INFJs are often stereotyped as being quiet and reserved. However, while many INFJs do tend to be introverted, this does not necessarily mean that they are incapable of being talkative. There are several factors that contribute to whether an INFJ is more chatty or quiet. Let’s explore the INFJ personality type and how their cognitive functions and other traits can influence their verbal expressiveness.
INFJ Personality Overview
INFJs are one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Their four-letter type code stands for:
- Introverted (I): Draws energy from inner reflection and solitude. May be private and contained.
- Intuitive (N): Focuses on ideas, concepts, and possibilities. May be future-oriented.
- Feeling (F): Makes decisions based on personal values and empathy. May prioritize harmony.
- Judging (J): Prefers structure, organization, and planning. May be decisive.
Some key INFJ traits include:
- Idealistic and visionary
- Strong insights into people and situations
- Future-oriented
- Value deep, meaningful connections
- Dislike conflict and criticism
- Strong convictions and follow their own path
INFJs have rich inner lives and feel things deeply. They are often described as empathetic, complex, and mysterious.
INFJ Cognitive Functions
In psychological terms, INFJs lead with introverted intuition (Ni) as their dominant function. This means their primary way of perceiving the world is through abstract insights, patterns, and gut feelings. They have an instinctive understanding of people and situations that is difficult to explain logically.
INFJs also use extraverted feeling (Fe) as their auxiliary function. This means they often make decisions based on maintaining social harmony and adhering to their strongly-held values. Fe helps INFJs connect authentically with others once they are comfortable.
The INFJ’s tertiary function is introverted thinking (Ti). This function analyzes, categorizes, and seeks to understand things in a detached, objective way. Ti acts as an organizing principle for INFJs’ insights and values.
Finally, INFJs’ inferior function is extraverted sensing (Se). This function is focused on concrete details and immediate experiences from the outside world. INFJs can struggle with being present, practical, and action-oriented.
How Cognitive Functions Influence Verbal Expression
An INFJ’s cognitive function stack has implications for how readily they express themselves verbally. Here’s a closer look:
Introverted Intuition:
This dominant function fuels INFJs rich inner world of impressions and epiphanies. However, it is focused inward, which can make it challenging to articulate these abstractions externally. INFJs may think faster than they can verbalize.
Extraverted Feeling:
This function motivates INFJs to make emotional connections with others once comfortable. When they trust someone, Fe helps INFJs communicate their feelings and values more freely.
Introverted Thinking:
This function enables INFJs to organize their insights logically. However, because it is introverted, they may still struggle to explain their thought process from point A to point B.
Extraverted Sensing:
This inferior function makes INFJs less attuned to factual details and immediate surroundings. They may have trouble describing things in a concrete, sequential way.
In summary, INFJs prefer communicating conceptually and abstractly, which does not always translate readily into articulate verbal expression. However, Fe drives them to share once rapport is built.
Other Factors That Influence Verbal Expression
Beyond cognitive functions, other factors shape how talkative and outgoing an INFJ is:
- Energy levels: INFJs drained by too much social interaction may be quieter to conserve energy.
- Mood: When in a negative state, INFJs may withdraw to process their feelings before speaking up.
- Passions: INFJs may get excitable and chatty when discussing something they care about deeply.
- Company: INFJs are more lively around close confidantes than unfamiliar people.
- Listening: INFJs are sometimes quiet because they are absorbing and processing information.
- Curiosity: Enthusiasm for learning and exploring new things can bring out the INFJ’s conversational side.
- External processors: Some INFJs think out loud, allowing them to articulate their thoughts verbally.
In the right circumstances, INFJs can become quite talkative, particularly when engaging their auxiliary Fe function. But in general, they feel most comfortable with a balance of listening and speaking.
INFJ Compatibility with Other Types
Because of their introverted nature, INFJs may find their most satisfying relationships are with extroverted personality types who help bring them out of their shell a bit. Here is how some common MBTI types get along with the INFJ:
ENFP:
ENFPs and INFJs are often considered an ideal match. Both intuitive and compassionate, ENFPs draw INFJs out while also giving them space. Their energy and enthusiasm can rub off on the INFJ.
ENTP:
ENTPs outgoing nature and intellectual curiosity tends to mesh well with INFJs. ENTPs help INFJs articulate their insights, while INFJs provide empathy and emotional depth.
ESFP:
ESFPs outgoing, fun-loving nature may help INFJs lighten up. But ESFPs may become impatient with the INFJ’s introspection and need for alone time.
ESTJ:
While opposites can attract, ESTJs logical pragmatism often clashes with the INFJ’s idealism and abstraction. ESTJs may seem rigid to INFJs.
ISFJ:
ISFJs shared introversion means they understand INFJs need for solitude. But both types can be too passive, making it challenging to communicate problems.
In general, INFJs do best with partners who embrace their complexity and create a safe space for them to verbalize their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Are INFJs Always Reserved?
While many INFJs are private and contained around unfamiliar people, they can become quite warm, open, and talkative once they feel comfortable. Some key points:
- INFJs need time and trust before sharing their inner world.
- They feel most relaxed speaking with close confidantes.
- Strong interests and values bring out their enthusiastic, chatty side.
- INFJs enjoy reflective discussions where they can share perspectives.
- With very close friends, INFJs will talk for hours, especially about abstract ideas.
- Their extraverted feeling drives them to make emotional connections.
So while INFJs tend to be introverted, they often have an extroverted, conversational side that emerges once they feel safe and accepted. Their cognitive functions support depth of thought over breadth of chattiness. But INFJs can become quite animated when engaging their knowledge, feelings, and passions.
Conclusion
In summary, while the INFJ personality type is among the most private, their inward focus and intellectual nature do not necessarily make them complete wallflowers. When given the right opportunities for deep communication about things they care for, INFJs can become quite talkative, opinionated, and outgoing. By understanding their cognitive functions and compatibilities, it is clear INFJs are complex introverts with much insight and warmth to share. With the right conditions, INFJs can thoroughly enjoy conversing with those they trust.