[Reila]

So, weird question of the night (or the day, depending on time zones?). What gives you certainty about your type? How do you know you are using Fi as your primary function and not something else? Just by reading descriptions on the type and its functions? Gut feeling, like you just know? Something else entirely?

Just curious. :kitteh:

 

[dlb]

So, weird question of the night (or the day, depending on time zones?). What gives you certainty about your type? How do you know you are using Fi as your primary function and not something else? Just by reading descriptions on the type and its functions? Gut feeling, like you just know? Something else entirely?

Just curious. :kitteh:

Hi Reila I hope you're doing well

I feel like it's not just the Fi but also how it works with Ne. Often, I spend a lot of time thinking/feeling about values. What's important to me. What's right or what's wrong. Then, when something happens, I JUST KNOW what's happening. Like, it comes from my gut. It's not that I don't think about it; it's just that I've spent so much time thinking about it already; and I know in my gut how things are.

I work very hard to explore values and authenticity is top priority. Even at the cost of my own happiness. Even to a significant extent.


Edit: I meant Ne not Ni. Thank you @Reila Nimu

 

[Reila]

Hi Reila I hope you're doing well

I feel like it's not just the Fi but also how it works with Ni. Often, I spend a lot of time thinking/feeling about values. What's important to me. What's right or what's wrong. Then, when something happens, I JUST KNOW what's happening. Like, it comes from my gut. It's not that I don't think about it; it's just that I've spent so much time thinking about it already; and I know in my gut how things are.

I work very hard to explore values and authenticity is top priority. Even at the cost of my own happiness. Even to a significant extent.

It is interesting you mention Ni since it is only a shadow function for INFPs. And thanks for responding, Bambi. I hope are you doing well as well!

 

[justjay]

I took a test, a urinalysis, came back positive for rainbows and Edgar Allen Poe's tears.

 

[dlb]

It is interesting you mention Ni since it is only a shadow function for INFPs. And thanks for responding, Bambi. I hope are you doing well as well!

I meant Ne

Of course you too!

 

[ButIHaveNoFear]

What sealed the deal for me was realizing that I indeed use Ne. I didn't know about the two different flavors of iNtuition, and so I thought I was a Sensor. I definitely don't have sudden epiphanies about things. I take all kinds of data and start going crazy with it in my mind to turn it into whatever I'm looking for at the moment. I thought I was just a wannabe iNtuitive with no aptitude for it, and I was quite frustrated with MBTI and myself for many years. Why couldn't I have inspiration? Why couldn't I truly be creative? But I was inspired and creative, whether I realized it or not.

The two flavors of Feeling didn't bother/confuse me as much. I often pop up as a Thinker on tests, but when I read type descriptions, it is clear to me that I am not so impersonal. I think an introverted judging function is the Thinkingest kind of function there is. Everything in me is organized and logical(when I take the time to view it that way), and I can't choose a "Feeling" answer on a test that seems illogical and idiotic. I love to entertain objective possibilities, and a simpler answer has a better shot at being correct than a super complex one with so many variables.

Now I just identify as INFP. I could go to war and say that I'm INTP(even though I know INTPs, and I am not like them in several ways), but I'm not going to. I could argue that I'm an ENFP that is quite introverted, but I won't do that either. Sometimes I see some things that other INFPs post, and I either ask myself what planet they're from or what planet I'm from!!:laughing: I guess that's the whole "black sheep" thing in my signature—even among INFPs I don't fit in! But it's okay. INFP is just a general label, and it can mean as much in my life as I want it to.

But with Fi, I still have no idea what it does for me, even though it's primarily what I use! I never think to myself, "Now how do I feel about that?" I never see stuff and automatically like it or dislike it. I often have no opinion about things until I get to talking about them. I don't really think about how I feel all the time, and if you asked me, I would take a while to respond. I just kind of am. I exist. I don't know how many times I've said it on the forum, but I'm just me. And if that's what Fi is, that no-words sense of being yourself and every aspect of it all together, I've got it pretty good. But I haven't seen it written that way by reputable sources.

How is being exquisitely yourself a judging function anyway? It just seems like I'm a narcissist at my core, or maybe the most vain and prideful person on the planet(See, the fact that I mention the planet means that the world revolves around me!!). That's hard to deal with; the very act of me determining my particular values for a situation goes against my values!! So it's a sin for me to exist now and feel satisfied with my existence?? What the heck is wrong with me?? Oh yeah, I'm an INFP!

 

[Kenkao]

First i took several online tests. It was all consistent, all infp. Then i researched more and it fits me well. It all made sense to me (i thought i was abnormal til i founs out it was all fi ne si te. Even the stages of development for these functions fit me well like and how i stress out like Te). Then i took the official one and results came back as infp.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[entheos]

For me it was these things:

- Understanding Fi. Fe never made sense to me, even to this day I understand it in concept more or less, but I don't really understand it. Fi I understood it immediately. Then when I took a bunch of cognitive functions tests, Fe always shows up as my 8th function. Usually with a 2% or lower. It's really a function that my brain doesn't prefer to utilize. (Obvsly I do, we use them all, but it's the one that serves the least purpose to me apparently). I prefer Te over Fe much more when dealing with people, which is why I tend to come off as blunt and offensive, even though my intentions are good.

- Ne was super evident and undeniable. However, I'm a hardcore introvert, so it would never be my first function. I can also see it very clearly in my life showing up as a "helper" buddy to Fi, and Fi runs the show.

- The Fi-Si loop. Understanding this literally changed my life. Literally. Once I saw that this was a thing, I was able to change patterns whenever they show up. Because they do show, it's a matter of now I have control.

After all of that and always getting INFP on every single test, the descriptions blew my mind. I didn't relate to the cumbayá let's save the world sterotype, nor the messy stereotype -I'm super organized and clean, and I'm too self-absorbed and analytical to be cumbayá. But that was a tiny percentage of what I didn't agree with, I related to the majority of texts and gave me insights into myself that blew my mind.
My closests types in terms of letters, are INTP and INFJ -in that order. But when I read the cognitive functions and the descriptions, I didn't/don't relate at all.
I've never had any doubt that I'm INFP.

 

[konas8]

A combination of checking the function descriptions and the general behaviour this stack produces.

 

[sippingcappucino]

I would have to say that everything just made sense after I saw the INFP description. All of the things I thought I was doing because I was a strange child, it fit the description. I felt as an alien with a very strong moral system. When everyone was having fun talking about their hair and nails, I was worrying about the world falling apart. And I couldn’t understand why the things they were talking about mattered. I spent long periods of time writing and drawing alone in my room. I daydream 80% of my life.

I got results as INFJ as well, but only the behavioral part matches for that. I could be a J in a sense that I am clean and punctual, but cognitive functions just don’t fit.

I would have to say I don’t fit into a lot of the description any longer, other than the cognitive functions, because finding myself led to some sort of freedom and realization that I could be a lot more than I was. So I explore the strength of others and try to adapt. And finally got over my Fi-Si and Fi-Te loops.

 

[460202]

The biggest issues I had when it came to determining my type were a) deciding whether I was INFP or ENFP, and b) considering that I might be a thinker because I certainly seem like one and sometimes I even feel like one. There was also the issue of my understanding being clouded by stereotypes, bias and the behaviour I observed in others of particular types - that last factor had contributed to my confusion as to whether or not I was Ne-dom (despite the fact that I was very much aware of the fact that others and I had different methods for typing and defined functions or types differently), and I did briefly consider that I might actually be an SJ masquerading as an NP because NPs are often described as being so much cooler.

Also, another problem I had was in deciding on a particular typing method - every site describes the functions and how they manifest differently, and I was mentally conflating a bunch of different typing methods together to attempt to create my own set of rules by which to type, and it wasn't working.

I have noticed that some people do still type based on their behaviours (which I suppose works if you're not looking into functions) and even on the views and opinions they had (e.g. believing in destiny = Ni). I think I'd slipped into this mode of thinking every now and then, and I had to remind myself that it's not about what I do or what I think but rather about how I got to deciding to do what I wanted to do and how I came to the conclusions I did. It's tricky, but you've got to think about how you're thinking. I personally came to understand cognitive functions best when I was defining them on an abstract level (e.g. Fi = subjective value judgment, NOT staying true to yourself, despite this often being a manifestation of Fi).

Anyway, I'm an INFP because:

1. Everything gets put through a wringer. This is probably true of all introverts, but since I was having some trouble on the Ne vs Fi front, this was the deciding factor for me. I'm not manic in maximizing the potential of everything around me; instead I'll filter the possibilities I see and maybe want to give rise to through a straight line of judgment, and turn everything into a matter of value. This meant that a) Ne was being guided by a judging (and introverted) function, and b) I'm an F-dom.

2. I struggle to stop using Fi, but can go hours without using Ne. This one's tricky, because I think that one may be so used to constantly using their dominant function that it's difficult to acknowledge it unless there is something actively pushing against it. I'm also a little bit skeptical about looping; if looping is, in fact, a thing, then I highly doubt that one can loop for more than perhaps... a few days at a time. I feel stifled when I can't use Ne, but unlike Ne-doms, I can go without actively using Ne for extended periods of time, instead using Ne more as a tool for mental / intellectual stimulation than anything else. I think I had a point here, but I've gotten off track... I think my point was that there are times I can sit and bask in Fi and only Fi (and even Fi-Si loop for an hour or so), but I can't do the same with Ne despite the fact that I cannot repress Ne. Sorry if this didn't make much sense.

3. Jung's description of the Introverted Feeling type is on point. Okay, so his descriptions are hella exaggerated, and I can relate to the Ne one too. I ultimately settled on trusting his descriptions rather than the ones that seem a little closer to the Socionics (or the Myers-Briggs) descriptions because he's more abstract in his definitions. I had a lot of issues with most descriptions because many of them were just describing basic human behaviour (Ne = having ideas, Ti = analyzing etc.), and because I couldn't relate to lot of the behaviours associated with Fi such as always knowing how I feel and always sticking up for what I believe in (probably on account of being a 9 on the Enneagram).

 

[heroindisguise]

When I read Jung's cognitive functions description on Fi it was obvious I was an Fi dom. if you have it, you sort of know it, because it clicks with your world view. It was just giving what I already knew voice (in words). I didn't "become" a type, because I already "was" a type, if you get what I mean.

So from there, all I had to do was decide if I was Ne or Se aux. this was a bit harder to me to nail, because it is easy to misunderstand Ne as structured brainstorming and all that jazz. I don't think it is - Ne is just possibilities spawning into consciousness, from the subconscious. I synthesize disparate information to form conclusions or solve problems, faster than I analyze, but my conclusions are always given room for doubt. Another thing that pointed to INFP was self-doubt, and just doubt in general that plagued me. As Tolstoy puts it, "my principle sin is doubt". I don't have firm conclusions, and to me, something can mean a lot of things, depending on the perspective etc. It is something that cannot be helped - I just see it. I don't do "what does this really mean"? or "it means what it means" I do, "what can this mean?".

My heavy preference for theory (which too, suggests Intuition), and general comparison (that others made in relation to myself) with INTPs sort of made it crystal clear that I was INFP. INFPs and ISFPs just don't vibe the same way in real life. They are more matter of fact and realistic than me, and I am far more detached - sometimes it honestly feels like I am walking on a different dimension vs everyone else.

To end it off, I also tend to like INFP writers, philosophers and poets. So that was another dead gave away. I like them because they share the same frame of mind, but they are wiser, and are deeper thinkers, so it almost feels like they are my mentors in life.

 

[mushr00m]

So, weird question of the night (or the day, depending on time zones?). What gives you certainty about your type? How do you know you are using Fi as your primary function and not something else? Just by reading descriptions on the type and its functions? Gut feeling, like you just know? Something else entirely?

Just curious. :kitteh:

I took the MBTI indicator some moon's ago. I read the description and it gelled at the time. Other than that, I don't, objectively, if personality type can be objective. Comparing yourself to other self identified INFP's probs doesn't count, many of them could well be mistypes. Question, how do you know for sure if someone is a certain type?

 

[Reila]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I will not respond to every post because that would be crazy, but you all mentioned good points, some that I can definitely relate to how I figured out my type and why I have little to no doubt about it.

For instance, @entheos mentions understanding Fi (and the lack of understand about Fe), the dominant function as well as Fi-Si loop. For me, it was similar, just change Fi for Ni and Fi-Si loop for Ni-Ti loop. I can't understand Fi all the well either, while Fe is second nature to me.

Also, @heroindisguise says:

When I read Jung's cognitive functions description on Fi it was obvious I was an Fi dom. if you have it, you sort of know it, because it clicks with your world view. It was just giving what I already knew voice (in words). I didn't "become" a type, because I already "was" a type, if you get what I mean.

And yes, I totally get it. Reading about Ni was such a different experience from when I was reading Fi and even Ti. It clicked. To a lesser extent, Ti clicked too, but something was off. It is like I knew that function was present in my stack, but as dominant? Unlikely. Still, sometimes I wonder if I am not an INTP with underdeveloped Ti, but again, unlikely. Fi, on the other hand, is a function I still struggle to understand. The concept is simple, but the application? Perhaps only Fi users can truly understand it.

@mushr00m

I took the MBTI indicator some moon's ago. I read the description and it gelled at the time. Other than that, I don't, objectively, if personality type can be objective. Comparing yourself to other self identified INFP's probs doesn't count, many of them could well be mistypes. Question, how do you know for sure if someone is a certain type?

Completely agree with the bold part. Mistypes are really common, so it is important to be careful when comparing yourself to others, if you choose to do such thing. As for your question, I don't think someone can be sure of someone else's types, which is why I find it funny when someone claims with absolute certain that some artist is of a type or another. Like, how do you now? Still, I say it is totally possible to be sure of your type.

Lastly, I guess the reason I made this thread was because I was wondering if anyone's perspective on how they know they are INFP could potentially make me reconsider the type, but now I am sure I am not one of you. Perhaps I should also make this thread in the INTP boards eventually. Thanks again.

 

[OrangeAppled]

I tested and still test as an INxP consistently. A decade ago, I read Jung and Van Der Hoop’s pure types descriptions and identified more with the Fi ones. Learning Fi is rational and not emotions was the clincher.

I don’t think I “use” Fi. I think I have a Fi ego. It’s a whole mentality that pervades my consciousness, not a thought pattern I engage in a lot (although there is connection between ego and your typical thought patterns). My whole mentality is focused on what is meaningful in life, particularly the “inner experience”. I’m more interested in the significance of things than their technical workings, and I’m interested in their significance as it affects or reflects my inner, personal being. I identify more with an artistic way of thinking than a scientific one. So Fi is simply the best fit type for me, as far as the pure types, and INFP is the best fit Myers Briggs type.

Using stuff like cognitive functions tests, of course I score pretty high on Ti and Ni too, which is typical for INFPs because they aren’t threatening to an INFP ego and there’s a fair amount of overlap as far as how they appear in a personality or what literal thinking styles they might engage in. In reality, I better see how my mentality is different from those types, in a way that’s hard to describe in words.

The distinction of Feeling and Thinking for me is not logic vs emotion nor even values, but a technical vs a meaningful way of mentally ordering/experiencing reality. I didn’t get caught up in the Fe vs Fi stuff or even Ne vs Ni because going by the whole attitude is more telling; since I strongly scored as INxP, it was clear my mentality is that of an Introverted Rational augmented by Ne. There’s lots of overlap in descriptions with INFJs and INFPs for good reason, so the biggest distinction for me is the J/P stuff, which is more than behaviors, but reflect a mentality. So again, with Jung, I identify with Introverted Rational Types (IxxPs), not Introverted Irrational Types (IxxJs). Extroverted Feeling and Extroverted Judging mentalities in general are very foreign to me. They’re not hard for me to grasp intellectually (Si and Ni are harder for me to grasp), but the actually mentalities just rub me the wrong way and feel at odds with my own.

Looking at MBTI stats, I’m fairly typical as an INFP as far as my job, my interests and even my values. I’m a designer, I like poetry and art, and two big things to me are autonomy and creativity. INFPs share the love of independence and freedom common in the IxxP attitude, and that’s probably a defining part of who I am. INFJs are way more likely to value stuff like community and teamwork.

Being a 4w5 in enneagram, I still feel kind of on the cusp of Fi and Ti, and a blend of most INTP and INFP profiles would sound most like me. But I think my ego is a Feeling one, and a big clue is what you identify with.

 

[konas8]

The functions of INFPs all have the same strenght as those of INFJs; different functions are valued though which produces different cognitions. I'd suggest checking out socionics; the difference between the two types is well outlined there.

 

[Reila]

The functions of INFPs all have the same strenght as those of INFJs; different functions are valued though which produces different cognitions. I'd suggest checking out socionics; the difference between the two types is well outlined there.

I am not exactly a Socionics kind of girl, but I appreciate the suggestion. From my perspective, those two types are only superficially similar, but once you scratch the surface, they are completely different.

@OrangeAppled ; I really like how you explained how Fi works in your mind here:

I don’t think I “use” Fi. I think I have a Fi ego. It’s a whole mentality that pervades my consciousness, not a thought pattern I engage in a lot (although there is connection between ego and your typical thought patterns).

 

[konas8]

I am not exactly a Socionics kind of girl, but I appreciate the suggestion. From my perspective, those two types are only superficially similar, but once you scratch the surface, they are completely different.

I don't know what that means, but k.
I never said they weren't.

 

[L P]

I read the description of INFJ because that's what I first got, and I liked the mentions of creativity, but when they kept saying I would be drawn to charity events and community causes I was like, nooooo, I want to make my dream worlds come to life more than help a charity or a huge community.

Then I read the INFP description and it was painful. Mostly because it had put words to weird personalized nuances I noticed in my life that I did not think derived from a personality type but just my own hang ups, I forget the details but I know when I read it, it hurrrrrt and part of me became deeply saddened because I started to think "You mean to tell me I was BORN with these problems I have, I never stood a chance." And the fact that it caused such an emotional response in me than other type descriptions, I knew it was painfully cringe-worthily accurate. It's hard for me to relate to those who struggle to find their type because to me it was so clear.

But then I watched Michael Pierce's video on INFPs, and they way he described the inner world, my god, that was VERY very accurate. I couldn't put words to it when I was younger like he did, but when I was a kid I used to LOVE that Phil Collins song he did for the Tarzan movie called "Strangers Like Me" where part of the lyrics go

"Come with me now to see my world
Where there's beauty beyond your dreams
Can you feel the things I feel
Right now, with you
Take my hand
There's a world I need to know "​

Even as a kid I was aware of the inner world but I never knew it was a "personality type" thing. But When I watched MPs video I was like, wow man, wow, you hit the nail on the head dude. There was no doubt I must be an INFP too.

Plus I know I use Fi because I get hit in the feels very easily and most of the time I choose to do things I like to do over things I should do lol.

I also watched videos of INFJ and INFP, and the mannerisms of INFJ seemed to manifest like Ti trying to find the right words to communicate their ideas precisely, I could see moments where their brain would pause and search for the right word, and INFP would ramble then forget what they were saying then continue rambling then remember all of the sudden what they were rambling about previously, I do that and it was so weird for me to witness other's doing that exact same thing, you feel so individual than all of the sudden you don't, I kept face palming an getting the fuzzies everytime I read and watched something about INFP because I felt soooo understood and connected to something bigger than myself. I felt deeply understood it felt amazing and exposing all at once. Like these are all things people should not know about me lol......creepy. It ultimately felt like someone was doing an operation on me and writing about my insides, and finding out what is inside of me is inside of others.