Here’s What Sensitivity Really Looks Like for an INFJ

Clinically Reviewed by Steven Melendy, PsyD. on September 16, 2020

INFJ personalities are often seen as those quiet, sensitive types who are easily upset and seem to take everything personally. Why is that? Are they really so fragile, or has society misunderstood them? Perhaps the real question is what we mean by ‘sensitive.’ For many, that word pulls up negative images of weak, shy, cry babies who just need to toughen up. And that is not the INFJ at all. 

IM电竞中国官网 are the rarest of all personality types , so it’s easy to see why other types find them hard to understand. And while IM电竞中国官网 do tend to be highly sensitive people , the reasons behind their sensitivities go much deeper than a lack of fortitude.

So what is sensitivity really like for an INFJ? What can they do to help themselves? And what can their loved ones do to help these gentle folks be happy and thrive? Let’s take a look.

What is sensitivity?

Elaine Aron is a psychologist who coined the term “highly sensitive person” (HSP) and she summarizes high sensitivity with the acronym DOES – Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotional Responsivity/Empathy and Sensitivity to Subtleties. This description gives us some insight as to why IM电竞中国官网 are so sensitive.

Depth of Processing. Sensitive people tend to process information more deeply. Everyone absorbs information from the world around them, both consciously and unconsciously, but sensitive people’s brains compare that information to what they already know and organize it into patterns that reveal deeper meanings. This takes a lot of quiet, reflective time.

Overstimulation. Sensitive people like IM电竞中国官网 absorb more information than others and are more aware of emotions, so they tend to experience information overload more quickly. They become stressed when they are subjected to too much information, including noise, crowds, bright lights and other people’s feelings and moods.

Emotional Responsivity/Empathy. Sensitive IM电竞中国官网 react more strongly to both positive and negative experiences. Studies have shown this reaction shows up in areas of the brain associated with experiencing strong emotions, as well as those involved in thinking and perceiving. Other researchers found highly sensitive people’s brains showed greater responsiveness to other people’s feelings, so that they feel what other people are feeling as if they were experiencing it themselves, creating highly empathic individuals.

Sensitivity to Subtleties. Highly sensitive people are more aware of subtleties and small changes in their environment, such as temperature, mood or someone’s body language, which they may not even be aware of themselves.

What does sensitivity look like for an INFJ? 

IM电竞中国官网 can find everyday life quite stressful as they struggle to cope in a largely non-sensitive extraverted society that doesn’t understand them. Here are just eight of the ways INFJ react to an often overstimulating world.

  1. IM电竞中国官网 are easily overwhelmed by bright lights, strong smells, scratchy fabric or loud noise. This is not simply overreacting. For them, it feels like the volume is always turned up too high, sometimes bringing them to tears or making them avoid people.
  2. They need a lot of sleep, time to themselves and downtime to recharge their batteries. Time spent with other people, especially large groups in a noisy environment, without any rest breaks is very draining and they can become so tired they lack the energy to go out at all.
  3. IM电竞中国官网 are easily rattled, anxious and stressed when they have too much to do in a short space of time, when they aren’t given time to reflect on problems or when someone is watching them. They need to withdraw to a place where they have privacy and relief from overstimulation to give their brains a chance to process the information they’ve absorbed.
  4. This personality type dislikes violent movies, TV shows and finds any kind of cruelty towards animals very upsetting. Telling an INFJ “it’s just a movie” won’t help. They feel the emotions of the characters and the animals on TV as if they were experiencing it themselves.
  5. IM电竞中国官网 ’ sensitivity means they have a deep appreciation for beauty and the arts. They can be moved to tears by music, art, theatre, books, films, food or flowers.
  6. IM电竞中国官网 are very aware of other people’s moods and feelings and can feel them themselves, leading them to be exhausted. Because they feel so misunderstood, IM电竞中国官网 don’t often share their deep feelings with others.
  7. IM电竞中国官网 can be very eager to please because they feel other people’s emotions so intensely and want them to be happy. But they can easily take on too much responsibility for people who should be standing on their own two feet.
  8. IM电竞中国官网 are aware that they are different from other types, which can make them feel like they’re weird or there’s something wrong with them. When people criticise and judge them for being different or too sensitive, they can develop low self-esteem, making them withdraw even more.

The famous INFJ door slam

IM电竞中国官网 are sensitive souls who are easily overwhelmed, but they have their limits. If they feel stressed by their environment, or the people in it, they’ll tend to cry or become very quiet and want to be alone. Some IM电竞中国官网 will be cold, sarcastic and very blunt or speak to someone only on a very superficial level. But when you’ve pushed them too far, taking advantage of their giving nature once too often or badgering them into doing things they don’t want to do, they will resort to the INFJ door slam.

The INFJ door slam is when an INFJ cuts you out of their life permanently. This may seem drastic, but it’s usually the result of months or years of someone hurting the INFJ and their trying to mend the relationship to the point they become drained and exhausted. IM电竞中国官网 tend to be there for other people, caring about their feelings, forgiving their shortcomings, being a shoulder to cry on, and giving of themselves. As sensitive Introverts , IM电竞中国官网 unfortunately often attract toxic, narcissistic or emotionally needy people because they want to help them, some of whom take without giving much in return. But IM电竞中国官网 need kindness, harmony and mutual support in their relationships and they won’t be taken for granted forever.

IM电竞中国官网 may not tell you that they’ve slammed the door on you, but will simply cease all communication or shut themselves off emotionally. People may assume that the INFJ will feel bad about the door slam and come back, but they don’t. This is the last straw for them and when they shut that door, they feel relieved that the struggle and the hurt is finally gone.

How IM电竞中国官网 can help themselves

Being an INFJ isn’t always easy, but it’s important for this caring personality type to take care of themselves as well as other people. Here’s a few tips for looking after your sensitive self.

Appreciate your sensitivity. It’s easy to see sensitivity as a negative quality, but there are many benefits to being sensitive. Highly sensitive people are compassionate, caring and creative individuals who can use their awareness to help others.

Avoid stressful environments. Learn to say no to invitations to theme parks, shopping malls, noisy restaurants or any situation that could potentially overwhelm you. These kinds of activities may be fun for other types, but you’ll feel better doing things more suited to your personality, such as a nature walk, reading, or an in-depth discussion with a friend.

Be creative. IM电竞中国官网 need a creative outlet for all the information, energy and emotion they absorb. Their minds are always busy processing and sorting, and it can feel like a great relief to express all those ideas in an artistic way, whether it’s drawing, writing, sculpting or cooking. Creativity is also an excellent way to build your self-esteem. As you learn and develop, you can take pride in the work you’ve done and the beauty you’ve brought to the world.

Look after yourself. The last person IM电竞中国官网 think of is usually themselves, but you need to remember that you need and deserve love and compassion as much as anyone else. Care for yourself by getting enough sleep, taking breaks, spending quiet time alone to recharge and do the things you enjoy doing.

How to help your sensitive INFJ

Have an INFJ loved one in your life? Anyone who knows and cares about an INFJ may feel helpless when it comes to supporting and caring for their sensitive loved one. But there are many things that other types can do to help IM电竞中国官网 .

  1. Accept them. Remember that being sensitive is a trait that’s part of their personality, not a disorder or a problem to be fixed. Sensitivity is not just about emotions. It’s the way people absorb sensory information from their environment. Accept them for who they are.
  2. Avoid labels. Just because IM电竞中国官网 are quiet, sensitive people, doesn’t mean they’re shy, socially anxious or insecure. Many IM电竞中国官网 are strong, confident people who simply prefer solitary activities to group events.
  3. Avoid stereotypes. Men of all types are usually expected to be tough, rugged and love team sports, but don’t force your male INFJ into this mould. Sensitive, compassionate men are more likely to prefer solitary sports like running or golf and activities like cooking and gardening. They will also feel better about themselves if you avoid gender stereotyping.
  4. Don’t judge. Avoid saying things like “Don’t take everything so personally!” or “Don’t be sensitive!” or “Just relax!”. These are judgmental statements that are meant to try to get the INFJ to change who they are. The more you pressure them to behave like you, the more they will feel bad about themselves.
  5. Don’t take it personally. IM电竞中国官网 need a lot of time to themselves, and they enjoy spending time doing solitary activities like reading and writing, so don’t take it personally if they want to be alone. IM电竞中国官网 cherish their close relationships so give them some space to recharge and they’ll be back to give you their undivided attention.
  6. Listen. IM电竞中国官网 are often private people who only open up to those they love and trust. When they do share their feelings, be sure to listen, empathise and show you care and respect their emotions.

The bottom line

As sensitive Introverts, IM电竞中国官网 are quiet, reflective individuals who are focused on their internal world of thoughts and ideas. They are constantly absorbing and processing information, so they need to spend a lot of time thinking deeply about patterns, meanings and how things fit together. 

But when they get overwhelmed by noise, crowds or other people’s needs and emotions, they can become stressed, upset and need to retreat or even resort to the INFJ door slam! 

There are many benefits to being this personality type, including compassion, empathy, creativity and kindness, so treat your INFJ, and encourage them to treat themselves, with the love and respect they deserve.

Deborah Ward

Deborah Ward is a writer and an INFJ. She has a passion for writing articles, blog posts and books that inspire, motivate and encourage people to build self-confidence and live up to their potential. She has written two books on mindfulness, Overcoming Low Self-Esteem with Mindfulness and Overcoming Fear with Mindfulness . Her latest book, Sense and Sensitivity , is based on her Psychology Today blog of the same name. It's about highly sensitive people and is out now. Deborah lives in Hampshire, England, where she enjoys watching documentaries, running and taking long walks in the country, especially ones that finish at a cosy pub.

More from this author...
About the Clinical Reviewer

Steven Melendy, PsyD., is a Clinical Psychologist who received his doctorate from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. He specializes in using evidence-based approaches in his work with individuals and groups. Steve has worked with diverse populations and in variety of a settings, from community clinics to SF General Hospital. He believes strongly in the importance of self-care, good friendships, and humor whenever possible.

Comments

Diego.S (not verified) says...

The author tells you to avoid stereotypes yet this is exactly what is done in parts of rhe article. I am an INFJ man (Confirmed in many different tests and I definitely fit the description of an INFJ). However, I am a boxer/MMA fighter, love football and fast cars, am definitely not a fan of gardening/golf/cooking at all and I come across as very "rugged" or "tough" to those who don't know me. Don't confuse your individual traits with those of every INFJ

Peter bailey Goodrich (not verified) says...

It doesn't sound like you're an INFJ. Remember, personality tests are only as accurate or precise as the self-awareness of the person who completes the test. In the case of personality tests, it's the awareness of the range of personality types in the world and where you lie within the entire spectrum of people. So if a person hangs out mostly with extreme extroverts they might think they're introverted in comparison because they themselves haven't met an introvert, etc. So your sense of self can easily be determined by your personal experiences, and is therefore relative. 

And gardening or cooking aren't necessarily a softie thing either, I can totally imagine a rugged and tough gardener or cook.

Connie (not verified) says...

I have to agree here

Yolanda Carrillo (not verified) says...

The author said "expected to be" and "more likely" not that they are.  Since she is not a man, we can not expect her to know how men really act out their infj.  Being a female infj myself, I suspect men are different for the pure logical reason their biology is different.  Having different chromosomes -xx and xy - makes a huge difference in how the individual thinks and acts.

Alissa (not verified) says...

I think you've misunderstood. I was understanding them introverted references as nuturing for us when we need tofill our cup back up.

Kay (not verified) says...

I agree, half the things spoken of were very stereotypical of an INFJ

dominique burton (not verified) says...

This explains me better than anything ever has! I'm finally learning I can accept my nature, instead of feeling like there's something wrong with me for being so sensitive and empathetic and quirky.

James S (not verified) says...

This is very helpful in a way. I am definitely an INFJ personality. I feel the sense the pain of others intensely, like it was my own, keeping me awake at night and overwhelming me at times. I do expend alot of time helping others which I do find reawrding. Sometimes I am regailed of other's experiences who I do not know, and I have to shut these well meaning conversations down due to the draining effect it has on me, it's rediculous, you get the stage of compassion overload, though i feel guilty about that. I suffer from dissociative seizures, particularly when stressed or overloaded by other's problems and in trying to help others, especially when the help is not wanted, in which case I will withdraw.

I think the comments about not saying, "don;t be oversensitive" etc are good, there is nothing I can do about it, despite trying not to care so much.......

I am a 43 year old male, married with one child.

Moira Rose (not verified) says...

I definitely do the INFJ door slam, but I call it the "friend purge" and the "ejector seat". I hate having to push the Eject button on someone, but it has to be done sometimes to protect myself.

For non HSP/IM电竞中国官网 , another way to help your sensitive friend is DON'T tell us your sad animal stories! As soon as someone finds out I love animals, they always tell me about something really sad that once happened to an animal they loved. Hey - don't tell me a sad animal story unless there's a way I can help the animal out of the situation! Otherise, all you've done with your sad story is make me feel even worse about the world.

JANICE (not verified) says...

After 32 years I finally have an understanding on why I feel the way I do. The way I have felt for so many years. I've always felt different, but couldn't put it together. I've always been shy or felt awkward and out place. As a kid I remember wondering how I'd be as an adult. I just knew that things would change and I'd be different by that time. I wanted to have a regular conversation like normal people did with ease. Now I feel like I have somewhat of an explanation on why I'd forget what I was about to type or what I was about to say at that moment. I'd have to read it over and over until it really clicked. I really felt like I was mentally delayed. It's finally making sense to me. I'm so relieved that I'm not the only one.

Nicole (not verified) says...

Wow, yeah. This was a really amazing read and I found that I related to a lot of it. I find that no one ever understands me, so it was a really great feeling finally relating with something. I tend to find that everyone tells me not to be so sensitive, or if it's a book or film, they just tell me it's not real so there's no reason I should be upset. I remember when I read Black Beauty, and there was a really upsetting part including deaths of many animals. I just shut the book and didn't read the rest of it until a good four years later. I cried a lot, and my Dad didn't understand it. No one did. And I still feel like no one understands me, but that's ok because I know God does. And he listens, he understands. He knows your pain because he sent his son on that cross to die a gruesome and humiliating death of a criminal after being betrayed and abandoned by all his friends, carrying the sins and the faults of all the world. I've had to use the INFJ door slam more than once recently, and it's been really difficult for me because I've had to end things with my best friend (and others) who I knew for almost ten years. But He understands the way she betrayed and abandoned me for being a Christian, because He too had been betrayed by one of His closest friends and his creation. And the cherry on top was Him getting abandoned by the rest.
Love yourself for who you are, INFJ or not.
Because "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
And it doesn't matter who you are.
He died for everyone .

Claire33 (not verified) says...

I'm an INFJ and I relate to this so much. I have always been like this; I cry whenever anyone yells at me and have been told that I "take everything too seriously" and "they're just words". This article is amazing. I am learning to appriciate myself. Thanks for this.

Claire33 (not verified) says...

I relate so much as an INFJ. I cry whenever anyone yells at me and have always hated it... its so embarressing! This article, among other things, helped me realize that this nature maybe wasn't so bad. Thank you!

GGorska (not verified) says...

May get moderated out, but ever since there's been societal pressure to read and watch depressing and horrific material about the hardships of those whose lives have escaped privilege, I've been on the defensive. I don't want to add more horrible memories from books and films to my brain. (In the meantime, I'm perfectly willing to listen, face-to-face, to first-person stories and life histories of anyone who wants to tell me.) So I googled " I'm not fragile, I'm overly empathetic and imaginative." Voilà! this post came up. And, yes, I usually test as INFJ so there you go.

I think I've had a kind of empathy most of my my life has made me open to paying attention to and trying to understand others' hardships on a personal level, while at the same time resisting popular imposition of "you must read this or you must be [fill in your label here.]" This trait makes me fascinated with other cultures and the interactions and borders between cultures in individuals and communities.

Semonalisa (not verified) says...

I so appreciate this article. It was spot on for me! I've experienced a lot of family and relationship trauma as an INFJ. Much of the trauma is also interrelated with a disability I have, mostly an invisible disability, but nonetheless I've experienced a great deal of misunderstanding, discrimination, and rejection.

Alissa (not verified) says...

I not oblivious but very unaware of these personality categories.  I have been going through the worst time of my life. And seeing my personality written down in black and white is ......to much to express. I always knew i couldn't look at myself but i can nail people down with ease. The torment ive done to myself being so out of place and not knowing why has poisoned my thoughts. This article in particular has my head spinning. Thank you.

Meraflor (not verified) says...

This make me feel ease. Cause I always think that there's wrong with me. I'm glad there's nothing at all. It's just Me. It makes me happy to see that, a lot of IM电竞中国官网 sharing their experiences which I also experience. I'm not alone at all. Wish people won't misunderstood us cause people around me does. It makes me upset. So yea, have a great day!

Meraflor from Philippines. 

Anna Ch (not verified) says...

I do tend to agree with most of the things. I'm very grateful for your work. 
 

A small note - I love theme parks, go-karting, competitive swimming, and eventual shopping mall experience. When it's a controlled environment, I find that it gives me a break of endless rummaging, thinking and analyzing. 

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