Noob wondering whether I am INFP or ENFP?

**Sir_Lagsalot** · 04-20-2011 10:12 AM

Hello all,
In a quest to find out more about myself I've recently taken a personality test on the internet. It came back as INFP. After a quick google search I've found that that it suits me almost perfectly. I am an idealist, a diplomat, a bit philosophical. The deeper meaning or the bigger picture interests me. In all honesty, I'm still not fully convinced that 'personality types' exist. Maybe I just don't like the idea of being locked under one particular label.

However, I'm not entirely sure whether I am introverted or extroverted? Perhaps it is because of the romanticized views of great leaders and politicians. I want to be a champion, so to speak.
I love football (soccer), I'm a massive Arsenal fan (London born, live down under) and I am captain for my local Under 17's Division Two side, have been captain for a number of years. I'm not the best at sports (my work rate and intelligence saves me), but I do get called up to the Division One side every now and then (I feel bad leaving my mates in Div 2, but thats another story). As a captain I don't often make inspiring speeches. I try to lead by example, make sure everyones happy and try to diffuse conflicts without confrontation, although I don't mind putting my boot in if I need. I'm also coaching an under 9's team. I'm also an excellent public speaker and enjoy debates, class-room arguments and a good row about politics or football with my mates over a beer or two.
The feeling I get, is that I am an introvert most of the time (I don't get along well with the opposite sex and although I have good mates, I am a bit socially awkward), but an extrovert when I need to be. Particularly when I get angry or when my beliefs are challenged. Can I be a little bit of both?

I apologize for the long wall of text and there's likely to be a few mistakes in my writing. I'm usually not bad at it. But it's 3 in the morning and Arsenal v Tottenham's on in an hour! Also, I don't mean to brag. I hate people who brag.

Thanks, Ken

**brady** · 04-20-2011 10:45 AM

The deeper meaning or the bigger picture interests me. In all honesty, I'm still not fully convinced that 'personality types' exist. Maybe I just don't like the idea of being locked under one particular label.

A quick note on this sentiment. Isabel Myers Briggs, the lady who wrote the book on this stuff, asserts that you are not being "typed" or pigeon-holed by her theory. Rather, your E/I N/S F/T P/J preferences are just that- preferences. From a young age your mind has developed a individual preference for how you deal with your inner and outer worlds, and the type indicator theory is a reflection of such acts of individual choice. These are not imposed upon you, in other words. This may be hard to recognize, since sometimes these decisions are made subconsciously, not consciously. But so are decisions like who you will love, what activities you enjoy, and which people you prefer to hang out with. I hope this makes some sense, Ken.

With respect to your other remarks Ken, I also have doubts about my INFPness. I always test INFP, but I think I have characteristics common to other personality types as well. But you know, the more I consider how I utilize each of my cognitive functions (Ne, Fi, etc), the more I realize that the INFP designation is accurate. Another thing that can complicate this business of identifying your personality type is the whole concept of the "shadow," i.e., the person you tend to become when you're under stress, drunk, pissed off, etc. In such cases we show characteristics of the ESTJ, so looking back at some of your past experiences, think about whether you were really being yourself when you showed more thinking/judging/extraverted tendencies.

Hope this helps.

**JerseyDevil** · 04-20-2011 10:47 AM

I get the feeling you are an INFP, just a confident and socially well-adjusted one

**Paragon** · 04-20-2011 10:56 AM

You sound like an Introvert to me. The introvert-extrovert continuum defines how you draw in energy. Introverts draw energy from within. Extroverts draw energy from their environment. This entails nothing about their sociability or their interpersonal skills.

If you want an analogy, Introverts are rechargeable batteries and Extroverts are solar panels. If you feel like you need to "recharge" after social situations, then you are an introvert. If you feel like you need socializing to give you energy, then you are an extrovert. You most likely will lean one way or another, even if it is slightly.