As an ENFP, you might wonder if you are a mistype and belong to the INFP category. It is a common concern because many ENFPs feel like they are on the quieter side and don’t fit the ENFP type. Or do you wonder, after being an ENFP, can you become an INFP? Here is the truth about that.
An ENFP cannot become an INFP because your MBTI does not change. It is a natural thing people are born with. People change over time and can be more inclined to the functions of another MBTI. Shy and quiet ENFPs are often misjudged as introverts creating the narrative of changing personality types.
Your Myers-Briggs type is inborn. Your MBTI does not change, but you can develop habits, traits, and characteristics of other kinds. Sometimes they contradict your MBTI, and it can be confusing. ENFPs and INFPs are very similar, with a couple of key differences. That is why some people question if it is a mistype. Below we will explain why that happens and understand how to navigate it.
Can ENFPs Become Introverted?
ENFPs will change the primary auxiliary function from extrovert to Introvert; however, they can lean more towards introverted habits at certain times. ENFPs are people-orientated. They crave social interactions and generally do and feel best around those they love and cherish. There comes a time when the ENFP feels drained and exhausted, so they retreat to their own world away from others.
There are often phases when ENFPs avoid socializing entirely. They will withdraw from society and become hermits. The ENFP will turn down invitations, stop texting, and avoid calls. It happens when their other functions (apart from the extraversion function) present themselves more. It can result in the ENFP seeming like an introvert.
ENFPs Are Introverted Extraverts
ENFPs are well-known and labeled as the ‘Introverted Extraverts’ or ‘The Introvert ENFP.’ This is because they are the most introverted of all the extraverted personality types. They hold the highest introversion trait in the MBTI world. Understanding that even though they love being around people, they tend to retreat inwards often will help you understand why they have the label.
As much as ENFPs value people and social interaction, they dislike small talk and mindless chatter. They love connecting with others on a deeper level and get agitated with shallow or surface-based people. They want to have meaningful conversations and not pointless discussions. When that happens, they don’t entertain it or withdraw, making them seem quiet and introverted.
The Difference Between ENFP And INFP
The ENFP and INFP are super similar (thus the confusion about ENFPs becoming INFPs), but they have a key difference where ENFPs are extroverts and thrive around others and inspirational interactions. INFPs, on the other hand, are introverts and prefer being behind the scenes and enjoying their time and space alone and quietly.
Here are some differences between ENFP and INFP and why ENFPs cannot become INFPs:
- ENFPs have a lot of friends, are the life of the party, love and include all, and are loved by everyone around them.
- INFPs avoid being in the spotlight. They don’t like the attention and withdraw if there are too many people. It makes them very hard to get to know or to get to know others.
- ENFPs enjoy some time alone but get anxious if it goes on too long. They realize they need help from loved ones and connections to thrive.
- INFPs prefer more time alone and get anxious if they are around others too much or too long. They are highly self-sufficient and will choose alone time for extended periods.
- ENFPs Are Impulsive and open about their opinions. Sometimes they don’t think about the consequences.
- INFPs are very careful about what they say and overthink things before speaking.
- ENFPs have high energy and are always ready for adventures or doing things they are passionate about.
- INFPs will do things from the sidelines and need good mental and physical energy before doing anything.
- ENFPs are all over the place and scatter-brained. They are enthusiastic about everything but get distracted from tasks quickly.
- INFPs are focused people and like to finish what they start without falling into distractions.
From these differences, you can understand how an ENFP, from their core, can never become an INTP, but they can adapt some introverted traits.
The Quiet ENFP
One of the most significant reasons ENFPs tend to wonder if they are mistyped and should be or are becoming INFPs is that ENFPs are naturally quiet. The whole spectrum of ENFPs are not quiet people, but many in the category are.
Some ENFPs prefer to be listeners instead of conversationalists. They want to observe others and get to know them better. In the same way, many ENFPs would rather be lost in thought and imagination. They want to be around others who challenge them and have space for intellectual conversations. They get bored and prefer to be alone with people who do small talk.
The quiet ENFPs need to be stimulated. It is why they have the core function of being extroverts. People and situations that intelligently and philosophically enable their minds and thoughts will get them interested in interacting. But conversations and people that are not stimulating will bore them and result in ENFPs retreating inwards, becoming quiet.
Some ENFPs are surprisingly but naturally shy. They want and enjoy socializing and being around people but find it challenging to make an effort and be the one who initiates conversation. The shy ENFP needs others to approach them first, and once they get to know you and feel safe and comfortable, they are the most fun, engaging, extroverted, and exciting individuals.
Being A Shy ENFP Is Different From Being Introverted
One of the biggest misconceptions people create when learning about personalities and understanding other human beings is the assumption that being shy or quiet means being an introvert. This is so far from the facts.
Many extroverts are super shy and quiet unless they are in comfortable situations where they feel safe to be themselves. They face challenges approaching others to form connections but are excellent at developing genuine, close relationships. An ENFP that is shy or quiet doesn’t make them introverted – it just makes them extroverts who are shy and reserved.
Conclusion
ENFPs desire space and time alone to get lost in their thoughts resulting in the assumption that they are introverts. They desire close relationships but don’t need constant interaction. That is why people often think ENFP is a mistype or change to INFP; however, the truth is that a person’s MBTI is inborn and cannot change.
