Let’s talk INFPs: A Journey into the Mind of the Idealistic Dreamer

I hope you enjoy my breakdown of the INFP personality type (this was fun to make)!
0:00 - 1:23 intro
1:24 - 2:20 what are cognitive functions?
2:20 - 3:08 introverted feeling
3:09 - 4:08 extroverted intuition
4:09 - 5:15 introverted sensing
5:16 - 6:24 extroverted thinking
6:25 - 12:28 INFP expression
12:29 - 17:31 Strengths
17:32 - 23:22 Weaknesses
23:23 - 32:18 examples list

[@Dolphin369]

I am INFP and embarking on my first scientific research thesis for my masters degree in psychotherapy. It took me quite a while to reorganise my thinking to get on board with it, the academic rigour required for scientific research was not natural to me. Then I came across heuristic inquiry and it just resonates. I’m sure Clark Moustakas the creator of the process was an INFP. He discovered it on his personal quest for the meaning and essence of loneliness In his process the researcher is an instrument of the research, through which all data gathered is processed through self-inquiry, intuition, in dwelling, self-discovery etc. With full immersion in the felt experience of the data there is illuminated some kind of essential meaning and quality of the nature of a phenomenon. And his last phase is creative synthesis where the results are expressed through a creative form such as poetry, artwork, story, metaphor. Although in my case it has to be primarily a research manuscript. It has been wonderful to find a scientific method that utilises all the INFP traits.

[@angelagoodwin5758]

What a wealth of information you're providing. I'm an INFP in my 60s and I feel as though I've been spinning my wheels all my life. Never quite knew what to do with myself due to varying interests which can change at the drop of a hat. I've been searching for something to commit to. The search continues.

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

What have you found most rewarding so far?

[@angelagoodwin5758]

@@Nathanelder.expressthis I once worked as a nanny. I found that job very rewarding. I'm seriously considering doing it again on a part-time basis. In my spare time, I love exploring different philosophies, psychology, history, and the arts. Feels like I'm all over the place!🙃

[@rik-keymusic160]

@@angelagoodwin5758i feel you! I have very similar interest as yours 😄

[@cmc7507]

Same here. I am interested in so many things. Elizabeth Gilbert had a great KZbin video about the benefits of being a hummingbird person that flys from one flower to another and having a variety of knowledge and experiences.

[@janedoe8983]

I have just enjoyed the journey from one thing to another. I am old

[@loisthiessen9134]

THANK YOU! I'm a mature infp and have never heard anyone else speak about the strength in social dynamic that at least some infp's have. You explain how that dynamic gets used with their extroverted intuition. Fascinating

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

It’s a subtle quality, hard to pick up on sometimes. Definitely a big skill point for intuitives though!

[@freedomofspeech6905]

@@Nathanelder.expressthistotally 🥳

[@paulanderson2963]

46 years spent as this continuously changing pattern and I only recently discovered Alan Watts due to a KZbin recommendation. I can only say that unlike any other person I have listened to over the years where I felt as if someone was trying to force an ideology on me in listening to him I felt as if everything he spoke about was already inside of me and I just never vocalized much of it because I thought people would think I was spouting nonsense. This man passed on years before I was born and yet I feel as if he would understand and share my views and feelings on existence better than anyone ever has. I never studied Eastern cultures and everything that I have put together within me has been from my person experiences and collecting information from what scientific knowledge I was exposed to since I was a small child along with my love for observing my surroundings and my fellow humans while trying to make sense of what existence meant. Love to you and love to everyone who passes through to view this content. Loneliness and isolation are two states I find very difficult to deal with and I have learnt to remind myself that no matter how disconnected any of us may feel the truth is we are never alone and we are all connected and always have been because we are all what we refer to as the universe itself.

[@seliar7586]

You are Alive . Such Deep Words Thank You Love to You Back 🙏🏼

[@nadasalah651]

I really enjoyed this video so much!! I loved each part of it, and the last part has some interesting concepts. I hope you continue making videos about INFPs because your way of explaining stuff is so beautifully calm & engaging🤍🤍.

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Thank you so much, that’s really encouraging! We’re just getting warmed up!

[@walterking85]

Great Video!! Please do a video on the ENFP.

[@lumpyspaceprincesswo]

After watching this, I feel very understood. Most of the things you said I feel daily. Especially the part where you talked about finding out what you want to do. I find it very hard because I am interested in many things because I've explored many topics and emotions.

[@lumpyspaceprincesswo]

And 22:35

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

What are your major interests?

[@lumpyspaceprincesswo]

@Nathanelder.expressthis actually I'm not quite sure about that myself. I like many things that just connect to me on an emotional leve. I like artpop, rock, kpop, jpop, cpop, tpop, pop, anime, sewing, fashion, painting, dancing and many others. But basically hobbies and music I can use to express myself in an authentic way :)

[@m.s9146]

Thank you so much for this video. I kept typing as an INFJ but after I closed my law practice, immigration and human rights, I realized that my natural person is the INFP not INFJ. My second career is as a musician, singer and now also wish I’d taken the offer at my undergraduate university to join its PhD in Psychology program. You are correct that our best fit is in the listening and healing fields. Planning though to buy a very large property and use part of it for therapeutic horseback riding and music therapy. Guess it takes one to know one.

[@user-do1wh2zc7g]

I enjoyed the video, both the intended explanation and the subtle expression of an INFP mind, like the complete and efficient structure of it, or the moments of self amusement when taking about absurdism 😊

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Thankyou! And nice catch with the absurdism haha

[@cmc7507]

Yes. I feel a lot of pressure to do things in the timing and the pacing and the way most people do it. But like you said we have so much intuition and perceiving going on we are not able to accomplish the output that we are expected to do. Whew!

[@ramonafeisley5732]

So glad to come across your podcast I am.a 69 year young INFP. Been aware since since age 5. Could you perhaps address how to manage sensory overload. Noise and the fact my hearing is so acute, is difficult to navigate, mostly people's voices yammering on. You are the most well informed young man on the internet on this subject and meticulous presenter sir

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Thank you for the support. That’s lovely of you to say! As for managing sensory overload, I’m definitely still figuring that out myself! When you say people’s voices going on, is it like you feel overwhelmed in conversation? Or is it just hearing people speak in general?

[@manumaman3339]

Yes... Iam surprised... I knew just now only that iam an infp...!?

[@newkath7235]

😊 Hi soul-whisperer waiting for this was worth it!!! Thank you!!!!

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Haha! Glad you enjoyed it! ❤

[@littlepinkpie_]

Hey hi! Found your channel today, love everything about what you want to share with us, I normally don't find myself commenting on videos but this video hits different, thank u for sharing what u have. I appreciate your effort.

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Appreciate that, happy to have you here ~

[@juls2557]

You have a way of explaining and expressing things that open up a new way of understanding for me. I also felt very seen in this video. Would appreciate more INFP content. Thank you! 🫶🏼

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

That’s so heartwarming, thank you Juls. More content cooking!!

[@CheetahSnowLeopard]

Great job, thank you.

[@StepankaRytir]

Thank you, you talk from my heart!

[@GeorgiosElianos]

Great analysis, very accurate.

[@missraze9232]

This makes so much sense.. thanks for the in-depth take on INFPs

[@freedomofspeech6905]

Good luck with your channel! ❤

[@kimtopology4257]

The best way to describe INFP'S is "Still waters run deep " .

[@rohithkyla7595]

Love the enthusiasm and energy in this video! I noticed a couple of things which piqued my interest: 1. Isha ring (placed on your left hand ring finger specifically!); do you have any experience with meditation? A few unrelated questions: - how old are you (it seems as though you are wise and have enough confidence to be able to share your work - overcoming negative beliefs and fear of rejection/criteques - really appreciate you for this!) - others, do checkout Gary Vee (very helpful content regarding this). - do you have a script for the video or just general guidelines/points? - does coffee affect you? personally I think it makes my Extrovered Intuition go wild. Do excuse the randomness of these questions, fellow INFP :)

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Hey :) Very perceptive! Yes I have a history with meditation and inner work. I’m 24. I have some notes, it’s mostly intuitive though. I drink coffee everyday (and it definitely effects me haha!). Appreciate you tuning in!

[@seliar7586]

So perfect ! Such an INFP illustration . Brillant and great questions Watching this video in the sun outside with my daily coffee

[@ahlemsafia]

Thank you for preserving you. Thank god that you exist.

[@marianneperez6767]

This was terrific! Thank you so much!

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

You’re very welcome, happy to have you here :)

[@loisrabies8713]

Great video! Ty

[@HolySpiritFire888]

Thanx for explaining all the functions so clearly, I’ve been watching alot of diff infp videos n didnt know what the heck ppl were talking about. Now I get it 😊and feel comforted , can relate to everything u r saying n now i dont feel so weird . Was kinda getting sick of feeling so diff from everyone, though i try to accept myself n celebrate myself, its just nice to know im not alone n there r others like me.

[@Dgn404]

Parts work! I found that concept extremely appealing in therapy!

[@Dgn404]

also in terms of philosophy, Stoicism appeals most to me

[@seliar7586]

You are born to transmit . You have an amazing voice Thank You for what You do

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Appreciate that!

[@moonmon77]

i mold my feelings into my art as an infp :) the paintings evolve through a feeling I want to convey or transform

[@cmc7507]

Incredible! Thank you!! The first time I watched it, it was a lot of wow information! The second time I watched it I was able to get more out of it by pausing and taking notes. Would love to have the transcript.

[@erikbarnard1905]

Some of the best content out there for INFP I am an INFP mAle and I can give you 💯

[@INFP-Insights]

Wonderful overview! I like that references were made to Depth Typology, a potentially very fruitful avenue to personal growth and spiritual integration for the INFP. Looking forward to hearing more!

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Appreciate that, I’ve gotta check out your channel!

[@darlamerrill8052]

I have a neighbor that sounds just like this ,I would bet that she's an infp she can make things out of nothing and these hand crafted things are so original and I've never talked to someone who actually knows how to listen it's really something. People are usually trying to fiqure out what their going to say next.😊

[@Esther_33]

Your presentation and rich vocabulary are wonderful. Thanks for the video. I'm an infp and appreciate how well you describe me.

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Appreciate that, glad to have you here :)

[@rik-keymusic160]

What’s funny is actually that I have a lot of infp traits but I’m also a lion…. Which is the complete opposite of what infp is. It’s very contradictory in a way. 😅

[@barbarahughes620]

when I was a child my mother always called me a dreamer

[@alexandramartinetz]

love your voice

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Appreciate you :)

[@gabrielmontenegro-ny3ng]

Infps are amazing

[@billbollins]

I am a 57 year old INFP and I have struggled all of my life with depression and anxiety. I was a drummer and now I am trying to write but that INFP thing of not being able to finish anything trips me up everyday!

[@alcoholicvdgambler]

I'm an INFP. I think depression and anxiety go hand and hand with it.

[@billbollins]

@@alcoholicvdgambler Indeed

[@amampathak]

Thank you so much for making this, this is absolutely one of the best INFP videos I've seen that dives deep and I would love more content like it. This was really fun to watch! very insightful.

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Thanks, appreciate that

[@woodwater9882]

mimic, no wonder I like to do voice over😊

[@appletreel6487]

you just talk like an infp!:) gentle and a little dreamy~. I am an I/enfp.

[@Daeva83B]

Noo.. stay out of my mind! It's dark, i have too many worries! But there is light in the darkness, if you don't see it, you ain't looking long enough! ;) hehe, i wonder what you have to say about the INFP mind :)

[@sharon5259]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed! You mentioned you're not a fan of the 16 personalities test...is there one you would recommend or other resources? Thanks again

[@juliabures204]

👏🏼👏🏼💜💜

[@Heart.headed]

An INFP video by retro Simon Pegg. S!K 😎

[@Heyokasireniei468sxso]

Do forgive me but you might be a bit confused about the fe and fi functions especially since infj has both , and the infp has both ne and ni , and empathy also comes from the intuitive functions. If you read jung or even Natalie Pillard you will see for yourself. It's a common mistake, because infps are the ones wo are more sympathetic. There are also multi forms for empathy. the wrong correlation is being made do to word play and translation.

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Hey, thanks for your feedback! Can you elaborate on the INFPs being more sympathetic?

[@Heyokasireniei468sxso]

@@Nathanelder.expressthis hi and np , I'm saying the whole debate who is using empathy vs who is using sympathy is a failed argument because there are a whole lot of other factors as will there are other forms of empathy that one may be using as well emotional intelligence and mirror neurons, sympathy is just feeling sorry for someone, that's not what the infj is doing nor the infp anyone can feel sympathy? aside from that empathy does not just come from the feeling functions which are really ethics and relations functions, not just about feelings anyone can have feeling and emotions. empathy also comes from the intuitive functions, seeing into making unrelated connections. and there is also body language which can be gaged with the sensory functions, and cognitive empathy which can have from the logic /thinking functions which could resembled emotional empathy.

[@lazyjane1223]

How do you communicate with an angry and hurt INFP?

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Hey :) It’s hard to generalise. But I find that as INFPs, we want our process to be respected. We’re often bouncing through a lot of different perspectives and then spending a lot of time processing what we’re experiencing - looking for the right way to tie things together and come into ‘alignment’ in ourselves. We can feel angry and hurt because the weight of life is feels as though it’s suffocating us. Check in with needs, and try to understand the thinking and understanding process, if that makes sense.

[@lazyjane1223]

@@Nathanelder.expressthis Thank you so much. It’s been a helpful advice :)

[@crystaljean522]

Great response from Nathan. I love that you care enough about your INFP to ask the question. Give them space but do check in. Never be pushy, in the sense of trying to get to the bottom of things. We do want to be chased to see that we are cared about but never harrassed. It is a generalized question, so more specifics would help, so depending on the offense and depth of hurt, space, openess and gentleness will help. INFP's are sensitive for sure but ridiculously resilient as well.

[@ramonafeisley5732]

You don't! Our door slam is final!

[@martinoheat1712]

Hey fellow infp, I was wondering what is your enneagram? You seem to be quite calming like maybe like a 9w1?

[@freedomofspeech6905]

I am an INFP and definitely think culture is often absurd and funny

[@Bella-wp7wz]

Where are you from? Your voice is soothing

[@Nathanelder.expressthis]

Aw, Thankyou haha. I was born in the UK, but I’ve lived in Australia most of my life. How about you?

[@Bella-wp7wz]

@@Nathanelder.expressthisCool, I’m from Singapore 😄