Who Understands People Better: INFP or INFJ?

The Unique Empathy of INFPs and INFJs

So, you’re wondering, who understands people better: INFP or INFJ? It’s a fascinating question, and one that many people within the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) community love to debate. Both types are deeply empathetic, intuitive, and idealistic, but they express their understanding of people in different ways.

Let’s dive in and explore the nuances between these two personality types and figure out who really understands people better.

The Similarities Between INFPs and INFJs

Before we jump into the differences, let’s take a moment to appreciate the similarities. Both INFPs and INFJs are known for their deep understanding of others, mainly because they lead with introverted feeling (Fi) and introverted intuition (Ni), respectively. This means both types are incredibly attuned to emotions—especially those of others.

My best friend is an INFJ, and I remember talking to her about this very topic. She said something that stuck with me: "I can just feel what others are going through without them saying much." And as someone who is an INFP, I have to say—I get it. We are wired similarly, but it's the subtle differences that make the real impact.

INFPs: Empathy Through Individual Connection

How INFPs Understand People

INFPs, or "The Mediators," are driven by their inner value system, and they have an innate ability to understand people on an individual level. They focus deeply on the uniqueness of each person, trying to see the world from others’ perspectives. When an INFP talks to someone, they’re not just listening to their words—they’re feeling the emotions behind those words.

I remember a conversation I had with an INFP friend recently. She was talking about a colleague who had been a little distant lately, and she said, "I don’t know exactly what’s going on, but I feel like there’s something deep inside them that’s hurting." That’s the essence of an INFP—they connect through emotionally driven intuition, and that’s how they understand people. It’s not just about logic or words—it’s about a deep, emotional understanding.

The Strength of INFPs’ Empathy

INFPs are great at understanding people’s inner conflicts. They often sense when someone is torn between two choices, and they tend to have a calming, almost healing presence. Their empathy is extremely personal, often focused on helping individuals through their own internal struggles.

But here’s the catch: INFPs may not always understand the external pressures people face. They might struggle to grasp the practicalities or external circumstances that affect behavior, because they’re so focused on the internal emotional landscape.

INFJs: Understanding People Through a Larger Perspective

How INFJs Understand People

Now, let’s talk about INFJs, or "The Advocates." INFJs are visionary types who tend to understand people through the lens of larger patterns. Their introverted intuition (Ni) allows them to read people’s underlying motivations, often seeing beyond the surface-level behaviors. INFJs are driven by an intrinsic need to help others, and they are masters at seeing people’s potential.

I have an INFJ colleague who can talk to someone for just a few minutes and know exactly what makes them tick. She told me once, "I can feel what people are capable of, even if they don’t see it themselves." INFJs are constantly thinking about how to help others grow and reach their potential. They understand not just people’s emotions but also their long-term goals and struggles.

The Strength of INFJs’ Understanding

The big advantage of an INFJ’s understanding is that it’s holistic. They see the bigger picture of a person’s life—their past, present, and future—and can understand how someone’s experiences shaped their personality. INFJs don’t just focus on how someone feels right now; they understand how those feelings fit into the larger narrative of that person’s life.

However, this can also be a double-edged sword. Because they focus so much on the bigger picture, INFJs can sometimes overlook the small emotional details that INFPs are so good at picking up. This isn’t to say they lack empathy—they have it in spades—but their perception of people’s struggles is often broad and abstract.

Who Understands People Better: INFP or INFJ?

The Verdict: It Depends on the Context

If you’re asking who understands people better, the answer isn’t as simple as "one is better than the other." Both INFPs and INFJs excel in understanding people, but they do so in distinct ways.

• INFPs are better at connecting with individuals on a personal emotional level. They understand the depth of feelings and can truly empathize with someone’s internal conflict. If you need someone to listen, to feel what you're feeling, and provide personal validation, an INFP is your go-to.

• INFJs, on the other hand, are better at understanding people through the lens of patterns and future potential. They can see the bigger picture and help people understand why they’re struggling or what they could be capable of. If you need someone to offer insights into where you’re headed or understand your long-term journey, an INFJ can give you that clarity.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, it boils down to how you define "understanding." Do you want someone to get you in the moment, or do you want someone to understand the bigger picture of who you are and where you're going? Each type offers something unique, and the beauty is that we can all learn from each other’s strengths.

In my personal opinion, I think both types understand people deeply, but INFPs might just edge out in terms of immediate emotional connection, while INFJs have a clearer grasp on the overall trajectory. The real magic happens when these two types work together, don't you think?

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.