The Rare INFP Male

INFPs are an unusual and rare group of individuals. In the U.S. they make up a mere 2-5% of the population. Male INFPs are even rarer, making up only 1-1.5% of the population. These value-driven, imaginative individuals often feel like the definitive square pegs in round holes. In a culture and society that perpetrates the idea that males are normally domineering, assertive, and blunt, the male INFP can feel that there is something innately wrong with them or unacceptable to others. This struggle isn’t limited to males in the U.S. either. This seems to be a worldwide dilemma.

“In the country I’m living in (the Philippines), I’ve met  many people in my life who seem to think that a quintessential male should have at least these traits – outspoken,  bold, tough-minded, decisive, and logical. As a male INFP, I just couldn’t get used to those traits and even if I try to do it, I can only act like it for so long.”
– Nigel, an INFP

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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

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An Introduction to the INFP

INFPs lead with a cognitive function called Introverted Feeling (Fi). Fi is extremely focused on one’s own values, emotions, and ideals. Because of this, INFPs feel things deeply, are driven by their convictions and have an individualistic moral code. They constantly ask themselves if something is right or wrong or if it aligns with their identity. Many people mistake having a feeling preference for being simply “emotional”, but this is far from the truth. The feeling preference of the healthy INFP drives them to be honest, compassionate, introspective, and brave when adhering to their beliefs. Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings is a good example of a fictional INFP. He wasn’t simply “emotional”, he was brave in the face of adversity, kind, honest, and empathetic with even the most flawed characters.

The second cognitive function of the INFP is Extraverted Intuition (Ne). Extraverted Intuition is focused on theoretical possibilities, innovation, and imagination. INFPs often have hundreds of creative and unique ideas that they want to explore and discover. They see things from numerous angles and extrapolate endless possibilities from a single point of interest or idea. Because of this, they seem open-minded, imaginative, and curious. They may struggle to be decisive because they see so many different sides to an issue. Many of our great authors and musicians have been INFPs, and have used Ne to creatively bring their values (Fi) into existence. Notable creative INFP males include A.A. Milne, Albert Camus, William Shakespeare, Matt Bellamy, and even John Lennon!

The third cognitive function of the INFP is Introverted Sensing (Si). Introverted Sensing focuses on personal experience and details accumulated in the past. INFPs have a certain nostalgic quality about them; they like to re-imagine favorite memories, revisit favorite places, and they trust their personal experience and use that to strengthen their convictions. This function isn’t as strong as their intuitive function, but it is still a driving force in their life. They are more likely to use this when they are in a stress-free zone, as a “tool” or hobby.

The fourth cognitive function, or inferior function, of the INFP is Extraverted Thinking (Te). The inferior function is often considered the “Achilles heel” of a person. Te is associated with decisiveness, objectivity, and rational thought based on empirical evidence. INFPs can use Te to bring their creative ideas to life. It’s what helps them be productive, finalize decisions, and create a logical process. Because this is the inferior function, INFPs may repress it in favor of using Introverted Feeling (Fi) and Extraverted Intuition (Ne). Fi often conflicts with Te; where Fi says “how does this align with my values?”, Te says “what’s the best impersonal logical plan?”. Fi users may struggle with using Te and may have difficulty maintaining objective logic. When stressed, INFPs may fall “into the grip” of Te. You can find out more about this here.

The INFP Male – A Contrast From the Norm

According to this web site, 65.5% of the male U.S. population is made up of thinking personality types, and 71.5% are made up of sensing types. INFPs often feel misunderstood or out of place amongst their sensing, thinking male counterparts.

“Males are discouraged from pursuing many positive traits that are perceived as unmanly. These include the ability to feel a range of emotions, including fear, hurt, confusion or despair. Even talking about these feelings is considered unmanly. Men are also not encouraged to learn to work cooperatively without the need for control, to love in a nonsexual way, to have friendships or to solve conflicts without violence.”
– The Center for Media Literacy

INFPs, who are driven to understand their own emotions and who feel things deeply often try to repress their personality or are bullied into repressing it. INFPs may be told by their parents or peers to “man up” or that “boys don’t cry”. They may have to constantly check into their inferior Te to become more like the stereotypical male of today. In doing so, they can feel constantly drained, worn out, and disconnected from their true self. This constant repression can cause them to appear moody, angry, or irritable. This can have detrimental long-term effects. According to the MBTI® Manual, male INFPs are one of four types most common in substance abuse programs. They also show the highest levels of depression of the 16 types with chronic pain.

“Showing sensitivity is viewed as a sign of weakness, and since I lead with the Fi function it has been a struggle to fit in. Shedding a tear or taking things personally seem to be non-masculine.”
– Nigel, an INFP

INFP boys who are encouraged in their identity or who feel they can fully be themselves grow up to be brave, authentic, and compassionate. They are creative and think outside the box, unafraid to color outside the lines or be different from their fellow men. They embrace their uniqueness and individuality and can also accept their peers for who they are. They appear like a breath of fresh air in a world that is often jaded, harsh, arrogant, or cruel.

“I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself. To undermine a man’s self-respect is a sin.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a rumored INFP

What Male INFPs Need In Childhood:

– Plenty of time to read and explore their imagination with books.

– Someone who will listen openly to their emotions and ideas without judgment.

– Parents who will speak softly and be gentle and understanding with discipline.

– Encouragement for their ideas and dreams.

– Help with making tough decisions and staying organized.

– Parents who seek their creative input when trying to solve problems.

– Support for their intellectual curiosity and artistic abilities.

– Respect for their deep feelings.

– Plenty of time alone to daydream and imagine.

– Encouragement in their unique skills, even if they don’t fit with the “norm” for other boys their age.

The Strengths of the INFP Male:

We’ve talked a lot about the hardships that male INFPs face, but healthy INFPs also have a huge list of strengths and abilities that can help them to lead a successful life.

#1 – INFPs are Fearless In Defense of Their Values

While many stereotypes may describe INFPs as sensitive and easily wounded, they are actually quite brave in the face of conflict if it is in defense of their beliefs. They will fight for the underdog or for a cause they believe in with ceaseless determination and integrity.

#2 – INFPs Are Innovative Problem-Solvers

INFPs can see numerous unique solutions to complex problems. They think outside the box and can see solutions where other people may not think to look. The “tried and true” technique that so many others rely on can be cast aside and an ingenious idea can be provided by many INFPs.

#3 – They Are Creative

INFPs like to express their values and belief through creative means. They often make skilled writers, musicians, and performers. Hans Christian Andersen, Vincent van Gogh, Jim Morrison, and Andrew Garfield are all rumored to be INFPs.

#4 – They Are Excellent Listeners

I’ve said this repeatedly in my blog, but INFPs are often considered the best listeners of the 16 types. Neuroscientist Dario Nardi found that INFPs listened with their “whole brain” more than any other types. He says in his book The Neuroscience of Personality that INFPs “often enter a special listening mode. They are consummate listeners. They thoroughly engage all brain regions that process voice, words, and sounds; moreover, they may easily enter a unique whole-brain state when listening to other people, whoever those people might be.”

Because of their strong listening skills, INFPs are often excellent in the fields of counseling and psychology, where they listen and find innovative solutions to complex personal problems.

#5 – They Are Compassionate and Sensitive

INFPs easily feel for the plights of people (or animals) who are suffering or marginalized. They are eager to lend a hand to their cause and will go to great lengths to improve the lives of the suffering. They believe in stepping into another person’s shoes and listening before casting judgment. These qualities make them trusted confidantes and gentle, understanding friends.

In Conclusion…

Male INFPs may have to overcome many obstacles in order to be accepted in certain cultures and families, but if they can grow to love and accept who they are, they can achieve amazing things for the world. They provide insight, empathy, and creativity that the world desperately needs.

Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

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Other Articles You Might Enjoy!

10 Surprising Truths About INFPs

Why INFPs and INFJs Are Drawn to Sad Things

Understanding INFP Feeling

10 Things That Terrify INFPs – According to 301 INFPs

Sources (Book links are affiliate links):

The MBTI® Manual – Third Edition.

Nurture by Nature: Understand Your Child’s Personality Type – And Become a Better Parent

Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type

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