I am an INFP.
Practical boundaries for the introvert in you.
For more than three decades, I’ve been living life as an imposter: trying to pretend to enjoy life as an extrovert.
I’ve been attempting to make a life happen by the rules of an extrovert. It was not until the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, which forced the world still, that I gained perspective on life and, more importantly, on myself.
Like everyone, I finally had the time to pause and think deeply. In those quiet, comforted weeks, confined to a room and our apartment, I realised something profound: I am far more of an introvert than I cared to acknowledge.
I realise I am an INFP, after all.
INFP (Mediator) is a personality type with the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Prospecting traits. These rare personality types tend to be quiet, open-minded, and imaginative, and they apply a caring and creative approach to everything they do.
Although they may seem quiet or unassuming, people with the INFP personality type (Mediators) have vibrant, passionate inner lives. Creative and imaginative, they happily lose themselves in daydreams, inventing all sorts of stories and conversations in their mind. INFPs are known for their sensitivity – these personalities can have profound emotional responses to music, art, nature, and the people around them. They are known to be extremely sentimental and nostalgic, often holding onto special keepsakes and memorabilia that brighten their days and fill their heart with joy.
Idealistic and empathetic, people with the INFP personality type long for deep, soulful relationships, and they feel called to help others. Due to the fast-paced and competitive nature of our society, they may sometimes feel lonely or invisible, adrift in a world that doesn’t seem to appreciate the traits that make them unique. Yet it is precisely because INFPs brim with such rich sensitivity and profound creativity that they possess the unique potential to connect deeply and initiate positive change.
What’s written above is me in a nutshell. It's impressive that a simple online test can tell me so much about myself. I encourage you to try it yourself if you haven’t already at 16personalities.com. It’s free unless you want to upgrade for a deeper analysis.
What I’ve come to realise as a newly recovered introvert is this:
FOMO is real: FOMO (fear of missing out) is the expected outcome of this new world of scrolling, which thrives in exploiting your longing and attention.
Wholesome Saturdays: Sitting at home, alone, with a book on a Saturday night is totally OK if that’s what you feel like doing.
Life IRL: Your life IRL (in real life) is much more important than the life you project on social media.
