Is INFJ The Most Awkward Personality Type?

INFJs are said to come off as cold, distant, and intimidating people by the first impression. Their introverted intuition causes them to take the back seat in most conversations in order to properly observe and analyze using their dominant function, but from the outside, they can easily seem aloof and in the clouds. So.. aside from intimidation, do these traits make INFJs awkward in social situations? Welcome or welcome back to Rediscovermind! Alright, let’s get right into it starting with.

Number 1:

The slow revealing process It’s no surprise that INFJs are known for opening up to others at an extremely slow pace, but how does this unique layer-peeling process play into their awkward nature? Well, the ironic thing about getting to know an INFJ is that just when you think you have them figured out, they surprise you with a new dynamic to their personality. Whether it be humorous, emotional, opinionated, spontaneous. You name it, this walking paradox is known for revealing its subtle traits one at a time, and only to the right people. However. Nobody ever promised this process to be easy or graceful, in fact, each time they reveal something new about themselves, an INFJ can easily feel just as awkward as the receiver. For example, from the outside looking in, INFJs can seem so warm and empathetic that an unexpected dark-humor joke may send an unassumed stranger off course - consequently taking the INFJ down with them.

Number 2:

Explaining with minute details INFJs see things with great detail, picking up every little piece of information that others often overlook. While it makes for great flexibility when seeing things from a bird’s eye view, not everyone can relate to this way of thinking. So when it comes time for an INFJ to explain a story or scenario, they may find themselves getting into the nitty-gritty details without any real reason to do so. In fact, when an INFJ is explaining their point of view on a topic or past event, they can’t help to explain it from their perspective, as they see each piece of information as crucial in their overall analysis. Unfortunately, this level of detail can easily bore more people, causing them to get lost in the practicalities, yet be too uninterested to ask the INFJ to re-explain - a classic example of why INFJs are so misunderstood and reluctant to explain themselves in the first place. Awkward or not for the other person, INFJs can feel when they’ve lost someone through their explanation, and the awkwardness comes from the INFJ having to make the decision whether or not to keep going or just quiet down.

Number 3:

The blank INFJ stare with an introverted intuition that stays active for the most part of their waking hours, it becomes a normal part of the INFJs day to actively focus on this main function. Little does the INFJ know, this innate focus on the inner mind can seem nothing short of strange from a passer-by's perspective. During these times of deep introspection, the INFJ can be caught staring off into the distance or even staring directly at a person. With little regard as to what their eyes are actually fixed upon, INFJs are working away within the complexity of their minds. Besides this habit being quite awkward enough on its own, INFJs have a tendency to do this even in large social conversations, completely blanking out as to what is going on in front of them due to the distractions in the attic. In other words, being asked for your opinion on a matter when you were technically not present the entire conversation can make for an interesting scenario, to say the least.

Number 4:

Randomly sharing extremely deep insights say extremely deep insights, but what we really mean is simply INFJ perspectives. While it’s second nature for this introspective type, INFJs can seem extreme to others when it comes to how deep they can really dive into a topic. They can easily come across as being hippy-dippy, woo-woo, conspiracy theorists, and unorthodox people because of where they allow their open minds to travel. And for the most part, INFJs know not to share their deepest thoughts and ideas on matters for the sole reason of seeming even more like an outcast. However, there are times where INFJs feel compelled to share their insights, whether the conversation calls for it, or they feel comfortable enough around a group of people to let down one of many guards. Depending on the open-minded nature of the listeners, a vocalized INFJ insight can easily make or break the overall mood of a conversation. Not everyone is as willing to give as deep as this type, surfacing a great deal of discomfort and awkwardness in some seemingly uncalled-for scenarios.

Number 5:

Listening and joining into other people’s conversations INFJs are genuine listeners and natural observers who have an eye (and a supposed ear) for their surroundings. With these two natural talents being at the forefront of their observations, it’s no surprise that this type makes for incredible eavesdroppers. We get it. It’s not exactly something to be proud of as it depicts nosy behavior, however, the INFJ’s extraverted sensing function simply doesn’t allow them to ignore such a thing. In fact, sometimes an INFJ can even find themselves distracted from their own conversation because of a conversation they are tuning into around them. Luckily, INFJs are quite familiar with being stealthy about this somewhat embarrassing tendency - however sometimes they feel compelled to join into uninvited conversations, and that’s when things can get interesting! While this is still a rare occurrence, INFJs may feel the need to share their view but mostly only when they think they can help. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to go around joining a conversation you weren’t invited to, and while it’s never admitted, it must freak some people out.

Number 6:

Asking deeply personal questions INFJs usually have a good handle on navigating their extroverted social side when interacting with others. In other words, they usually hold a good balance between being a normal civilized human and still staying somewhat interested in social interaction. However, sometimes an INFJ’s longing to decode and understand people on a deep level can get the best of them. While they try to keep things ‘socially appropriate’ INFJs can’t help but find themselves bored at the same old auto-pilot questions and answers. And it’s in these times that INFJs make the decision to risk it all and pull the trigger by changing the topic into something that’s a little more to their interests. For example, a question like “how was your relationship with your siblings as a child” can either catch someone's interest entirely, making for some genuine analytical banter. Or.. it can come off as being invading and touchy - and that is when things can easily go south.

Number 7:

Being such an underwhelming partier When it comes to partying and socializing, INFJs take the time to think over how they should dress and act prior to the anticipated social event. In preparation, INFJs can find themselves thinking up an elaborate imaginative scenario of them being the social butterfly of the party, laughing, dancing, and having the normal socializing human experience. However, when reality kicks in and they arrive at their destination, their presence is usually quite reclusive. In fact, when it comes to large crowds, loud music, and grand visuals, INFJs can get so caught up in absorbing and processing everything around them that they can hardly focus on being a normal-interacting human. Plus, the concept of socializing always seems more interesting in their minds than in reality, so, standing off to the side and observing is where most INFJs can be found in these scenarios.

Number 8:

A reluctance to start the small talk INFJs can be extroverted when they want to be, but it has to be pretty interesting or important for an INFJ to crack their introverted intuitive shell. So, although an INFJ can easily engage in this boring social norm, they almost never feel the need to bring it upon themselves by initiating meaningless conversations with the people around them. Whether it’s on lunch break with coworkers, a long drive with a friend, or something as simple as sitting in a waiting room with a stranger, if there’s nothing interesting to talk about, this type rather not talk at all. In fact, INFJs see useless banter as nothing but a distraction from the inner workings of their mind where they like to spend their spare time. In other words, headphones are an INFJ’s best friend,