INFPs are the true idealists. Much of their lives can be said to
be viewed through "rose-colored glasses".
"Hope springs eternal" is a good motto which describes their
decided philosophy for the rugged places in relationships or the causes
to which they commit themselves - for they can pity the most unpitiable
and attempt to placate the most tyrannical.
INFPs are deeply caring and entrenched in striving for harmony
in all situations, their deeply-held spiritual and core values giving them
guidance and lending them sustenance in difficult situations.
INFPs are deeply involved in a rich, inner life which can be
holy in content or escapist in reality. They are also deeply sensitive
and - being quite tenderhearted - are quite easy to have their feelings
hurt. They are apt to think whispering and jokes are at their expense,
when none such is intended.
Mystical and creative, the INFP's life can also be nearly non-human
- ethereal - no matter which side of it they are viewing. Even as
children, they exhibit the ability to "lose themselves" in the fairy tales
they read and project themselves into daydreams of lofty grandeur or to
have imaginary playmates who are very real to them. Even their sharing
of their experiences have an imaginary air about them. Unintentionally,
they may add what they "felt" to the telling rather than what "really was".
INFPs are quiet, creative, idealistic - and are "true-blue"
friends. Many times it is their unquestioning loyalty that leads
relationships in which they are involved to continue - even with those
who are not worthy of such freely given devotion.
Generous in spirit, they are able to sustain abuse beyond merit
and to invite their generosities to be abused by others for their own advantage
- until one day, without warning, they erupt with rage and candor which
surprise not only the recipient but the INFPs themselves.
They have the ability to avoid situations that are imminently
threatening to their inner peace by withdrawing from the "give-and-take"
arena and escaping into an inner world of enjoyment, pleasure and insights.
They are deeply wounded by "man's inhumanity to man" but their gentleness
and sensitivities rarely enable them to publicly crusade as their INFJ
brethren.
Like their INFJ brethren, the EST world of business is an energy-sapping
enterprise for them and they, too, suffer various muscular and emotional
maladies which require quiet times replete with inspirational music and
meditation to heal their weary spirits.
The "drive to perfection" is a painful side of life for INFPs
for whom the Ideal is always just beyond the reach. Even enjoyable
moments are not always spontaneously entered into for fear of having to
"lose" the joy or "pay for it" in some unknown, dark and painful way.
The deeply religious INFP has capacity for the mystical side
of religion and gains insights not enjoyed by all types into "the deeper
things of God". They can even long for "martyrdom" to "prove" their
deep, hidden and rich love for God and the heavenlies.
Conscientious at times to a fault, INFPs are deserving of recognition
for the generosity of their caring spirits. The world is a better
place because of their gentle and unassuming natures.
