INFPs are one of the 16 personalities in the MBTI typology. They are clearly introverts who are passionate and creative. Who really wouldn’t love an INFP? INFPs are usually divided into two subtypes. These are the INFP-A and the INFP-T.
Here, we’ll talk more about the INFP-A and what you can expect when dealing with one.
Exploring the Life of an INFP-A
The A in INFP means assertive. INFP-As take on a more independent and assertive role in their lives and that of others.
They want to have control and be the captain of their own ship. This makes them look more confident and extroverted.
INFP-As are more likely to be type 4s than any other type on the enneagram of personality. This makes sense as this type is known to be very individualistic.
They could also be type 5, type 6, or type 9s.
Strengths of the INFP-A
1. Defined Boundaries
INFPs are often accused of not having their boundaries well-defined. This is true, especially of turbulent INFPs. However, the assertive INFPs are somewhat different.
Because they want to be in control of their own life, INFP-As will resist people’s attempts to control them or break their boundaries. They have values and nobody is going to mess with them.
This certainly has its benefits. Top among them is that INFP-As are less likely to be people-pleasers.
2. Confident
INFPs are notorious for their problems with depression and their mental health. While INFP-As might still have similar issues, it’s much less evident.
INFP-As are confident people. They know what they are capable of and do not look down on themselves.
This has its own benefits. INFP-As will be confident of grabbing any opportunities that present themselves.
3. Better Handling of Negative Emotions
INFPs are feelers. Thus, they often have strong emotions or feelings about people and situations. When negative emotions hit them, they find it harder to deal with them. However, INFP-As are better at this.
Because they have more confidence in themselves and their ideals, this personality type will react positively in difficult situations.
This allows them to stay focused and in control of their emotions. That is definitely an advantage.
4. Defies the Crying Stereotype
Personally, I’ve heard so many people talk about the INFPs and their need to cry. That stereotype does not stand with assertive INFPs.
They are less likely to cry. Instead, they think of creative ways to get out of the problems they face. That’s why it’s never a good idea to place personality types in a box.
5. More Decisive
INFPs are often slow to make decisions. This is more evident with turbulent INFPs. However, INFP-As will be more decisive.
This might come from the need to be in control of their lives. To them, being able to make their decisions quickly and by themselves allows them to control their outcome.
Being decisive allows them to take advantage of opportunities that quickly pass by.
Weaknesses of the INFP-A
1. Stubborn with their Ideals
INFPs are idealistic people. Combine this with an assertive INFP and you get someone who stubbornly sticks with their ideals.
Sometimes, this can be a good thing and make them more respectable. Other times, their ideals can be wrong or out of context. Holding on in that situation will be disastrous.
INFP-As need to make sure that they strike a balance between assertiveness and common sense.
2. Poor Decisions
The need to make quick decisions and assert their independence is naturally a good thing. However, this can also be a problem when they take it a tad too high.
Because of their independence, INFP-As might not want to ask for the opinions of others. This might mean poor decisions and a lack of valuable insight.
INFP-As need to balance the need for independence with the need for advice.
3. More Scattered
INFP-As are considerably more scattered than their counterparts. While both types are perceivers, INFP-As are just quicker at doing things in general.
This means that they are less concerned about making mistakes. The implications here are many. One of them is the likelihood of INFP-As being scattered and impulsive.
INFP-A and Relationships
Planning on dating an INFP-A? Here are some things you should know.
· Space
INFPs need a lot of alone time. This does not disappear with the INFP-A. In fact, they are more upfront in demanding their alone time.
If you are not used to this type of need, you might feel hurt. However, INFP-As need this time to recharge just like any other introvert.
Give them this, and they will come back to you.
· Idealistic
INFPs are big on ideals. Assertive INFPs hold onto those ideals stronger. Thus, it can be difficult to be in a relationship with this type. They want everything to be just perfect. We all know that’s impossible.
If you plan on dating an INFP, make sure you let them know your flaws from the beginning. This allows them to remove any misconceptions they might have about the relationship.
· Quality Time and Physical Touch
If any two love languages matter to the INFP, it’s quality and physical touch. They want to spend a lot of time with the person they are with.
They also don’t mind a bit of intimacy. So, if there’s mutual consent, don’t shy away from this. Here’s an article about dating an INFP girlfriend. You might find it interesting.
· Long-Term
INFPs prefer long-term commitment. Period. This does not mean that they avoid casual flings totally. However, INFPs will find it difficult to keep feelings out of the way.
This also applies to assertive INFPs. So, if you are planning on dating an INFP, you should know that you are in for the long haul.
There might be the odd exception here and there. However, this is mostly true.
INFP-A and Compatibility
When it comes to the MBTI, the natural partners of the INFP-A are the ESFJ-T and the ENFJ-T. Naturally, the INFP-A will do better with partners that are extroverted, intuitive, or assertive.
A combination of both might even be better.
Growth Tips for INFP-A
Sometimes, it might be beneficial to look over the facts carefully before making a decision.
Your ideals are brilliant but imperfect. It can be wrong.
Sometimes, people’s advice can save your skin. Try to consider them more.
Edward is a freelancer and blogger who is fascinated by psychology and the MBTI. When he's not writing, he's reading and discussing his many scattered ideas.
