Are INFJs the Least Submissive Personality Type
When talking about the INFJ personality type, words like ‘compliant’ and ‘obedient’ don’t usually come to mind. Known for their need to veer off the beaten path, the INFJ personality type may not be considered stereotypically submissive. But what exactly is it that makes this type dominant despite their rather shy and reserved nature?
1. They Can Be Extremely Direct in Conversation
With a preference to take the back seat in most group-setting conversations, the INFJ can seem rather timid at times. However, when this nonchalant type finds an appropriate opportunity to chime in, or when they find themselves in a more intimate one-on-one setting, the questions and observations they come up with can certainly leave others feeling rather flabbergasted.
In fact, the INFJ’s ability to pick up on the subtlest aspects of one’s personality gives them the ability to adjust their tone, presence and demeanor in order to dominate the conversation in an unnoticeable way.
With the first of their goals being to get through the surface level small-talk of an interaction, INFJs quickly become much more direct in their conversational approach. Depending on the person, topic and conversational setting, the INFJ won’t hesitate to get right to the point.
They may even resort to using blunt honesty and dark humor to get to the bottom of one’s struggles. And while it can leave others feeling uncomfortable, exposed and awkward at times, it usually doesn’t take long for them to warm up due to the INFJ’s chameleon-like approach.
2. They Are Extremely Headstrong and Stubborn
Quiet in nature, it’s hard to believe that the INFJ actually holds a roaring strong-will beneath their composed surface. Actually, the ironic aspect of this INFJ quality is that it is entirely hidden until provoked.
People may know this type for years only to write them off as being extremely easy-going, mellow, and carefree when in reality, there’s some things that throw the INFJ into a complete accommodating, bull-headed frenzy.
This humble type holds their moral standards above everything else. And although they can be persuaded to try new things and possibly even change their beliefs, these morals are what the INFJ’s innate stubbornness is rooted in.
Their easy-going and lighthearted nature will only go as far as their moral high ground allows, and once faced with the challenge of crossing these virtuous boundaries, a much more assertive INFJ will emerge.
3. Their Naivety Becomes Obsolete at an Early Age
Empathetic and optimistic, some may say that the INFJ can come across as submissive in certain relationships and persuasive social situations. However, deep down inside, this clever type usually knows exactly what they’re doing behind the scenes.
They always have a method to their perceived submissive-like madness, and it’s usually far from what others are able to recognize. While they may give second, third and fourth chances to those who don’t deserve it, INFJs usually carry themselves with a strong guard built around their morals and emotions.
In fact, while this act of patience may seem submissive in nature, to the INFJ, this strength comes from a sense of dominance. This is mostly because they know they hold the power of whether or not to give or take their kind-hearted nature away at any given moment, especially if their attempts are taken for granted. Which brings us to our next point..
4. They Won’t Contribute to Pointless Arguments
Having an INFJ in your life is like having a wise, old-souled counselor who is always willing to lend an open ear and a word of advice. They take the lead by asking personal questions that although may make others feel uncomfortable at times, usually lead to some sort of mental victory or realization in the end.
In fact, this observant and open-minded type loves to bicker when done in a positive manner because it gives them a taste of how another human thinks. Despite their strong opinions on most matters, an INFJ loves to challenge their own beliefs and assumptions through the thoughts of another person.
However, when a lighthearted disagreement becomes heated or seemingly pointless with no destination, an INFJ will happily take the initiative to wrap it up. They know the difference between a passionate opinion and irritability, and with quick judgment, they take the leap to either remove themselves completely out of that person’s presence, or dial it down by agreeing to disagree.
5. They Won’t Fight Fire With Fire
Speaking of disagreements, an INFJ’s tactics when faced with confrontation can seem rather confusing at times. Through unwavering composure and self-control this personality type isn’t one to egg someone on or add fuel to the fire in any way.
Known for their conflict-avoidant approach to all social interactions, the INFJ would never stoop low enough to shake them from their high-vibrating energy. And while it may seem passive and submissive to some, no matter how intense or triggering a situation may be, the INFJ always resorts to killing with kindness.
Instead of returning the ill intentions or rude actions they've received (which would only be submitting to the behavior their opponent expects in return) INFJ’s have a way of surfacing above their provoked emotions and ultimately come out on top as the better person.
Besides seeming submissive, people may even mistake this for a sign of weakness or lack of self-defense, when in reality, this type of dominance is much more difficult to achieve.
6. They’re Naturally Quite Rebellious
Rebellious in nature, abiding by rules isn’t always the INFJ’s forte. Rooted in their innate truth-seeking requirements in every aspect of life, this unassuming type can’t help but to rebel against certain incomprehensible regulations and societal expectations that are put in place.
In fact, this is where the INFJ’s lack of submissiveness comes into play most prominently. To a certain degree, this type may even look down upon those who are unwilling to think for themselves, especially when trying to shame or push their beliefs onto others.
And so, through this rather dominant approach to life, the INFJ often finds themselves in many lone-wolf type scenarios due to their refusal to comply blindly. They have a hard time relating to others due to this lack of submissiveness and preference of feeling lost rather than confined into an idea of false freedoms. Which brings us to..
7. They Have the Ability to Change Other’s Beliefs
Submission requires lack of self-awareness, something that most INFJs can’t relate to. This free-thinking type may come up with certain viewpoints and ideas that seem rather unconventional to some. And yet, due to their contagious perceptions, their lack of submissive behavior can actually end up impacting those around them.
Whether they like it or not, the INFJ type holds countless unique leadership qualities that make it easy for others to look up to them as a role model. Despite their avoidance of coming off as domineering in any way, the INFJ’s laid back ‘take it or leave it’ approach to sharing information actually serves to be effective in the long run.
Instead of pushing their own views onto people directly, the private INFJ type will instead drop subtle tastes of their visions and understandings so that others feel compelled to learn more at their own pace. Not to mention, their ‘against the grain’ approach to living acts as an example for others to question their own life choices in and of itself.
8. They Refuse to Accept That Which Isn’t Working
INFJs are natural problem solvers. Each of their unique cognitive functions combines effortlessly to process, organize and predict information with keen accuracy. Due to this incredible power, when the INFJ is faced with adversity and challenges whether it be their own or that of another person, they can’t help but to find ways of fixing and mending the issue at hand.
Instead of passively sulking, accepting and moving on, this imaginative type will ruminate for however long it takes in order to find a fitting resolution. Besides their problem solving abilities, INFJs also have the habit of pushing themselves and others past their limits in a healthy way.
They can easily pick up on a stagnant or plateauing area of life whether it be personal goals, relationships, friendships, hobbies or careers. And although there isn’t exactly a noticeable problem at hand, the INFJ will utilize the emotions they’ve downloaded through their extroverted feeling to come up with more fulfilling paths and potential outcomes.