might be a coward. But that might just be because i'm so introspective, I have so many emotions that I feel much more than others seem to , and I and INFP's in general seem to dwell on negative emotions. Also, half the time I don't even know what I'm actually feeling lol, its all masked in a kind of melancholy haze.

when it comes to rl, though...I dislike arguments and I won't search them out by any means, but I will most DEFINITELY stand my ground if someone threatens my beliefs. However, I kinda suck because this one time I was arguing with a guy about animal cruelty, and he had to be a T because he broke down my defenses pretty quickly and I had to rush away in a fit of tears xD
but seriously, if i'm passionate about something I will fight. It's just emotionally fighting, not the quick witted logic that other types have. Like the type test said, when we feel "threatened" we will lash out emotionally and more often than not, irrationally. It's for this reason I think INFP's shy away from conflict...we really don't need it in our lives, if you know what I mean. It's just added stress for us, whereas for others it's like a game.

I might've went slightly overboard :blushed:

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Rainbow

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 31, 2010

Lad said:
Nah, I usually pick fights with teachers all the time. If anything I see someone that's threatening (authority figure, or whatever) and I tell myself "just because you have ________ doesn't automatically mean you're smart" or whatever. Then I slowly bring them down a notch till I'm "superior." Alternatively though, if they put up a good fight then I respect them.

As for the coward notion, I'm hesitant to pick fights with family. I think it might be some neurological issue from the past.
.

Same. Same.

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minkaybell

· #9 · Aug 31, 2010

*however, if the fight is not one of our strong 'beliefs' are believe INFP's are perfectly capable of arguing, even liking it.

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Raichan

· #10 · Aug 31, 2010

Not really. As an INFP, I just have different complex layers.

I'm stronger than what everyone else expects.

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Rainbow

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 31, 2010

minkaybell said:
psychologically, i think i *ahem* might be a coward. and I and INFP's in general seem to dwell on negative emotions. :

Lol yeah definitely. I noticed myself *trying* to continue sobbing. I just didn't want to stop crying. It's kind of funny and weird.

"*however, if the fight is not one of our strong 'beliefs' are believe INFP's are perfectly capable of arguing, even liking it."

I know I love to argue especially if I'm not being emotionally affected by it or the person giving me personal attacks. Which would be UNFAIR! Grrr.

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Lad

· #12 · Aug 31, 2010

minkaybell said:
psychologically, i think i *ahem* might be a coward. But that might just be because i'm so introspective, I have so many emotions that I feel much more than others seem to , and I and INFP's in general seem to dwell on negative emotions. Also, half the time I don't even know what I'm actually feeling lol, its all masked in a kind of melancholy haze.

when it comes to rl, though...I dislike arguments and I won't search them out by any means, but I will most DEFINITELY stand my ground if someone threatens my beliefs. However, I kinda suck because this one time I was arguing with a guy about animal cruelty, and he had to be a T because he broke down my defenses pretty quickly and I had to rush away in a fit of tears xD
but seriously, if i'm passionate about something I will fight. It's just emotionally fighting, not the quick witted logic that other types have. Like the type test said, when we feel "threatened" we will lash out emotionally and more often than not, irrationally. It's for this reason I think INFP's shy away from conflict...we really don't need it in our lives, if you know what I mean. It's just added stress for us, whereas for others it's like a game.

I might've went slightly overboard :blushed:

Ya, certain subjects can certainly be overwhelming. I imagine on a topic like animal cruelty, someone can say something so barbarous that part of you wonders why people like him can exist. Or, if it was a reasonable debate (usually not), could just have all sorts of internal thoughts that you can't convey them all at once and you just sort of erupt in tears. As mentioned previously, I can get emotional when it comes to family and I'll have similar reactions based on certain topics with them.

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Lad

· #13 · Aug 31, 2010

Rainbow said:
Same. Same.

Want to go make out?

Rainbow

Discussion Starter · #14 · Aug 31, 2010

Lad said:
Want to go make out?

Duhh!......

minkaybell

· #15 · Aug 31, 2010

Ya, certain subjects can certainly be overwhelming. I imagine on a topic like animal cruelty, someone can say something so barbarous that part of you wonders why people like him can exist. Or, if it was a reasonable debate (usually not), could just have all sorts of internal thoughts that you can't convey them all at once and you just sort of erupt in tears. As mentioned previously, I can get emotional when it comes to family and I'll have similar reactions based on certain topics with them.

perfectly explained. You must be a 'T'

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Rainbow

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 31, 2010

minkaybell said:
Ya, certain subjects can certainly be overwhelming. I imagine on a topic like animal cruelty, someone can say something so barbarous that part of you wonders why people like him can exist. Or, if it was a reasonable debate (usually not), could just have all sorts of internal thoughts that you can't convey them all at once and you just sort of erupt in tears. As mentioned previously, I can get emotional when it comes to family and I'll have similar reactions based on certain topics with them.

perfectly explained. You must be a 'T'

what's a T?

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Etchingsunderthecarpet

· #17 · Aug 31, 2010

I don't mean necessarily cowardly when it comes to conflict. But also cowardly when it comes to getting over our phobias and just stupid fears we might have.
For example, I'm scared of swallowing pills and faced with many opportunities to get over the fear, I have never even *tried* to get over it. lmao.
pathetic

I see. Well personally I don't feel that way about most things... I am almost compelled to do things that I am afraid of... unless it is a horrible horrible fear, then it requires some meditation. So I guess it just depends on the person and what kinds of thought habits and living patterns you have. But its never too late! :happy:

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snail

· #18 · Aug 31, 2010

I'm not a coward. I think I would probably be the kind of person who could retain integrity even while being martyred, whether the form of the martyrdom was physical or emotional. I will defend what is right at all costs. Some here have seen me prove it. I had a gun to my head a couple of times when I was with my ex, and I was prepared to die before validating his misogyny. When my high school wanted to make us wear uniforms, even while I was shaking with fear because of how much I dislike public speaking, I worded the most eloquent response possible at the meeting where they were to decide, and I successfully, single-handedly prevented the stripping of our individuality by giving the most persuasive argument there. When something matters to me enough, I can suffer pretty much anything for it.

I am afraid of almost everything, though. The strength of my fear makes my courage more meaningful.

Under ordinary circumstances, I am so afraid of heights that you couldn't get me to climb to the top of a ladder, but if I had something worth climbing for, I would do it without hesitation. I think all of my fears are that way.

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Lad

· #19 · Aug 31, 2010

Rainbow said:
Duhh!......

Err, I should have clarified. I meant want to makeout.. "WITH ME".

minkaybell said:
perfectly explained. You must be a 'T'

Maybe, but only when I'm high on green tea. Like right now.

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Rainbow

Discussion Starter · #20 · Aug 31, 2010

Lad said:
Err, I should have clarified. I meant want to makeout.. "WITH ME".

Maybe, but only when I'm high on green tea. Like right now.

Green tea causes heart palpitations. Bad bad.

With you? Sure. >.> not sure where this is going.

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