As INFP I enjoy international student homestays and youtube walking tours of world cities. i travel soooo much in these ways and yet keep my creature comforts!. This is the essence of INFP!
And that’s why I prefer to buy those documentary-picture travel books from BBC and other journalists. I’ve visited an endless amount of places and experienced what they have to offer purely based on the depths of my imagination simulated through visual, auditory stimuli and of course pensive verbal descriptions given by local people who live there . I still remember in one of the episodes of buzzfeed’s “worth it”, there was this pie episode where a Brazilian chef was describing how diverse and authentically driven her country was, and I must tell you it was very moving to hear her speak like that, I think I finished an entire tour of the country with all its people,places and food in my mind just as she was saying about them. I don’t know, it’s just that when people talk or I read text about anything, my kindly quickly puts those word into pictures, and either paints a whole portrait or runs a mini documentary/movie on its own as I’m reading or listening. That’s why I prefer to read and hear people’s experiences because I love the movies I watch in my head, instead of watching documentaries or movies about it because it just seems to passive for me to “watch” things as they are, instead of watching what my brain creates (which is more stimulating I guess). But I do enjoy watching documentaries and well directed movies from time to time. (But I lay too much emphasis on cinematography for those :D ).
That resonated so well... When I was a kid, someone had gifted me a globe and an atlas on my birthday and since then, I have been fascinated to know about countries, their people, the food and their cultures. Travel and living docuseries are my favourite genre of visual entertainment at all times. Visiting those places through my eyes.
This is spot on. It can probably look like jumping from rabbithole to rabbithole in terms of interests, music taste, ideology etc but the parts of each rabbithole that really hits home never goes away. It's not really phases, more like a constant Journey along a winding country road. Every once in a while there is an inviting little sidetrack that some times lead to a new road and some times not, but it was worth checking out anyway. I'll go back to the shadows now.
One of the ironies is that the INFPs I've known in my personal life have always been quite enigmatic to me. Perhaps my desire to understand them and attempt to figure them out plays a part... they're still total enigmas in case you were wondering ~ Nathan
as an INFP, I always feel like I'm searching, collecting pieces here and there, in an effort to understand the world and myself. every sentence resonated, Nathan! **proceeds to sink back into the shadows** PS. I can't believe I'm an adult too!
As a 71-year-old INFP, I have been dancing the dance for quite a while. This is, by far, the most accurate (and most succinct) description I have ever encountered. Thank you for your deep insights. Perhaps, the most clarifying for me is a trait I have always self-described as “Passionate Shapeshifting”… the ability to fully become one’s passion and then morph into a new passion just as fully whilst retaining the most meaningful remnants from the last passion. It has taken me decades to fully embrace this paradigm as normal for INFP me. Especially, because it is so confusing for those who love me. This said, I will never stop learning and evolving into my best self. Ever.
I see exactly what you mean. I go from one obsession that lasts a few months to another another. But for me (25 yo infp), this has been far more of a detriment in my life. I'm almost never interested in things that would help me in the moment, such as subjects at school, and this has made revising for exams and working hard when doing projects difficult. I have a job now that, while not awful, is not even close to something I want to do for years to come, and i find myself daydreaming at work. This pretty bad as I work a dangerous job. I've only been working there for about 10 months and i've already almost lost a finger. The worse part is that I have no idea what to do with my life. Like, i'm considering quitting my job for something less dangerous and more fulfilling, but then i ask myself: and do...what? Sorry for the rant, but I guess I just wanted to say that this passionate shapshifting has been more of a problem for me in my life than anything 😞
@@WAZZA1235 First, yes, try to find a less dangerous job. The risk is too high if you're a daydreamer. You'll find the passion that you keep going back to. I didn't realize mine until I looked at everything I love and stories and creating became obvious to me. So keep looking, figure it out. See what you love and if there is any similarities. You'll find your passion there (and still have those sidequests of passions).
I know we can feel pressure to "get our life together" according to mainstream standards of what a career or adult life should look like, but I think that as infp we have the freedom and even the need to explore more than others. I've had many different jobs in my life (I'm in my early 40s) and none were related. I see them all as experience gained (none of it was wasted time or the wrong path or failure or whatever people like to call it when you change direction in life) and I carry with me so many memories of all these places I worked, problems I solved creatively and people I worked with or taught or helped in some way. I loved all of my jobs for one reason or another. I don't think you necessarily have to "know what you want to be or do in life" just going where you feel led, what inspires you in the moment can be just as fulfilling. Sure I've not made a lot of money this way, but I've lived a very full and exciting life across 3 different countries, experiences I wouldn't trade for anything.
Every damn time I KNOW you're using a certain wording to appeal to my sense of authenticity as an INFP and yet every damn time I fall for it like omg I'm so understood thank you
To be respected for who and what they are regardless of what that is- resonates fully to me, infp. Today earlier I attended a prisoner admitted in the hospital for covid ; with murder sentence in the hospital. In a full PPE suit, I'm chatting with him as if we're friends, and told him I was amazed how he can keep himself sane in the cell for 10 years..😂afterwards then i realized the co-workers are all terrified with him..i was like...should we? 😅
Every person has a soul that has experience some measures of joy and sorrow, so it is no small thing that you saw that in them and treated them as human! That's truly one of the first best steps to rehabilitating those to have fallen to their darkness - to show them they can still be seen as people, and redemption is achievable. It's a powerful gift you have!
This is so me. I will literally save ants one by one and then in the next moment be watching a documentary about a serial killer. Human and animal behavior fascinate me no matter what it is.
I'm INTP, and I would act much the same. Murderers don't kill most of the people they meet. In fact, I know a man who is in prison for attempted murder. I've known him since he was small, and always had behavior problems, but we have always liked each other. I don't trust him though, and he doesn't complain about that.
I’m an INFP - I’m subscribed - yes I’m am very confusing -I have lots of conflicting desires - yes I have phases but I still keep remnants (especially with music taste) - I can see simple things in a beautiful way - yes sometimes I’m seen as self-centered but I actually care a lot about people Accurate vid!!!!!
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." Wow. One of my new favorite quotes right there. It's perfect! And this video was fantastic, Nathan. I could listen to you talk about us INFPs all day haha
Hi! Always great to see you in the comments section. So I’d highly recommend you join our Discord server, I think you’ll really love it on there. I’m on there pretty much everyday. The link is in the description of the video, if you do join then send me a DM on there and I’ll show you how things work! ~ Nathan
i love the way you talk in NF language specifically for infp videos. i resonate with this strongly. thank you for another great video :D i will now be going back to the shadows
I go through life feeling like I’m on fire. I feel everything so strongly that it’s sometimes consuming. I’m so passionate about the things I love. It’s like a candle that never goes out. It just flares up bigger at times. Especially when listening to my most favorite songs. It’s hard to explain. The crappy part is when I go from project to project because, yes, we’re magpies and there’s always a new shiny object to catch the eye. So I have a ton of unfinished projects. Trying to explain a reason for all of this to others is hard, so I’m always thankful for your videos!
In my view if you gain something from each of those projects then them being unfinished isn't an issue. Perhaps it's the case that things aren't 'abandoned' it's more that the important aspects of them have already been acquired and it's time for the next journey to take place ~ Nathan
@@lovewho Not only do you provide so much valuable insight in your delightful videos, but you also take the time to read, process, and further your insights in the ensuing comment sections. You're exactly the kind of person I would have been friends with (back when I knew how to make and maintain friendships!). Thank you for what you're doing.
I’m an infp who’s TH-cam subscription box has changed millions of times over the last few years . I also will never become really good at anything because I like trying everything 🥲
Oh wow. This is a really good break down, probably one of the best I've seen so far. I definitely agree with all of this. I do keep parts of my "phases", I'm very empathic & use my emotional understanding to help people understand their own, I have looked at the same things in different ways a lot & noticed things usually skipped over (sometimes unintentionally), and... yes we're very confusing... I should know.
Hi, as an INTJ I found this explanation to provide a seemingly excellent framework and new understanding for me. Glad to hear it sounds viable to INFPs. Thanks. 🙂
Well, my curious MBTI compatriot, I will use it twofold, at least. First, at this juncture, I am trying to learn about my type, the cognitive functions and other types. I believe knowledge of one enhances knowledge of the others. I have a good friend, that is either an INTP or INFP. I am going to work on this a bit. I am only seeing MBTI as an adjunct to what I already know of my friends and family. But it has been quite rewarding so far. Thanks again.
"FI and SI in tandem are like the DNA and NE is the random mutations being tried out"-😅woah.. "Their personality is an odd amalgamation of gems that they've uncovered from their eclectic journeys."~ Just speechless...🤓This is the first time I couldn't stop myself from leaving a comment 😄Just amazed 🤘😇
This is soooooo accurate for my INFP brother. I also love that you didn’t dip into the classic “crying” stereotypes. That doesn’t fit him or even most INFPs I know
I thought I was INTP, then ENTP, then INTJ, and then finally, I realized what it was that made me the INFP I truly am. I dealt with childhood emotional neglect, so I rejected my emotions as I was taught to, which made it so difficult to find out what it was that felt wrong with me. I don't know if this is any way relatable to you, but regardless be aware of how much INFP can be altered externally, and even to our own perception, by our experiences. I hope you find the answers you seek! Live well.
I’m an INTP who has thought on occasion that I might be an INFP. What it really comes down to is what you’re doing most of the time. For me, my brain cannot stop trying to solve puzzles. I make puzzles where there aren’t any. I find it really hard to relate to people or empathize with them when I’m puzzling - actually it’s kind of impossible. I have two modes. “Human” mode which I have to dig deep for and I do it because they tell me I should, and “Robot” mode which feels like my identity. Importantly - my values and beliefs never factor in to what I think is true. They can guide me towards what to research, but the end result of what is true is completely out of my control. I’ve also noticed that I have a tendency to seek out “dark truths” that horrify my INFP friend. I can’t share them with her, because, going out on a limb here, I almost think the experience of them is more real to her than it is to me. In a weird way, she’s more grounded in reality. To me - this is all like a game. I felt that way very strongly when I was a child too - that life is all a game. The consequence of that thinking is that you can be incredibly selfish when other people’s emotions don’t seem like they should be your problem, or even a factor in your consideration of what to do next. I’ve never been an outright mean person, however. When I’ve been told I was mean - it’s upset me. I’ll often apologize or try to make things right, and I feel guilty about it. I feel just as guilty if I’m wrong. If I tell someone something, and then learn I was an idiot, I’ll apologize to them and give them the correct information because I feel really bad about it. My INFP and I share an adventure lust though. In that way I differ from most INTPs. If you look into “Objective Personality” they break the types down into 512 and they describe my flavor of INTP as having high “play” in my function stack. Hopefully some of this information helps you in some fashion to reach the right conclusion about your type. If you’re an INTP - I’m sorry, and good luck. If you’re an INFP - welcome to the world. We need your kind 💕
oops... sound. How we argue and make decisions shows us our top “go to” cognitive functions. Besides this guy (of course😆) my other favorite pods to explore are Personality Hacker and CSJoseph.
This feels very on point for me as an INFP. Especially the empathy part, with respecting others of regardless what or who they are. Have had some people say they feel "free" in my presence, and that time seems to "move differently" because of my INFP nature. I find these highly interesting comments and take pride in them
I absolutely resonate with this. Thank you so much for helping me understand all of my random transformations of character. I've always worried that my constantly changing desires/attitudes/etc. reflected indecisiveness, disloyalty and a weak will (because I can never commit to one hobby, goal or lifestyle). Often I question whether I'm still an INFP at all, because each year I feel so radically altered from the person I was the year before. But I definitely do feel like, with each new rendition of myself, I'm playing a part to test if it's right for me. And I also feel that with each part I play, my truest self -- an amalgamation of all the different traits, preferences and values I've picked up over the years -- grows in clarity. It's not that I'm creating my true self, but rather it's that I feel my true self has existed all along like some buried fossil, and I'm slowly unearthing it by chipping away at the dirt and debris.
Firstly, this comment is extremely well written - there are some really poetic parts. Secondly, if you haven't already I'd highly recommend joining our discord server (the link in the description of the videos). There are lots of people on there (myself included) who would like to hear from fellow people of their type who have these insights. You might also enjoy the community on there a lot ~ Nathan
As INFP I enjoy international student homestays and youtube walking tours of world cities. i travel soooo much in these ways and yet keep my creature comforts!. This is the essence of INFP!
"Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)." [Walt Whitman, most excellent poet, though not my fave.] I find it strange that I enjoy my creature comforts and live this externally traditional lifestyle but internally I am still the Bohemian of my youth. I love how Nathan seems to capture what the INFP experience is. The world is always fresh because in the mundane I see something new and precious. I have tried on multiple belief systems, wearing what fits and discarding (recycling?) what doesn't. A special thanks for making me / us feel understood when I / we often don't. I sense more than a little empathy in Nathan. ☺️
I think as an INFP the biggest challenge is the effort we put into understanding others and it not being reciprocated. That's why it's so important to be around other feelers. I've subscribed by the way!!
Magpie. I appear to think I'm immortal. I would need to be to learn all the languages, read all the books. I'm trying, at this point in my life, not to realize that some things I haven't paid attention to (music theory, for example) are really fascinating, because life is not infinite. But if it were, I'd never be bored with my own thoughts. Small on the outside, huge inside. And empathetic from exploring my own labyrinths and assuming others have similarly unseen interior landscapes.
“In order to relate to others we have to first recognize them in our selves.” This must be why I can really hate what someone did but not hate the person that did it. It makes me feel very motherly towards people even people who are my own age or older. Thanks for putting this weird feeling into words.
Totally spot on interpretation, this has been the story of my life... inner world introspection - constant exploration - updating, searching, deciphering and angle shifting, life is never boring as the mind is always stimulated. The empathy thing is true too 🥰
Brilliant as usual with us wildflowers. “Amelie” is the best character I have seen representing us. Answering the question, “What do you do all day?” When feeling alone or without validation, go visit her.🦋
In most cases INFPs and other Fi users will not adapt in the way Fe adapts to the enviroment. However, while Fi less often adapts, they will still adapt and even to a deeper extend when like something a lot (like when they fancy a person). In these cases they can end up adapting themselves on a much deeper level than an Fe adaption would ever go. The Fe user will on the surface adapt themselves in their behaviour to other people, but is internally still more detached from the adaption because their internal judgement of reason (Ti) does not adapt with it. When Fi users adapt, it's almost like they want to become that which they desire (rather than just behaving like it like Fe). If Fi is paired with Ni, this idea goes even further and they might fully believe in the idea of a different identity. For example an ESFP might transform their entire life to the idea they are an INTJ while maybe on some other supressed level they know it's a lie.
This is always amazing to hear! Sometimes I wonder whether my ramblings in the videos are actually going to resonate with people in some way so it means a lot when people leave comments like this one ~Nathan
This one went very deep into understanding us. By the way, I think INF/TPs are very similar with one another. A little adjustment, and all that's said of one fits the other to a T. It's "funny" when we look butterfly-like to people, moving from one interest to another shallowly, they believe. You saw, and said, that for what it is. We leave an area of interest when we have taken the pith of it with us, and it's going to remain with us for life. "They can travel without physically going anywhere": this brought back a memory about the facial expression of a romance mate in the past, when I replied to her insistence that we book a travel that travel would best be done without tickets and physical movement, in the mind. As for our high "empathy", I think it's mostly sympathy, and I'd talk of an empathy/sympathy difference between Fe and Fi, rather than two brands of empathy.
Lol, the discord channel and responses always have many INFPs indeed. We like this stuff! INFP and spot on. As a teen I always read this magazine where people talk about their life experiences. I loved seeing other points of views to situations. It put me ad odds with my classmates (not belonging) because when they proclaimed someone acted stupid, I usually just looked at their behaviour from a different angle and didn't think it was stupid or dumb, just a result of a different bachground than most people had. Individuality and exploration.
2:40: “They can enjoy the known commonplace and day-do-day but in a fresh way.” This resonates a lot. I love how you described it, and it’s definitely something I do.
Really great to hear that it resonated with you. INFPs have always been a type that I've struggled to understand so it's nice to know that I might be getting somewhere ~ Nathan
Your take on empathy is spot on. Some people in the MBTI community seem to have an overly simplistic view of Fi vs. Fe where Fi cares about its own feelings and Fe cares about others' feelings - but it's really more complicated than that. I favor Fi over Fe not because I don't care about others but because I care very much about authenticity, individuality, and the freedom to be oneself and make what one wants of one's own life, regardless of social norms or expectations - I care about that for myself as well as for others, and I will always support people in following their own authentic path, as well as defending people (or animals) from being violated or oppressed by others. We only have this one life to live the way we really want to, and the #1 regret on people's deathbeds is not having had the courage to live a life that was true to themselves. As for the Ne/Si stuff: I feel that there is always a push and pull between exploration/novelty and holding on to or revisiting what I already know and love; always a weaving together of the old and new in a way that maintains a balance between expanding my mind & world and feeling like my life is progressing, and feeling a sense of groundedness, continuity, and connection to the journey that I've had. I always want to be learning and growing and discovering, but to be maximally rewarding, those things need to get fully processed and woven into the story of my life. I agree with the magpie analogy. I find that being highly attuned to my feelings, values, and tastes helps me get the most out of my explorations by gleaning the best things from them and helping determine what's worth holding on to. It also helps eliminate things that aren't really serving me anymore to make room for new and better things. I do have a tendency to get attached to things, as well as the propensity for inertia you've mentioned about INFPs before, so it's important to regularly step back and reexamine things in light of my values and desires to clarify if it's time to let something go or get going in a new direction.
What I dislike the most about the whole debate is how the bulk of the population can't reasons that there are people who have developed both at least in some capacity or another. I find the duality and division to be quite depressing.
@@MrKillswitch88 Oh, absolutely. There's a lot of simplistic black-and-white thinking in this community, and it's frustrated me too. People can have all kinds of combinations of traits in reality, and can be well-rounded in ways that this limited set of archetypes does not account for.
Honestly subscribed to other channels regarding MBTI videos... But being brutally true, Nathan described me BEST so far. Everything he says resonates with being an INFP.
I like collecting things, whether that be physical objects or ideas. It's very well said, how INFP's keep with them a little part of each piece they've collected, even after letting them go. As an artist, I can never seem to stick with one particular style or subject. Truthfully, I used to be frustrated at myself for being indecisive, but after watching your video I think I can start to see that it's not such a bad characteristic to have. Thank you for this insight!
Truly resonate about seeking new possibilities, but sometimes I'm still doubting myself whether I'm empathetic or not. Some people were many times called me insensitive prick for not paying attention while having small talk. But at the same time, calling me too sensitive when I'm sad/angry over something. I don't know how to differentiate any words anymore 😟
Being disinterested in small talk doesn't mean you're not empathetic. I think we generally care more about the deeper aspects of people than about superficialities - and I think that's more meaningful. That being said, if you do really care about someone, it's probably good to compromise a little in terms of giving them what makes them feel cared about. And if you don't - that's okay. We have the right to choose who's right for us and not throw away our energies indiscriminately on meaningless interactions.
Ive always described myself as someone who seeks out hidden and forgotten things and then treasures them in my heart while trying to show other people why they should treasure them too-INFP 🌻
I also really like seeing what others think about the random things I like, though no one really cares or sometimes they think it's stupid so I feel stupid and that's why I'm very cautious about showing anyone the things I like, cautious as in terrified of judgement
At this point I see them as two routes to the same destination. They definitely have very distinct flavours to them though which can be helpful in identifying which type a person is ~ Nathan
@@lovewho I'm enjoying your videos. This is one of the better descriptions of INFPs I've seen, and I've seen a lot. I'm sure there would immediately be a voice in your NT head saying "You only liked it because there was no criticism in it", but I really did relate a lot to it. I actually did quite a lot of travel when I was younger, before I worked out that the third dimension is the most overrated dimension. I went to places that seemed exotic and a bit extreme to me like the Middle East, India, Myanmar and SE Asia. I was always disappointed by how everywhere I went I was still me. Didn't matter how far I flew. The quality of being me was inescapable, unavoidable, infinite for all I knew. Even setting that aside, the scenery changed but it was mostly the same general stuff, and people were people no matter how they looked or what they did or which language they spoke. They might look different and live vastly different lives but in terms of me not particularly wanting to talk to any of them they were exactly the same as the people back home. I realised that seeing the world was not changing me or my worldview at all. And I've never left the country since, though my worldview has changed beyond all recognition. I traded flights for rabbit-holes, and regret nothing. On the darker side, the kind of travel that INFPs crave often leads leads to drug problems for at least some phase of their life. But I'd imagine that happens to most Ne users. Anyway, thanks for the video.
@@jeffjones7108 This might be one of the best ways to describe it that I've seen. I do enjoy travel, but certainly not as much as other friends that I know. It's for the same reason that you mentioned: I am always still me when I get there. The time always seems better spent working on myself to grow as a more I interesting and well-developed person, and to cultivate my interests. I also get really frustrated when traveling for short periods of time, because I really want to get the essence of a place, not just see the popular places, but that's very hard to do without spending a significant amount of time there.
It's really not; that's an all-too-common misconception. Both Fi and Fe can be highly empathetic. Fe is just more people-oriented and more concerned with social harmony. Fi is more concerned with individuality and the inner world, but that can include the individuality and inner worlds of others as well as our own.
@@jeffjones7108 What?? That's just so bizzare. Are you sure your INFP? When I travel, I pick up the language and I find it fascinating to talk to local natives in their own language and learning a whole different way of seeing the world. Even learning their language is fascinating, because it gives insight to their mindset. And any bit of their culture that resonated with me slowly became a part of me. And that's how I see myself, as part of those different experiences that shaped me. As a consequence, whenever I'm in any of those places, I'm seen by others to be very weird/eccentric because I'm not completely any one thing/culture but an amalgamation of all the things I choose to be. I think Ne is "seeing different things and trying to find more differences and complexities" whereas "Ni is "seeing different things and recognizing that they're all just the same (in some ways)", which sounds much more like your description. I'm guessing that you are (MAYBE!) ISFP (because ISFPs have third slot Ni and no Ne). Beyond your seeing-everything/everyone-as-the-same Ni, the stance of "regretting nothing" in my opinion is also an ISFP mark (along with "living to my fullest potential" and "journey of self-discovery"). I've never heard of INFPs and drugs, but from what I've read ISFPs are more likely than other types to look to drugs, gambling or extreme sports.
I am letting you know in the comment - Everything you said was completely relatable to me. It was surprisingly accurate how you described the empathetic side of Fi dom types. I got the best INFP videos on this channel. - infp
I always struggled to explain to people why I would jump from interest to interest. To them I'd be fascinated with something one day and then a week later I'd be onto something else, which on the surface is true I suppose, but I just really like learning new and interesting things. Keeping little gems of skills and knowledge and getting to share them with others is very fulfilling to me.
You can see how beautiful INFP is after reading all the appreciation comments from INFP 😊 I think we are wonderful people There are lots of people just met me first time and they would say I am so special after they had fews conversation with me and they want to meet me again. Thank you for your insight Nathan, I feel heard and understood. You are very good at explaining about people personalities, you know how to use each words wisely and make sure everyone understands. I really appreciate you and your knowledge. -INFP
I'm right in the middle between INTP and INFP. I resonate with this video. My strongest fields are language and music. I feel like everybody’s judging me, probably because I judge a lot of people and myself. My enneagram type is 4w5, so I guess that life made me an INFP with a more logical approach? Thanks for this video! I will now go back writing a song about my identity crisis, cheers.
I’m an INFP 4w5 too! I think the strong 5wing makes me research things a lot, I have so many tabs and tangents open. Also identify crisis moments - I don’t know how I fit in the world sometimes or who I should be, what I should do...
@@shiran4204 Jayy someone that gets me! Writing is how I cope with stuff. I put it into a song and sing it as often, as the emotions need to be processed. Later I can look back at it with distance. It’s what many INFPs do :D
@@bagel7080 hehe it’s a struggle to keep on top of it! I should do the same. I relate to your comment too; I don’t know what I’d do without music and words, they are such a refuge!
Yes!! Half of me wants to buy a campervan and travel around and see everything!...and the other half wants to save for a house and be grounded and cozy!
Yessss to everything! I think the part about experimenting is on point and not often talked about! I could listen to his eloquent way of speaking all day🤤
Well if you like my eloquent speaking in the videos then feel free to join the discord server and I’ll be sure to have some eloquence prepared for you there… ~ Nathan
DAMN. I’ve been wondering why I was such a curiosity-driven globe trotter while being also very much an introvert. This describes my inner cogs scarily well …
As a 74-year-old INFP, I have always been curious to personally define myself. I have collected books of quotes since 1975. Quotes offer very succinct thoughts that may clarify your feelings. I highly recommend them.
About the fads or phases: I do actually really dislike the sentence "it's just a phase". Every "phase" in my life feeds into myself and it affects me for the rest of my life, even if it is not on the surface anymore. I quite like the idiom of magpies for that behavior. Basically, my Ne seeks out new things to feed to the development of my Fi, but where I am comfortable is my Si, so the constant big challenge is to see how the Ne things fit into the Si nest - I do know they have a place there or I wouldn't have picked them up, but I need to figure out their exact position. To stray in this picture, because I am constantly rebuilding and improving my nest, I do know a lot about how nests are build. I can see a few things and tell in my head what including them would mean to the construction of a nest. To get out of the metaphor, it is easy for me to see attitudes, beliefs, survival strategies, tastes as contingent and take other peoples position. Honestly, I do believe that this is better than Fe empathy. For example, I have a client whose overall situation is pretty horrible, he fears for his life, lives in horrible circumstances and has no skills to make do with the money he gets, so he begs to survive. I want him to succeed in life and it does feel bad that he doesn't, but if I felt his pain, I wouldn't have the strength necessary to help him out of his situation.
1:34 & 2:12 You describe what it is like to be an INFP better than I could myself. Feel so completely understood. Your use of symbolism & analogies are exquisite! A magpie collecting shiny philosophical gems 💎 🐧 I resonate with every word you say.
When I feel like I don't belong or people are judging me... I just talk to myself and enjoy my own presence... while still holding true to reality, listening and feelers extended. So if someone asks me a question at work... I can switch on a dime. To incorporate my fantasy amongst the world. Or even just entertaining myself when waiting to go home. Or maybe I want to entertain myself while treading a new path in the world and shaping my fantasy around it. Being so open to my feelings, others' feelings, the energies and vibes in the world... to have fantasy and reality transmute to one another. So, it looks somewhat similar to what Aurora does. How she interacts with others in her interviews and concerts. When I listen to Aurora... I just feel so seen and felt on so many layers. It's just unreal! But yeah that's how I keep true to myself and the world round me! Also I just express how I am in that moment... it allows me to live in reality despite the worlds that exist within. I have cried in public on the city bus, shared some deep pain or emotion with a stranger, been ecstatic about a new creative idea, shared it with co-workers, family members, friends, and I just let myself to be happy if that is what I am in the moment. My emotions are what ground me more so in the moment than any other stimulus. If that is not blocked, you can experience reality in a more suitable way. That's at least been my experience. But hey, that's why us INFPs are seekers! Only to find what works best for us, one by one! ~INFP 4w5 sx/so
Brilliantly on-target about the seeming eclecticism, if not flightiness, being a process of collecting. It's not flitting from thing to thing. Actually, nothing is left behind. Except what is overtly rejected.
Spot on!! I've always thought that the best way to be connected with this world and everyone in it is to find out who you really are.. because all humans have more things in common the more they do this if they keep and open heart with love in it for a brother or sister. 🧡
You described the interactions of our functions SO well, I feel understood. I esp. liked how you described our "trying things on" ...Ne throws it against the wall, and Fi and Si decide if it will stick. You gave me the words. Thank you 🙏!
This was not just very spot on with amazing references and that in a very short time! It was also the most adorable INFP custom made subscription request I've come across so far! Also, thank you a lot. I just ran into a problem again because other people struggle to understand just how much enough but also how busy sheer inner explorative existence is. They use how we're open and accepting, yet very protective of values and how we're quiet and kind and sense stuff way ahead. They indulge in our patience, our love and tireless dedication to a cause or detailed work people find way too annoying to do. They use our ears and compassion as emotional, mental and energy dumpsters, enjoying replenishing, encouragement, deep wisdom, analytical understanding and new perspectives and solutions. But then they constantly demand that we change, and get things done that are like mountains to us for they have 0 value to us personally which means 0 energy to flow into. And even demand we do stuff for them we know actually have no value to them all that urgently either. They just quietly loathe us for them having exhausted themselves with stuff while we did "nothing". (0.0)
Everything you said in this video was spot on, but omg when you started explaining how we INFPs like to explore the familiar in new ways I got freaked out by how accurate it was! I actually think this ability helps us INFPs tremendously with being more genuinely content/happy than others because we can find so much excitement, joy and beauty in the simple things in life
As an INFP , I know we have so many contradictions but I was never able to explain why even after thinking about it. You just explained it perfectly. Thank you 😊
When it comes to empathy, I definitely resonate for the most part…except that I was raised by an ENTJ and ESTJ, so I think my inferior Te likes to run rampant with snark and disdain if I don’t rein it in.
INFP here and nailed it for me. Especially love your description of empathy components. That's something I relate to strongly and often struggle with. I try to understand myself but in doing so hope to learn how to understand other people but often worry it can come across as egocentric that I spend so much energy unconsciously self assessing. I can feel guilty for it worrying it's as though I actively think so highly of my own thought process, it's worth getting stuck in it constantly, which I know isn't true for me. Your take on it is actually very reassuring and appreciated. Thank you ☺💕
Mr. Glass i agree 100% and its nice to hear this point of view. It would be nice if more people understood it this way so im glad you are putting this out there :)
Whenever I read 'Mr Glass' I instantly feel like I'm reading some official email or something. I agree that there are certain things that don't get mentioned much about some types, particularly INFPs ~ Nathan
Thank You. You captured the essence of infp, I truly felt understood. I wish I could remember this video and watch it on darker days, but I will probably forget about it.
Always love your videos! As an INFP I find you always hit the nail on the head. I don't explore out there, I explore in here, in my mind. And I read...a lot.
Hey, I like your cup! I am an Infp and I resonated with it. It's actually one of the reasons why I subscribed because I think you have a good grasp on the type. Will check through your other stuff too at some point. . . . . *Plays hello darkness my old friend as this video recedes into the dark of an unused consciousness and my physical presence disappates along with it, leaving only a shell of my existence in the form of words... *
the most accurate INFP video I've seen so far. Bravo! Now I need to make my exes watch this so that they can finally understand why they f*cked up royally :D
I am so impressed with this. Every point was not only accurate but educational as well. I appreciate learning how those first three functions work together. We have an interesting mixture of both rigidity and openness. I’m surprised more people don’t think in terms of respecting values as you would want to be respected. I am for example no longer religious but I am happy to allow religious people to live as they choose without the judgment that I hated when I was religious. I genuinely don’t want to judge. The part about wandering without going anywhere was dead on. I feel I am constantly rediscovering my environment. My Ne sends my mind out “there.” It reaches out and explores and connects ideas, but I don’t actually go places that often. I can be quite content to sit alone and see where my mind takes me. Thanks for this video. You are really good at this!
Regarding my INFP intuition the values and personal interests (FI) really guide its direction, with the familiar (SI)to round the back. Love it. Yes on introspection also.
I've upgraded my love of top hats into a love of formal, masquerade, banquet style fashion which then upgraded to just good fashion which then to just general things that look nice or give a nice feeling.
I always say that I'm a collector of skills. I study and try different areas just because I'm curious and I want to examine what I already know, believe. I have enough experience to say that you don't need talent to become averagely good in any thing. I always say that I'm made of everyone I met and everything I tried. VIEWING THE SAME THINGS FROM DIFFERENT POINTS IS MY LIFE. Actually it's the reason I enjoy living. One day I went for a walk and really paid attention to the things I hadn't noticed before. I came up with stories I had never thought about. It was one of the brightest walks in my life, even though I was in my neighborhood. The part about empathy and appreciation of other values is sooo true. Your explanation is excellent ❤️ It resonates with me.
I agree that INFPs have an experimental, experiential dimension with elements that are then assimilated. I practiced and loved Yoga and Zen Buddhism for several years, then stopped but it’s still really a part of me. Not the others’ doctrine, but my piece of it.
1:45 Collecting memories is a good thing. Thank you for this superb video. I give you the 1000th like on this one. And there are no dislikes how it should be.
i cant but resonate and agree with this description. clever you. your understanding of the infp is ever increasing as you paint us prettier with that ever flattering eye. Archetype= charmer😉
It’s true, I love my creature comforts and routines but in an office full of SJs I am by far the least change averse. To quote The Moody Blues, “Thinking is the best way to travel!” :-D
I definitely resonate with this taking on of new DNA and then either stripping parts away or braiding new strands and potions to cast as a new aura!! It's very fun and I love how you describe this respect for others being who they are. I will often test others appreciation for diversity by throwing them curve balls!!! i.e. a Racey joke or two I really respect that you also mention that we are inclined to caring for others very much. Because we feel so deeply it would be natural to assume this in others and act as if this is reality!! Love the exploration of Si, u learn something new everyday. Hehe I have subscribed!!
"They can travel without going anywhere." That's how I like it!
Exactly.
As INFP I enjoy international student homestays and youtube walking tours of world cities. i travel soooo much in these ways and yet keep my creature comforts!. This is the essence of INFP!
And that’s why I prefer to buy those documentary-picture travel books from BBC and other journalists. I’ve visited an endless amount of places and experienced what they have to offer purely based on the depths of my imagination simulated through visual, auditory stimuli and of course pensive verbal descriptions given by local people who live there .
I still remember in one of the episodes of buzzfeed’s “worth it”, there was this pie episode where a Brazilian chef was describing how diverse and authentically driven her country was, and I must tell you it was very moving to hear her speak like that, I think I finished an entire tour of the country with all its people,places and food in my mind just as she was saying about them. I don’t know, it’s just that when people talk or I read text about anything, my kindly quickly puts those word into pictures, and either paints a whole portrait or runs a mini documentary/movie on its own as I’m reading or listening. That’s why I prefer to read and hear people’s experiences because I love the movies I watch in my head, instead of watching documentaries or movies about it because it just seems to passive for me to “watch” things as they are, instead of watching what my brain creates (which is more stimulating I guess). But I do enjoy watching documentaries and well directed movies from time to time. (But I lay too much emphasis on cinematography for those :D ).
That's me to a "T".
That resonated so well...
When I was a kid, someone had gifted me a globe and an atlas on my birthday and since then, I have been fascinated to know about countries, their people, the food and their cultures.
Travel and living docuseries are my favourite genre of visual entertainment at all times.
Visiting those places through my eyes.
This is spot on. It can probably look like jumping from rabbithole to rabbithole in terms of interests, music taste, ideology etc but the parts of each rabbithole that really hits home never goes away. It's not really phases, more like a constant Journey along a winding country road. Every once in a while there is an inviting little sidetrack that some times lead to a new road and some times not, but it was worth checking out anyway. I'll go back to the shadows now.
Very well said. Those rabbit holes often have something worthwhile to retrieve from them, that's something people often overlook ~ Nathan
the long and winding road
@@md244-w6v that leads to your door...
I love when you talk about INFP because you are the one that i feel describe us the best.
One of the ironies is that the INFPs I've known in my personal life have always been quite enigmatic to me. Perhaps my desire to understand them and attempt to figure them out plays a part... they're still total enigmas in case you were wondering ~ Nathan
@@lovewho are you an INFP? Or intp?
He's INFJ
@@FiNe_SiTe Did he say in one of his videos?
@@natashaladini1990 INTJ
as an INFP, I always feel like I'm searching, collecting pieces here and there, in an effort to understand the world and myself. every sentence resonated, Nathan! **proceeds to sink back into the shadows**
PS. I can't believe I'm an adult too!
Are we balrogs? Because we really like going back to the shadow.
@@CaveyMoth I prefer monk or Yoda?😆 although he is technically an INFJ. *smeh*😏
As a 71-year-old INFP, I have been dancing the dance for quite a while. This is, by far, the most accurate (and most succinct) description I have ever encountered. Thank you for your deep insights. Perhaps, the most clarifying for me is a trait I have always self-described as “Passionate Shapeshifting”… the ability to fully become one’s passion and then morph into a new passion just as fully whilst retaining the most meaningful remnants from the last passion. It has taken me decades to fully embrace this paradigm as normal for INFP me. Especially, because it is so confusing for those who love me. This said, I will never stop learning and evolving into my best self. Ever.
.
I see exactly what you mean. I go from one obsession that lasts a few months to another another. But for me (25 yo infp), this has been far more of a detriment in my life. I'm almost never interested in things that would help me in the moment, such as subjects at school, and this has made revising for exams and working hard when doing projects difficult. I have a job now that, while not awful, is not even close to something I want to do for years to come, and i find myself daydreaming at work. This pretty bad as I work a dangerous job. I've only been working there for about 10 months and i've already almost lost a finger. The worse part is that I have no idea what to do with my life. Like, i'm considering quitting my job for something less dangerous and more fulfilling, but then i ask myself: and do...what? Sorry for the rant, but I guess I just wanted to say that this passionate shapshifting has been more of a problem for me in my life than anything 😞
@@WAZZA1235 First, yes, try to find a less dangerous job. The risk is too high if you're a daydreamer. You'll find the passion that you keep going back to. I didn't realize mine until I looked at everything I love and stories and creating became obvious to me.
So keep looking, figure it out. See what you love and if there is any similarities. You'll find your passion there (and still have those sidequests of passions).
I know we can feel pressure to "get our life together" according to mainstream standards of what a career or adult life should look like, but I think that as infp we have the freedom and even the need to explore more than others. I've had many different jobs in my life (I'm in my early 40s) and none were related. I see them all as experience gained (none of it was wasted time or the wrong path or failure or whatever people like to call it when you change direction in life) and I carry with me so many memories of all these places I worked, problems I solved creatively and people I worked with or taught or helped in some way. I loved all of my jobs for one reason or another. I don't think you necessarily have to "know what you want to be or do in life" just going where you feel led, what inspires you in the moment can be just as fulfilling. Sure I've not made a lot of money this way, but I've lived a very full and exciting life across 3 different countries, experiences I wouldn't trade for anything.
I like this guy......I will disappear into the shadows.
Every damn time I KNOW you're using a certain wording to appeal to my sense of authenticity as an INFP and yet every damn time I fall for it like omg I'm so understood thank you
Yeah, such a confidence boost. When watching these kinds of videos, often I find myself getting embarrassed 🎃
To be respected for who and what they are regardless of what that is- resonates fully to me, infp. Today earlier I attended a prisoner admitted in the hospital for covid ; with murder sentence in the hospital. In a full PPE suit, I'm chatting with him as if we're friends, and told him I was amazed how he can keep himself sane in the cell for 10 years..😂afterwards then i realized the co-workers are all terrified with him..i was like...should we? 😅
Every person has a soul that has experience some measures of joy and sorrow, so it is no small thing that you saw that in them and treated them as human! That's truly one of the first best steps to rehabilitating those to have fallen to their darkness - to show them they can still be seen as people, and redemption is achievable. It's a powerful gift you have!
This totally sounds like something I would do.
@@RyuuRider wow... you have a way with words. Felt nice reading it.
:)
This is so me. I will literally save ants one by one and then in the next moment be watching a documentary about a serial killer. Human and animal behavior fascinate me no matter what it is.
I'm INTP, and I would act much the same. Murderers don't kill most of the people they meet. In fact, I know a man who is in prison for attempted murder. I've known him since he was small, and always had behavior problems, but we have always liked each other. I don't trust him though, and he doesn't complain about that.
I think of us as treasure hunters. Looking for the special and beautiful things in life. At least this is the way I see myself.
This is a lovely perspective! I'll hold on to this treasure you've offered us!
Definitely...we can also make someone's trash into our treasure
@@sonja5058 Thank you that’s so nice!
@@tracyzimmerman7912 indeed!
True! Constantly looking at the new, the wonderous, and the beautiful.
I’m an INFP
- I’m subscribed
- yes I’m am very confusing
-I have lots of conflicting desires
- yes I have phases but I still keep remnants (especially with music taste)
- I can see simple things in a beautiful way
- yes sometimes I’m seen as self-centered but I actually care a lot about people
Accurate vid!!!!!
Ditto
Me too 🥰
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."
Wow. One of my new favorite quotes right there. It's perfect!
And this video was fantastic, Nathan. I could listen to you talk about us INFPs all day haha
Hi! Always great to see you in the comments section. So I’d highly recommend you join our Discord server, I think you’ll really love it on there. I’m on there pretty much everyday. The link is in the description of the video, if you do join then send me a DM on there and I’ll show you how things work! ~ Nathan
@@lovewho Okay, I'll check it out!
I also love that quote! So let me guess your (future?) favorite book:
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
@@martinstoelting2707 never heard of it!
❤
i love the way you talk in NF language specifically for infp videos. i resonate with this strongly. thank you for another great video :D i will now be going back to the shadows
I go through life feeling like I’m on fire. I feel everything so strongly that it’s sometimes consuming. I’m so passionate about the things I love. It’s like a candle that never goes out. It just flares up bigger at times. Especially when listening to my most favorite songs. It’s hard to explain. The crappy part is when I go from project to project because, yes, we’re magpies and there’s always a new shiny object to catch the eye. So I have a ton of unfinished projects. Trying to explain a reason for all of this to others is hard, so I’m always thankful for your videos!
In my view if you gain something from each of those projects then them being unfinished isn't an issue. Perhaps it's the case that things aren't 'abandoned' it's more that the important aspects of them have already been acquired and it's time for the next journey to take place ~ Nathan
@@lovewho True. I will choose to look at it that way. And I’m knowledgeable in a little bit of everything. Or so it seems.
@@lovewho Not only do you provide so much valuable insight in your delightful videos, but you also take the time to read, process, and further your insights in the ensuing comment sections. You're exactly the kind of person I would have been friends with (back when I knew how to make and maintain friendships!). Thank you for what you're doing.
I’m an infp who’s TH-cam subscription box has changed millions of times over the last few years . I also will never become really good at anything because I like trying everything 🥲
To the INFP's way of empathizing, you illustrated it well!
Oh wow. This is a really good break down, probably one of the best I've seen so far. I definitely agree with all of this. I do keep parts of my "phases", I'm very empathic & use my emotional understanding to help people understand their own, I have looked at the same things in different ways a lot & noticed things usually skipped over (sometimes unintentionally), and... yes we're very confusing... I should know.
Hi, as an INTJ I found this explanation to provide a seemingly excellent framework and new understanding for me. Glad to hear it sounds viable to INFPs. Thanks. 🙂
@@glueball214
And what do plan to do with with this newfound understanding 🤔
Well, my curious MBTI compatriot, I will use it twofold, at least. First, at this juncture, I am trying to learn about my type, the cognitive functions and other types. I believe knowledge of one enhances knowledge of the others. I have a good friend, that is either an INTP or INFP. I am going to work on this a bit. I am only seeing MBTI as an adjunct to what I already know of my friends and family. But it has been quite rewarding so far. Thanks again.
"FI and SI in tandem are like the DNA and NE is the random mutations being tried out"-😅woah..
"Their personality is an odd amalgamation of gems that they've uncovered from their eclectic journeys."~ Just speechless...🤓This is the first time I couldn't stop myself from leaving a comment 😄Just amazed 🤘😇
This is soooooo accurate for my INFP brother. I also love that you didn’t dip into the classic “crying” stereotypes. That doesn’t fit him or even most INFPs I know
This man is the INFP whisperer, and as I've recently discovered a damn good musician too. Respect ❤
3:15 I actually *cried* there like what the heck???
Thanks, man. I really needed that today :')
I’ve still been on the fence as to whether I’m INFP or INTP but this video is pulling me more towards INFP. Feeling seen, thank you.
I thought I was INTP, then ENTP, then INTJ, and then finally, I realized what it was that made me the INFP I truly am.
I dealt with childhood emotional neglect, so I rejected my emotions as I was taught to, which made it so difficult to find out what it was that felt wrong with me.
I don't know if this is any way relatable to you, but regardless be aware of how much INFP can be altered externally, and even to our own perception, by our experiences.
I hope you find the answers you seek! Live well.
I’m an INTP who has thought on occasion that I might be an INFP.
What it really comes down to is what you’re doing most of the time. For me, my brain cannot stop trying to solve puzzles. I make puzzles where there aren’t any. I find it really hard to relate to people or empathize with them when I’m puzzling - actually it’s kind of impossible. I have two modes. “Human” mode which I have to dig deep for and I do it because they tell me I should, and “Robot” mode which feels like my identity.
Importantly - my values and beliefs never factor in to what I think is true. They can guide me towards what to research, but the end result of what is true is completely out of my control.
I’ve also noticed that I have a tendency to seek out “dark truths” that horrify my INFP friend. I can’t share them with her, because, going out on a limb here, I almost think the experience of them is more real to her than it is to me. In a weird way, she’s more grounded in reality. To me - this is all like a game. I felt that way very strongly when I was a child too - that life is all a game.
The consequence of that thinking is that you can be incredibly selfish when other people’s emotions don’t seem like they should be your problem, or even a factor in your consideration of what to do next.
I’ve never been an outright mean person, however. When I’ve been told I was mean - it’s upset me. I’ll often apologize or try to make things right, and I feel guilty about it. I feel just as guilty if I’m wrong. If I tell someone something, and then learn I was an idiot, I’ll apologize to them and give them the correct information because I feel really bad about it.
My INFP and I share an adventure lust though. In that way I differ from most INTPs. If you look into “Objective Personality” they break the types down into 512 and they describe my flavor of INTP as having high “play” in my function stack.
Hopefully some of this information helps you in some fashion to reach the right conclusion about your type. If you’re an INTP - I’m sorry, and good luck. If you’re an INFP - welcome to the world. We need your kind 💕
@@AK-jt7kh You sounds exactly like my ISTP husband.
oops... sound.
How we argue and make decisions shows us our top “go to” cognitive functions. Besides this guy (of course😆) my other favorite pods to explore are Personality Hacker and CSJoseph.
@@RyuuRider u sound like an istp
This feels very on point for me as an INFP. Especially the empathy part, with respecting others of regardless what or who they are. Have had some people say they feel "free" in my presence, and that time seems to "move differently" because of my INFP nature. I find these highly interesting comments and take pride in them
I love this. Watching this while missing my INFP boyfriend and just feeling the attraction grow as you talk more about this beautiful personality.
INFJ: Hey INFP want to travel in my *inner world?*
I absolutely resonate with this. Thank you so much for helping me understand all of my random transformations of character. I've always worried that my constantly changing desires/attitudes/etc. reflected indecisiveness, disloyalty and a weak will (because I can never commit to one hobby, goal or lifestyle). Often I question whether I'm still an INFP at all, because each year I feel so radically altered from the person I was the year before. But I definitely do feel like, with each new rendition of myself, I'm playing a part to test if it's right for me. And I also feel that with each part I play, my truest self -- an amalgamation of all the different traits, preferences and values I've picked up over the years -- grows in clarity. It's not that I'm creating my true self, but rather it's that I feel my true self has existed all along like some buried fossil, and I'm slowly unearthing it by chipping away at the dirt and debris.
Firstly, this comment is extremely well written - there are some really poetic parts. Secondly, if you haven't already I'd highly recommend joining our discord server (the link in the description of the videos). There are lots of people on there (myself included) who would like to hear from fellow people of their type who have these insights. You might also enjoy the community on there a lot ~ Nathan
As INFP I enjoy international student homestays and youtube walking tours of world cities. i travel soooo much in these ways and yet keep my creature comforts!. This is the essence of INFP!
"Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)." [Walt Whitman, most excellent poet, though not my fave.] I find it strange that I enjoy my creature comforts and live this externally traditional lifestyle but internally I am still the Bohemian of my youth. I love how Nathan seems to capture what the INFP experience is. The world is always fresh because in the mundane I see something new and precious. I have tried on multiple belief systems, wearing what fits and discarding (recycling?) what doesn't. A special thanks for making me / us feel understood when I / we often don't. I sense more than a little empathy in Nathan. ☺️
I think as an INFP the biggest challenge is the effort we put into understanding others and it not being reciprocated. That's why it's so important to be around other feelers. I've subscribed by the way!!
Magpie. I appear to think I'm immortal. I would need to be to learn all the languages, read all the books. I'm trying, at this point in my life, not to realize that some things I haven't paid attention to (music theory, for example) are really fascinating, because life is not infinite. But if it were, I'd never be bored with my own thoughts. Small on the outside, huge inside. And empathetic from exploring my own labyrinths and assuming others have similarly unseen interior landscapes.
That’s a great way to put it.
It’s a special kind of sadness knowing you’ll never learn and experience everything you want to! But I’m glad I have this slice of experience anyway
“In order to relate to others we have to first recognize them in our selves.” This must be why I can really hate what someone did but not hate the person that did it. It makes me feel very motherly towards people even people who are my own age or older. Thanks for putting this weird feeling into words.
Totally spot on interpretation, this has been the story of my life... inner world introspection - constant exploration - updating, searching, deciphering and angle shifting, life is never boring as the mind is always stimulated. The empathy thing is true too 🥰
I'm an ENTJ with an INFP twin and you are very on point as usual. Keep up the good work. :)
Brilliant as usual with us wildflowers. “Amelie” is the best character I have seen representing us. Answering the question, “What do you do all day?” When feeling alone or without validation, go visit her.🦋
In most cases INFPs and other Fi users will not adapt in the way Fe adapts to the enviroment. However, while Fi less often adapts, they will still adapt and even to a deeper extend when like something a lot (like when they fancy a person). In these cases they can end up adapting themselves on a much deeper level than an Fe adaption would ever go. The Fe user will on the surface adapt themselves in their behaviour to other people, but is internally still more detached from the adaption because their internal judgement of reason (Ti) does not adapt with it. When Fi users adapt, it's almost like they want to become that which they desire (rather than just behaving like it like Fe). If Fi is paired with Ni, this idea goes even further and they might fully believe in the idea of a different identity. For example an ESFP might transform their entire life to the idea they are an INTJ while maybe on some other supressed level they know it's a lie.
I've never heard such an accurate break down. You've put me into words in a way I never quite could and I appreciate your work. Thank you
This is always amazing to hear! Sometimes I wonder whether my ramblings in the videos are actually going to resonate with people in some way so it means a lot when people leave comments like this one ~Nathan
This one went very deep into understanding us.
By the way, I think INF/TPs are very similar with one another. A little adjustment, and all that's said of one fits the other to a T.
It's "funny" when we look butterfly-like to people, moving from one interest to another shallowly, they believe.
You saw, and said, that for what it is. We leave an area of interest when we have taken the pith of it with us, and it's going to remain with us for life.
"They can travel without physically going anywhere": this brought back a memory about the facial expression of a romance mate in the past, when I replied to her insistence that we book a travel that travel would best be done without tickets and physical movement, in the mind.
As for our high "empathy", I think it's mostly sympathy, and I'd talk of an empathy/sympathy difference between Fe and Fi, rather than two brands of empathy.
Lol, the discord channel and responses always have many INFPs indeed. We like this stuff!
INFP and spot on.
As a teen I always read this magazine where people talk about their life experiences. I loved seeing other points of views to situations. It put me ad odds with my classmates (not belonging) because when they proclaimed someone acted stupid, I usually just looked at their behaviour from a different angle and didn't think it was stupid or dumb, just a result of a different bachground than most people had. Individuality and exploration.
2:40: “They can enjoy the known commonplace and day-do-day but in a fresh way.” This resonates a lot. I love how you described it, and it’s definitely something I do.
Really great to hear that it resonated with you. INFPs have always been a type that I've struggled to understand so it's nice to know that I might be getting somewhere ~ Nathan
Yes, and the quickest way for me to get upset or burnt-out is not being able to find a different way to look at something (especially my 8-5 job, ugh)
This was beautiful. Thank you for such detailed thoughts!
Your take on empathy is spot on. Some people in the MBTI community seem to have an overly simplistic view of Fi vs. Fe where Fi cares about its own feelings and Fe cares about others' feelings - but it's really more complicated than that. I favor Fi over Fe not because I don't care about others but because I care very much about authenticity, individuality, and the freedom to be oneself and make what one wants of one's own life, regardless of social norms or expectations - I care about that for myself as well as for others, and I will always support people in following their own authentic path, as well as defending people (or animals) from being violated or oppressed by others. We only have this one life to live the way we really want to, and the #1 regret on people's deathbeds is not having had the courage to live a life that was true to themselves.
As for the Ne/Si stuff: I feel that there is always a push and pull between exploration/novelty and holding on to or revisiting what I already know and love; always a weaving together of the old and new in a way that maintains a balance between expanding my mind & world and feeling like my life is progressing, and feeling a sense of groundedness, continuity, and connection to the journey that I've had. I always want to be learning and growing and discovering, but to be maximally rewarding, those things need to get fully processed and woven into the story of my life.
I agree with the magpie analogy. I find that being highly attuned to my feelings, values, and tastes helps me get the most out of my explorations by gleaning the best things from them and helping determine what's worth holding on to. It also helps eliminate things that aren't really serving me anymore to make room for new and better things. I do have a tendency to get attached to things, as well as the propensity for inertia you've mentioned about INFPs before, so it's important to regularly step back and reexamine things in light of my values and desires to clarify if it's time to let something go or get going in a new direction.
What I dislike the most about the whole debate is how the bulk of the population can't reasons that there are people who have developed both at least in some capacity or another. I find the duality and division to be quite depressing.
@@MrKillswitch88 Oh, absolutely. There's a lot of simplistic black-and-white thinking in this community, and it's frustrated me too. People can have all kinds of combinations of traits in reality, and can be well-rounded in ways that this limited set of archetypes does not account for.
Honestly subscribed to other channels regarding MBTI videos... But being brutally true, Nathan described me BEST so far. Everything he says resonates with being an INFP.
Thank you very much, that means a lot ~Nathan
Hi I’m INFP and I watch your videos religiously. I feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t undervalue Fi. Love you Nathan 💗
I like collecting things, whether that be physical objects or ideas. It's very well said, how INFP's keep with them a little part of each piece they've collected, even after letting them go. As an artist, I can never seem to stick with one particular style or subject. Truthfully, I used to be frustrated at myself for being indecisive, but after watching your video I think I can start to see that it's not such a bad characteristic to have. Thank you for this insight!
Truly resonate about seeking new possibilities, but sometimes I'm still doubting myself whether I'm empathetic or not. Some people were many times called me insensitive prick for not paying attention while having small talk. But at the same time, calling me too sensitive when I'm sad/angry over something. I don't know how to differentiate any words anymore 😟
Not paying attention to small talk is a positive trait in my view ~ Nathan
@@lovewho another reason why I get Intps
Being disinterested in small talk doesn't mean you're not empathetic. I think we generally care more about the deeper aspects of people than about superficialities - and I think that's more meaningful. That being said, if you do really care about someone, it's probably good to compromise a little in terms of giving them what makes them feel cared about. And if you don't - that's okay. We have the right to choose who's right for us and not throw away our energies indiscriminately on meaningless interactions.
Ive always described myself as someone who seeks out hidden and forgotten things and then treasures them in my heart while trying to show other people why they should treasure them too-INFP 🌻
Beautifully put! ~ Nathan
I also really like seeing what others think about the random things I like, though no one really cares or sometimes they think it's stupid so I feel stupid and that's why I'm very cautious about showing anyone the things I like, cautious as in terrified of judgement
Good description, I relate. I've often wondered how INFPs can be called strongly empathetic when that seems to be more the province of Fe than Fi.
At this point I see them as two routes to the same destination. They definitely have very distinct flavours to them though which can be helpful in identifying which type a person is ~ Nathan
@@lovewho I'm enjoying your videos. This is one of the better descriptions of INFPs I've seen, and I've seen a lot. I'm sure there would immediately be a voice in your NT head saying "You only liked it because there was no criticism in it", but I really did relate a lot to it.
I actually did quite a lot of travel when I was younger, before I worked out that the third dimension is the most overrated dimension. I went to places that seemed exotic and a bit extreme to me like the Middle East, India, Myanmar and SE Asia. I was always disappointed by how everywhere I went I was still me. Didn't matter how far I flew. The quality of being me was inescapable, unavoidable, infinite for all I knew. Even setting that aside, the scenery changed but it was mostly the same general stuff, and people were people no matter how they looked or what they did or which language they spoke. They might look different and live vastly different lives but in terms of me not particularly wanting to talk to any of them they were exactly the same as the people back home.
I realised that seeing the world was not changing me or my worldview at all. And I've never left the country since, though my worldview has changed beyond all recognition. I traded flights for rabbit-holes, and regret nothing. On the darker side, the kind of travel that INFPs crave often leads leads to drug problems for at least some phase of their life. But I'd imagine that happens to most Ne users.
Anyway, thanks for the video.
@@jeffjones7108 This might be one of the best ways to describe it that I've seen. I do enjoy travel, but certainly not as much as other friends that I know. It's for the same reason that you mentioned: I am always still me when I get there. The time always seems better spent working on myself to grow as a more I interesting and well-developed person, and to cultivate my interests. I also get really frustrated when traveling for short periods of time, because I really want to get the essence of a place, not just see the popular places, but that's very hard to do without spending a significant amount of time there.
It's really not; that's an all-too-common misconception. Both Fi and Fe can be highly empathetic. Fe is just more people-oriented and more concerned with social harmony. Fi is more concerned with individuality and the inner world, but that can include the individuality and inner worlds of others as well as our own.
@@jeffjones7108 What?? That's just so bizzare. Are you sure your INFP? When I travel, I pick up the language and I find it fascinating to talk to local natives in their own language and learning a whole different way of seeing the world. Even learning their language is fascinating, because it gives insight to their mindset. And any bit of their culture that resonated with me slowly became a part of me. And that's how I see myself, as part of those different experiences that shaped me. As a consequence, whenever I'm in any of those places, I'm seen by others to be very weird/eccentric because I'm not completely any one thing/culture but an amalgamation of all the things I choose to be.
I think Ne is "seeing different things and trying to find more differences and complexities" whereas "Ni is "seeing different things and recognizing that they're all just the same (in some ways)", which sounds much more like your description. I'm guessing that you are (MAYBE!) ISFP (because ISFPs have third slot Ni and no Ne). Beyond your seeing-everything/everyone-as-the-same Ni, the stance of "regretting nothing" in my opinion is also an ISFP mark (along with "living to my fullest potential" and "journey of self-discovery").
I've never heard of INFPs and drugs, but from what I've read ISFPs are more likely than other types to look to drugs, gambling or extreme sports.
I am letting you know in the comment -
Everything you said was completely relatable to me. It was surprisingly accurate how you described the empathetic side of Fi dom types.
I got the best INFP videos on this channel.
- infp
we are walking contradictions and I think it's beautiful
really appreciate the video !
this absolutely resonates with me, every bit of it. i rarely encounter a non-infp who seems truly able to describe what i experience.
As an INFP turning 70 shortly! I can honestly say the best insult I ever received was that I “launched, but never landed”.
I always struggled to explain to people why I would jump from interest to interest. To them I'd be fascinated with something one day and then a week later I'd be onto something else, which on the surface is true I suppose, but I just really like learning new and interesting things. Keeping little gems of skills and knowledge and getting to share them with others is very fulfilling to me.
You can see how beautiful INFP is after reading all the appreciation comments from INFP 😊
I think we are wonderful people
There are lots of people just met me first time and they would say I am so special after they had fews conversation with me and they want to meet me again.
Thank you for your insight Nathan, I feel heard and understood. You are very good at explaining about people personalities, you know how to use each words wisely and make sure everyone understands. I really appreciate you and your knowledge.
-INFP
I'm right in the middle between INTP and INFP. I resonate with this video. My strongest fields are language and music. I feel like everybody’s judging me, probably because I judge a lot of people and myself. My enneagram type is 4w5, so I guess that life made me an INFP with a more logical approach? Thanks for this video! I will now go back writing a song about my identity crisis, cheers.
Hi I'm also infp 4w5 :) and I write sometimes about my identity crisis too😭
I’m an INFP 4w5 too! I think the strong 5wing makes me research things a lot, I have so many tabs and tangents open. Also identify crisis moments - I don’t know how I fit in the world sometimes or who I should be, what I should do...
@@shiran4204 Jayy someone that gets me! Writing is how I cope with stuff. I put it into a song and sing it as often, as the emotions need to be processed. Later I can look back at it with distance. It’s what many INFPs do :D
@@zauberholz8357 Sameee. Just before I saw you comment I deleted tabs, because I have way too many 😭 I really relate to your comment so much ♡
@@bagel7080 hehe it’s a struggle to keep on top of it! I should do the same. I relate to your comment too; I don’t know what I’d do without music and words, they are such a refuge!
Yes!! Half of me wants to buy a campervan and travel around and see everything!...and the other half wants to save for a house and be grounded and cozy!
Yessss to everything! I think the part about experimenting is on point and not often talked about! I could listen to his eloquent way of speaking all day🤤
Well if you like my eloquent speaking in the videos then feel free to join the discord server and I’ll be sure to have some eloquence prepared for you there… ~ Nathan
DAMN. I’ve been wondering why I was such a curiosity-driven globe trotter while being also very much an introvert. This describes my inner cogs scarily well …
As a 74-year-old INFP, I have always been curious to personally define myself. I have collected books of quotes since 1975. Quotes offer very succinct thoughts that may clarify your feelings. I highly recommend them.
About the fads or phases: I do actually really dislike the sentence "it's just a phase". Every "phase" in my life feeds into myself and it affects me for the rest of my life, even if it is not on the surface anymore. I quite like the idiom of magpies for that behavior. Basically, my Ne seeks out new things to feed to the development of my Fi, but where I am comfortable is my Si, so the constant big challenge is to see how the Ne things fit into the Si nest - I do know they have a place there or I wouldn't have picked them up, but I need to figure out their exact position.
To stray in this picture, because I am constantly rebuilding and improving my nest, I do know a lot about how nests are build. I can see a few things and tell in my head what including them would mean to the construction of a nest. To get out of the metaphor, it is easy for me to see attitudes, beliefs, survival strategies, tastes as contingent and take other peoples position. Honestly, I do believe that this is better than Fe empathy. For example, I have a client whose overall situation is pretty horrible, he fears for his life, lives in horrible circumstances and has no skills to make do with the money he gets, so he begs to survive. I want him to succeed in life and it does feel bad that he doesn't, but if I felt his pain, I wouldn't have the strength necessary to help him out of his situation.
1:34 & 2:12
You describe what it is like to be an INFP better than I could myself. Feel so completely understood. Your use of symbolism & analogies are exquisite!
A magpie collecting shiny philosophical gems 💎 🐧
I resonate with every word you say.
When I feel like I don't belong or people are judging me... I just talk to myself and enjoy my own presence... while still holding true to reality, listening and feelers extended. So if someone asks me a question at work... I can switch on a dime. To incorporate my fantasy amongst the world. Or even just entertaining myself when waiting to go home. Or maybe I want to entertain myself while treading a new path in the world and shaping my fantasy around it. Being so open to my feelings, others' feelings, the energies and vibes in the world... to have fantasy and reality transmute to one another. So, it looks somewhat similar to what Aurora does. How she interacts with others in her interviews and concerts. When I listen to Aurora... I just feel so seen and felt on so many layers. It's just unreal! But yeah that's how I keep true to myself and the world round me! Also I just express how I am in that moment... it allows me to live in reality despite the worlds that exist within. I have cried in public on the city bus, shared some deep pain or emotion with a stranger, been ecstatic about a new creative idea, shared it with co-workers, family members, friends, and I just let myself to be happy if that is what I am in the moment. My emotions are what ground me more so in the moment than any other stimulus. If that is not blocked, you can experience reality in a more suitable way. That's at least been my experience. But hey, that's why us INFPs are seekers! Only to find what works best for us, one by one! ~INFP 4w5 sx/so
not so much as a search but an undying fire that consistently molds your life
Spot on to the point that I actually teared up.
This video healed me a little bit. Thank you. - INFP feeling seen, known, and appreciated
Brilliantly on-target about the seeming eclecticism, if not flightiness, being a process of collecting. It's not flitting from thing to thing. Actually, nothing is left behind. Except what is overtly rejected.
Spot on!! I've always thought that the best way to be connected with this world and everyone in it is to find out who you really are.. because all humans have more things in common the more they do this if they keep and open heart with love in it for a brother or sister. 🧡
You described the interactions of our functions SO well, I feel understood. I esp. liked how you described our "trying things on" ...Ne throws it against the wall, and Fi and Si decide if it will stick. You gave me the words. Thank you 🙏!
This was not just very spot on with amazing references and that in a very short time! It was also the most adorable INFP custom made subscription request I've come across so far!
Also, thank you a lot. I just ran into a problem again because other people struggle to understand just how much enough but also how busy sheer inner explorative existence is.
They use how we're open and accepting, yet very protective of values and how we're quiet and kind and sense stuff way ahead. They indulge in our patience, our love and tireless dedication to a cause or detailed work people find way too annoying to do. They use our ears and compassion as emotional, mental and energy dumpsters, enjoying replenishing, encouragement, deep wisdom, analytical understanding and new perspectives and solutions. But then they constantly demand that we change, and get things done that are like mountains to us for they have 0 value to us personally which means 0 energy to flow into. And even demand we do stuff for them we know actually have no value to them all that urgently either. They just quietly loathe us for them having exhausted themselves with stuff while we did "nothing".
(0.0)
this is so well-put, thank you
Everything you said in this video was spot on, but omg when you started explaining how we INFPs like to explore the familiar in new ways I got freaked out by how accurate it was! I actually think this ability helps us INFPs tremendously with being more genuinely content/happy than others because we can find so much excitement, joy and beauty in the simple things in life
As an INFP , I know we have so many contradictions but I was never able to explain why even after thinking about it. You just explained it perfectly. Thank you 😊
A truly empathic, caring, and thoughtful take on the INFP. I greatly appreciate it.
When it comes to empathy, I definitely resonate for the most part…except that I was raised by an ENTJ and ESTJ, so I think my inferior Te likes to run rampant with snark and disdain if I don’t rein it in.
Thank you so much for this ❤️
INFP here and nailed it for me. Especially love your description of empathy components. That's something I relate to strongly and often struggle with. I try to understand myself but in doing so hope to learn how to understand other people but often worry it can come across as egocentric that I spend so much energy unconsciously self assessing.
I can feel guilty for it worrying it's as though I actively think so highly of my own thought process, it's worth getting stuck in it constantly, which I know isn't true for me. Your take on it is actually very reassuring and appreciated. Thank you ☺💕
Mr. Glass i agree 100% and its nice to hear this point of view. It would be nice if more people understood it this way so im glad you are putting this out there :)
Whenever I read 'Mr Glass' I instantly feel like I'm reading some official email or something. I agree that there are certain things that don't get mentioned much about some types, particularly INFPs ~ Nathan
@@lovewho i istantly imagined you sipping from your mug iconically, nudging an eyebrow when you red mr. Glass XD
Ok - Mr. Nathen then?
Thank You. You captured the essence of infp, I truly felt understood. I wish I could remember this video and watch it on darker days, but I will probably forget about it.
Oh my god, this is so accurate!
Always love your videos! As an INFP I find you always hit the nail on the head. I don't explore out there, I explore in here, in my mind. And I read...a lot.
This is very spot on. Really enjoy the way you describe and talk about us INFPs.
Hey, I like your cup!
I am an Infp and I resonated with it. It's actually one of the reasons why I subscribed because I think you have a good grasp on the type. Will check through your other stuff too at some point.
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*Plays hello darkness my old friend as this video recedes into the dark of an unused consciousness and my physical presence disappates along with it, leaving only a shell of my existence in the form of words... *
I felt like you just told me what my belief system is.
Lol
the most accurate INFP video I've seen so far. Bravo! Now I need to make my exes watch this so that they can finally understand why they f*cked up royally :D
Well I'm always happy when people share the videos... ~ Nathan
I am so impressed with this. Every point was not only accurate but educational as well. I appreciate learning how those first three functions work together. We have an interesting mixture of both rigidity and openness.
I’m surprised more people don’t think in terms of respecting values as you would want to be respected. I am for example no longer religious but I am happy to allow religious people to live as they choose without the judgment that I hated when I was religious. I genuinely don’t want to judge.
The part about wandering without going anywhere was dead on. I feel I am constantly rediscovering my environment. My Ne sends my mind out “there.” It reaches out and explores and connects ideas, but I don’t actually go places that often. I can be quite content to sit alone and see where my mind takes me.
Thanks for this video. You are really good at this!
Thank you so much for this comment! ~Nathan
I say it every time, but I resonated with every sentence! Thanks for the insight into myself, Nathan! I'll hold on to this bit of wisdom 😊
This allows feels really great to hear! Thank you for this comment ~ Nathan
Love your videos dude. INFP here, currently have major feelings for an INFJ and your videos on this type have been so spot on and insightful.
I think this has been my favorite INFP video from you so far. You always hit the nail on the head. I resonated with all of this. Thank you, Nathan!
Regarding my INFP intuition the values and personal interests (FI) really guide its direction, with the familiar (SI)to round the back. Love it. Yes on introspection also.
I've upgraded my love of top hats into a love of formal, masquerade, banquet style fashion which then upgraded to just good fashion which then to just general things that look nice or give a nice feeling.
I always say that I'm a collector of skills. I study and try different areas just because I'm curious and I want to examine what I already know, believe. I have enough experience to say that you don't need talent to become averagely good in any thing.
I always say that I'm made of everyone I met and everything I tried.
VIEWING THE SAME THINGS FROM DIFFERENT POINTS IS MY LIFE. Actually it's the reason I enjoy living. One day I went for a walk and really paid attention to the things I hadn't noticed before. I came up with stories I had never thought about. It was one of the brightest walks in my life, even though I was in my neighborhood.
The part about empathy and appreciation of other values is sooo true.
Your explanation is excellent ❤️ It resonates with me.
Perfect! Well done mate. Totally agree. ✌️👍
INFP here.. This is such a spot on description. I feel truly seen when I watch your videos.
I agree that INFPs have an experimental, experiential dimension with elements that are then assimilated. I practiced and loved Yoga and Zen Buddhism for several years, then stopped but it’s still really a part of me. Not the others’ doctrine, but my piece of it.
Can't get any more truthful. The phases part stunned me and even the part on being respectful towards one another. Truly an amazing video. Great Job!
1:45 Collecting memories is a good thing. Thank you for this superb video. I give you the 1000th like on this one. And there are no dislikes how it should be.
Love it! Really glad that you enjoyed the video ~Nathan
@@lovewho Aaaw thank you Nathan!
INFP here and this video was absolutely awesome. Thank you!
i cant but resonate and agree with this description. clever you. your understanding of the infp is ever increasing as you paint us prettier with that ever flattering eye. Archetype= charmer😉
Well hello there.. thank you for turning up, accurately analysing me and disappearing… ~ Nathan
@@lovewho 😂😂 shadow lurker number 1, you know it! lol shadow or no, I am always paying attention. always.
It’s true, I love my creature comforts and routines but in an office full of SJs I am by far the least change averse. To quote The Moody Blues, “Thinking is the best way to travel!” :-D
You're always so accurate and precise it's impressive
Thank you very much, that’s great to hear! ~ Nathan
There is something particularly elegant about your observations; very impressive Pal.
I search for years for a good video giving me just exactly that description I needed to be sure I'm an infp. Thank you so much.
I definitely resonate with this taking on of new DNA and then either stripping parts away or braiding new strands and potions to cast as a new aura!! It's very fun and I love how you describe this respect for others being who they are. I will often test others appreciation for diversity by throwing them curve balls!!! i.e. a Racey joke or two
I really respect that you also mention that we are inclined to caring for others very much. Because we feel so deeply it would be natural to assume this in others and act as if this is reality!!
Love the exploration of Si, u learn something new everyday.
Hehe I have subscribed!!