A Little More About My Type

The following is taken from the Facebook application “MyType”. Note: I’m not usually a fan of FB apps, but this one isn’t bad:

INFP Strengths

• Most INFPs will exhibit the following strengths with regards to relationship issues:

• Warmly concerned and caring towards others

• Sensitive and perceptive about what others are feeling

• Loyal and committed - they want lifelong relationships

• Deep capacity for love and caring - yep, but I have a tendency to hide this “deep capacity” so I’m not sure if others know much about this aspect of my nature

• Driven to meet others’ needs - often to the detriment of my own needs

• Strive for “win-win” situations - yes, this is awful, I can tie myself in knots when I spend too much time with pessimists

• Nurturing, supportive and encouraging

• Likely to recognize and appreciate others’ need for space

• Able to express themselves well - sometimes, it depends on how emotional I am about a given topic. I communicate much better in writing

• Flexible and diverse - I’m very diverse, I hate to be boxed in

INFP Weaknesses

• Most INFPs will exhibit the following weaknesses with regards to relationship issues:

• May tend to be shy and reserved - yep, although I’m beginning to get over this now

• Don’t like to have their “space” invaded - I HATE my space being invaded!

• Extreme dislike of conflict - definitely, although I recognise that conflict can be useful at times

• Extreme dislike of criticism - oh yes, I start to shake and everything!

• Strong need to receive praise and positive affirmation - I think so, although I’m not very good at receiving it

• May react very emotionally to stressful situations - hmmm, this may have been said about me

• Have difficulty leaving a bad relationship

• Have difficulty scolding or punishing others - yes, although this doesn’t seem to apply when I’m cross with Mr. Razzler!

• Tend to be reserved about expressing their feelings - yes, only those whom I deeply trust get access to my real feelings - and all you nice people who read my blog of course!

• Perfectionist tendencies may cause them to not give themselves enough credit - yep, I get told off for this

• Tendency to blame themselves for problems, and hold everything on their own shoulders - yep

There is so much more I could write about. I am driven to work out who I am, what I’m good at, bad at, why I think the way I do, how I interact with others… to understand and to be understood, in short. So many people seem to think that INFPs are the fluffy bunny personality type - and it isn’t true. Or not all the time, anyway. We are complex, highly individual people. Maybe I’ll attempt to do a series on this.

Gasp - I can sense you all holding your collective breath in anticipation. Indulge me.