If you have taken the Myers-Briggs test and got a result showing that you could be ISFP and another one showing INFP, you are probably wondering how that works. Sometimes, ISFPs can have traits from the INFP personality and vice versa. So, would that mean you can be both ISFP and INFP?
ISFP can mistype as INFP because of flaws in online tests, inauthentic answers, and Behavioral growth and changes. People are born with one personality type but can have traits and characteristics from more than one MBTI. You can embrace the feeling of being both an ISFP and an INFP.
Mistypes often happen in the personality community, and people sometimes get confused about being one type but having characteristics of another. The ISF and INFP are the most commonly confused because of their similarities. This can happen for multiple reasons, which we will discuss further in the article.
Can You Have Two MBTI Personalities?
Before we discuss ISFPs and INFPs in detail, it is essential to understand the concept of having two MBTI personalities. You will find many people who identify with two MBTIs because they have similar traits or are more inclined to function on a different result than the one they received from taking the test.
A personality type is inborn, and the general result you get is what you will identify with from your core; however, through life changes, character growth, and age, you may adapt functions from another personality type that is not yours. It can also happen as a mistype or a flawed online test.
This is quite common, and while you will always have your core MBTI, there is nothing wrong with embracing functions from other types that you feel more inclined to. If you are an ISFP, you can identify with the characteristics of INFPs and vice versa.
Are ISFP And INFP The Same?
ISFPs are INFPs have a lot in common, which is why they tend to have mistypes or people confused and identify with various functions from both. But no two MBTIs are precisely the same; even the most similar ones have different auxiliary functions and will be slightly different in certain aspects.
We can look at the similarities and differences between ISFP and INFP to understand why they so often intertwine, but each one is still unique:
Similarities Between ISFP and INFP
If you are wondering why the two personality types are alike and why people often confuse them or get mistyped, here are reasons:
- Both personalities and contemplative, reflective, and value privacy.
- They dislike conflict and are sensitive towards others.
- They will thrive in environments where everyone works collectively towards the same goal.
- Both types love a sense of purpose and are goal-focused and confident even during challenges.
- They want to make a difference in the world and enjoy seeing the benefits of their hard work unfold into positive outcomes.
Differences Between ISFP and INFP
Even though the two personality types have so much in common, as mentioned above, some key differences make each one unique. Take a look at the following:
- ISFPs love action and activities.
- INFPs are laid back as long as others around them are happy.
- ISFPs are fantastic multitaskers and can focus on various things at once.
- INFPs are more productive when they stick to one task at a time.
- ISFPs tend to have a more spontaneous approach to life and can enjoy things as they happen, in the present, while living in the moment.
- INFPs are more cautious and prefer planning to avoid anxieties because they worry about the future and require a sense of control.
- ISFPs take each thing as it comes and doesn’t dwell too much if something that worked for them previously doesn’t resonate anymore.
- INFPs prefer having a strict moral code and make decisions based on those values.
- ISFPs don’t hold on too much to expectations and will be okay if they don’t get something perfect.
- INFPs have high self-expectations, goals, and routines, which they stick to, and if they don’t achieve the perceived results, they will be hard on themselves.
- ISFPs value privacy but find it easy to get to know others and build connections.
- INFPs are incredibly private, fear rejection, and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships.
- ISFPs are present and engaged in their environment, activities, and interactions.
- INFPs quickly withdraw and retreat to their heads because they prefer to exist internally, making them seem lost or preoccupied.
- ISFPs don’t need manuals, routines, and systems. They can get the job done by figuring it out in their own way.
- INFPs thrive on routine, techniques, and completing one thing before moving on to the next.
Can ISFP Mistype as INFP?
ISFPs can often mistype as INFPs, but also as INFJ; however, it is incredibly common in the personality community to see ISFPs mistype as INFP. This is due to their similarities, as discussed previously in the article.
ISFPs and INFPs are introverted personalities, and they both genuinely enjoy time alone in privacy; however, INFPs also hold the Ni function, intuition. Introverted intuition is a complex function because people with this characteristic enjoy genuine connections but are not inclined to approach or be easily approachable. They retreat inwards and live internally.
ISFPs, on the other hand, have the sensing function instead of intuition. That means they pay more attention to their senses and make decisions and connections based on that. They prefer facts and information, unlike the intuitive personality of INFPs, who prefer deeper meanings.
There are a few primary reasons why ISFPs can mistype as INFP, as explained in the following:
Flawed Online Tests
Sometimes the Myers-Briggs online tests are slightly flawed. Not every sight is authentic, and sometimes the questions are posed in a way that creates a misunderstanding – resulting in inaccurate answers from people taking the test.
Inauthentic Test Answers
Sometimes people don’t answer the questions honestly because they are either judging themselves, don’t want to accept themselves in a particular light, or are unsure of some answers and therefore make a loose choice hoping to get accurate results. This can cause a switch in a personality, especially if the percentage of one function is borderline to another.
Personal Changes and Behaviors
During someone’s life, they can have character growth and behavior changes. Sometimes because of this, a result you get as a child, teenager, or young adult, might not be the same as if you took the test when you are much older.
Conclusion
You cannot necessarily identify as two personality types; however, you can identify with functions of a different MBTI than yours. ISFPs often get mistyped as INFPs because of their similarities, but there is nothing wrong with embracing various functions that are different from what your personality holds.
