Jess Jas

I think you and I are in the same situation here. I've had a really hard time feeling like I fit in with others recently. I feel like I'm often faking my way through conversations just to make others feel comfortable with who I am; my actual thoughts and opinions wouldn't really fit into the regular social model of the things people typically talk about. I've stopped spending time with a number of my friends because I feel like being around them I have to be someone else. I don't think I could always just do this because I really need other people in my life. I'm at a point where I don't know what exactly to do because I don't think I can just blindly set off into this unknown territory where I'd always just be the person I really was around others.
It's hard to not feel like you are alone in this battle when it seems like no-one else is dealing with the same type of thing. I guess we're out there though and I really think that the effort that it takes to work our way through these types of feelings will be worth it if we find a way of living contently with the relationships we have and the person we are.

Yea I think we are. I am 25 now, Probably my entire pre teens and teen years I spent faking it. It's just been over the past 3 years or so I decided to focus more on figuring out exactly who I am and stopped Trying to fit in with what I call the norm. It's just became too much and I got tired of it. Its hard though, Especially when My peers and most of the people that surround me are very extroverted people, Even growing up I Felt like I was almost expected to be like every one else. I have been slowly trying to just pull the mask off and let others see the real me. I can't continue the rest of my life being untrue to me. I just can't do it. I find coming on line and seeking out like minded people in forums and what not to sort of fill that void for now. I have found a pretty interactive group of INFP's on Facebook. I know this won't last though. I Know I need to get out into the world and seek out more people who not only think the way I do, but have similar interests in general. I have considered volunteering in my community, I mean our type seem to be frequent in social agencies and things that cater to helping others, So I have hopes that I might make some connections that way. But that's a plan for the near future. I'm not ready to step out just yet.

I've just recently started this whole MBTI thing and really like how people here tend to want to understand each-other's thoughts, feelings, and interests as they are and not place one overarching judgement on the way people should be. It would be nice to find more people like this out in the real world. I think you had some great ideas on places to look for people who might be more similar minded to yourself. I hope that you're able to figure out what to do next - I understand how things can be a lot more complex than just suddenly taking one big step.

I know, I love everyone on these forums, Especially the INFP forums. everyone is so friendly and understanding. Its nice to feel like I actually have a voice, and When I have ideas and thoughts that people in my life think I'm crazy for thinking, I come on line and someone gets it and gives their opinion and thoughts, I really like that aspect of the online forums. I am very misinterpreted in my life by everyone, I am looked as sort of an air headed naive dumb bubbly girl, lol Which is a sense is true, I am quite bubbly, but there is far more depth and intellect to me then what people assume.

I think I come of as pretty quiet and contemplative; if I'm not careful I think I can either seem a little aloof or off in my own world. I'd be nice if people knew how much I care about and accept them and that I really want to feel connected with them. I think I send off this signal that I want to be left alone when that isn't true.

I think that in general the type of, I suppose I'll call it NF intellect we have doesn't translate to the real world that well. A lot of people can't really see the depth behind our insights and opinions which can be frustrating.

Initially meeting someone , yea I am quiet. Ive got several times that I portray like I am better then those around me, or stuck up. Which is far from me. I am always in my own world and for sure don't translate well, No one I actually know or even the ones I am really close to can really see not only importance of things to me, but the emotions that go beyond just things meaning something to me. I have said on more then one occasion to others, "I wish you could feel what I fee right now" Sometimes I wonder if others feel so entirely like I do.