How to Tell if You’re an INFP vs. ENFP
If you’re reading this post, there’s a high chance that you’re trying to work out if you’re an INFP vs. ENFP personality type. These two types are sometimes confused because they share a number of characteristics. Both types are idealistic, empathetic, and creative. They are also deep thinkers who prefer to avoid small talk and value meaningful connections.
If you’re reading this post, there’s a high chance that you’re trying to work out if you’re an INFP vs. ENFP personality type. These two types are sometimes confused because they share a number of characteristics. Both types are idealistic, empathetic, and creative. They are also deep thinkers who prefer to avoid small talk and value meaningful connections.
But there are also some core differences between how these types think and experience the world. In this post, we explore these differences. If you’re unclear about your type, we hope this helps you.
So here are five differences between the INFP vs. ENFP personality types:
1. Communication style.
INFPs and ENFPs are both caring and empathetic in the way they communicate. While both have strong opinions and stand up for what they believe in, ENFPs tend to be more outspoken than INFPs.
INFPs tend to speak in a soft voice, and they come across as gentle. They listen more than they talk, and they sometimes zone out because they get caught up in their thoughts.
When having a conversation, INFPs will likely use subtle gestures. In general, INFPs will keep their thoughts to themselves when they first meet people.
Nonetheless, they are genuinely interested in others, and as a result, INFPs are some of the best listeners out there. INFPs can need time to collect their thoughts, and they might not always respond in the moment.
On the other hand, ENFPs tend to speak more loudly. They come across as energetic and enthusiastic. ENFPs often use broad gestures to communicate their thoughts, and they tend to be more comfortable initiating conversations than INFPs.
In addition, ENFPs are generally more comfortable with eye contact. They come across as warm and open, even though, in reality, they may take a while to open up.
ENFPs often clarify their thoughts by talking things through, which means their opinions may change quite literally as they are speaking. They may restate their thoughts and will often seek input from others.
2. Making decisions.
INFPs and ENFPs both make decisions based on what feels right to them. This is because they have strong values and morals. In addition, both types have a deep need to stay true to themselves.
INFPs tend to take more time to make a decision. Even though there’s a high chance that they know what best aligns with their values, they prefer to take time to make sure it’s definitely the case.
Essentially, they need to run each decision through their inner framework of values before coming to a conclusion. This is because INFPs are very in tune with their inner world.
ENFPs are more likely to make a decision based on what feels most natural in the moment. They make choices based on criteria similar to INFPs, but they are usually quicker to come to a conclusion about how they want to move forward.
This is because they feel less of a need to process their thoughts internally compared to INFPs. That’s not to say that ENFPs don’t think deeply. However, at times, ENFPs can be impulsive. INFPs can make rash decisions, too, but it’s a rarer occurrence.
3. Friendships.
Both INFPs and ENFPs value deep, meaningful connections. But they tend to thrive in different situations. INFPs feel most comfortable in intimate settings with a small number of people, whereas ENFPs need to engage with others more frequently in order to feel their happiest.
INFPs prefer one-on-one interactions with people. Meeting a friend for a quiet coffee or going for a walk with them in the park suits an INFP perfectly. They need more alone time, too, and they can find large groups overwhelming.
This extends to the way they work. INFPs often prefer to work alone, and they can find busy offices distracting, especially if they need to concentrate.
It’s fairly rare for INFPs to strike up conversations with strangers, and they will often have a small group of close friends.
ENFPs enjoy group interactions more than INFPs. They appreciate deep connections just as much, but they feel more energized from being in a bigger group.
If an ENFP spends the evening discussing abstract topics with a group of friends over dinner, they’ll come away feeling motivated and full of enthusiasm.
ENFPs feel most comfortable working with other people, and they enjoy collaborating. In addition, ENFPs are more likely than INFPs to initiate a conversation with people that they don’t know, and they tend to have larger social circles.
4. Openness.
Even though it can take time for both types to truly open up, ENFPs are more open than INFPs. This is especially the case when it comes to sharing their everyday lives.
INFPs are particularly difficult to get to know. They can certainly hold a conversation when they want to, but they don’t usually give much away, particularly when you first meet them.
It might almost seem like they are guarding their thoughts and feelings. INFPs are private, which means they are careful to decide who they let into their inner world.
They aren’t necessarily shy; it’s more that they prefer to avoid spending time and energy talking about things that they don’t see as valuable or interesting.
ENFPs tend to be more open. They are less cautious about what they choose to give away about themselves. Of course, it takes them time to build trust with ENFPs, more so than you might think, which means they won’t be sharing their deepest, darkest secrets with you right away.
But they are more willing to talk about what’s going on in their life, how their work is going, their current passion, etc. This means that it’s easier to get to know an ENFP, at least to a certain level.
5. Solitude.
INFPs need more alone time than ENFPs because they are more sensitive to external stimuli, such as noise and bright lights.
While INFPs value deep connections, they recharge in solitude. Socializing, particularly with large groups or in loud places, can be exhausting for INFPs.
They can start to feel drained quite quickly. If they don’t get enough alone time, they tend to become irritable and restless.
ENFPs tend to spend more time with people and interacting with the world than INFPs.
However, it’s worth noting that ENFPs need alone time too. They’re one of the most ‘introverted extroverts’.
The main difference is that they are able to spend much longer without alone time than INFPs. Up until a point, they draw energy from social settings, particularly if the situation involves brainstorming and discussing deep topics.
INFP vs. ENFP frequently asked questions
So now we have explained the key differences between the INFP vs. ENFP personality types. Even for those who have explored personality types in depth, it can still be hard to tell the difference between these two types.
Let’s now look at some frequently asked questions about each personality to help make it clearer for you.
Are INFPs vs. ENFPs more unconventional?
It’s a tough question to answer, as it really depends on how you define “unconventional.” Overall, it’s fair to say that both INFPs and ENFPs are pretty unconventional. After all, they’re both intuitive, feeling, and perceiving personality types, which means they’re more likely to go with their gut instinct and follow their heart than the average person.
Plus, when it comes to social norms and expectations, both INFPs and ENFPs are pretty nonconformist. They’re the type of people who are more likely to march to the beat of their own drum, and they’re not afraid to stand up for what they believe in – even if it means going against the grain.
Where they differ slightly is that ENFPs are more likely to take risks, so they can come across as more unconventional to others. INFPs have a more inwardly focused individuality.
Are INFPs vs. ENFPs more independent?
INFPs and ENFPs are both fairly independent compared to a lot of other personality types.
However, they tend to achieve independence in different ways. ENFPs are often more outgoing and assertive than INFPs, which means they appear more independent in their actions and choices.
ENFPs are also less likely to second-guess themselves, which can lead to a greater sense of confidence in their decisions.
INFPs, on the other hand, are more introspective and thoughtful in their approach to independence. They typically take more time to make decisions and may consult with others before taking any action.
However, once an INFP has made up their mind, they are just as confident and self-assured as an ENFP. In general, INFPs are more self-sufficient than ENFPs and tend to need less external validation.
Are INFPs vs. ENFPs more imaginative?
When it comes to imagination, both INFPs and ENFPs tend to excel. These two personality types are often drawn to creative fields, such as writing, art, and music. They are both highly intuitive and are constantly inspired by the world around them.
Some might say that INFPs are more imaginative because they’re more in touch with their emotions, and they have a very rich inner life.
INFPs are also more likely to spend time daydreaming and exploring their inner world. This allows them to come up with creative solutions, but it might take them some time.
Some people might say that ENFPs are more imaginative because they’re always coming up with new ideas and thinking outside the box.
ENFPs are more likely to be drawn to outside stimulation. They are constantly seeking new experiences and adventures.
While this can make them very imaginative, it can also mean that they are less able to focus on one task or project. ENFPs are more likely to be able to brainstorm in the moment.
Share this post to help others understand INFP vs. ENFP differences
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our individual INFP and ENFP posts, which delve deeper into each personality type. Last but not least, you might enjoy our posts about INFP vs. INTP and ENFP vs. ESFP.
