INFJ: What Makes It The Rarest Personality Type

There are 16 distinct Myers-Briggs personality types. The rarest type among them – initialized INFJ – is thought to categorize only about 1 to 2 percent of the world’s population. The reason it’s so rare? Well, you’d have to break down each letter scale that makes it up: (I) Introversion, (N) Intuition, (F) Feeling, and (J) Judging. Each personality type has its own descriptor and for INFJ it’s the “Advocate.”

The greatest feature that identifies advocates is their deep sense of what’s right or moral, which guides them in life and goes hand-in-hand with a thoughtful and intuitive way of living. They’re considered rather enigmatic because of the “layers” of personality they apparently reveal to those close to them over time. There are a number of theories as to why this particular personality type is considered rare, but the most popular ones have to do with how complex and even contradictory their traits can be.

Most INFJ’s Are Female

It’s certainly notable that most INFJ types are biologically female. When it comes to differentiating INFJ’s between male and female genders, they tend to be similar in terms of the way they think, but live in different worlds and are exposed to separate things naturally due to their gender roles or sexuality. Though INFJ is the rarest personality and females make up most of the category, male INFJ’s are the rarest and smallest percentage for the gender within the MBTI personality types.

The slight lead women have over men for the INFJ personality is likely because they tend to fall into the (F) Feeling category more than (T) Thinking. If a female did happen to be an IFTJ, they could be expected to feel less bothered by what others think when it comes to their personal philosophies or in general, what anyone thinks of them. Something that’s difficult for those with the Feeling trait to disregard.

They Crave Deep Connections

INFJ’s love to find meaning in what they do, especially when it comes to their relationships. Though they come off as independent and autonomous – they truly need and strongly yearn for deep connections with the people they care about. They not only want a genuine bond with people but they want to actively contribute to their life and better it in some way.

It may seem a bit pushy or out of bounds, but INFJ’s are always well-meaning and feel that leaving a positive mark in anything that they do as their life mission. Whether or not they’re aware of that desire. INFJ’s that come to terms with that want tend to be in better control of their feelings and level of satisfaction in life. Since they have the (F) Feeling, (I) Intuitive, and even (J) Judging, traits, INFJ’s may be constantly stuck in a battle within themselves. Are they doing something meaningful? Is it enough? Does it make them feel fulfilled? Only then will they be truly content.

Related: The Major Differences Between Introverts and Extroverts

They Believe in Fairytales

Their pair of imaginative and idealistic traits work together to make INFJ’s quite the romantic. Just as they take their time finding those they can truly call a friend, INFJ’s will wait and daydream about the day they’ll finally meet “the one.” The problem is that they probably have unrealistic expectations. No one is perfect and even if an INFJ is picturing an imperfect, but perfect in their eyes person, it still only exists in their mind – because they were the ones to create them.

This can cause a bit of a disconnect when INFJ’s do enter a relationship and don’t see every feature they had hoped for in their romantic partner. It might even tempt them to try and shape the person to be what they think is their perfect fit. INFJ’s can also famously be pretty hard on themselves. A thoughtless remark could send them spiraling into a negative way of thinking and questioning what their partner truly thinks or feels about them. That’s why it’s best to talk things out and confirm what’s real and what isn’t so they can feel sure of their partner’s feelings and intentions.




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Hana Othman

Hana Othman is the founder of SimpleHermit.com and identifies as an INFJ. Most days you can find her typing away or reading a book. Beyond that, she keeps busy as a dog and cat mom.