INFPs and INTPs both resemble each other since both of them are a little kooky and rebellious by nature. Both of these personality types don’t feel restricted by the rules and regulations imposed by others and are often far ahead of the pack when it comes to setting their paths. INFPs and INTPs both tend to be honest and unique, and they typically show no interest in conforming to society’s norms.
Both personality types have a fierce individuality, but they also both often experience anxiety and depression. They can feel overwhelmed when they come up against a strict deadline, for example. Both INFPs and INTPs are Intuitive Perceivers that work better without constraints.
These personality types are slightly similar because they share some of the same auxiliary and tertiary functions (Extraverted Intuition, or Ne, and Introverted Sensing, or Se). Because they share these two factors, many people feel these personality types are identical, but they aren’t. We’ll break down below some of the vital differences you need to know between INFPs and INTPs.
1. Accepting Other’s Opinions
An INFP will listen to another person’s opinions and give them all manner of respect. However, they tend not to budge much when it comes to changing their feelings. While they are just fine listening to others express their feelings for hours without interruption, when it comes to arguing with them and changing their perspective, you probably won’t get them to budget.
INTPS, on the other hand, is more interested in the logic behind the argument. If a person has a decent set of logical illustrations, they just might change their opinions. However, if you lack in the logic department, expect to get into a heated debate with them.
2. Different Worldviews
INFPs are more likely to care about honesty above all other things, and they can’t stand cognitive dissonance. They have a very rigid moral compass, while they are still very tolerant of what other people think. However, while they’ll accept other’s opinions, they won’t do much to revise their own views even if other people have very strong arguments about why they should do so. They’ll listen attentively, but they won’t budge on their own opinions.
INTPs don’t tend to be as strict when it comes to their worldview. They are more able to adapt and evolve if they feel another person has an excellent point and enough logic to back it up. For example, many of these types are interested in agnosticism because it seems like the most logical religious perspective. They are rational thinkers that are willing to accept others’ logical arguments.
3. Imaginations
INFPs have worlds that are full of dreams, fantasies, and plenty of colors. They enjoy stories that have characters that defy the norm, which is part of their Fi. They even prefer video games with exciting plots and solid characters so they can feel the emotion as they play the game. To them, the media needs to identify with them and their emotional needs for them to listen. INFPs, for the most part, enjoy engaging in the world of fantasy.
INFPs, on the other hand, are more interested in non-fiction stories and movies and don’t care about feelings or relationships. These types prefer good history books or science magazines for their reading at night. It wouldn’t be surprising even to find this personality type reading a thesaurus or a dictionary. They love items that are particularly well researched. They only typically appreciate fiction when it’s tied to a real-life experience.
4. Feelings
Ti dominates INTPs, so that can make them feel estranged from their feelings at times. Because they sometimes disconnect from felling and meaning, the INTP usually fears that life is meaningless, and everything is nihilistic. To help them get past this fear, they try to form interpersonal relationships that allow them to explore subjects like psychology and philosophy.
INFPs, on the other hand, have the opposite sense of fear. These people aren’t as disconnected from their feelings. So, they don’t worry as much about a lack of meaning to life. However, they do appreciate structure and logic. That means they often find themselves interested in science, computers, math, and the law. So, many of them try to create meaning by finding structure in their lives.
5. Fears
INFPs tend to be very loyal to their friends and family members. They also fear losing those closest to them through conflicts or drifting. When there is a significant change or separation, this personality type can take things rough. When this happens, they start holding back their feelings until they ultimately explode. If an INFP realizes there can be better days ahead following a separation, then they can finally begin to heal.
INTPs fear getting stuck and do not enjoy feeling as is their potential is wasting away. That can sometimes cause them to act arrogant and immature because they are trying to display that they are smarter than you. However, at heart, they really lack confidence at this point. They may even stay away from arguments and debates when they are in this particular mood.
6. Stress
These two personality types respond very differently to stress. When either one of these personality types is under an overwhelming amount of stress, they won’t behave normally. An INFP will start overworking themselves, exercising too much, or over-socializing to numb the issue that’s causing them to act so oddly. While it may seem like they are very productive, they are using a form of escapism.
INTPs, on the other hand, can explode with anger or even cry when everything seems to be falling apart. They can then start asking desperate and will even disconnect and isolate. INTPs can also have difficulty trusting others when they are too stressed.
7. Work Ethic
INFPs have a solid work ethic and don’t mind throwing themselves into work when other things get tough. While that’s a form of escapism, even when they are balanced, they tend to be very productive individuals.
INTPs are more inclined to do what they need to do to get the job done. We couldn’t quite classify them as workaholics, but they know they need money to pay for food and bills.
8. Creativity
Both INTPs and INFPs are very process-focused, the way they approach this focus varies. INFPs enjoy self-discovery and creativity and are very happy using that to fulfill their lives. INTPs, on the other hand, tend to be a lot more analytical with their creativity. They are very logical, so they’ll often come up with new ideas based on the illogical things they see around them.
9. Clarity
INTPs lack some clarity when it comes to progressing toward psychological wholeness. It can be difficult for them to revise their approaches to happiness, and often have to learn to let go. INFPs, on the other hand, are more willing to explore the concept of psychological wholeness since they love the process of self-discovery.
10. Comfort
INFPs enjoy the softer side of things, even if their romantic relationships don’t always demonstrate that. They enjoy cute animals, romantic stories, and hugs. INFPs enjoy being happy, and also enjoy creating joy in others around them.
INTPs are more relaxed about comfort. They’ll ignore the fact that they are sick until it’s obvious they need to start working, for instance. They don’t enjoy being sick because they can’t stand being bored.
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