INFJs reactions to Narrow-mindedness

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How does the INFJ perceive people laughing at some of their actions?

When people laugh at some of their actions, INFJs can have a complex and deeply internal reaction, often influenced by their core personality traits:

Heightened Sensitivity: INFJs are known for their sensitivity, particularly to the emotions and intentions of others. Laughter directed at them can feel amplified and personal, even if it’s not intended maliciously.
Intuition and Interpretation: With their strong Introverted Intuition (Ni), INFJs are constantly trying to understand the underlying meaning and motivations behind people’s behavior. When faced with laughter, they will instinctively try to discern the why behind it. Is it lighthearted amusement, genuine mockery, or a sign of not being taken seriously? Their interpretation will heavily influence their emotional response.
Fear of Misunderstanding: INFJs often feel misunderstood, and being laughed at can exacerbate this feeling. They may worry that their actions, which likely had a purpose or were aligned with their internal values, are being misinterpreted or dismissed.
Empathy and Feeling Others’ Emotions: Their Extraverted Feeling (Fe) allows them to absorb the emotions of those around them. If the laughter carries a negative or critical energy, the INFJ will likely feel that negativity intensely, almost as if it were their own.
Internal Processing: As introverts, INFJs tend to process their emotions and experiences internally. They may not show their hurt or discomfort outwardly, but they will be analyzing the situation and their reaction to it long after the laughter has stopped.
Self-Criticism: INFJs can be highly self-critical. If they are laughed at, they may turn that critical lens on themselves, questioning their actions, their judgment, and whether they are somehow fundamentally “wrong” or awkward.
Desire for Harmony vs. Authenticity: While they desire harmony and positive interactions (Fe), INFJs also deeply value their authenticity (Ni). Being laughed at for being themselves can create an internal conflict between their desire to connect and their need to stay true to who they are.

In summary, an INFJ perceiving people laughing at their actions is likely to experience a range of emotions from mild discomfort to deep hurt, depending on their interpretation of the laughter’s intent and the context of the situation. Their sensitive and intuitive nature means they will process the event on multiple levels, potentially leading to introspection and self-questioning.

Will they change their behavior to submit to people’s selfish expectations?

INFJs are generally unlikely to fundamentally change their core behavior or compromise their deeply held values to submit to what they perceive as selfish expectations. While their Extraverted Feeling (Fe) makes them acutely aware of others’ emotions and creates a desire for harmony and connection, this is balanced by their dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni) and tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti).

Here’s a breakdown of why they are resistant to submitting to selfish expectations:

Strong Internal Value System: INFJs have a powerful internal moral compass and a clear vision of what they believe is right and wrong. Selfish expectations often clash directly with these values, particularly their desire to help others and contribute to the greater good.
Authenticity and Integrity: INFJs highly value authenticity in themselves and others. Conforming to selfish expectations would feel inauthentic and a violation of their integrity, which can cause significant internal distress.
Intuitive Discernment: Their Ni helps them see through superficial motives and understand the deeper intentions behind people’s actions. They are likely to intuitively recognize when expectations are selfish or manipulative.
Resistance to Control that Violates Values: As previously discussed, INFJs resist being controlled, especially when it means acting against their principles. Submitting to selfish demands would be a form of control they would strongly chafe against.
Prioritization of Deeper Meaning: INFJs are driven by a search for meaning and purpose. Engaging in behaviors that solely serve selfish ends would feel shallow and meaningless to them.

However, the expression of their resistance can vary. An INFJ might:

Initially, try to find a harmonious solution: Due to their Fe, they may first attempt to gently steer the situation or the person towards a more considerate outcome.
Become withdrawn: If they cannot reconcile the expectations with their values, they may create distance or withdraw from the situation or relationship.
Express their boundaries firmly (though perhaps not aggressively): While they dislike confrontation, they can be surprisingly resolute when their core values are challenged. They may articulate why they cannot meet the selfish expectations.
Feel internal conflict: The tension between their desire for harmony and their adherence to values can cause internal struggle, but their commitment to their principles usually prevails in the face of clearly selfish demands.

In conclusion, while an INFJ’s empathy might lead them to understand where the selfish expectations are coming from on an emotional level, their strong internal framework will likely prevent them from altering their behavior in a way that compromises their values and integrity for the sake of fulfilling those expectations.

Are they aware that some of their actions are awkward for narrow-minded people?

Yes, INFJs are likely aware that some of their actions might be perceived as awkward by those with more narrow-minded perspectives. Here’s why:

Intuition about Social Dynamics: INFJs have a strong intuitive understanding of people and social situations. They can often sense the emotional atmosphere and pick up on subtle cues from others. This awareness extends to recognizing when others might not fully grasp their perspective or intentions.
Feeling Like an Outsider: Many INFJs report feeling like they don’t quite fit in or are different from the majority. This lifelong experience of being an “outsider” gives them a unique vantage point from which to observe mainstream social norms and recognize how their behavior might deviate.
Overthinking Social Interactions: INFJs tend to analyze and overthink their interactions with others. They may replay conversations in their minds, considering how they were perceived and whether they said or did anything that might have seemed unusual or awkward to others.
Awareness of Different Perspectives: With their dominant Introverted Intuition, INFJs are adept at seeing multiple sides of a situation and understanding different viewpoints after some time of alone reflection and introspection. This ability to step into the shoes of others allows them to anticipate how someone with a different mindset might react to their actions.
The “Chameleon Effect”: While not a conscious manipulation, INFJs can sometimes adapt their outward behavior to better blend in with their surroundings due to their Extraverted Feeling. This ability to “chameleonize” suggests an underlying awareness of social expectations and how their natural behavior might differ.
Sensitivity to Judgment: Although they strive for authenticity, INFJs are also sensitive to criticism and judgment. This sensitivity makes them mindful of how their actions might be perceived, particularly by those who are less open-minded or understanding of different ways of being.

While they may be aware that some of their actions could be seen as awkward by those with limited perspectives, this doesn’t necessarily mean they will change who they are. Their core desire for authenticity and adherence to their values often outweighs the need to conform to narrow social norms. However, the awareness of this potential awkwardness can contribute to their feeling of being misunderstood or different.