Enigmatic personality type
4 Curious Traits of the Enigmatic INFJ
As an INFJ, one of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, sometimes I feel like an inharmonious fusion of opposites. I’m equal parts prone to rationality and emotion but not planted solidly in either one. INFJs are often seen as contradictory in their qualities, and I can assure you, as someone who is a living, breathing specimen of one, we feel contradictory as well.
Here are four traits that might make the INFJ one of the most enigmatic of all the personality types.
(What’s your personality type? We recommend this free personality assessment.)
1. Everything is bittersweet to us.
If my life had a soundtrack, it would be a haunting, pensive classical piece, like something from The Crown . I often listen to such music when driving, coasting down empty streets, flitting past darkened houses. This background music feels eerily appropriate.
Music like this does not make me sad. Rather, it makes me behave in a more purposeful, profound manner. Things suddenly have more weight to them — and not an icky, burdensome weight, rather, a solid sense of meaning.
Sometimes I’ll be driving home, suspended in thought, my eyes wide, my expression sober, synchronized to the gloomy, tension-filled striking of piano keys against the background of a quiet orchestra.
And I’ll think: Everything means something. Suddenly I’m wetly blinking, my nose burning, my eyes glazed in a film of tears.
Life as an INFJ means things will always be tinged with poignancy. We see how things can be both achingly beautiful yet tinted with tragedy.
I often find that I cannot shake the sensation of death on the other side of life, decay on the other side of growth, destruction on the other side of beauty. There’s a heaviness to existence, and INFJs know it well. Life is both pleasure and pain, and we feel this duality on an intimate level.
2. We rationalize other people’s behavior.
Preoccupied with human motives and psychology, we INFJs have a knack for understanding where everyone is coming from. This does not mean we are ambivalent about what we believe. Nor do we need to agree with someone’s viewpoint to understand their thought process and methods of arriving at a particular belief.
This explains why I’ve always been mildly bothered by the statement — usually said aghast by other people — “I just don’t understand!” Then, with a hint of alarm, I realize I can rationalize other people’s behavior to the degree that I can find comprehensible reasons behind it.
For example, why do people lash out and get wildly angry? This doesn’t read as a mystery to me. It has less to do with the singular situation at hand and more to do with the person’s overall story; with some thought on my part, it can quickly become understandable. I connect it to an emotional impulse of theirs or a psychological need. In this way, INFJs are capable of being empathetic in a strangely cerebral manner.
Because of our penchant for linking things together and taking the big-picture view — rather than seeing things in a contained, situational light — we take into account people’s life stories, their unique impulses, their family life, etc. We use all this information to form a more comprehensive understanding of their behavior, rather than merely contending with what is upfront and visible.
3. We can detach from our emotions at will.
Many people mistakenly assume that INFJs are these soulful, vulnerable creatures all the time. This is simply not true.
Yes, we are emotional and deeply passionate people, but more often than not, we’re terribly private. I have a theory that our insistence on privacy helps temper the uncontrollable aspects of our emotions. That’s because privacy is a form of restraint, and INFJs have a hunger for order.
Often, as an INFJ, I feel caught between my sensitivity and my rationality. And often, I have this weirdly cerebral ability to choose which path to follow. This means when I encounter something that should be heart-wrenching, like a movie with a very poignant storyline, I may not shed a tear or become distressed at all.
Instead, I’m immersed in some kind of analysis. This deliberate switching on and off may account for the INFJ’s aptitude in stomaching the deep, dark things about humanity that most people don’t want to look at.
In some ways, this conscious detachment from my emotions is a self-preservation mechanism for me, sensitive as I am. Sometimes I simply could not survive the sheer intensity of operating out of my feelings all the time.
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4. We’re not as serene as we appear.
I cannot count how many times I’ve been told I was envyingly “laid-back.” I would pleasantly laugh but inside think, “You have no idea what the inside of my head is like every single day.”
The truth is, the two are very much at odds — how people perceive me and what my internal environment is actually like. INFJs tend to disguise their intensity. However, if you’re around us long enough, you’ll no doubt notice it shining through the cracks.
Similarly, I’m told I have a calm demeanor, yet on any given day, my mind is more like a raging sea than a tranquil pond. A lot of mental torment goes on inside the heads of INFJs, and we’re perpetually haunted by varying degrees of existential dread.
Quiet panic may be ensuing in our minds and the surrounding humans would have no clue. Again, this may have something to do with the INFJ’s abundance of thoughts or our need for structure. Perhaps it’s just a way to reduce the threat of being fully overwhelmed. Consequently, we can masquerade as more convincingly put-together than we actually are.
INFJs, being the rare breed that we are, get to be the chameleons that toe the line between right brain and left, emotion and analysis, chaos and order. With our outer shell that we show the world with can disguise a lot.
These four traits of ours do not always see the light of day — but I hope this has helped a bit in demystifying the enigmatic INFJ.
You might like:
- 10 Secrets of the INFJ, the Rarest Personality Type
- 12 Things INFJs Absolutely Need to Be Happy
- 12 Things INFJs Absolutely Hate
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Here’s How Enigmatic You Are, Based on Your Personality Type
Some people are naturally enigmatic, which can make it challenging for others to understand them. This can be a struggle throughout the lives of the enigmatic person, but it certainly makes them their own special individual. There are also others who are more simplistic and who lay everything out there for the world to see. Here is how much of an enigma you can be, based on your personality type.
INFJ
INFJs are definitely enigmas, even without intending to be. They are one of the types who possess so many layers to their personalities that is can take a long time to truly understand who they are. They are also somewhat guarded people, so it can be difficult for them to completely open up to others. INFJs want to find someone who will take the time to learn who they are and to discover the many layers of them, but at the same time they have a hard time trusting.
ENFJ
ENFJs can certainly be enigmatic people, with more complex qualities than people realize. ENFJs often want people to think they are more open than they actually are, since they don’t like to upset people. They express parts of themselves but there is often so much more beneath the surface. Because of this ENFJs definitely are enigmas, it just won’t be that obvious to the people around them. They care about people and want to feel connected, but at the same time it isn’t easy for them ot open up.
INFP
INFPs are open and honest people, but they are rather complex. They try to be upfront about their feelings, but they run so deep that it isn’t always that simple. INFPs express themselves but it often takes time to process everything for them to sincerely open up in the way they want to. They often feel like others don’t completely understand them, but the INFP wants this more than anything. They try to find ways to unfold who they are, and this is important to them.
ENFP
ENFPs definitely see themselves as a bit mysterious, and this is because they do possess so many layers to who they are. ENFPs appear very open, but there are often parts of themselves they keep hidden or are simply afraid for others to see. They are friendly and kind to those around them, but rarely do they feel truly understood. Even the people the ENFP loves can be kept at a distance, and it often takes a lot of time before they can feel truly at ease opening up to them.
INTJ
INTJs can often feel like an enigma, but they are pretty honest people. They possess certain complex qualities, but at the same time their goals and their desires are pretty easy to understand. Where the INTJ becomes misunderstood, it is simply because people aren’t taking the time to truly listen to them and who they are. INTJs aren’t great at expressing their emotions, but they are sincere and caring people. They simply believe in a sense of privacy and don’t feel like sharing parts of themselves until they fully trust someone.
ENTJ
ENTJs are definitely complex people, but at the same time they are also fairly open. They believe in going after their goals and don’t let anything stand in their way. What the ENTJ wants and desires is not something they are afraid to be open about. Where the ENTJ can seem like a bit of an enigma, is the way they can have a hard time understanding their own inner emotions. They care about their loved ones, but they often struggle to truly express this in the way they might want to.
INTP
INTPs are definitely enigmas, and often very difficult for others to truly understand. They often crave the feeling of being understood by someone, but at the same time they struggle to open up completely. INTPs can often contradict themselves without meaning to, which definitely causes them to be an enigma. They want to be heard but at the same time they need so much time by themselves to process things. INTPs are often mysteries even to the people who have known and loved them for years.
ENTP
ENTPs are definitely enigmatic people, even though they often appear more open than they are. They have a hard time truly opening up their feelings to those around them, since they often don’t even understand them themselves. ENTPs are complex people who have many desires, and this can cause them to bounce around a bit. At the same time they want to be grounded in some ways and make real connections, which makes the ENTP even more of a complex enigma.
ISTJ
ISTJs aren’t often seen as enigmas since they are very upfront and honest people. They enjoy the more simple things in life and often become annoyed when others have to complicate everything. ISTJs are who they are without feeling the need to hide this or become more complex than they naturally are. They aren’t really fans of mysteries, and are more inclined to be upfront about who they are and what they want.
ESTJ
ESTJs aren’t really enigmatic people, simply because they are upfront about who they are. They prefer to keep things sincere and honest, instead of hiding the details of who they are. The ESTJ often goes after the simpler things in life, and wants to go after the things they want in life. They also want to provide for and protect their loved ones at any cost. ESTJs aren’t really enigmas, although their emotions can be a bit difficult for them to understand.
ISFJ
ISFJs often prefer to simpler things in life, and aren’t always the most enigmatic people. They prefer to be upfront about who they are and what they want. Their biggest desire is to take care of their loved ones and keep a sense of peace in their environment. ISFJs don’t need to hide this and so their goals are often pretty evident. They don’t often feel misunderstood by their loved ones, since they strive to connect with them.
ESFJ
ESFJs don’t often seem like enigmatic people, since their goals can be a bit evident. Their main desire is to provide for and take care of their loved ones, and this is something they want others to know. ESFJs don’t like hiding things and are often fairly honest with the ones around them. This helps them to be easier to understand, even though there are times when they might feel like the deeper parts of themselves aren’t easily understood.
ISTP
ISTPs are pretty laid back and upfront people, but at the same time they can seem a bit enigmatic. They are often seen as mysterious to others, and hard to truly understand. While ISTPs are fairly honest people, they simply aren’t the most open around others. They often prefer to keep parts of themselves quiet, since they don’t like having to share too much with others. ISTPs can be hard to understand mostly because they put up walls and keep to themselves.
ESTP
ESTPs can be somewhat mysterious people, but this is often intentional. Deep down they have simple goals, and just want to experience life to the fullest. They don’t like being held back and live very much in the present moment. They aren’t all that complex, they simply don’t find it easy to open up to those around them. ESTPs aren’t overly emotional people, but they do possess a strong desire to connect with their loved ones.
ISFP
ISFPs are not all that enigmatic, since they prefer to be open and honest. They follow their heart and that is honestly the most important thing for them. They desire to experience the world around them without having to be held back by others. ISFPs don’t always feel easily understood by others, but that is simply because they want to find the right ones who they can connect with on a deeper level.
ESFP
While ESFPs do have more complex sides to them, they really aren’t all that enigmatic. They are loving and kind people, who simply want to experience the joy in life. They live in the present moment and believe being there to share the moments with their loved ones. ESFPs care about the people in their lives and will do anything they can to connect with them.
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Edward Lidskalnin revealed the secret of the construction of the Egyptian pyramids
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26 years old) and poor for her. Then the young man decided to move to the United States. He settled off the coast of Florida, near the town of Homestead. The man purchased a land plot of 1.6 hectares and built a Coral Castle on it - a monument to his unrequited love. All buildings Edward created from limestone. It still remains a mystery how he moved the blocks from the coast to his site and placed them there. The man lifted sculptures weighing five tons to a height of ten meters. At the same time, he never hired equipment and workers for this. Thin, frail Edward, whose weight barely exceeded 47 kg, always managed on his own. Edward did all his work after sunset. To rare questions, he answered that he had revealed the secret of the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. There is a legend that some children saw at night how multi-ton blocks hovered in the air above the site. After his death, local engineers tried to uncover the secret of Leedskalnin, but they never succeeded.
The alchemist Fulcanelli, who discovered the secret of making the philosopher's stone
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The legend of Fulcanelli was born in the 1900s-1920s in a narrow circle of Parisian occult alchemists. He was called the real "Philosopher of Fire", who may have found the secret to creating the Philosopher's Stone. However, no one knew anything about the alchemist. In 1926, the rumors about him were confirmed when his first book, The Secret of the Cathedrals, was published. In the book, the author wrote that each statue, with its position of the hands, the objects clamped in them, the tilt of the head, silently conveys the secrets of making the philosopher's stone.
After this book, people realized that Fulcanelli exists and that this man is quite erudite. But no one ever knew what he looked like. There were two versions of Fulcanelli among occultists. Some believed that he achieved the highest spiritual enlightenment, created the philosopher's stone and underwent a mystical transformation. Others have decided that the master is a person created by the inventive artist Jean-Julien Champagne.
Dan Cooper is the first person in US history to hijack a plane for ransom
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On November 24, 1971, a Nortwest Orient Boeing 727 took on board a thin passenger in dark mirrored glasses dressed as a businessman: suit, tie, black raincoat, felt hat. On his shoulder, he carried a medium-sized travel bag. His seat (18C) was at the rear of the cabin next to flight attendant Florence Schaffner. The man appeared to be 40-45 years old. At that time, there were no identity cards, people indicated their names themselves. The passenger introduced himself as Dan Cooper.
As the plane took off, the man asked the flight attendant for a bourbon and soda, handing over a note in exchange. The stewardess, accustomed to the attention of men, believed that the passenger was flirting with her, and was in no hurry to read it. But he insisted.
As it turned out, Cooper was armed with a bomb and threatened to explode aboard the ship if his demands were not met. In addition to money, Dan Cooper demanded parachutes: two shoulder and two safety. The information was urgently passed on to the pilots, and then to the airlines. The ship's captain was ordered to land the plane at the Seattle-Tacoma airport.
While money and parachutes were being prepared, the Boeing 727 circled in the air with frightened passengers on board. After delivering the cargo with the money, the offender released everyone except the flight attendant Tina Macklow and the pilots. He ordered them to head for Mexico. During the flight, the offender jumped out of the plane. When the Boeing 727 landed in Reno, there was nothing on board that indicated the existence of this person.
Charles Hatfield - the man who sold the rain
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At the end of the 19th century, farmers were among the richest people in the United States. During the harvest, their profit could reach several thousand dollars; at the time of the drought, they lost everything. One day, the farmers had a savior. His name was Charles Hatfield, he was a man who made and sold rain.
In the early part of his career, Hatfield traveled the States serving sewing machines, earning $125 a month. Along the way, he studied meteorology, physics, chemistry, bought chemical reagents and conducted experiments. He dreamed of artificially causing rain. At 19In 2002, he finally got a secret mixture of 23 chemicals that caused rainfall. At first he made ordinary bets. Over time, Hatfield began to sell rain for money. Each time, his powder worked miraculously. His fame grew. From now on, he entered into contracts for thousands of dollars. In 1928, Hatfield filled Great Bear Lake (California) with rainwater, and a year later he extinguished a fire in Honduras.
But he also had failures. On January 5, the heat-drenched city of Hatfield was hit by a downpour that lasted more than two weeks. Both the reservoir and the dried up riverbeds were filled. Water overflowed its banks, destroyed bridges, railroads, flooded houses and farms. The damage amounted to over $3 million. The authorities sued him for damages instead of the promised $10,000. The Great Depression put an end to his career as a rain caster. Charles died on January 12, 1958 years old without revealing the powder's secret formula. During his career, Hatfield caused over 500 rains.
The most mysterious writer in the world Bruno Traven
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Bruno Traven was born in Chicago in a family of emigrants from Scandinavia, his real name is Traven Torsvan Krovs. In his youth, he served in the merchant marine, was a cabin boy and steward on a ship cruising along the Pacific coast of North and South America.
At a conscious age, the writer carefully concealed the details of his biography, which led to many rumors and legends. Even Traven's publishers never saw his face. Bruno believed that "a writer should not have any other biography than his works."
Traven is credited with several personalities: theater actor Ret Marut, who moved to Mexico, Traven Torsven, in whose name the checks for copyrights for the film adaptation of the book "Treasures of the Sierra Madre" came. Some even believed that the author of his works was Jack London, who faked his own suicide and fled to Mexico. It was also believed that Traven was the illegitimate son of German Emperor Wilhelm II.
After the death of the writer, his widow declared that his name was B. Traven. She said that at a young age he moved from Germany to Mexico under the name Reta Maruta to avoid the death penalty.
MBTI. Brief description of types | Z&G
There are several psychological personality types, each of which has its own characteristics of behavior.
Type SJ
A distinctive feature of the representatives of this typology is stability and reliability, the ability to preserve traditions. The downside of this typology is the slowing down of the process due to the passion for following the system, a kind of bureaucracy. Such people are suitable for the role of boss and subordinate, they can occupy absolutely any position in each structure in which they are members. Representatives of the SJ type fulfill their duty to the end, do not wait for "weather by the sea."
Often act as founders of social movements, may be administrators, take responsibility for other people. Another disadvantage is conservative views, because SJ supporters are opposed to change. Such people are not always sensitive and often hide behind some kind of mask.
SJ's areas of work: service area, business area, mediation. They cope with any work related to technical aspects and with strict adherence to instructions.
Type options
- ESFJ. Such a person is practical and open to suggestions. He communicates well and builds strong relationships with colleagues.
- ISFJ. Differs in calmness and responsibility. Puts the interests of the company first. Carries out work in accordance with the plan.
- ESTJ. This type of people is inclined to manage other people, by nature is a leader. Likes to plan and achieve planned results.
- ISTJ. Of all the subtypes, this one is the most reliable, but also the most conservative. Follows traditions, keeps his word. Likes to structure information.
Bottom line: the type is conservative, calm, friendly.
Type NT
This type is one of the rarest, only 10% of the population belongs to it, no matter which country is considered. He loves intellectual work and easily adapts to new conditions. A person of this type often doubts the testimony of other people, does not believe - until he checks. Offended if you accuse him of incompetence.
Personality subtypes
- ENTJ. He is a leader by nature and a leader, always has a goal and comes up with different means to achieve it. He likes to get new knowledge and constantly improves in different areas.
- INTJ. This type is self-confident, does not recognize authorities. He loves logic and shows it in all actions and decisions.
- ENTP. The person shows a well-developed intuition, which is relevant in practice. He loves new ideas, takes up work with enthusiasm.
- INTP. An intellectual with traits of slight arrogance. Can objectively assess the current situation, always has new ideas at the ready. He has the ability to convince, he can be called a "master of the word."
Bottom line: personality type - an innovator and an ideological person. Credo - leadership and superiority in everything.
Type SP
The main characteristic that can describe a complete group of people belonging to this type is love of freedom, risk. Such people prefer to live here and now. They enjoy the work process rather than the end result. Professions suitable for them are creative specialties - designer, artist, photographer. They love new emotions. Leadership qualities are shown less often than representatives of the NT group, but in some situations their resourcefulness is amazing.
Type options
- ESFP. Such people are optimistic and love to make new acquaintances. They love activity and movement, do not tolerate loneliness.
- ISFP. This group of people needs to replenish the treasury of emotions constantly. They love freedom, are positive.
- ESTP. A person belonging to this group never gets tired. He loves risk, builds good relationships with other people.
- ISTP. He loves technical devices, he can fix absolutely everything. Personality type - oriental. Does not strive for education and prestige, loves peace and finds himself in one thing, goes to the end.
Bottom line: an impressionable and freedom-loving personality.
Type NF
People belonging to this type traditionally find themselves in mediation and in search of the meaning of life. They are a kind of wanderers, dreamers. They love spirituality and show it even in banal things. Strive for harmony with the environment. They like to acquire new knowledge and present it to others, therefore they achieve success in the field of teaching. Such people are in demand in the field of commercial activities, in advertising and in other areas. They have good intuition, they can feel what others expect from them. The main supporters of this group are female representatives.
Options
- ENFJ. A person belonging to this category is a clear leader. Differs in sociability and attentiveness to other people and to their feelings. Dislikes monotony.
- INFJ. Has a well-developed intuition. When building relationships with the environment, he shows insight and a sharp mind. Has the ability to rejoice in the happiness of others.
- ENFP. The representative of this subspecies sees through people. Is a sensual and refined nature, denies pure logic, often acts at random.