INFJ
Most likely to mistype as: ENFJ
Why the mistype happens: Extroverted feeling feeds off the emotions of others, which means that INFJs require a great deal of social time in order to remain emotionally stable. This type is highly likely to appear extroverted to those around them, as they are most animated and enthusiastic when they are in the company of others.* Most INFJs are assumed to be ENFJs by others upon first meeting them.
*This is also an important distinction between INFJ and INFP types, as they often mistype as one another. INFJs glean energy from almost any form of positive social interaction, even the ‘niceties’ of small talk, as their extroverted feeling is highly in tune with social conventions/norms. INFPs on the other hand, are only energized by social interaction if it plays on their extroverted intuition – for example, if they are brainstorming ideas with someone or discussing a philosophical issue. The INFJ certainly prefers discussing the ‘big picture issues’ if given the choice, but they’re infinitely more comfortable with small talk than their INFP cousin.
Also likely to mistype as: INTJ
Why this mistype happens: Introverted intuition is the first function that INFJs develop – and this function is cold and detached when standing alone. Before an INFJ adequately develops their extroverted feeling, they may come across as calculating and unemotional to others. This often evens out by the INFJ’s late teen years – however, if they are unaware of how cognitive functions operate, the INFJ is likely to continue believing themselves to be an INTJ indefinitely.
Types that are most likely to mistype as INFJ: INFP, ISFJ
ENFJ
Most likely to mistype as: INFJ
Why the mistype happens: ENFJs are highly analytical in nature and tend to relate to many of the descriptions of their intuitive counterpart the INFJ – especially once they learn that INFJs are the most extroverted introverts. A good way to discern whether you are an ENFJ or an INFJ is to look at which tertiary function you’re most comfortable with –ENFJs usually look polished and put-together due to tertiary extroverted sensing, whereas INFJs may neglect aesthetics but are more comfortable with open-ended, logical reasoning (Introverted thinking) than ENFJs are.
Also likely to mistype as: ESFJ
Why this mistype happens: ENFJs are highly detail-oriented. However, when looking at the letter dichotomies (I vs E, S vs N, etc.) rather than the cognitive functions, detail-orientation is stereotypically associated with S types. For this reason, ENFJs may assume themselves to be S’s rather than Ns. Because ENFJs are both highly in touch with social norms and highly detail oriented, they are often classified as the ‘most sensing’ of the intuitives.
Types that are most likely to mistype as ENFJ: ENFP, ESFJ, INFJ
INFP
*It’s important to note here that INFPs are the most prone of any personality type to mistyping as something else. Because INFPs live in a world of identity possibilities, they enjoy thinking of themselves in various different lights and are able to thoroughly convince themselves – more so than any other type – that they truly are thinkers, judgers, etc. Their extroverted intuition allows them to see a situation from various different angles and their introverted feeling creates an emotional attachment to the type they decide on. For this reason, INFPs are more prone to mistyping than any other type.
Most likely to mistype as: INFJ
Why the mistype happens: Of all the mistypes that happen between any two types in the MBTI, INFPs mistyping as INFJs is by far the most common one – and this is not necessarily the INFP’s fault. INFPs are the least stereotypically perceptive perceivers. They tend to be quite routine-oriented and not particularly spontaneous in nature – they are open-minded and explorative in their thoughts, not their actions. However, since most free online type tests measure perception based on how physically spontaneous one is or is not, almost all INFPs test as INFJs when they first take an online quiz.
Another factor that leads INFPs to believe they are INFJs is the fact that INFJs are the rarest type statistically. Because INFPs tend to be highly creative and individualistic, most of them have never met another person quite like themselves (including other INFPs). For this reason, they find it fitting that their type is 1% of the population – they think this explains their individuality, when in reality it is their introverted feeling that sets them apart in this regard.
Also likely to mistype as: INTP
Why the mistype happens: INFPs are quite analytical in nature. Introverted feeling is a function that picks apart information to get to its core – and this is easily confused with introverted thinking, which operates in a very similar regard. The difference here is what the end goal of the assessment is – for the INFP, the goal is to find the true meaning of everything they are analyzing. For the INTP, the goal is simply to find the most objective truth. Because objective logic is a weak point for the INFP but intensive analysis is not, they may test as Ts in a slightly defensive measure of protecting their intellectualism – when not familiar with Myers-Briggs, they may not understand that one can be both intellectual and emotional.
Types that are most likely to mistype as INFP: ENFP, ISFP
ENFP
Most likely to mistype as: INFP
Why the mistype happens: ENFPs are the most introverted extroverts by a landslide. More so than any other E types, ENFPs require alone time to process their feelings and values. Additionally, their main function – extroverted intuition – is not an extroverted function in the stereotypical sense of the word – it focuses on the external world of possibilities and ideas rather than the world of people. What distinguishes an ENFP from an INFP is predominantly their world-view – an ENFP and an INFP may spend equal amounts of time alone but an ENFP will spend most of that time brainstorming ideas for the future and planning their next project whereas an INFP will spend more time analyzing their feelings (or the feelings of others) and picking apart ideas.
Also likely to mistype as: ENFJ
Why the mistype happens: ENFPs are ‘big-picture’ perceivers but they’re usually not all that spontaneous on a day-to-day level. This type actually requires a great deal of external structure in order to reach their full potential – and for this reason, a healthy ENFP may religiously stick to a day-to-day routine. Many ENFPs test as Js when they use an online test to assess their type rather than learning about cognitive functions.
Types that are most likely to mistype as ENFP: ESFP, INFP
