You’re not alone if you’ve been thinking of the INFP and ISFP distinctions. The INFP and ISFP have several similarities, so they’re often misunderstood. They are both very creative and independent individuals who love looking out for other people.
So, how can you distinguish them? Let’s find out.
INFP vs ISFP: What do these personalities have in common?
Cognitive function
Both personality types have the same dominant cognitive function- Introverted Feeling (Fi). They are the only personality type that has this dominant function.
Introverted feeling allows people to control their feelings and beliefs. It’s a judging function that makes introverts to be fully aware of their morals, values, ideas, and ethics.
Both personality types are usually very private, and their actions revolve around their personal belief system. They have strong gut feelings and can easily sense when something is not right. They don’t trust people easily, so they tend to keep their emotions to themselves.
But most importantly, they don’t try to force their values on other people. They believe that people have the right to be guided by whatever set of principles they believe in.
They’re both introverts
This is the most obvious similarity. Both personality types gain energy in less stimulating environments. They get drained quickly in social settings, so they often withdraw to their quiet space to recharge.
In most cases, they have few friends because they can’t stand the small talk that opens the way for conversations. They don’t talk much in public but can talk for hours in a deep, meaningful, one-on-one conversation. They thoroughly enjoy their company and can stay indoors for days if nothing outside their homes beckons them.
Introverts don’t rush when making decisions. They take their time to analyze their options and look at the pros and cons.
Perceivers
INFPs and ISFPs are perceivers. They’re more open to spontaneous activities and allowing things to flow as they should. They hate structure or working with routines. This is why they can’t thrive in monotonous jobs or jobs with no career ladder.
They’re artistic
INFPs and ISFPs are very artistic and creative people. Their minds are always running on a thread mill, seeking inspiration in everything around them. They have very rich and vivid imaginations, and they often love to stretch it as far as possible.
They are compassionate and empathetic
INFPs and ISFPs love putting the needs of others above their own. They are very compassionate and empathetic people that understand the needs of others. They ensure that everyone they love is well-taken care of, and their physical and emotional needs are met.
Without appropriate boundaries, these two personality types can become people pleasers.
INFP vs ISFP: How can you differentiate them?
INFPs live in their minds, while ISFPs are more conscious of their environment.
As mentioned earlier, both personality types are very creative and artistic. However, the INFP personality resides in their minds. They spend a lot of time in their head brainstorming ideas, thinking of past actions and how they could have acted better, or dream about their future.
They can be so lost in their thoughts and imaginations that they wouldn’t observe happenings around them. On the other hand, ISFPs are more present. They love seeking inspiration from the things around them. This is whey love creating art or making music.
The typical INFP will rather spend time thinking or studying about abstract concepts.
ISFPs love art. INFPs love the meaning behind art.
ISFPs love art because it’s a direct expression of their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Whenever they put out any work of art, whether in form of an artwork, music, or poetry, that is how they feel in the moment or about something.
INFPs, however, love looking at the meaning behind the art. They want to discover the underlying message behind the art- the story, the outline, the symbols, and everything it encompasses. For instance, if they see an artwork, they would rather concern themselves with the meaning behind it, instead of how aesthetically pleasing it is.
INFP vs ISFP: INFPs love thinking about the future, while ISFP are present-oriented.
INFPs don’t necessarily like planning for their immediate future, like probably planning a to-do list for the next day or sorting out what to wear for an event. However, they love daydreaming about what they want their ideal life to look like- their goals, the kinds of job they want, the type of family they want to raise, and so on.
ISFPs, however, don’t daydream as much because they’re focused on the present. They’re more concerned with what they’ll do in the evening than where they want to be in five years.
INFPs are harder on themselves than ISFPs
This has a lot to do with how they’re wired. INFPs are guided by a set of values and traditions, so they become very hard on themselves when they fall short of their expectations. They’re most likely to dwell on their past mistakes and bring it up every now and then. INFPs are more forgiving towards other people than they are to themselves.
Unhealthy INFPs can even go as far as forgiving and welcoming back people who have been toxic and hurtful to them into their lives. But when they do something wrong, they judge themselves harshly against their seemingly perfectionistic standards.
ISFPs, on the other hand, aren’t as harsh on themselves. They don’t beat themselves up so much over their wrongdoings, unless what they’ve done is completely unimaginable.
INFPs express themselves through words and sound reasoning, while ISFPs express themselves through physical interactions and art.
INFPs communicate with their inner world more than their external world. The typical INFP can vividly remember the details of their dream. They love conveying their feelings, values, emotions, and thoughts through language- written or spoken. This is why INFPs tend to be public speakers or writers.
ISFPs, on the other hand, don’t have such relationship. They don’t try to communicate how they feel through words and language alone because they’re all about present aesthetics. They gravitate toward art, music, and poetry.
INFP vs ISFP: INFPs are less social than ISFPs
INFPs value public opinion so much. They’re overly concerned about what people think of them, so they try to look for hidden signs and patterns in people’s behaviours. They feel people might not appreciate or value them for who they are. However, ISFPs don’t think much to it. They mingle with everybody with less caution.
