[android654]

I've read in many places, even on this forum, that INFP's are inherently light and bubbly. I don't think thats the case with a handful of INFP's on this forum who're seemingly darker and more distraught as a standard way of being.

Anyone have any insight as to why?

[Mina]

I've never read that INFP's are inherently light and bubbly (here or in the web profiles of INFP's). I usually come across descriptions saying INFP's are drawn to sad/melancholic things. The two INFP's I know have definitely always been more on the dark and distraught (never bubbly, even when they are happy) side for as long as I've known them. I've known them both for over 13 years (since we were in our early teen years). I've seen them at their happiest and saddest, and never ever have seen either of them bubbly. Maybe because they are males though, or maybe you and I have different definitions of bubbly.. idk. I know some bubbly people, and neither of them are like that at all.

[heartofhearts]

Well I think infp's are inherently idealistic, and because of this they are generally lighthearted
energetic and hopeful as children for the most part.

I think several infp's (from what i can tell from myself and my friends at least) become darker and
more cynical after growing up and becoming steadily more and more disappointed with people/the world.
And a cynic really is a disappointed idealist anyway.

We are very sensitive people with big dreams and its really easy to become dark when you get your dreams shattered.
When I get into a fight or feel like i just can do much of anything to make a difference sometimes I'll turn on myself,
but sometimes i'll turn on the world. I think its just a part of being that idealistic and that sensitive. All your negative energy has to go somewhere eventually I guess.

I myself find that sometimes I cant help looking at things darkly and I hate other people or myself when I'm in a rough
mood. I think for me at least, being an infp is about finding a balance between the bubby, motivated do-gooder and that tragic, dark side of me.

(I find dark humor to be the best outlet.)

Most infp's though, if they have a strong support system and good relationships, aren't surrounded by enough conflicts to bring out their 'dark side'.

That's what I think, hope it helps answer your very interesting question!

[Molock]

I've read pretty much every INFP description out there. I've seen INFP's described as both dark/melancholic in nature as well as bubbly/optimistic in nature. I think both are true. Since INFP's are highly driven by their emotions, events and their current situation will lead them to one of those two extremes. Speaking from my own experience, I go from depressed/melancholic to ecstatic quite regularly. When things are going well I could be described as on Ecstasy (very friendly, warm) and when things are going poorly I lose my appetite, isolate myself, and am cold.

[amanda32]

My guess is they're this way because it's the internet; in RL they wouldn't show you that side.

[heartofhearts]

^ Ha! That's so true!

[Tammy]

Maybe...it's because INFP's are reserved about their emotions, and only their close friends would really know them enough to make an observation like that.

But to just an observer, it's possible that they see a child-like person, and assume that because of this they are bubbly and light. Perhaps they are just not well-informed.

I think it may be that the amount of innocence an INFP is able to retain over the years does have a relationship with how distraught they are. In enviroments that don't allow for dreaming, and is just all too real, it would be hard for an INFP to escape inside themselves and go to 'their happy place.'

I also think that INFPs need to have their enviorment open and free, so their mind can be open and free. So many emotions shouldn't be stuffed in a narrow mind.

[Linnifae]

I agree with those who say they're child like in their idealism, but the problem with that idealism is that this world often crushes idealists. I think the dark INFPs are the result of ugly reality hitting hard.

[MyHeartIsASpatula]

It may just be that people get the impression of INFPS as being light and bubbly because INFPs don't necessarily show whatever sadness is going on in their inner world. I know a lot of people seem to get the impression that I'm a care-free and free spirited because I will stare at flowers and giggle at things they consider frivilous. But deep reactions to simple things mean even deeper ones to more complex, gut wrenching things.. Also.. had I led a sheltered life I may have been care free and bubbly. I know I'm inherently happy and care free when I have no worries.. no life pressures, no complexities of being in love or anything.. but that's only been the case when I was a toddler and a bit when I was a teen ager. And will likely never be again.

[Nightglow]

I agree with everyone else so far..but I am going to add a little spin.

Maybe that misconception is because INFP's as a whole are misunderstood. They are constantly labeled as having their head in the clouds and not being bound by reality, which I guess could look "bubbly" to some people in an odd way. I don't see the bubbly side to myself though. I am happy and sad, but never bubbly.