Hi Phil,
My gut tells me you're an INFJ, but very introverted, which gives you a bit of an INFP vibe sometimes.
This is what I am thinking - INFP .. I'll not talk about function stacks and the like but I thought about a week ago that I felt out of place here. I know everyone is different .. but I mean I've always felt different even here.
Then someone posted a comment about going on the INFP reddit and seeing all sunsets and I'm thinking I love that shit.
Also I've been reading about other traits all from different sites and I seem to feel I'm clicking more with the INFP vibe. I love nature. I have no use for the material. In fact I am currently selling off or disposing of most of my assets for my next step which will involve being closer to nature.
I have always felt there was more to life than working, sitting home watching TV and socialising. I am very much into looking at myself and learning about myself so I can be a better person. I would like to help others but I think I had trust beaten out of me from a young age. I love learning more things about myself and trying to complete the puzzle that is me, and the puzzle that is life. I really enjoy photography but never print them. I do this mainly to remember the experience when I need to. I remember emotions more than events, and even if I remember the events I usually remember the emotions that came with them.
No-one really knows me. I think being here I can be more incognito as I know no-one will see me who knows me. I'm told I'm very cold and off putting to meet, but once people know me, and I trust them and let them into the VERY tight inner circle then we're friends for a long time.
I have a very high value quotient. I'm very forgiving for the main unless they go against my values and then I'll speak up. I like letting people have their say but will sit back and make a judgement myself without calling them out on it. Usually I will just not respond to the post or terminate the conversation. Authenticity is huge for me, but I'm not sure if that isn't because I realise I've not been authentic most of my life. Even work currently. Ha, if they read some stuff I've commented about here they would be gobsmacked. Part of my future involves a giant 180 on by work life so that I can start looking at being as authentic as I possibly can.
I am very good (or bad actually as it is nothing good) at seeing ten steps ahead. being able to see the picture as it would be, being able to go through the combinations of different events and assign a risk to each one and therefore a best case scenario to follow.
I've been called a politician at work, and can usually get two arguing parties to a middle ground. If I'm inclined otherwise I will try and avoid any arguments. I don't take criticsm well, but that may be because of my upbringing. In fact anything I feel might get me in trouble I get immense amounts of shame about .. again probably upbringing.
I hate work, but would love it if I loved what I was doing. Even still, if I won a million I would never be one of those to turn up to work the next day. I am all for wondering why we work five days and rest two days when the other way around seems more interesting and beneficial.
Some comments that gel from sites
Often, INFPs are lovers of nature who spend time outside or in the wilderness. They do this in an effort to passionately connect with what they see as the basic essence of life. Especially early in life, INFPs may become lone wanderers, as they travel and explore one place after another. They’re usually content with rather simple or Bohemian living arrangements, perhaps furnishing their homes with second-hand furniture and decor. Extravagant vacations, designer clothes, and fine meals aren’t a priority for the INFP, who values a simple life of meaning over a life of material goods.
INFPs are not particularly driven by money or career status. What they really care about is doing work that aligns with their personal values and allows them to help others. Because INFPs are highly individualistic, they may feel dissatisfied working for a company or organization that they don’t personally believe in. INFPs are motivated by vision and inspiration, so they may become restless and unhappy if they have to do routine work often.
INFPs make wonderful partners and friends. They’re loyal, nurturing, and understanding. Self-aware and often spiritual, INFPs tend to be open-minded and accepting of other people’s preferences and behavior—as long as their own core values are not violated. They strongly support their friends’ and partners’ individuality, encouraging them to explore their own ideas and interests. However, they choose romantic partners and friends carefully—not just anyone will do. INFPs look for people whose values are similar to theirs. And they need someone with whom they can create deep emotional intimacy.
INFPs are flexible and laid-back, until one of their values is violated. In the face of their value system being threatened, INFPs can become aggressive defenders, fighting passionately for their cause. When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".
INFPs are sensitive and empathetic, and engage themselves in a lifelong quest for meaning and authenticity. The mundane aspects of life are of less interest to this type, and they are more excited by interesting ideas than by practical facts. They typically accept others without question, and may take special interest in offbeat points of view or alternative lifestyles. They often have a special affection for the arts, especially the avant garde, as they love experiencing new concepts in self-expression.
INFP children often exhibit this in a 'Calvin and Hobbes' fashion, switching from reality to fantasy and back again. With few exceptions, it is the NF child who readily develops imaginary playmates
People with INFP preferences get stressed by boring or repetitive tasks, being rushed, or negative criticism from others. They dislike routine and open disrespect.
When they’re stressed, they tend to become cynical, aggressive, and judgmental. They may start to feel sorry for themselves or doubt their own abilities. At times of extreme or prolonged stress, they may become passive-aggressive, self-indulgent, or start criticizing others without considering the impact this may have on their relationships.
McCandless was academically gifted and a recent college graduate. While others assumed he would forge a path of worldly success, McCandless had others aspirations. Something seemed to be missing from his life and from the conventional lives of those around him, that he felt he needed to pursue and understand. So instead of heading off to college, he sold most of his possessions and embarked on a life of exploration, culminating in a journey deep into the Alaskan wilderness.
Thoreau was unimpressed by conventional life and dreamed of something more: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to confront only the essential facts of life… and not, when it came to die, discover that I had not lived.” (me so much!!)
So obviously some of these may apply to INFJ as well, but some of these really speak to me. They seem to embody who I am. I will say though that there are many other aspects that don't.
SO I suppose I feel more of an affinity to what I read about INFP. I was always as a child wanting to explore the wide bounds of Australia and can remember making a pact with my friend at the time that we would buy a bus and travel around Australia by the year 2000. Everything as a child was about exploring .. being outside and enjoying nature. My favourite place is the beach or the forest - alone
Sorry it was so long .. I just got excited as these things I have copied down or written are good examples of who I am. Apologies also for not footnoting my quotes or even putting quotes around them
So, still INFJ? Not sure .. not sure I want to classify myself .. maybe like astrology you can be on the "cusp". Maybe it's like being an introverted extrovert?