If you’ve ever thought you might be perceived as slightly strange, or that you don’t quite fit in, or maybe if other people tend to look at you with widened, startled eyes, you may just be an INFJ.

INFJ is the most rare personality type characterized by the Myers-Briggs Personality archetypes, making up approximately one percent of the population. The initials stand for: introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judgment.

INFJs are highly empathetic and, as far as I am aware, almost all INFJs are empaths—however, not all empaths are INFJs, as many are ENFJ and INFP, or other Myers-Briggs types.

INFJs are intriguing, enigmatic, mystical creatures, and the following traits offer a deeper insight into their hearts and minds.

1. INFJs are deep thinkers. They are the ones who stay up late into the night thinking up ways to eradicate world hunger, how to generate the resources to rescue every animal from abuse, and debating whether it is possible that the world just might actually be flat after all. They have everything worked out in fine detail in their minds—it’s just manifesting these plans that is often the problem, and this is mainly due to the fact that they are highly introverted. If INFJs are comfortable with “extroverting“ to make their plans a reality, nothing will stop them in their tracks.
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2. INFJs are highly intuitive. If an INFJ says, “I just know,”  it’s useless questioning how, as they likely won’t be able to explain it clearly themselves. They can sense good or bad feelings prior to events and feel alerted when someone is in danger or pain. They may sense if someone is dying or has died. They may often be able to feel when someone is watching them or when someone is sending positive or negative energy their way through thoughts or feelings.
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   People’s energy tells them far more than hearing voices ever could. They can look at a photograph and pick up an array of information just from the visual image, as the image sends strong currents of energy that are translated easily into emotions and feelings. They are good at reading behind the lines of words in texts and feeling the emotion that the person encountered while writing it.
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3. INFJs are enigmas. The saying, “I lost my mind trying to understand yours” can work for those trying to understand an INFJ, or for INFJs trying to figure out others. INFJs are highly misunderstood and part of the reason why is that they have romantic hearts, but their minds are not so easily convinced. It is also because they are constantly learning new information that causes them to reconsider their perspectives.
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   They don’t see things as “black or white,” noticing all of the various shades, therefore they aren’t easy to analyze. INFJs can’t usually hide their emotions well, as their facial expressions give them away, however they keep their cards close to their chests and won’t reveal too much about their inner world—unless they are around someone they feel they can trust.
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4. INFJs are constantly “on a mission.” Whether it is a personal one seeking self-discovery and realization, or one that will have a profound and significant impact on the world, INFJs love to help those around them, and they contribute to making the world a healthier, fairer world free from suffering.
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5. INFJs are introverts and independent. INFJs are happiest either alone or with someone whose energy feels calming. They are infamous for making and then cancelling plans at the last minute, so they can instead immerse in peace, silence, and solitude. INFJs have a rich inner world, so although they spend a lot of time on their own, they rarely feel lonely. However, this doesn’t stop them secretly yearning for a mind-blowing, otherworldly connection with someone who doesn’t see them as complex or complicated.
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6. INFJs are introspective. They spend a huge amount of time internally processing and reflecting upon their words and actions. This not only helps them to make sense of themselves and the world around them, it also offers the exact conditions they need to replenish and recharge their energy.
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   An INFJ’s mind is an inquisitive one, constantly searching for answers and theorizing, scrutinizing, and philosophizing. They look for solutions to difficulties and are avid students of life, seeking out deep, hidden knowledge and wisdom. Their mind will not rest until they have made sense of a person or situation, even when it is painfully blinding to view the reality.
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7. INFJ’s are unconventional thinkers. The term “thinking outside the box” does not make sense to INFJs, as in their minds there isn’t a box to think outside of. They mark their own way in the world and are often considered eccentric or extreme due to their alternative way of perceiving things, as well as for how they refuse to adhere to social etiquette and limiting unwritten rules and regulations.
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8. INFJs have few close relationships. They can usually count their close friendships on one hand, or even one finger. Loyalty and authenticity are vitally important to INFJs, so if either are missing or questionable, INFJs usually retreat back to the comfort of their solitary domain. Many INFJs feel like the “black sheep” of the family or the “lone wolves” of society. Other people may think INFJs dramatize how sensitive they are, when ironically, they are mostly trying desperately hard to mask how excruciatingly vivid and unbearably intense their thoughts, emotions, and feelings can be.
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9. INFJs are reserved, but not shy. Although INFJs are introverts and can be reserved, they are not usually shy, and rarely hold back their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions—especially when it’s related to a cause close to their hearts. They are determined, courageous, and strong-willed characters who have little care for what people think about them, so they aren’t afraid to speak their mind, particularly when it’s to defend or protect those who are abused, vulnerable, downtrodden, or to stand up for the underdog.
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10. INFJs are generally creative and artistic. They process their emotions and feelings through their art. Although they may outwardly express their creations, they are quiet achievers who do not like to be the center of attention. They prefer to create anonymously, but if they do choose to unveil their creations, they do not usually do it to seek glory, validation, financial reward, or recognition. INFJs generally share their art so that those who are similar can relate and resonate with it.
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11. INFJs are the thinkers and creators. Many INFJs may not be academic but are often geniuses in their chosen field and are the philosophers, seers, thinkers, inventors, creators, and artists of the world. Although they are not always the ones who make it to the top of their game due to a desire to live outside the established norm.
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    They generally won’t settle into a career that is not aligned with their higher calling, and often become bored and distracted quickly if their work does not challenge and nourish their mind and soul. Many of their projects do not last too long, as they are known to move quickly from one interest to the next once the initial passion simmers down. However, they leave no stone uncovered and learn everything they need to in record speed. Generally, INFJs are chronic over-thinkers and over-analyzers.
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12. INFJs are “all or nothing” types. They don’t do anything by halves, including relationships. They either delve into the extremes in all areas of their lives, or they’ll happily settle down on the sofa with a good book alone. If they can’t have it all, they’d rather have nothing at all.
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13. INFJs are the voices for the innocent, vulnerable, and defenseless. They are the ones whose hearts bleed as they lie awake praying for a more compassionate and caring world. Just as INFJs would be the first to rescue a neglected, abandoned puppy, they tend to do the same with people. INFJs are known as “wounded healers,” so whenever they see anyone alone and suffering, they immediately jump in to try to “fix them.” However INFJs often forget they cannot fix other people, as people aren’t “broken,” and can’t be saved, salved, or glued back together. Bandagin others only prevents them from gaining the wisdom and strength found through piecing themselves back together.
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    INFJs can also forget where the line is between taking care of their own needs versus caring for others, and can immerse themselves in other people’s problems, but essentially it’s just a temporary distraction from dealing with their own.
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14. INFJs are skillful judges. Judgment can be seen as a negative trait, however, almost everyone judges instinctively. The negative aspect of judgment comes when we aren’t empathetic, understanding, and compassionate with what, or who, we judge. INFJs are skilled at judging, as they are highly empathetic and use their gifts of intuition. They perceive and judge situations without their own obstructive thoughts, emotions, or feelings causing interference and distortion.
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    They judge with a rational, open mind, and have the ability to see through masks and illusions with clarity. INFJs are the most open minded and accepting of all Myers-Briggs types, so when they judge they do not do it to put anyone down, or to perceive with negativity, but so they can grasp the situation and then show compassion and care.
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15. INFJs are observers. They study the presence of those around them and watch closely for changes in body language, aura, tone of voice, and behaviors. This enables them to detect what exists beneath the surface. They have a profound and natural ability to see through the superficial exterior that others sometimes portray. However, they may allow emotions (other people’s or their own) to overwhelm them and cloud their insight when in the thick of a relationship, causing their vision to become drastically distorted.

Generally speaking, INFJs are the ones who will ask, “Are you really, really okay?” instead of just taking someone’s word for it. They are compassionate and loving souls who may appear to have a harsh and abrasive exterior, but on the inside there is no personality type warmer or softer.

INFJs are great listeners, and as they are compassionate and freely show empathy, people may trust them easily. This encourages others to communicate openly and vulnerably without the fear of being judged, condemned, or rejected for expressing how they think or feel.

Some INFJs are capable of becoming almost chameleon-like when in other people’s company, as it enables a closer connection for bonds to form. They may find themselves mimicking body language or even accents as a way to acutely understand how other people think or feel.

Overall, INFJs are extremely passionate about protective over pretty much everything that is important to them, and particularly within their romantic relationships. They are selective about who they choose to keep company with, so when they find someone they adore, they will willingly go to hell and back to maintain the connection.

However, as much as they are renowned for putting up with a lot in life and for allowing people to take advantage of them, when they get pushed too far, they will ruthlessly administer the door slam and burn every bridge to ashes. 

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Author: Alex Myles
Image: Pedro Ribeiro Simões/Flickr 
Editor: Travis May
Copy Editor: Danielle Beutell
Social Editor: Callie Rushton