There is a lot of misinformation online about personality type and, more specifically, the INFJ personality type. Many articles about INFJs mention traits that are also relatable to similar personality types, like INFPs, INTJs and ISFPs. If you’re trying to determine your personality type, how do you separate over-generalized statements from the facts?

The cognitive functions, of course! (If you’re new to personality type and not familiar with the functions, you may want to check out The 8 Cognitive Functions and How INFJs Use Them before diving deeper into this article.)

INFJs are feelers. In short, this means that they’re naturally inclined to make decisions based on emotions, not data or hard facts.

However, not all feeling personality types are the same. Some types prefer Extraverted Feeling and other types prefer Introverted Feeling. This article will take a look at both of these functions to help you determine which one fits you the best.

Not sure about your personality type? Take the Truity Typefinder® Personality Test!

Am I an Extraverted Feeler or an Introverted Feeler?

Before we examine the differences between these functions, it’s important to remember that your use of functions is not black and white. You can prefer Extraverted Feeling but also use your Introverted Feeling with some skill. Don’t think “If I use Extraverted Feeling, that means I can’t use Introverted Feeling.”

All people, especially people who are healthy and well-developed, will access different functions in their stack when it makes sense to do so. You will most likely relate to descriptions of both feeling functions. However, one description should resonate stronger with you — because it’s the one that seems the most pleasant and comes to you the most naturally.

Quiz: Extraverted Feeler or Introverted Feeler

Below is a short quiz to help you determine which feeling function you prefer the most. When selecting a statement, go with the answer that feels most true for you, most of the time.

1. In a group environment (like at a party), I:
   • A. Am responsive to the various needs of several people in the group
   • B. Gravitate toward one or two individuals who seem interesting
2. It is more important to:
   • A. Keep morale high
   • B. Express my truth
3. People who know me would say I inspire:
   • A. Harmony
   • B. Authenticity
4. I care more about:
   • A. The result of an interaction
   • B. The experience during the interaction
5. If someone around me is angry:
   • A. I need to make them feel better
   • B. I wonder if they’re angry at me
6. My personal feelings about something are:
   • A. Less important than the feelings of the group
   • B. More than or as important as the feelings of the group
7. I use personality type primarily as a way to:
   • A. Understand others and/or society at large
   • B. Understand my personality
8. I identify and express myself by:
   • A. My relationships with others and/or group membership
   • B. My personal style, hobbies or preferences
9. The concept that appeals the most to me is:
   • A. Unity
   • B. Individualism
10. It is important to make sure that:
    • A. Other peoples’ needs are met
    • B. My own needs are met
11. It makes me feel great when:
    • A. I make someone else feel better
    • B. Someone acknowledges how I’m feeling

Now count the number of times you identified the most with an “A” response. Then, count how many times you identified with a “B” response.

If your answers are mostly “A”, you may be an Extraverted Feeler

Feeling types who prefer Extraverted Feeling (ENFJs, ESFJs, INFJs and ISFJs) value harmony and focus more on group dynamics than on personal values. These personality types make an effort to recognize the needs of others and make sure those needs are met. They are sensitive to external energy, like the mood of another person or group of people.

Their sensitivity to external feelings make them champions of positivity. Extraverted Feelers are generally likable and popular. However, a weakness of Extraverted Feeling is that the person can become frustrated when other people refuse to conform to the needs of a group.

For example, let’s say an INFJ is at a holiday party and everyone is having a good time. Then, someone gets excessively drunk and the mood at the party becomes uneasy. The INFJ will feel immediate discomfort by the shift in external energy and feel the need to “take care of the problem” right away. This may look like expressing anger or annoyance at the drunk person or feeling personally responsible for “doing something about” the drunk person.

Other types may view Extraverted Feelers to be fake and judgmental. Introverted Feelers may think that Extraverted Feelers lack emotional depth or self-awareness. They may resent the Extraverted Feelers ability to maintain harmony at the expense of self-expression.

At it’s best, Extraverted Feeling is aware of everyones needs and works diligently to meet those needs. It inspires unity and excels in getting people to come together over shared experiences or common goals. Extraverted Feelers are often drawn to social justice and want to encourage people to reach their full potential.

If your answers are mostly “B”, you may be an Introverted Feeler

Feeling types who prefer Introverted Feeling (ENFPs, ESFPs, INFPs and ISFPs) value authenticity and focus on individual dynamics and personal identity more than group harmony. These personality types are extremely self-aware and in touch with their personal values and emotions. They are sensitive to judgment from other people.

Introverted Feelers are champions of self-expression. It’s more important for these types to be who they are than it is to fit in with a group or make other people feel comfortable. They’re drawn to individual connections with others and focus on diving deep into their close relationships rather than maintaining several surface level relationships.

A trait that can also be a weakness of Introverted Feeling is that it judges others’ choices based on how the Introverted Feeler would act or decide in their same situation. For example, an ESFP may decide that a friend’s decision to invite their ex to a group event was a personal attack on the ESFP. The ESFP will think that the friend should have known that inviting the ex was a bad idea (because the ESFP would never have done the same thing). They may decide to skip the event and then ignore the friend for a few days until they can fully process the negative emotion that was triggered by the experience.

Other types may view Introverted Feelers as selfish or overly sensitive. Extraverted Feelers may think that Introverted Feelers lack respect for others. They may resent the Introverted Feelers ability to proudly express their true self even if it means not fitting in.

At it’s best, Introverted Feeling is extremely aware of what it needs and attentive to the emotions of loved ones. It encourages authenticity and appreciation for and celebration of unique differences. Introverted Feeling types inspire others to be who they are and thrive on helping people recognize and value their specific needs.

OK, what if I’m more confused than ever?

Again, all personality types use both Extraverted Feeling and Introverted Feeling. When determining which fits best for you, it comes down to what you naturally lean toward most of the time.

If neither description above seems especially true for you, that may mean you’re a type that prefers thinking functions. If you still think you’re an INFJ, but aren’t sure between INFJ and another type, here are a few articles that may help clarify:

• INFJ or INTJ?
• INFP or INFJ?
• INFJ or ISFJ?
• INFJ or ENFJ?

Do you relate more to the Extraverted Feeler description or Introverted Feeler description? Did this article help you clarify your personality type?