How to Tell if You’re INFJ or ENFJ

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the key differences between INFJ and ENFJ personality types. While both share the same cognitive functions, their orders vary, with INFJs typically suppressing their dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni) in favor of Extraverted Feeling (Fe) to maintain social harmony. ENFJs, by contrast, are naturally Fe-dominant and energized by social interactions. The video emphasizes that INFJs may appear as ENFJs due to this suppression, but they often experience a sense of existential dissatisfaction. The key to distinguishing them lies in observing their fulfillment and approach to social engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 INFJ and ENFJ are often confused due to their similar cognitive functions, but they have different function orders.
• 😀 INFJs have the cognitive function stack Ni-Fe-Ti-Se, while ENFJs have Fe-Ni-Se-Ti.
• 😀 INFJs may suppress their Ni (introverted intuition) to prioritize social harmony, making them appear like ENFJs.
• 😀 The concept of a 'Fe-dominant' INFJ is misleading, as INFJs always have Fe in a secondary role, not dominant.
• 😀 ENFJs are happiest when they can use their dominant Fe (extroverted feeling) in social situations.
• 😀 INFJs, when they seem like ENFJs, are usually acting out of an existential choice to maintain social harmony, not because their Ni is weak.
• 😀 INFJs often feel existential dissatisfaction due to the pressure of concealing their Ni for social harmony.
• 😀 A key difference between INFJs and ENFJs is their level of fulfillment in life, with ENFJs often appearing more content.
• 😀 INFJs in social settings may seem like they are embracing Fe, but deep down they may feel insecure and unfulfilled.
• 😀 ENFJs are energized by extensive social interactions, while INFJs are more selective and may prefer smaller, less draining social settings.

Q & A

What is the main difference between INFJ and ENFJ personality types?

The main difference lies in their dominant cognitive functions. INFJs lead with Introverted Intuition (Ni), while ENFJs lead with Extroverted Feeling (Fe). This distinction shapes how they interact with the world and engage with others.

Why do INFJs sometimes appear to exhibit Fe dominance, similar to ENFJs?

INFJs may appear to have Fe dominance because they often suppress their Ni to maintain harmony in social situations. This creates a facade where their interactions seem more Fe-driven, even though Ni is their dominant function.

What is the concept of the 'evasive mode' in INFJs?

The 'evasive mode' refers to the INFJ's tendency to suppress their dominant Ni to prioritize harmony and connectedness in social situations. This self-suppression of intuition is a coping mechanism to avoid confronting the uniqueness of their inner thoughts.

How does the INFJ's existential choice to suppress Ni affect their emotional fulfillment?

This suppression of Ni leads to existential dissatisfaction, as INFJs often feel unfulfilled because they are not fully embracing their dominant function. They choose social harmony over their own intuitive insights, which can lead to emotional dissatisfaction over time.

What role does Fe play for ENFJs?

For ENFJs, Fe is their dominant function, and it plays a central role in their happiness and fulfillment. They are energized by using Fe to connect with others, express empathy, and influence social dynamics in positive ways.

How can you tell if someone is an INFJ or an ENFJ based on their social interactions?

One key difference is how they cope with social situations. ENFJs thrive in large social environments and are energized by social interactions, while INFJs may prefer smaller groups and can feel drained by extensive socializing, especially if they suppress their Ni.

How does an INFJ's relationship with their Ni function impact their overall happiness?

INFJs who suppress their Ni for the sake of social harmony may appear to be content in the short term but will ultimately experience deeper dissatisfaction. True INFJs often struggle with reconciling their need for uniqueness with their desire for social connection.

What is the significance of the INFJ's choice to prioritize harmony in their social relationships?

The INFJ's choice to prioritize harmony often stems from a desire to connect with others, but it also leads them to downplay their own unique insights. This creates internal tension between their social role and their deep need to express their Ni, which can affect their sense of fulfillment.

How can an individual's happiness indicate whether they are an INFJ or ENFJ?

Happiness can be a strong indicator. ENFJs are generally more fulfilled because their Fe function is aligned with their social nature. INFJs who suppress their Ni for social harmony may not appear as fulfilled, as they are not fully expressing their core function.

What does the speaker mean by 'existential factors' in understanding INFJs and ENFJs?

Existential factors refer to the deeper life choices and emotional states that precede the expression of cognitive functions. These factors, such as a person's sense of fulfillment or dissatisfaction, play a significant role in how INFJs and ENFJs express their cognitive functions and relate to the world.