9 signs you’re an INFJ, the world’s rarest personality type

Feeling a bit different from everyone else around you? You could be one of the rarest gems out there, an INFJ.

INFJ is the most uncommon personality type, held by merely 1-2% of the world’s population. They’re often misunderstood and can feel a bit isolated.

As an INFJ myself, I’ve come to recognize the unique traits that set us apart. We have a certain way of thinking, acting, and viewing the world that might seem odd to others but feels perfectly normal to us.

In this article, I’ll walk you through nine telltale signs that you might just be an INFJ. 

Let’s get started. 

1) You’re a walking contradiction

Welcome to the world of an INFJ, where contradictions live harmoniously.

As an INFJ, you might find yourself being an introvert who can exhibit extroverted behaviors. You love solitude, but also crave deep and meaningful connections with others. You’re empathetic and care deeply about people, yet you also need a lot of alone time to recharge.

You might feel like you’re constantly flip-flopping between extremes, but don’t worry. This is a classic sign of being an INFJ. It’s like we have an on-and-off switch when it comes to our social interactions.

And while this might seem strange to others, it’s perfectly normal for us. It’s just part of the unique charm that comes with being the world’s rarest personality type.

2) You sense things others don’t

As an INFJ, I’ve always had this uncanny ability to pick up on things that others miss.

For example, I remember being at a party with friends. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. But I couldn’t shake off this odd feeling about one of my friends. On the surface, she was laughing and chatting away, but something in her eyes seemed off.

I decided to check on her, and it turned out she was going through a rough patch and was just putting on a brave face for the evening.

This is something that comes naturally to INFJs. We are often able to sense emotions and feelings that others overlook. It’s as if we’re tuned into a different frequency, picking up signals that most people miss.

While it can be overwhelming at times, it also allows us to form deep connections and be there for those who need us the most.

3) You’re drawn to the metaphysical

Here’s something intriguing about us INFJs. We possess a natural affinity towards the metaphysical, the abstract, and the symbolic.

While we’re rooted in reality, our minds often wander into the realm of theories, symbols, and big-picture thinking. We’re attracted to philosophy, literature, spirituality, and often find ourselves pondering life’s biggest questions.

The MBTI manual even suggests that INFJs are likely to watch science fiction and read speculative fiction more than any other personality type.

This love for abstract concepts helps us understand the world in a unique and profound way. It’s one of the key traits that defines us as INFJs.

4) You crave deep connections

As an INFJ, surface-level interactions just don’t cut it for you. Small talk isn’t your cup of tea, and you’d much rather dive into deep, meaningful conversations.

You yearn for connections that go beyond the usual chit-chat. You want to know what makes people tick, what their passions are, and what their dreams look like.

This need for depth in relationships can sometimes leave you feeling isolated or misunderstood, especially in a world where many interactions remain on the surface level. But when you do find those rare connections that feed your soul, they’re incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

5) You value harmony

If there’s one thing INFJs can’t stand, it’s unnecessary conflict. We are natural peacemakers and often go out of our way to ensure harmony in our surroundings.

We’re sensitive to tension and discord, and we do our best to mediate and resolve issues. We have this innate ability to understand different perspectives, which helps us navigate conflicts smoothly.

However, this doesn’t mean we avoid difficult conversations. On the contrary, we believe in addressing issues head-on but in a manner that is respectful and constructive.

With an INFJ around, you can be sure that harmony and understanding are always promoted.

6) You’re deeply empathetic

Empathy runs deep in the veins of an INFJ. We don’t just understand the emotions of others, we feel them.

When a friend is going through a hard time, we’re right there with them, feeling their pain, their sorrow, their struggles. We’re often the shoulder to cry on, the listening ear, the comforting presence.

This deep empathy can be both a blessing and a curse. It allows us to connect with others on a profound level, but it can also leave us feeling drained and emotionally exhausted.

Being an INFJ means carrying this double-edged sword of deep empathy. It’s a burden we bear willingly because we know it allows us to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

7) You struggle with perfectionism

The desire to do everything perfectly is something that I, like many INFJs, constantly grapple with.

I remember working on a project a few years ago. I was so determined to get every detail right that I ended up missing the deadline. While the end product was polished, the delay caused a ripple effect on other tasks.

This is a common struggle for INFJs. We set high standards for ourselves and strive for perfection in everything we do. While this can lead to exceptional results, it can also create unnecessary stress and hinder our productivity.

Learning to balance this drive for perfection with practicality is an ongoing journey for us INFJs.

8) You’re future-oriented

Being an INFJ means being a dreamer and a planner. We’re always thinking about the future, envisioning possibilities and planning our next steps.

Our minds are often filled with thoughts of what could be. We think about how our actions today will affect tomorrow, and we’re always considering the long-term implications of our choices.

While this forward-thinking approach helps us prepare for different scenarios and make strategic decisions, it sometimes means we struggle to stay present in the moment.

Whether it’s planning our career trajectory or imagining the potential outcomes of a conversation, being an INFJ means constantly living in the future.

9) You have a strong sense of purpose

At the core of every INFJ lies a deep sense of purpose. We’re not content with just going through the motions of life; we want to make a difference.

We yearn for meaning and purpose in everything we do – our careers, relationships, hobbies. We’re driven by a desire to leave a positive impact on the world and the people around us.

This burning passion fuels us, gives us direction, and shapes our decisions. It’s what makes us strive for more, constantly pushing us towards growth and self-improvement.

Having a life filled with purpose isn’t just an aspiration for us INFJs, it’s a necessity.

Embracing the rarity

Being an INFJ is truly a unique experience. We navigate the world with a profound sense of understanding, empathy, and purpose.

The traits we carry may seem contradictory to some – we’re introverts who crave deep connections, thinkers who feel deeply, planners who dream wildly. But these are not contradictions. They’re complexities that make us who we are.

As the rarest personality type, it’s easy for us to feel misunderstood or out of place. But remember, it’s this very uniqueness that makes us special.

Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology, once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are”. As an INFJ, we are on a constant journey of understanding and accepting our true selves.

Embrace your INFJ traits. Nurture them. Celebrate them. Because being an INFJ isn’t just about being rare; it’s about being authentically you.