I feel like I have almost nothing in common with virtually all of humanity

Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this? Other than trying to pretend to be someone I'm not or becoming a recluse? I don't really like either of those two options much.

I get that same feeling way too often. Even among my fellow INFPs, I find things that make me seem different from them. In reality, though, we are all different from each other, you're just extra special.
I think you should try as best as you can to "embrace" your rarity and realize that people (me, for example) admire people like you who aren't the social norm.

Does it really cause you pain to be so different? While at one time, I would have thought I was so alien as to be non-human, I didn't really agonize over it. Well, I did in my teen years, but in my childhood, I didn't mind it.

Embrace your differences, they're what make you you. Just be yourself and don't worry about it.

Originally Posted by Nightriser

Does it really cause you pain to be so different? While at one time, I would have thought I was so alien as to be non-human, I didn't really agonize over it. Well, I did in my teen years, but in my childhood, I didn't mind it.

I speak for myself when I say this, but it isn't my being different that pains me, it's the fact that loneliness can often be a byproduct of being different, which pains me.

You know....I think everyone deep down feels that way. I think Infps tend to be a little more authentic than most other types. I think we try to experience life in its fullest empathizing and giving our whole selves in order to find union with everything. I think other types are better at building the so called "box/boundaries" around themselves. But Infps tend to know little about protecting themselves and the idea of boundaries. Instead we look for meaning and connection and....even breaking boundaries. I dont think your alone.

I dont know your circumstances at all and I know how complex someone elses perception can be. But as for me...whenever I feel like I dont connect with anyone......Im usually not showing others the real me. It's very hard to remember who you are. It's hard to know whether or not you actually are being yourself. This is all very odd. I think it's a very metaphysical road to an infp's .....whatever we are chasing. I think in terms of archetype, we are looking for the infinite garden or infinite orgasm. However, I think we often find ourselves in the infinite desert.

I hope this helped. It may have been way more than you wanted to know. Good luck with feeling connected though. I certainly know the feeling.

Originally Posted by Silhouetree

I speak for myself when I say this, but it isn't my being different that pains me, it's the fact that loneliness can often be a byproduct of being different, which pains me.

Yeah, I think that's a large part of it. It would be nice to have someone in real life I could identify with and talk to about stuff, instead of just sitting around on the internet all day talking to disembodied brains. And I can barely even identify with a lot of the disembodied brains. I feel like whenever I try to talk to people I'm met with either real or implied blank stare. It gets old.

Originally Posted by Schwarz

Yeah, I think that's a large part of it. It would be nice to have someone in real life I could identify with and talk to about stuff, instead of just sitting around on the internet all day talking to disembodied brains. And I can barely even identify with a lot of the disembodied brains. I feel like whenever I try to talk to people I'm met with either real or implied blank stare. It gets old.

Ah yes, I know exactly what you mean. Indeed it would be nice to have a physical, talking face to the words on the monitor. I think being "different/lonely/outcastish" is probably hardest for us INFPs since we are so loyal to our values, and our values seem to be anything but the social norm, which kinda sucks for us since we are very sensitive to our emotions. However, in the end, I think all it really takes is one person to totally brighten your day for the rest of your life- at least in my case. Once you find someone you could consider a true, close friend, try not to lose them, because they will be most likely be one of a kind and extremely hard to come by.
If it makes you feel any better, I consider you my friend, even if I am just a disembodied brain to you .

Eat protein!

I know you might not want to share a great deal about yourself, but why exactly do you feel like you have nothing in common with anyone else? Are you isolated a lot? How often do you interact with people (other than online?) Tell me a little about yourself.

A lot of what you're feeling might have something to do with your age, situation in life, experiences, etc

I admit that there are times when I feel very alone, too. Usually this is when I'm depressed about something, when I think my life should be this or that way and that I should have accomplished such and such. I start to compare myself to other people and think I fall short, so I start to withdraw. I have a tendency to elevate other people and make them out to be better than me, even when I know rationally this isn't true.

Share some of your concerns and feelings, if you would, we'll talk about it.