5 Differences Between ENFPs and INFPs

Struggling between an introverted personality type and it’s extraverted counterpart is common. Most healthy people are ambiverts in their daily lives, so it can be natural to question whether you are an extravert or an introvert in the realm of typology. ENFP versus INFP is one such dilemma. Many NFPs find themselves uncertain as to which one they are, especially considering how nuanced the differences are. In this article, I’m going to cover 5 differences between ENFPs and INFPs that will hopefully help you settle on your best fit type.

BEWARE OF BIAS

As per usual, I like to throw this section into every typing dilemma because bias (whether unconscious, subconscious, or conscious) is extremely prevalent. Within the typology community, there is an introversion bias. It’s not necessarily intentional, but most introverts are presenting the material, and extraverts are being described as these social butterflies with a never-ending desire to interact with people and no need for alone time or introspection. This is not true. Many extraverts feel introverted, and being cognitively extraverted is not the same thing as being socially extraverted. (See Typing 101: Introversion vs. Extraversion or Extraversion in Typology). Of course, in the reverse, a socially adept introvert may question whether or not they are extraverted. Keep this in mind going forward.

Cognitive Functions

For your reference, the cognitive function stacks for the two types are the following:
ENFP = Ne-Fi-Te-Si
INFP = Fi-Ne-Si-Te

As you can see, ENFPs and INFPs have the exact same cognitive functions, just in slightly different orders. This makes the two types similar, and thus difficult to distinguish. However, exact function placement within one’s cognitive function stack makes a difference in how that function will manifest. (See: Attributes of the Top 4 Functions) The key to determining which of the two personality types you are lies in recognizing which cognitive functions are taking priority in your life.

5 Differences Between ENFPs and INFPs

1. ENFPs are perceiving dominants, while INFPs are judging dominants

Based on each type’s cognitive function stack, we know that ENFPs have Ne, or Extraverted Intuition, as their dominant function, while INFPs have Fi, or Introverted Feeling, as their dominant function. Simply speaking, this means that an ENFP is going to prioritize possibilities and ideas, while INFPs will prioritize their personal, internal judgements. This can result in the ENFP seeing possibilities everywhere, but struggling to make any meaningful judgements on them. Whereas, an INFP might fall prey to making an instant judgement on something before truly considering the possibility.

2. ENFPs prioritize exploration while INFPs prioritize introspection and identity

This goes along with the prior point, but we’ll delve deeper into it here. Since ENFPs prioritize ideas and possibility exploration, they will be prone to constantly dabbling and trying out a variety of things, but may drop these hobbies or interests very quickly as new possibilities emerge. As a result, undisciplined ENFPs may struggle to remain consistent within any one interest long enough to hone the skill to any useful degree. However, it can also cause them to have wide range of knowledge on seemingly random things. ENFPs will be the types that naturally explore first before considering what gives them meaning or aligns with their true self. (The general idea will be that through exploration, they will find what aligns with who they are.)

INFPs will operate in the reverse. Their primary focus will be on self-discovery via introspection. As a result, they’ll likely be more in touch with themselves, even if they don’t truly feel like they understand themselves. (After all, self-discovery in a never-ending journey.) They’ll want to consider who they are and what gives them meaning prior to dabbling and exploring. Remember, they’re identity first. While they may also be dabblers like ENFPs, it’ll likely be to a lesser degree, because they’ll be more selective with what they consider. Subsequently, they may naturally find it easier to remain consistent with certain interests in the long term.

3. ENFPs are more impulsive, while INFPs are more cautious

ENFPs are extraverts while INFPs are introverts. Many associate that with how social one will be, but that’s a misconception. A cognitive extravert has an external focus, while a cognitive introvert has an internal focus.

Therefore, an ENFP will likely fall prey to “act first, think later”. An obvious manifestation of this weakness can be accidentally putting their foot in their mouth, so to speak, and regretting their words later. ENFPs can also be prone to forgetting (or failing to consider) details, often having to double back mid-task to correct a mistake or deal with an obstacle that could have been anticipated. This will lead ENFPs to be overall more chaotic in their behavior, but as a result, they’ll usually be good at adapting to whatever is going on around them. They’ll also probably be better at moving on from a misstep (emotionally-speaking), since they won’t place such a heavy emphasis on their feeling function.

INFPs will be naturally more cautious and hesitant. Sure, INFPs may still regret their words from time to time, especially since over-explaining and rambling is a common tendency of Ne users. However, they’ll likely be more hesitant, as introverted dominants, and quick to realize (and regret) their mistake, as feeling dominants. They’ll also live more in their heads, and be more hesitant when it comes to spontaneity. They’ll want to feel a bit more prepared. This may make them more prone to over-thinking as a general rule, since their tertiary Si, or Introverted Sensing, may frequently attempt to prepare for multiple possible outcomes.

4. ENFPs get hyper-detailed about very specific things, while INFPs desire order and routine

ENFPs, with inferior Si, tend to latch onto very specific routines or hobbies, and then get hyper-detailed about them. To an observer, these things may appear to break from or contradict their normal behavior. For instance, their bedroom might be in complete chaos, while their computer desk is pristine. They may forget details constantly in their daily tasks, but have an extremely detailed process for brewing their morning coffee. Due to this behavior, ENFPs may perceive themselves as detailed, even though they’re only detailed in very specific things rather than as a way of life.

INFPs will likely desire routine more than an ENFP, even if they struggle to adhere to said routine. This is due to tertiary Si. They’ll want their lives generally more ordered and consistent, even if they are overall not organized people. (They might be, but they also might not be. Age, maturity, and life experience will be factors here.) INFPs will just feel a greater need to be organized, and may feel insecure about any perceived failure in this area. Compared to ENFPs, this will, as a whole, make them more consistent with their organization and attention to detail in their daily lives, rather than being extremely selective with where they apply their Si.

5. ENFPs are more casually assertive, while INFPs are assertive when triggered

Here’s where Te, or Extraverted Thinking, really comes into play. Sure, Te is tied into an INFPs insecurity surrounding their ability to be organize, but there’s another key way it manifests in each of these personality types.

ENFPs will be more confident using their Te. This will often make them more blunt or assertive, but in a friendly or jovial way (when healthy, of course). The ENFP might not be aware that they are this way, so it may be useful to get an outside perspective if you’re considering this type. (Ask someone who can give you an unbiased assessment… not the sibling that will only ever perceive you in a negative light. Bear in mind, we can all, from time to time, get pushy and assertive with intimates/family.)

INFPs, with inferior Te, will tend to drop down into that assertive nature much more suddenly or unexpectedly, when something very specific has triggered them. Perhaps a value has been trampled on, or they’re going through a hard time and lashing out more as a result. The bottom line here is that the “switch” will likely seem sudden and extreme, possibly catching the other person off guard. It may be perceived as an over-reaction by any onlookers.

In Conclusion…

I hope you found this to be at least a little bit useful. Remember, it’s all about which functions you are prioritizing. ENFPs will have an easier time shutting off Fi, while INFPs will have an easier time shutting of Ne. If you’re still stuck between these types, I recommend specifically looking into inferior functions. Here are a few articles you can check out: The Inferior Functions: An Overview and 5 Relationships With The Inferior Function. Of course, I welcome feedback or personal experiences you might have with distinguishing both types.