‘The Protector’
A protector or advocate (INFJ) is a person who is introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging. They have a deep thoughtfulness and imagination for life. Their inner vision, personal values, and quiet, principled humanism guide them in everything they do. INFJ people account for 2.3% of the population, with 1.4% men and 3.1% women.
What is an INFJ Personality Like?
Advocates (INFJs) may be the most uncommon personality type, but they leave their mark on the world. They are idealistic and principled people who don’t want to coast through life. In fact, they want to stand up and make a difference. Advocate personalities define success as seeking fulfilment, and helping others. They are a force for good in the world, rather than money or status.
Advocates should not be mistaken for idle dreamers despite their lofty goals and ambitions. This personality type values integrity and they are rarely satisfied until they have done what they know is right. Conscientious to the core, they move through life with a clear sense of their values. They strive to never lose sight of what truly matters – not to other people or society at large, but to their wisdom and intuition.
Pursuing a Goal
Advocates frequently feel different from most people, whether consciously or unconsciously, perhaps because their personality type is so unusual. They don’t always fit in with those around them. Because of their rich inner lives and their deep, abiding desire to find their life purpose. This is not to say that Advocates cannot enjoy social acceptance or close relationships. Rather, they feel misunderstood or at odds with the rest of the world at times.
Fortunately, this sense of being out of step with the rest of the world does not diminish Advocates’ determination to make the world a better place. Advocates are troubled by injustice, and they are usually more concerned with altruism than with personal gain. They frequently feel called to use their gifts, such as creativity, imagination, and sensitivity, to help others and spread compassion.
Many Advocates see their life’s mission as helping others. They are always looking for ways to step in and speak up for what is right. People with this personality type aspire to solve society’s deeper problems. They hope that injustice and hardship will become a thing of the past. However, advocates may become so focused on their ideals that they fail to take adequate care of themselves. This leads to stress and burnout.
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Personal Objective
Many Advocates believe that their lives have a singular purpose – a mission that they were born to fulfil. One of the most rewarding aspects of life for people with this personality type is seeking out this purpose – and then striving to do it justice once they’ve found it.
When Advocates face injustice or inequity, they rarely give up. Instead, they use their intuition and compassion to find a solution. Advocates are hardwired to right the world’s wrongs, no matter how big or small, because of their innate ability to balance the heart and the head. These people just need to remember that while they’re busy taking care of everyone else, they also need to take care of themselves.
INFJ-t vs INFJ-A
1. Relationships
In relationships, INFPs are deeply emotional and even spiritually involved. This indicates that they take their relationships seriously and that they are affectionate and caring when they are in love.
When they first fall in love, Assertive and Turbulent INFJs are both reluctant to open up, but as time goes on, they become more private and intimate.
However, turbulent INFJs search for higher ideals, the kind of true love that one sees in romantic comedies, and the ultimate union of two bodies, hearts, and souls.
This also implies that Turbulent INFJs are more likely to suffer than Assertive INFJs in the event of a breakup.
2. Workplace
The most noticeable difference between INFJ-A and INFJ-T is their working environment. INFJ-Ts are perfectionists who work hard. This is even when they are stressed or anxious.
INFJ-As have a stimulating confidence that helps them face daily challenges, and they are less affected by tense situations than their Turbulent counterparts.
However, assertive people can appear overconfident, giving the impression that they are careless and unconcerned.
What are INFJs Good at?
#1. Creative
INFJs are extremely creative because they pay attention to detail while focusing on the big picture. An INFJ is never short of ideas, whether it’s in music, art, or literature.
They can turn every detail they notice into a work of art, wordplay, or writing.
INFJs are capable of detecting patterns, opportunities, and designs that an average person would miss.
The fact that INFJs are predominantly introverts means that they often need to spend time on their own, to contemplate, restructure, or plan future projects.
Their inner curiosity allows them to succeed by experimenting with words, colours, textures, or music. Many notable people, including J.K. Rowling, Alanis Morisette, Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, Carl Jung, and others, are or were INFJs.
#2. Insightful
INFJs’ intuitive nature extends beyond the ordinary. They frequently make emotional judgments and enjoy observing people’s interactions.
The famous INFJ stare is nothing more than their intense desire to see what lies beyond the obvious. They have an incredible ability to see through people’s motives, and lying or tricking these people is extremely difficult.
Advocate personalities understand more than what they are told, and they are rarely incorrect. The knowledge they gain enables them to address underlying issues that point to the heart of the problem.
#3. Inspiring and Persuading
INFJs, with their soft-spoken and carefully chosen words, are neither too imposing nor too aggressive to get their point across, and yet they are the ones who are difficult to dismiss.
Their calmness, altruism and genuine desire to act to make significant changes for the better often inspire trust and confidence in others.
This trust not only serves as the foundation for inspiration, but it also serves as a means of persuasion and working toward a common goal once established.
#4. Decisive
When discussing Advocate strengths, decisiveness is an important factor in how they live their lives. Making decisions for them is simply because they use their gut instinct to weigh the better option, frequently ignoring facts.
When they see the big picture, they plan every detail and use their unyielding willpower to complete difficult and time-consuming tasks and projects.
Whatever they decide, it is consistent with their deeply ingrained moral values and principles of humanity.
#5. Passionate and Determined
“Nothing is too difficult if it has to be done,” an INFJ would say whenever they are certain that proceeding with a specific task or project is the only option.
They see challenges as opportunities to learn and see things from new perspectives. This attitude is maintained when they are enthusiastic about the project or idea, which must be related to making positive changes in their surroundings.
#6. Altruistic
“Do to others as you’d have them do to you” could be their prime motivation to act.
They do so, however, not because they expect to be treated equally, but because they are deeply convinced that empowering others is the path to happiness.
INFJs value the happiness of those around them, and taking care of others’ needs takes precedence over their own.
#7. Idealistic
Many of us want the world to be a better place, but INFJs have the willpower, courage, and organisation to make that happen.
They truly believe in bringing about positive change in people and their surroundings, and they frequently participate in activities that benefit those who are underserved or in pain.
INFJs are the type of people who will never give up on a project that no one else will, and despite the odds, they will see it through to completion.
#8. Empathising with Others
The Advocate personality type is a feeling type who quickly picks up on other people’s emotions. The way they show compassion and empathy goes beyond mere understanding of what those around them go through due to their intuitive nature.
They can tell the difference between their friends’ disappointment, sadness, and worry, and they are excellent at reading body language and detecting unspoken suffering.
This INFJ strength is not overlooked, and it is not uncommon for acquaintances to open up to an INFJ because they ‘feel’ they will be understood. And they will go to any length to comfort the person or find a way out.
#9. Self Sacrificing
People with an INFJ personality rarely consider their own needs. Personal accomplishments only make sense when they make other people happy, so they could work for hours to help those in need with no expectation of recompense.
Financial incentives never appeal to INFJs, and they are willing to sacrifice both time and money to do the right thing.
What are INFJs’ Weaknesses?
Although INFJs have many wonderful skills and strengths that can benefit those around them, they also have blind spots that can be detrimental to them. Some INFJs do not learn to manage or overcome potential areas of weakness.
The following are the weaknesses of the INFJ personality type:
- Easily offended or upset.
- Perfectionist ideals can lead to unrealistic expectations.
- The difficulty confronting and resolving conflict.
- Deeply private demeanour and attitude.
- Struggling to compromise when it relates to their values.
INFJs are more emotionally sensitive than more detached, logical types because they are naturally feeling-oriented. They can, however, learn not to take things personally by distinguishing between positive and negative feedback and understanding that they can choose how each comment affects them.
INTJs are disappointed when things fall short of their lofty expectations. They are naturally idealistic, which may cause them to expect things to go much better than they do. However, with experience and personal growth, INFJs will likely recognise the danger in this viewpoint and overcome the disappointment caused by unrealistic expectations.
INFJs are often uncomfortable with conflict and may even avoid it rather than confront it. However, INFJs must learn to be more direct when confronted with a problem with another person to resolve the problem before it worsens.
Reserved Nature
Their reserved nature can cause them to keep a lot to themselves. Though they enjoy getting to know others, they are more likely to listen than share, which may result in them withholding vital information. INFJs should try to be more open with their friends and family; they must express themselves when something bothers them.
They have a strong sense of their values, which means that even when they are wrong, INFJs have a difficult time compromising or letting go. To overcome this blindspot, INFJs should remain open to new ideas, understanding that theirs may not always be the best.
When INFJs put forth the effort to identify and overcome their blind spots, they can make strides toward self-improvement. Small changes implemented one at a time can lead to significant growth and long-term development.
Romantic Relationships
Advocates (INFJs) seek depth and meaning in their relationships, including romantic relationships. This personality type is known for having a vivid imagination, but few Advocates can imagine themselves settling for anything less than true love.
Finding a compatible partner can take time for Advocates. Some people may believe that Advocates are too picky, and it is true that these people can have unrealistic expectations. Advocates’ perfectionistic, idealistic nature may tempt them to seek out a “perfect” partner or relationship that, in the end, does not exist. The good news? Advocates’ idealism, when balanced with just the right amount of realism, can improve their love life.
Is This True?
Advocates are often tuned in to their core values, acutely aware of what is important to them on a soul level. This enables them to look beyond superficial attraction and determine whether they are compatible with someone on a deeper, more meaningful level. These insights are critical for assisting Advocates in avoiding matches that are not founded on authenticity or shared values.
Advocates value integrity and they often bristle when people try to persuade them to believe something they don’t. As a result, Advocate personalities prefer partners who accept them for who they are.
When Advocates do find a compatible partner, they rarely take it for granted. Instead, they seek ways to develop as individuals and strengthen their relationships with their partners. This can help Advocates’ relationships achieve depth and sincerity that many people can only imagine.
Loves’ Influence
This personality type brings depth to their relationships that are difficult to describe in conventional terms. Because of their sensitivity and insight, advocates can make their partners feel heard and understood in beautiful ways. They are not afraid to express their love, and they feel it with all their hearts.
INTJs understand that love is not a passive emotion, but rather a chance to grow and learn, and they expect their partners to share this perspective. As a result, relationships with these people are not for the indecisive or shallow. Advocates are intensely passionate in ways that go beyond the present moment, and what truly fulfils them is watching a loving, meaningful relationship evolve and deepen over time.
People with the Advocate personality type long for an emotional and even spiritual connection with their partner. They value not only the act of being in a relationship, but also the experience of becoming one with another person in mind, body, and soul.
INFJ Compatibility
What they prefer are personalities who share similar life values, principles, and expectations. These are typically intuitive personality types who are forward-thinking, planners and make deep connections.
The extroverted feeling function is what makes INFJs such caring people who make decisions based on what they feel rather than what they see or hear.
Similar personalities will frequently encourage one another without questioning their choices. However, because these personalities (Ni and Fe) are not particularly fond of housekeeping and daily chores, determining who will be in charge of them may prove difficult.
If the same activities occupy their attention while they miss out on other valuable experiences, the relationship may become monotonous.
1. INFJ-ENTP Relationships (Soulmate Compatibility):
INFJs are drawn to ENTPs’ intelligence, confidence, and energy. ENTPs assist INFJs in growing by pushing them outside of their comfort zone. INFJs’ calm, receptive, and creative nature attracts ENTPs. INFJs can help ENTPs stay on track by engaging in deep conversations about a wide range of topics.
2. INFJ-ENFP Relationships (Soulmate Compatibility):
INFJs appreciate ENFPs’ positive, open, and insightful personalities. ENFPs assist INFJs in letting go and enjoying life. They gravitate to INFJs for their depth, thoughtfulness, and kindness. ENFPs can experience a lack of direction at times, and INFJs can assist ENFPs in becoming more grounded and focused.
Who Should INFJs Marry? – ENTP
Although two well-developed individuals of any type can enjoy a healthy relationship, INFJ’s natural partner is the ENTP or the ENFP. INFJ’s dominant function of Introverted Intuition is best matched with a personality type that is dominated by Extraverted Intuition.
Friendships
Advocates (INFJs) rarely settle for shallow, superficial friendships. When it comes to social fulfilment, they aren’t satisfied by casual interactions with colleagues or classmates. Advocate personalities crave authentic, meaningful friendships – friendships that allow them to share their dreams, bare their souls, and feel understood and accepted for who they are. And if that means having just one or two confidants rather than a wide circle of acquaintances, so be it.
While Advocates may seem quiet or reserved to the world at large, they light up around their close friends. Few things bring them more pleasure or delight than talking through their passions, interests, and beliefs with a kindred spirit. People with this personality type enjoy the pleasure of their own company, but Advocates still find it liberating to let their guard down and be completely and utterly themselves with a friend they know they can trust.
Looking for a Gold Heart
It’s common knowledge that advocates have high expectations, not only for themselves but also for the people in their friendships. Authenticity is high on this list of demands. Advocates should assume that a person isn’t their best friend if they have to act fake or tone down for their approval. People with this personality type also find it difficult to respect others who won’t be honest with them in return, let alone those who aren’t capable of being honest with themselves.
Mutual support and growth are two other expectations that Advocates bring to their friendships. It’s great to have fun together, but it’s not enough for these personalities. Advocates want to be surrounded by people who inspire them to learn, grow, and improve themselves. For them, the most certain way for two friends to strengthen their bond is to assist each other in moving forward on their respective life missions.
Genuineness and Loyalty
Fortunately, people with this personality type are more than capable of finding the types of friends they desire; they may just need to put in a little extra effort. These friends may sometimes be hiding in plain sight, among acquaintances whom Advocates don’t know all that well. This personality type is known for having sharp first impressions of others, but even Advocates can overlook the deeper potential of the people they meet daily. Advocates may discover that they share values and attitudes that make them compatible on a deeper level if they give these people a chance.
Advocates make loyal, caring companions once they form genuine friendships. They are surprised, at times, by the intensity of their loyalty and devotion to their friends.
Who is INFJs’ Bestfriend?
An INFJ and an INTJ make excellent friends. Being introverts themselves, they can spend their time together doing things that don’t require a lot of energy. INFJs are sensitive daydreamers who occasionally require someone to shake them out of their daydreams, something an INTJ isn’t afraid to do.
INFJ vs INFP
INFPs and INFJs are frequently confused for one another due to their apparent commitment to sensitivity, deep relationships, and assisting others in navigating the world. While INFPs and INFJs may appear similar at first glance, these two personality types have differences that set them apart. The main difference between these two personality types is their cognitive functions. INFPs and INFJs have no cognitive functions in common, which means that the actual psychological processes that drive them differ greatly.
Since INFPs judge using introverted feelings, they appear flexible, artistic, and spontaneous to outside observers, whereas INFJs judge using introverted intuition, making them typically seen as more structured, organised, and analytical individuals.
Is INFJ the Rarest Personality Type?
The rarest personality type is the INFJ personality type. INFJ is the rarest personality type across the population, occurring in just 2.3% of the population. Why is INFJ rare, you might be wondering. All of the most uncommon personality types share one trait: they are Intuitive rather than Sensors. This is intriguing because intuitive tend to think and process information more abstractly. They enjoy searching for patterns and theories, and they are generally more concerned with the future than the present.
INFJ Characters
1. Joe Goldberg (You)
To put it mildly, Joe Goldberg is an unhealthy INFJ. Joe has an idealised view of himself. He murders people and justifies it to himself because he believes he is protecting his loved ones and making the world a better place. Joe, for example, murdered Beck’s ex-boyfriend, Benji, and her best friend, Peach, believing they were poisoning Beck’s mind. Joe felt compelled to protect Ellie, so he murdered Henderson. But he also has to kill Delilah if she discovers his true nature because he doesn’t want Delilah to ruin what he has with Love.
2. Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter)
The ultimate INFJ fictional character is Albus Dumbledore. He is wise, thoughtful, and reflective, and he always takes his time to consider things. This allows him to turn his vision of defeating Voldemort through Harry Potter into a well-thought-out plan, which he then executes. Dumbledore is also compassionate and kind, always looking out for others. This is most evident in his relationship with Harry. Dumbledore acts as a mentor to Harry, teaching him the skills he needs to defeat Voldemort. INFJs can see others’ abilities and help them reach their full potential, which is exactly what Dumbledore does for people like Harry Potter and Hagrid.
INFJ Careers
Advocates (INFJs) long to find a career that aligns with their values and their dreams – a career that allows them to fulfil their unique mission in this world. For these personalities, a job isn’t satisfying if it doesn’t offer a more profound sense of purpose – no matter how good the salary is. The good news is that people with this personality type can use their creativity and determination to find work that suits their needs in just about any field.
Advocates have trouble deciding which job is best for them because they’re able to imagine so many possibilities. They may see half a dozen wildly different paths forward, each with its own set of rewards. This can be exciting but also stress-inducing because picking just one means letting go of so many others. Advocates feel a sense of loss when so many doors close because one was selected.
The ideal work environment for an INFJ is harmonious, industrious, and oriented to a humanitarian mission, with co-workers who are similarly committed to positive change. The ideal job for a Counselor allows them to use their creativity in an independent, organised environment to develop and implement a vision that is consistent with their values.
Top career choices for INFJs include:
1. Health Care
Healthcare careers allow INFJs to combine their deep concern for the welfare of others with their often formidable intellectual abilities. Many INFJs enjoy science and find it extremely rewarding to use their scientific knowledge to help others. Examples of INFJ healthcare careers include:
- Physical therapist
- Public Health Educator
- Family Physician
- Occupational Therapist
2. Counselling and Social Service
When it comes to personal issues, INFJs are typically attentive listeners and deep, insightful thinkers. They have a strong intuition about people and a deep reservoir of patience when dealing with difficult emotional situations. All of these characteristics combine to make them skilled, compassionate counsellors, social workers, and religious workers. Counselling and social service jobs for INFJs include:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Social Worker
The Takeaway
Advocates (INFJs) may be the most uncommon of the 16 personality types, but they leave their mark on the world. They are idealistic and principled people who never lose sight of what truly matters – not to other people or society at large, but to their own wisdom and intuition.
Related reading: For even more useful content on MBTI, check out our ultimate guide on Myers Briggs.
Updated: November 2023 by Ailish O’Rourke-Henriette
