10 Qualities That Automatically Catch The INFJ’s Attention
There’s something to say about the INFJ’s love for human nature and the innate observation when it comes to the behavior of their fellow earthlings. In fact, since this personality type holds the specific cognitive functions of extroverted feeling and sensing, their attention is easily drawn to the subtleties of human nature.. But what qualities specifically grab this type’s interest?
1. Unwavering validation
Non-judgment and open-mindedness are two no-brainers when it comes to the qualities INFJ’s look for in potential connections. And while these two qualities are at the top of their list, the one thing that will unquestionably catch the INFJ’s attention is a sense of validation.
Combining non-judgment and open-mindedness, offering a sense of validation within vulnerable and even passive conversation is a unique trait that not many know how to utilize properly.
Whether it’s the act of validating the INFJ’s taboo thoughts and ideas or witnessing someone validate the emotions and feelings of someone else, this unwavering sense of understanding and the resulting comfort it provides attracts this empathetic type in a unique way.
2. Creativity and artistry
Known as one of the personality types with an equal sense of creativity and practicality, INFJs admire the innovative abilities of their fellow artists. In fact, because the INFJ is always looking for the next intriguing way to utilize their creative powers, it can be difficult for them to stay with an artistic endeavor for long enough to master it.
And so, when they witness or gain a sense of expertise of an artistic or creative talent that has become mastered overtime, they can feel an overwhelming appreciation towards their self-discipline. Plus, this personality type has a knack for interpreting and understanding the beauty behind even the most taboo or otherworldly expressions of creativity.
From different forms of music, painting and writing, to cultural expressions, and alternative modes of entertainment, INFJs hold a special place in their hearts for people who take the time to follow their visions.
3. Humility
If there’s something more captivating than a mastered artist, it’s the humility of someone who knows they’re great but will do whatever it takes to remain unpresuming. Rooted in an egotistical sense of awareness, this captivating quality allows others, including the INFJ to feel that anything is possible.
They make their wins seem less-than or completely attainable and will happily provide the steps they’ve taken to achieve it. The main reason INFJ’s admire this characteristic is because they themselves are extremely humble by nature. They utilize their wins and talents to motivate others and when they sense that same motivation through the victory of another person, they can’t help but to view it as appealing.
4. High-spirits
In a world of shyness, socially awkward interactions and a favored notion towards bonding over life’s stresses, INFJs can’t help but to become enthralled in the genuine happiness of another person. In fact, since this empathetic personality type can’t help but to utilize their extroverted feeling function by absorbing both the positive and negative energy of the people around them, it can be refreshing when they find someone with high-energy to ‘leech’ off of, for lack of a better word.
However, it’s important to note that INFJs can see right through fakery, a false sense of happiness, and attention-seeking behavior, which is not the same thing as the high-spirited energy we’re discussing. It’s all in the lack of ego that allows this vibrant liveliness to emerge, and this is the quirk that gets the INFJ’s recognition.
5. Independence
Whether it’s intentional or not, the INFJ can easily be captivated by the ‘loner’ or the self-determined one of the crowd. With an aura of non-conformity and mystery, this outcast personality type themselves can’t help but to feel captivated by like-minded energy.
Regardless if they’ve been shunned by their outer environment or they took the steps to distance themselves, INFJs know the feeling, and as a result, their attention and curiosity will instantly be sparked.
This can either be in the form of someone simply sitting alone within a social gathering or crowd of people, or it can be the admired actions of taking life into their own hands by starting a business, starting a new independent hobby, or choosing to live life outside of the social norm.
The INFJ will not only become captivated by someone’s sense of independence but they can easily feel motivated and become instantaneously respectful of someone taking the decisive step into a more unconventional, free-spirited reality.
6. Philosophical viewpoints
Similar to the INFJ’s personal connection to the ‘lone wolfs’ of the world, this imaginative type is also captivated by other’s philosophical viewpoints of the world. Any thought or idea that is composed outside of the everyday realm of thinking will instantly grab the attention of this esoteric type.
Since the INFJ often feels misunderstood for their out-of-the-box ideas and thinking-patterns, as soon as they sense the same level of unorthodoxy within someone else, they get a glimpse of hope that just maybe they can finally have that mind-expanding conversation that they can’t get elsewhere.
Not only that, but when they get a sense that someone else doesn’t feel ashamed to think out of the norm, it instills a trusted bond for the INFJ that allows them to act most like themselves.
7. Common-sense kindness
In a perfect INFJ-world, everyone would practice an unwavering sense of kindness towards their fellow beings in their day-to-day life.. However, in reality, INFJs know that can be quite the unrealistic expectation when it comes to their daily encounters.
So, when this appreciative personality type does observe an act of common-sense rooted kindness, it certainly grabs their attention. Simple things like holding the door open for someone behind, offering the difference in change to someone who’s short a few cents, or offering a snack to someone who has forgotten their work lunch, looking out for one another without any hesitancy is invaluable to the INFJ.
When someone is able to utilize their natural ability to make good judgments and to behave in a practical and sensible way towards the people around them, it’s an instant win in the INFJ’s book. In fact, without this compassion, it's rare for the INFJ to even consider investing in a connection with that individual.
8. A sense of internal struggle
Besides the sense of independence that can allure an INFJ personality type as we discussed previously, there’s something to be said about this type’s draw towards people who need emotional healing. Like we said, the INFJ’s extroverted cognitive function makes it impossible for them to ignore the internal feelings of others.
They not only absorb the high-energy of positive people they come into contact with, but it’s inevitable for them to feel the struggle of those who are battling their inner demons. In fact, the most captivating of the struggling individuals tends to be those who think they’re hiding it from the world by putting on a front of contentment to hide their sadness.
Being the ‘counselor’ or ‘advocate’ type of the MBTI, the INFJ feels an automatic magnetic pull towards those who may need their sense of empathy and understanding. There’s a sense of realness behind others' emotional and mental challenges that ground this type, and makes them crave more insight into the lessons behind it all.
9. Honesty and accountability
It’s one thing to be honest in times of positive self-recognition, however, the vulnerability that comes through uncomfortable accountability is what really grabs the attention of the INFJ type. Just like the rawness behind personal struggles, accountability quiets the ego and establishes a sense of genuinity that can’t be proven otherwise.
In fact, in an instance where someone comes forward to individually take the blame for a group effort without the need to call anyone else out for their wrong doings, the INFJ will hold that individual in high regards for their amenability and lack of interest in personal gain.
They’re charmed by the self-sacrifice and strength to take the hit for the sake of their team member’s safety. This is especially admirable when the INFJ was able to sense exactly who else is to blame, through their innately observant nature. And lastly..
10. People who stand up for themselves in a respectful manner
The conflict avoidant INFJ can certainly feel uncomfortable when it comes to confronting others of their boundaries. And so, when they witness someone else using a calm and respectful approach to set appropriate boundaries, they become instantly captivated and can’t help but to further observe.
Whether it’s within a family setting, within a friendship, romantic relationship or simply through an encounter with a stranger, there’s a certain level of self-respect that comes with someone standing their ground.
Not only is it met with an appreciation for their courage, but also an admiration and motivating factor for the INFJ to adopt a similar approach within their own encounters. In fact, for the conflict-avoidant INFJ, a simple encounter of this nature can make all the difference in their own confidence and can end up putting their own lack of boundary-setting skills into perspective.
So, as an INFJ, what are some qualities of other people that instantly catch your attention?