I have positive experience with an INFP who, while possessing a set of values both deeply considered and deeply held, always allows for the possibility they are wrong, such that they always possess a sense of doubt. Their only certainty, in paradox, is that there isn't any. This leads to their feeling things deeply, and perhaps expressing their dreams, ideas, and passions in a manner that is with some energy, but they never make claim to the mantle of that which is right. That said, in those moments when they are presented with something they do not value, they may be heard to exclaim "that is fucked up."
As it concerns others, they love nothing more than to witness others' truth and hear their stories. To meet a stranger and in the space of a few minutes to have that stranger reveal those things of meaning and beauty to them - this is a never-ending source of joy. Hearing of that stranger's path, unique in its details, universal in its humanity, is beheld with a childlike wonder.
That INFP's moral compass sometimes seems to work by pointing due south - the "good" is only known by full exploration of that which is "evil" - that which would be socially acceptable is only known by consideration of that which would lead to the greatest shaming and embarassment. They have sometimes spoken of their most valuable experiences as it concerns growth and integration being those times they walked through their valley of shadow - because when they eventually climbed the hillside, they truly appreciated and understood their light of dawn.
They often speak of everything being subjective, their values included. Out of this is born their idea that there is no good, no evil - that people are motivated by their needs, constrained by their situation, and do the best they can with the resources available to them. In this sense, forgiveness of others and self is by default, and compassion for humanity is universal. That INFP has expressed their greatest lesson is that of acceptance - of all there is, and ultimately, their own person.
At the same time, a part of them also longs for tabula rasa, for the slate of the world of humankind to be erased. They imagine a catastrophe of fire, flood, or pestilence that would lay waste to all there is, a "cleansing" of epic proportion. The expression of this idea often comes when they are impassioned and exploring their doubt.
This INFP expresses a duality of hedonism and self-restraint. They can become quite excited by consideration of sensuous and sensual pleasures, but at the same time, they also exhibit a degree of temperence in things that borders on self-denial.
That INFP finds beauty in so many things, especially in nature, and they focus on contemplation of that beauty to the point they are overwhelmed with the emotional experience resulting. They seem to have tears most days, even if their overall nature and demeanor are ones of interior calm and exterior bursts of energy.
In times of conflict that INFP tends to retreat and become like that of stone. They are sometimes too eager to sieze upon a fact they can blow up to size such that it may be used as a club against themselves. They can react hotly when invalidated, only to quickly retreat again, offering apology for their expressed anger. They invest considerable energy in defending themselves if they perceive they are under attack. On the other hand, they dive toward a deep self-disclosure and openness if they sense that the situation is safe or if they sense such vulnerability will bring about resolution or harmony. This only comes about when they have accepted the inevitability of feeling deeply those emotions deemed unpleasant - and this usually comes after some time of a walled-off defense.
Their imagination is quick and seemingly without boundary. That INFP will spontaneously express the fantastical, even when the source stimulus was mundane or ordinary. They tend to be animated and eager in that expression. They are often told how well they tell a story, real or imagined.
In the end I have the sense you could tell that INFP anything about yourself and they would accept you for your person. I value that more than I could say. Coming to know them and earning their trust has been one of the best experiences of my life.
cheers,
Ian
)
