The difference between these two acronyms is pretty obvious.
But exactly how different are INFP and INTJ in practice?
As an INTJ, I can tell you there are some core distinctions between the two.
And today, we’ll go over each of them.
So let’s get straight to the point.
Here’s the INFP vs INTJ rundown.
INFP: A Closer Look
People with the INFP personality type are quiet and reserved. But while they’re calm on the inside, their imaginative mind is working in full mode.
INFPs have profound emotional responses to things around them, including people.
Rather interesting for an introvert, don’t you think?
To fully get a grasp of what an INFP person is like, let’s look at the cognitive functions of this personality type. The functions have the order of preference, meaning how often an INFP might resort to using them in daily life.
They are:
- Introverted feeling – an INFP’s decision-making process is mainly based on this function. They’re very considerate of people around them, so they’ll try to avoid conflict as much as they can.
- Extraverted intuition – INFPs are guided by their gut. Their intuition helps them find patterns and always see the big picture.
- Introverted sensing – this function is not well developed, so INFPs use it mainly when stressed. What it does is it helps INFP reflect on past experiences when dealing with similar situations.
- Extraverted thinking – when developed, this function helps INFP use logic when making decisions.
INTJ: At a Glance
If someone’s always ready to question the status quo, that’s INTJ. People with this personality type have a thirst for knowledge and an ever-skeptical attitude. That’s why they’re never afraid to show others where they’re wrong.
INTJs approach things very rationally. While that’s great in certain situations, like making a strategy, it’s not always the best option in communication.
To understand this personality type better, let’s take a look at its cognitive functions. Here they are, sorted by dominance:
- Introverted intuition – INTJs have a very holistic approach to everything. Their intuition helps them see patterns and see the bigger picture.
- Extroverted thinking – this function allows INTJs to use rational thinking in decision-making. It’s what makes them methodical and efficient in anything they do.
- Introverted feeling – this function helps INTJ understand their own feelings and values. When developed, it assures their actions are in accordance with their morals and ideals. Extroverted sensing – when developed, this function helps INTJs stay focused on physical presence.
INFP vs INTJ Differences
If you sit in a room with an INTJ and an INFP, you’ll quickly notice some differences between their personality traits. There are some key distinctions between these two personality types.
Communication
Even by sharing just a couple of sentences with the two personality types, you can notice the difference between them.
INTJs are pretty blunt and straightforward – they always cut to the chase. INTJs believe in efficiency in social interaction, so making small talk doesn’t make sense to them. While others might find that weird, it’s simply logical to an INTJ.
When expressing their opinions, INTJs don’t care if they’re being rude. They believe it’s more important to say what they mean than to suppress their opinions to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
INFPs, on the other hand, will think twice before saying something that could hurt someone. They’re very conscious about how their words can affect those around them. That’s why they’ll try their best to avoid hurting others by being gentle and compassionate when giving feedback.
INFP also care about what other people say to them, as they can take criticism too close to their hearts.
INTJs, on the contrary, handle criticism really well. They can separate their feelings from words, which allows them to analyze the feedback more objectively.
Dealing with change
These two personality types don’t deal with change in the same manner.
INFPs are typically flexible, so some change in life is welcomed and even desired. They like to keep things exciting and don’t have difficulty adapting to novelties.
INTJs, on the other hand, don’t take the change that well. They’re people with long-term plans, and a sudden change gives them no time to think a new strategy through.
Making decisions
INTJ and INFP have completely different approaches to making decisions.
INFPs are emotional. So when making a decision, they take into consideration values and subjective ethics.
First and foremost, it’s important for an INFP to start with their own emotions. That’s why they’ll let their gut tell them what’s right, with their feelings and the feelings of others in mind.
Of course, INTJs also use intuition when making a decision, although in a different way. INTJs pay attention to the facts, and they’ll weigh the advantages and disadvantages to find the most effective approach.
In the decision-making process, their feelings come second to facts, as INTJs know they’re not objective and always rational.
Dealing with feelings
You think that introverts keep their feelings to themselves?
Well, that’s only partially true.
INFPs, for instance, are very aware of their emotions, as well as the emotions of other people. People with this personality type don’t bury their feelings. Instead, they don’t fret about expressing them to people around them.
INTJs wouldn’t agree with them, though. For INTJs, emotions are rather irrational. And as such, they shouldn’t be their leading force but logic. That’s why people with INTJ personality type will try to push them away in favor of rational reasoning.
Working methods
These two personality types have completely different working methods – and you want them both in a workplace.
INTJs are independent and self-motivated. With a detailed plan and a big picture in mind, people with this personality type are determined to finish whatever task lies ahead of them. They’re perfectionists, so you can rest assured they won’t stop until their work is impeccable.
INTJs work better alone, as they find nothing worse than having a teammate slowing down their progress.
INFPs, on the contrary, don’t mind teamwork. While they do like flexibility and freedom in the office, they work best when in a group of people.
INFPs try to cultivate an emotional connection to anything they do, including work. That’s why positive feedback gets them very stimulated. A negative one, on the other hand, can definitely kill their morale. INTJs, on the other hand, will value constructive criticism.
INFP vs INTJ Similarities
Just because there are crucial differences between these personality types, that doesn’t mean they have nothing in common.
Time alone
Even though they have different approaches to communication, INFP and INTJ both have introverted personalities. They prefer spending time alone or in small groups of close friends.
Even though INFPs want to connect to others on an emotional level, that’s very exhausting to them. That’s why they need some time alone to recharge their batteries and focus on other things.
INTJs are very independent, so they enjoy doing things solo.
Passion for knowledge
Both INFP and INTJ believe that everything can be made better. That’s why learning new things is a lifelong task for them.
And while their passion for knowledge might have different forces behind it, the goal is still the same. Both personality types are curious to learn new things in life.
Both of these personality types appreciate science, culture, and arts – and there are way more things they have in common than they might think. That’s why they’ll probably have a lot of similar hobbies, like going to the museum or theater.
Loyalty
Both of these personality types take commitment in a relationship as a very serious thing.
They both are typically very selective of those they choose to share their deep feelings with. That’s why they might struggle to find a suitable partner. But once they do, they’re extremely loyal and dedicated to them.
To Sum Things Up
INFP and INTJ are rather similar in many situations.
When making a decision, INTJs are guided by logic and rational thinking. INFPs, on the other hand, pay a great deal to what they feel about something.
This huge difference affects many aspects of their life. Whether they’re at work or spending time with friends, these two personality types are guided by those primary forces.
Of course, that’s not to say they’re nothing alike.
Both INFP and INTJ are introverted yet deeply loyal and caring of people they’re close to.
Do you know the difference between an INTJ and an ENTJ? Here’s our article with all the distinctions between them.