INTP vs. INFP: Differentiating between the two types - Everything you need to know. (OLD AND OUTDATED)

UPDATE 2021-10-08: THE  POSTS ON THIS BLOG ARE SHIT. THEY WERE WRITTEN ONLY MONTHS AFTER I DISCOVERED TYPOLOGY  AND I DON'T AGREE WITH AT LEAST HALF OF THE STUFF HERE ANYMORE. I DO NOT REGRET MAKING THESE POSTS BECAUSE WRITING IS A LEARNING EXERCISE FOR ME BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP IN MIND THAT THEY ARE OLD AND OUTDATED.  READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION AND USE CRITICAL THINKING. 

This post goes through all the differences between the two types so you can type yourself or others easier. I've noticed there is a big confusion regarding people typing as either one of the two and I've struggled into choosing between the two types too so here you are.

First off, if you came here confused by the online test on www.16personalities.com you have to know that it’s a very bad test and it’s inclined to give you xNFP. You will only get exceptionally high scores on S if you’re retarded and extremely high scores on F if you’re a psychopath. High scores on J if you’re crazy. If you are not mentally challenged and a decent human being you’ll likely get NF or very balanced scores between the two axes (55% T 45% F etc.). So for example xNFP types are very likely to get high scores on N, F and P but xSTJ types are the most likely to get balanced scores on each dichotomy.

Let’s look at the cognitive functions first.

INTPs have Ti as dominant function, Ne as auxiliary function, Si as tertiary function, Fe as inferior function, Te as ignoring function, Ni as demonstrative function, Se as PoLR function and Fi as role function.

INFPs have Fi as dominant function, Ne as auxiliary function, Si as tertiary function, Te as inferior function, Fe as ignoring function, Ni as demonstrative function, Se as PoLR function and Ti as role function.

Half of the functions match. Both types have the same auxiliary, tertiary, demonstrative and PoLR functions but differ on dominant, inferior, ignoring and role functions.

Let’s go firstly through the differences between Ti dom/Te ign. And Fi dom/Fe ign. And then look at how the two types differ on inferior and role functions.

DOMINANT FUNCTION: Introverted Feeling for INFPs and Introverted Thinking for INTPs

They are both SUBJECTIVE functions, they have their own ways of doing things (Ti) or being/existing (Fi), the difference is that Fi searches for subjective truth (What it means to ME) while Ti is searching for objective truth (What it IS!). The thing is that both of them are subjective and unconventional on how to get there, both breaking conventional common agreements in society (Te/Fe).

They both have the same path but opposite destination points. Ti is reaching objective truth in a subjective way while Fi is searching for meaning/subjective truth, still, in a subjective way.

Ti is an abstract deductive reasoning process. Would it be correct to say that Ti focuses on stripping away at the superficial side of any given object/situation to find the inner and pure objective information? Ti then goes to define and ultimately fit the piece of information into an internal model of all objective information collected thus far. The larger problems require varying amounts of time, energy, and logical processing until everything fits once again. This is how Ti can pinpoint inconsistencies from miles away, the information they received is not the proper shape or not even from the same puzzle as they understand the world to function. Ti constantly compares facts to each other and asks if they are consistent “can those two (or more) statements all be true at the same time? If not then which one is true and which one is false?” then Ti generally goes by elimination until it finds one single truth. This is true rationalization, the ability to reason through a subject or concept within one own’s understanding, even if it doesn’t match ‘outer world’ data. For example, Einstein (INTP) understood the data points of quantum physics long before there was outer world ‘evidence’ to support it. The concepts just ‘made sense’ to him, and he struggles as a teacher, since he’s more interested in the material itself than in presenting it to his students. This is done through constantly scanning for inconsistencies and incongruities, the way a computer system may regularly scan for viruses. This doesn’t mean that the Introverted Thinking process will always be right – far from it. But that’s its ultimate goal – information purified from incongruities, inconsistencies and biases which produce clean concepts and an understanding of how things work. Also, Ti can work in reverse too. “If it is proved that X statement is true then a bunch of other statements are also true despite having no evidence for it” but that is more characteristic of ISTPs Ti (Ti+) which is positive rather than the negative Ti- of INTPs. Fi would then be an abstract integration process taking into account pure subjective information or 'feelings'. Fi focuses less on defining new information and more on simply understanding and then integrating it to the basic framework already in place. Like conducting and building a song one instrumental piece at a time. Fi is focused on how things work together, and dissonance is readily apparent. Actually everything I stated for Ti applies for Fi too only that everything is felt instead of rationalized. Feeling is concerned about the exchange of energy between the entities rather than defining and classifying them (Ti/Te). While Ti would only take in information that aligns with its personal subjective system (no inconsistencies, both statements can be true at the same time, etc.) Fi would only take in information that is not dissonant, that is GOOD to the user and that would raise the mood of it. Information that aligns with its subjective value system “good/bad”, everything that is bad to him (Keep in mind INFPs hate to be told my someone else what is good and bad for him/her and prefer deciding it on their own) is repressed. Objectivity and subjectivity are a large separation in the functions. Fi types are very close to their inner feelings, understand them, yet the objectivity of language prevents them from expressing this portion of their being. Fi then needs to take subjective viewpoints into account in their internal world model because that is the part world they best understand and they see it to affect their worldview greatly. This is not to say they ignore objectivity, yet a danger zone for Fi dominants is to ignore objective truth that doesn't harmonize with their subjective truth resulting in either an overly-emotional or a self-centered person (or both, depending on your perspective). Ti, on the other hand, is either does not understand it like Fi can (much like Fi has a harder time with deductive reasoning of objective qualities), or deems it irrelevant. An unbalanced Ti would be entirely disconnected with the human element leaving their world model incomplete and too rigid for that sort of information. (Ironically becoming too subjective in their objectivity).

So if you have trouble in deciding your (or someone else’s) type between INFP and INTP, ask yourself: Are you more prone to classify information into good/evil or into true/false?

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IGNORING FUNCTION: TE VS FE

INTPs’ methods often run contrary to those of Extraverted Thinking (Te). Te methods, such as “the scientific method,” are standardized and collectively endorsed. To participate in a Te system, one must consent to a predefined set of rules, protocols, and procedures. Te systems oppose the subjective preferences and methods of individuals. Their goal is to make things as regulated as possible to ensure maximum predictability and control over outcomes.

Since INFPs use Te, they are typically less averse to standardized methods than INTPs are. INFPs are okay with standardized methods so long as they don’t impinge on human (or animal) rights or contribute to other injustices. Like TJ types, INFPs actually appreciate a world that feels orderly and rational; they want “the world to make sense and be efficient” (Te).

INTPs, by contrast, deplore subjecting themselves to Te systems. Doing so often feels wrong and inauthentic, since their natural bent is toward formulating their own methods and decision-making criteria (Ti). Consider the following illustration:

An INTP is stuck at a traffic light at midnight without another car in sight. While aware of the Te law regarding traffic signals, he feels it incredibly silly and inefficient for him to follow the law in this situation. He may therefore opt to break the law with relatively little guilt, since for him, being authentic means following Ti not Te. Te understands that the previous law is a general statement ignoring specific, particular cases. Ti doesn't understand that a law can't ALWAYS work.

INTPs spend much of their time finding clever ways to circumvent the Te system. Their lives can in many ways be understood as reactions to and against Te systems. They are constantly dodging or revolting against external pressures perceived as threats to their individualized methods and personal autonomy. Since capitulating to Te feels repelling, they often apply their Ti in entrepreneurial ways to carve out their own niche. True iconoclasts, INTP methods often are ridiculed at first sight by society, especially Te users. No one took Einstein seriously when he introcued quantum physics or the theory of relativity. he No on took Greg Cantor seriously when he stated some infinities are bigger than others. The list continues but my point is that INTPs are one of the most unconventional types in cognition, their main goal is destroying all of the "Standard classic" methods of doing things.

Like Te, Extraverted Feeling (Fe) has a broader, more universal scope. Whereas Te sets out to describe the universal laws of the physical world, Fe focuses on general laws of human behavior. One example of an Fe science is personality typology. Typology does not focus on the less predictable, more individualized elements or deviations in human behavior (Fi), but on generalities that emerge across broader populations. At the population level, individual differences are lost and similarities come to the fore. This resembles the process of ZOOMING OUT. As one moves farther away from something, details and differences are lost or blurred. This is what Fe does. It steps back from the Fi individual in favor of seeing broader trends and needs across individuals.

This process of viewing human beings systematically can be off-putting to many INFPs, who see it as a threat to their Fi individuality (e.g., “Don’t try to put me in a box or pigeonhole me.”). In the same way that INTPs fear being swallowed up by Te systems, INFPs may fear that being defined as a certain type may somehow stifle or limit their subjective freedoms.

Fi-Fe differences also play out on a more concrete level. Namely, Fe prefers a more standardized approach to human relations, centered on cultivating interpersonal consensus and morale. Fi, by contrast, is relatively unconcerned with general morale. Rather, it focuses on personal feelings and, to some extent, on individuals who have earned a special place in the FP’s inner circle (FPs’ personal feelings and the objects of their affection are difficult to separate because of the ability of those objects to create intense and often pleasurable feelings in FPs).

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INFERIOR FUNCTION: Extroverted Thinking vs. Extroverted Feeling

INTPs lead with dominant Ti, which means their inferior function is extroverted feeling - Fe. In the inferior position – prior to maturation – Fe manifests as a reluctance to entertain social niceties. Ti-dominant types value pursuing reason above keeping the peace, and may grow irritated by those who place a higher value on interpersonal harmony and social conventions than they do on accuracy and truth.

INTPs can often be spotted – particularly when they are young – by their refusal to adhere to social norms. They may routinely dress down, refuse to engage in small talk and fail to show ‘appropriate’ attentiveness or respect to parents, teachers or other authority figures.

On the flip side, as the INTP begin growing aware of their extroverted feeling, they may wish to respond appropriately to social situations but feel unsure of how to do so. They may become incredibly nervous that they are saying the wrong thing or behaving inappropriately, as they are not naturally tuned into how those around them are feeling. They may grow visibly nervous when a situation requires an emotional reaction from them and either over or under-react to the emotional demands of the people in their lives. In any case, struggling to understand or adhere to social norms is a key indication of inferior Fe.

In his personal relationships, the INTP either doesn’t talk much or is regularly misunderstood. He’s often awkward, and anxious to avoid being noticed, or else childishly naive and unconcerned about how he comes across. There’s a very black/white side to the inferior function: If INTPs really care in a situation about how they come across they will generally be very quiet and shy, awkward, etc., not because of genuinely lack of confidence (that MIGHT be the case but it’s not a must) but just because they literally do not know what is appropriate or not to do in public. If the INTP decides the certain discussion, meeting, etc. is not important to him he will be the greatest example of “I don’t give a fuck” ever, going to extremes on how much they neglect social appearance, they may pick their nose, talk too loud, dress horribly, not shower, not say thank you, please etc. and ignore manners altogether. Casual acquaintances might see him as antisocial, prickly, or arrogant, but the people closest to him know and value his intimate side. In his field of interest he sparks violent controversy, which he has little clue of how to deal with, and as the INTP is generally non-aware of what is appropriate in social situations, the INTP will often be one of the most controversial types, they will drop names, call out people on their mistakes, and when unhealthy he will defend his theories aggressively and violently, as his inferior feeling is directed outwardly, to the attackers: “If you don’t agree with me you’re the biggest idiot”. (Inferior Fi in ExTJs would be the most sensitive to criticism and insults and truly take them at heart, the IxTPs generally don’t take them at heart but try to make others take their mistakes at heart, that is, of course when neurotic/mentally ill etc.) 

The more he cuts himself off from the outer world, the deeper the INTP's theories might get, but he’ll be increasingly unable to express them and relate them to the objective world. What’s more, they’ll inevitably be poisoned by the unconscious bitterness, emotionality, and touchiness brought on by his isolation. His thinking is no longer creative, but destructive, and he responds to criticism of his work with viciously personal remarks. He thinks withdrawing more and more into solitude will solve his problematic relationships, but it only increases the destructive internal conflict.

Although he never shies away from following an unorthodox or dangerous thought to its logical conclusion, the INTP gets extremely anxious when it comes to bringing his ideas into reality. (weak Fe=struggles with communication) When he does, he dumps them there without any special presentation – in his mind they are right, and everyone should see that. It doesn’t help that his work is full of doubts, saving clauses, and all kinds of precise technicalities. He has trouble seeing that while his logic might be clear in his head, it can be totally incomprehensible to others. If you met someone on an online typology forum that gives you extremely big wall of texts poorly explained, disorganized, and incoherent and will expect you to understand all that perfectly you most likely met an INTP.

INFPs lead with dominant Fi, which means their inferior function is extroverted thinking - Te. In the inferior position – prior to maturation – Te manifests as a resistance to structure and organization. Dominant Fi-users are likely to believe, early on in life, that placing limits on their time or energy limits their both creativity and their emotional/intellectual exploration.

As INFP types grow up, they may become frustrated by others failing to take them seriously due to their poor time management skills and may consequently become hyper-rigid about meeting deadlines or reasoning in a black-and-white way. Therefore, Te-inferior types can often be spotted (and differentiated from Ti-dominant types) not just by their tendency to be disorganized, but by their hyper-sensitivity to appearing as such.

In instructing someone's inferior function, for instance, explaining something to them is useless unless you can put them in a situation that they must use their inferior function to solve. For instance, you cannot teach an INFP to build a desk without putting desk parts on the ground and making them follow the instructions step-by-step, or waiting until they figure it out through trial and error.  (Of course, the INFP can also put themselves in this situation.)  Once they've done it, however, they will be capable of doing it and even teaching it to others in the future.

Because Fi-users are highly invested in their sense of personal identity, they tend to be the least tolerant of seeing their own flaws in others. Therefore, an Fi-dominant teacher may be the most strict towards students who are late or disorganized – showing them no compassion, since they perceive the world to be showing them no compassion for their own disorganized tendencies.

However, like all introverts, the INFP has a subconscious drive to coerce or overpower the outer world in some small way. The INTP’s intellectual arrogance is mirrored by the INFP’s quiet authority in matters of the heart. The mysterious depth of his/her feeling often has a profound effect on her peers. In a healthy type it ends there, but things deteriorate if the INFP starts believing that this is her power, in other words if the INFP mistakes its Ego for the source of the mysterious inner images. He/she risks developing a vain and mischievous superiority complex.

If this happens, the INFPs outer life goes to inferior Te in the unconscious. They project their negative, destructive thinking onto others. They begin to see them as scheming, Machiavellian, and out to get them. INFPs fight back in the same way (because, of course, it was only their unconscious thinking to begin with), creating plots and intrigues, eventually sacrificing their deeply-held values for the sake of winning an illusory struggle.

Their weakness is this. Their Fi endlessly concerns itself with the hunt for evil, as well it should.

But... a lot of INFPs, in their past, were convinced by others that THEMSELVES are the bad thing.

Therefore, they see themselves as the evil their own Fi is compelled to lash out against. Hence, the self-hatred and urge to self-destruction so many INFPs struggle with.

If their Te were stronger, you'd see that the accusation was absolute, unmitigated bullshit and that it was those who were mistreating you and projecting their own faults and failings off onto them that were the evil ones, and that they were healthy and good.

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ROLE FUNCTION: Ti vs. Fi

Ideally for most INTPs (especially younger ones) would be to have no morals/ethics at all, but if they are placed in a situation where they have to act on some ethics, they are probably going to resort to their role Fi (which cancels out their dominant Ti unfortunately), creating their own values and going full INFP mode, basically when meeting new people they will say thank you and please all the time, keep the door open for everyone, talk as minimal as possible, etc. As they get to be more comfortable with the people around them they will start being more asshole-ish.

INFPs have inferior Te and role Ti. Ideally for most INFPs (especially younger ones) would be to not test, check and process logical information and facts because they believe all logical laws interfere with their internal harmony, but when faced in a situation where their competence is challenged (Te) they will probably just resort to their Ti. It's more or less the "pretend to know what you're doing even though you don't know shit".

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THINKING FUNCTION: Ti vs. Te

The Ti of INTPs is much more likely to attack and harshly criticize systems that even though are efficient and get their job done, are slightly inaccurate. Even though a system with no imperfections would be ideal, INFPs are generally okay with systems, again, if they get their job done properly. This also applies to Fi vs. Fe, while it would be ideal for INTPs to have a group with complete authenticity, sometimes they are ok with a little “faking” or lying AS LONG AS EVERYONE GETS ALONG.

INTPs are ok with inefficiency because they understand that everyone works at different speeds while INFPs are generally the ones who need to be understood in that aspect. INFPs are generally ok with group disharmony because they recognize people see things different ways, and just as he has a right to see things how he wants, so do others.

FEELING FUNCTION: Fi vs. Fe

They way they express their emotions is different. While Fi (INFPs) would say "You make me feel bad" (subject=me and object=me) Fe (INTPs) would say "You are horrible" (just object=you).

While Fi would say “I hate this” (I=subject; this=object) Fe would say “This is horrible” (this=object and no mentioning of the subject).

While Fi would say "I hate you" (subject=I and object=you), Fe would just say "Fuck you" (just the object=you).

INFPs have a more conscious relationship with their Feeling process, which is in part why they’re sensitive. They’re often very aware of how things are impacting them emotionally.

INTPs, on the other hand, have a very unconscious relationship with their Feeling process and a much higher threshold for tuning it out. Once it gets triggered, though, it’s anything but quiet.  For a generally rational and straight-faced INTP, a sudden Fe burst of emotion can look like a full on temper tantrum. Uncontrollable crying isn’t just a possibility, it’s a probability. And the INTP – having no clue what the hell is happening to them – is swept up in the ride. An INFP will rarely temper tantrum. They may get angry, though this will generally be a controlled internalized version of the emotion. When an INTP gets angry, it’s more like a powder keg of explosion. For short, the Fe of INTPs is generally repressed, but once it gets triggered it's much more "explosive" than the Fi of INFPs.

Also, the feeling function (Fi/Fe) is the one preoccupied with UNDERSTANDING human interaction altogether. Communication, intents, social behavior, society,  its origins, development, organization, networks, etc. Sociology is definitely the realm of feelers.  That being said, when types often feel “misunderstood”  its often from the realm of the feeling function. Both the INTP and INFP personality types run into the problem of feeling misunderstood.

INFPs face feeling misunderstood because no one could possibly ever know them as well as they know themselves.

The Introverted Feeling process is a deep pool of nuanced self-awareness, and it’s truly impossible to communicate all the variety within themselves to another person.

If you peel back the layers, however, it’s not that INFPs have a challenge in being fully misunderstood. If anyone else ever actually ‘fully’ understood them that would actually be a bad sign – it would mean that the INFP had lost some of their individuality or that they’re dangerously close to being too similar to other people.

There may be some pride around being inscrutable. At the very least it’s a sign that they’ve not lost their uniqueness.

So, if it’s not full understanding an INFP wants, what is it that they’re seeking?

INFP uses ‘intent’ as one of its primary calibrations for whether or not a decision is right, for both themselves and for others. Oftentimes when an INFP gets sensitive or defensive it’s because they think their intent is being called into question. When INFPs feel marginalized they can also feel others insinuating bad motive.

As in, if you’re insistent on making this choice but you can’t fully explain to me ‘why’, then you must be being selfish or have other bad motive.

When an INFP feels “misunderstood,” it could be more accurately stated that they feel marginalized, discounted and believe others are questioning their motives.

The antidote to this isn’t ‘understanding’ them better. Most INFPs would say no one could ever truly understand them, anyway. The real antidote is validating their process of making decisions.

As in: “I don’t have to agree with you. I don’t have to know why you believe or feel the way you do. When I tell you that you have every right to feel the way you do, and make decisions based on those feelings, I trust that you have positive intent.”

If you can sincerely communicate that to an INFP they will love you forever.

INTPs aren’t nearly as invested in others believing they have good motive.

INTPs are far less interested in validation and are more interested in protection. They don’t need you to agree with them, they need to know you’re not going to hurt them, even if the fear of hurt is deeply unconscious.

There are some INFPs that have experienced trauma in the past and fear being hurt by others, but that’s more a product of wounding than anything intrinsic. The most protected, well-treated INTP on the planet is still going to have something inside them scanning for people who would be deliberately hurtful.

The differences between being understood versus being validated can be pretty subtle, but profound when trying to determine between the types. For the INTP it would be a miracle if you could just read their minds to finally found out what they're struggling to explain. For the INFP it would be a disaster.

DICHOTOMIES:

From the total of 15 dichotomies,  INTPs and INFPs are similar on 7 dichotomies while being different on 8.

The dichotomies they share are: Introverted/Extroverted, Sensing/iNtuitive,  Perceiving(Static)/Judging(Dynamic), J-Dom/P-Dom(j/p without capital letters), Carefree/Farsighted, Tactical/Strategic, Judicious/Decisive.

The dichotomies they do not share are: Thinking/Feeling, Aristocratic/Democratic, Process/Result, Positivist/Negativist, Yielding/Obstinate, Constructivist/Emotivist, Merry/Serious and Asking/Declaring.

Thinking vs. Feeling:

Thinker vs feeler

INTP: Thinker:

- look for logical explanations or solutions to most everything.

- make decisions with their heads and want to be fair

- believe telling the truth is more important than being tactful.

- sometimes miss or don't value the "people" part of a situation.

- can be seen as too task-oriented, uncaring, or indifferent.

INFP: Feeler:

- have a people or communications orientation.

- concerned with harmony and nervous when it is missing.

- look for what is important to others and express concern for others.

- make decisions with their hearts and want to be compassionate.

-believe being tactful is more important than telling the "cold" truth.

-sometimes experienced by others as too idealistic, mushy, or indirect.

INTP: Democrats

-Perceive and refer to other people, and themselves, primarily describing individual, personal qualities: frank, trustworthy, generous, unimaginative, lighthearted, good-looking, etc. which are generally not in connection to any grouping to which they might belong.

-Form their relationships and attitudes toward other persons based on their own individual characteristics, rather than taking into account which grouping these persons fall into or their own relationships with the members of these circles and groupings.

-Not inclined to perceive people as representatives of a certain grouping that supposedly possesses qualities inherent to people who comprise it.

-When referring to others, not inclined to use expressions that mention the generalized features of the grouping or categories that these people belong to.

INFP: Aristocrats

-Inclined to perceive and refer to other people, and themselves, by means of groupings and categories that they see these people belonging to; these groupings may be created and defined by the Aristocrats themselves, rather than be already existing and socially defined ones.

-Their initial attitude towards another person is influenced by their attitude towards the grouping they see this person belonging to.

-Tend to attribute common qualities to members of same groupings, and define such groupings by these same qualities.

-Inclined to refer to others using expressions that mention generalized features of their groupings.

INTP: Result types

-"Of course we followed the correct procedure, since we got the right answer."

-Do things randomly, seemingly doing them from the end to the beginning.

-Detached from processes and tends to multitasking.

-Focus on the beginning and the end of processes.

-More inclined to read texts on books or computer randomly, maybe reading random paragraphs or chapters.

INFP: Process types

-"Of course the answer is right, since we followed the correct procedure."

-Do things sequentially, from the beginning to the end.

-Immersed to a process and inclined to single-tasking.

-Focus between the beginning and the end of processes.

-More inclined to read texts on books or computer from beginning to the end.

INTP: Negativists

-Inclination to detect and resolve problems within things, systems, or processes.

-Socially and intellectually more mistrusting and disinterested at first. Becomes more trusting and interested later.

-Initially more reprimanding than complimenting.

-Greater use of negating "not" statements.

-Explains what things are not or should not be.

-"This glass is half-empty", "We need $62,000 for that project"

INFP: Positivists

-Inclination to optimize, polish, and improve already existing things, systems, or processes.

-Socially and intellectually more trusting and interested at first. Becomes more critical and disinterested later.

-Initially more complimenting than reprimanding.

-Greater use of positive assertive statements, even in cases of criticism.

-Explains what things are or should be.

-"This glass is half-full", "We have already collected $438,000 for that project"

INTP: Obstinate types

-Ideas are 'sacred', but resources are freely shared and manipulated.

-Easily aware of the boundaries between their and others' resources.

-Guard their interests from intrusions, and their reaction to such intrusions may be quite sharp.

-“I won't abandon my interests just because my resources are inadequate, but simply work towards improving my resources until they ARE adequate.”

INFP: Yielding types

-Resources are 'sacred', but ideas are freely shared and manipulated.

-Easily aware of the boundaries between their and others' interests.

-Protect their resources to the point of conflict, and their reaction may be unduly strong.

-“If I know I can't do something, I won't and will forget all about it.”

INTP: Emotivist

-Tend to concentrate foremost on the emotional background of interaction, with 'business' a secondary concern.

-Prefer the new and novel over the old and known.

-Information perceived as unprofessional or low-quality can leave them indifferent.

-Have greater difficulty disassociating from requests for action or consideration than from others' emotions and experiences.

-“If a conversation is emotionally negative, I consider it wasted.”

INFP: Constructivists

-Tend to minimize the emotional elements of interaction, preferring to focus on the 'business' elements.

-Have emotional 'anchors' (eg, books, films, places) which they use to support their internal emotional state.

-Can become 'emotionally hooked', and can have a strong reaction to a particular part or section regardless of their feelings towards the entirety.

-Have greater difficulty disassociating from others' emotions and experiences than from requests for action or consideration.

-“I prefer when people offer concrete solutions instead of comfort or sympathy.”

INTP: Merry (Ti-Fe)

-Good at noticing emotional background and perceive the emotional aspect (particularly 'fun') separate from the activity.

-'Getting to know someone' happens naturally, and they are well aware of the purpose(s) for which they are meeting. The proper emotional distance is easily established, adapted/regulated, and manipulated, and they easily decrease distance through their emotional 'brilliance'. A person's name (and other formalities) are peripheral to their relation with and interest in them, and thus they don't care much about formal introductions..

-Not inclined to deduce 'objective truths' from their own and others' experiences – everything is relative. This relativity is perceived as an extenuation of the differing beliefs, opinions, intentions, etc. of each person. Accordingly, another person's actions are judged as correct or incorrect according to a set of subjective criteria. They attempt to compare others' views to their own, and to explain their own views in order to make sure that all parties understand the concepts being spoken of.

-They are inclined to propose (or impose) another conception of the situation ('look at it this way'). If they think something is done incorrectly, they will ask WHY it was done that way. When talking about optimums, they are inclined to do it subjectively ('optimum compared to what?').

-“Fun is involvement, active participation; a state of constant excitement that one cannot confuse with leisure or rest.” “I have my own ideas about how things should be done – a 'mind of my own' – but so does everyone else.”

INFP: Serious (Fi-Te)

-Bad at noticing emotional background and do not separate the emotional aspect (particularly 'fun') from the activity.

-Acquaintance with others is established by ritual (e.g., introduction), and they prefer if the context of interaction is externally set (eg, by a mediator (think 'arranged marriages') or situation) so that they can skip the first phases and begin closer interaction. They approach others through stages defined by 'rules' and 'rituals', which may be created by themselves and/or already existing; thus, they are very aware of the stages of the process of acquaintance – e.g., when a person is no longer a stranger. The title, name, and any other information about the other person are considered important, and for this reason formal introduction is important.

-Inclined to believe there are 'objective truths' – the truth is not always relative. Therefore, they believe that there are two types of actions/perspectives: those which are subjective (connected with personal preferences and motivations) and those which are objective (only one 'correct' or 'best' way of doing something). Whether something is correct or not is judged by comparing it with what they see as 'objectively correct'. In disagreement, they first attempt to make sure that the other person understands the concepts and terms 'correctly'.

-They are inclined to offer (or impose) what they see as the 'best' or 'correct' way of doing something ('it should be done like this'). If they think something is done incorrectly, they ask WHO did it that way. When speaking of optimums, they are inclined to do so objectively (the 'absolute' optimum).

“It is difficult for me to differentiate between activity/work and fun; work is necessarily fun – without an element of entertainment, it would be impossible” “If something is being done the wrong way? Oy! IMO, there is only one proper way to 'hammer a nail'”

INTP: Askers

-tendency to dialogue

-much of what an asker says seems more question-like, even statements

-always, as the other person talks, affirm the receipt of information with yeah, mhm, etc.

-motive of communication is external

-can talk to an audience as a whole very well

-starts talking at times expecting someone to get interested and start paying attention

-has a tendency to interrupt and feels comfortable pausing half way on the speech and with "questions allowed all the time" way, returning to what was said later if necessary

-quite often asks a non-rhetorical question and answers it himself

-often just asks questions to fill in time, without serious need to actually find the information asked

INFP: Declarers

-tendency to monologue

-much of what a declarer says seems more statement-like, even questions

-listens attentively and silently to others' speeches to return to a long speech

-motive of communication is internal

-finds it easier to talk to one person at a time

-before starting to talk, first ascertains that attention is grabbed

-is very patient in terms of others speeches in terms of letting finish

-prefers to finish the speech before letting others talk, likes closure and that their point was conveyed

-questions are often either rhetorical or only strictly motivated by serious need for certain information