I’m going to be completely honest — there is an abundance of bad information online about INFJ personality types. Some of the information is not just bad, but it’s also incorrect. Unfortunately, many people see information curated by popular media sources and take it at face value. While in reality, many of the common myths about the INFJ personality type aren’t true at all.

But if you’re an INFJ, how do you separate myth from reality? While there is some small truth to stereotypes, it’s important to understand the root of personality type in order to distinguish misconception from fact.

6 Biggest Myths About the INFJ Personality Type

Here is a look at some of the most common myths about the INFJ personality type, why they’re popular and what it really means for INFJs.

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Myth #1: INFJs are special snowflakes

One of the most common misconceptions about INFJs is that they are sensitive snowflakes who thrive on being unique. This myth is rooted in the claim that the INFJ is the rarest personality type.

Most INFJs are much more interested in understanding the world around them than they are understanding their own emotions. The INFJs focus is on meaning, future implications, and inspiring others. They couldn’t care less about being perceived as unique and different. In fact, most INFJs would much rather blend in with the crowd than get attention because of their peculiarities.

Myth #2: INFJs are extremely emotional

Another myth about INFJs is that they’re extremely emotional. This misconception stems from the fact that INFJs are feeling types. However, INFJs are actually dominant intuitive types who see the world primarily through the lens of their Introverted Intuition.

They use their auxiliary Extraverted Feeling to make decisions based on how other people will be impacted. They have much less of a focus on their personal feelings. In fact, many INFJs have trouble distinguishing how they feel about something from how someone else may feel about it.

Myth #3: INFJs are the “most extroverted” introvert

Many INFJs identify as social introverts because they genuinely enjoy understanding other people. This leads to a misconception that INFJs are the “most extroverted” introverted personality type.

It’s important to note that where you fall on the introversion-extroversion spectrum is not directly linked to any one type. Some INFJs may consider themselves “ambiverts” while others identify as solidly introverted. An interest in other people is not a determining factor in whether or not someone is an extrovert.

Myth #4: INFJs are shy and timid

On the other hand, some sources say that because INFJs are introverts, it means they are shy and timid. The assumption that all introverts are shy is one of the biggest misconceptions about introversion. This is because society as a whole still views extroverted personality types to be more popular, assertive and successful.

However, as Susan Cain explains in Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, “Shyness is the fear of negative judgment, and introversion is a preference for quiet, minimally stimulating environments.” While some introverts and INFJs may experience shyness, it’s not a trait of their personality type.

Myth #5: INFJs are fake

This misconception often comes from other personality types who view INFJs — and other types with dominant or auxiliary Extraverted Feeling — as disingenuous. It’s easy to see how Extraverted Feeling can come across as fake to people who don’t prefer this function. Extraverted Feeling wants to maintain harmony. That’s often done by expressing oneself in a way that appeals to the people you’re speaking with.

While this can be viewed by outsiders as inauthentic, INFJs care a great deal about authenticity. They do not see the chameleon effect as one that is opposed to who they truly are. In fact, it’s a large part of who they are. While INFJs are not fake, they do struggle with vulnerability. Learning to identify and express emotions in a healthy way is a huge part of the INFJ personal growth journey.

Myth #6: INFJs are psychic

One of the biggest stereotypes about INFJs is that they have the ability to predict the future with incredible accuracy. This is due to the INFJs dominant function, Introverted Intuition.

Introverted Intuition is skilled at recognizing patterns and putting the puzzle pieces together to draw conclusions. Since this inner work is unconscious, it may seem to the INFJ to come out of nowhere. In Psychological Types, Carl Jung said that Introverted Intuition can “foresee new possibilities in more or less clear outline, as well as the event which later actually transpires.”

However, the INFJs ability to access this function with ease doesn’t mean they can tell you who you’ll marry or guess the winning lottery numbers.

Myth vs. Reality

Even if you strongly relate to some of the misconceptions on this list, it’s important to not to define your personality solely by stereotypes. There is so much more to being an INFJ than what a popular article or clever meme will tell you.

It’s essential to examine your type past surface-level stereotypes and dive deep into what it means to be an INFJ. For more quality information about personality type, check out these INFJ resources.

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