Have you ever heard of the saying, “Not all who wander are lost”?

It’s a thought that has always struck a chord in me. All my life, I’ve been called an idealist with my head up in the clouds. And I have to admit, it’s not always meant positively.

But what people don’t realize is that idealistic people aren’t lost. We’re simply always searching for deeper meaning and profound connections.

If that sounds familiar to you, you might be an INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceptive) like me. And spoiler alert — there’s a lot more to you than meets the eye.

Here are seven telltale signs that you might be one:  

1) You’re incredibly idealistic

Let’s start with the obvious.

Do you constantly dream of a better world and do your best to make it a reality? That’s a dead giveaway that you’re an INFP.

INFPs are often referred to as “dreamers” or “idealists”, and for a good reason. We have a rare ability to envision a future that’s not only better but truly ideal, in every sense of the word.

We believe in the power of positive change, and we’re not afraid to stand up for what we think is right. But it’s not all about grand visions and lofty ideals.

Here’s the catch.

Being an idealist also means we often find ourselves disappointed when reality doesn’t match up to our expectations. It can be a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s a part of who we are.

2) You value authenticity

Life coach Kate Furtado says, “Due to the Fi in INFP’s, they tend to be authentic and true to themselves. They enjoy being genuine and honest with who they are.”

That’s absolutely true — we’re not fans of superficiality or fakeness. 

Let me tell you a story.

A few years ago, I found myself in a group of friends who were more about appearances than substance. The flashy cars, the constant need to impress others – it all seemed so hollow to me.

One day, I decided to voice my feelings. It didn’t go down well. But you know what? I felt a sense of relief.

Why? Because I stayed true to myself and my values. And that’s what being an INFP is all about. 

So, if you often find yourself yearning for authenticity and depth in your relationships, you might resonate with the INFP personality type.

3) You’re a master of empathy

Another strength INFPs have is the ability to feel things deeply. And I don’t just mean our own emotions – I mean other people’s feelings too.

After all, “Feeling” is part of the personality type description. That means, it’s like having an internal emotional radar that never switches off.

Imagine walking into a room and instantly absorbing the emotional state of everyone present. Sounds exhausting, right? Well, that’s an average day for an INFP.

But it’s not just about feeling everything intensely. It’s about understanding and relating to others on a level that few can.

It can be overwhelming at times, but it also allows us to connect with people in a profound and meaningful way.

4) You love alone time

Alone time is incredibly important for me, and INFPs like me. Remember, introversion is one of this personality type’s key traits. 

It’s not that we’re anti-social, far from it. Like I said earlier, we value deep connections and meaningful conversations. 

But we also need time to recharge. That’s why, after social interactions, we tend to seek solitude to process our thoughts and feelings.

For example, after a day full of meetings or socializing, I’ll often retreat to my quiet space – a cozy corner in my house with a good book or some soothing music.

It’s during these moments of solitude that we reflect, dream and recharge our emotional batteries. 

5) You’re creatively inclined

Did you know that the INFP personality type is often linked with creativity?

That’s right, we have a unique ability to see connections and patterns that others might miss. And we use this skill to create, whether it’s writing, painting, music, or any other form of self-expression.

In fact, some of the world’s most renowned authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin are believed to be INFPs.

This isn’t a coincidence. Our vivid imagination and deep emotional understanding make us natural storytellers.

I, for one, love to write. It’s my way of understanding and expressing my emotions, hopes, and dreams.

So, if you’re drawn to creative pursuits and often find yourself lost in the world of your imagination, you might have the heart of an INFP.

6) You’re a natural peacemaker

Conflict? Not on my watch.

INFPs have this innate ability to sense tension and disharmony. And when they do, they feel compelled to restore peace. 

I remember back in high school, there was a major fallout between two of my close friends. The atmosphere was tense, and everyone was picking sides.

But instead of joining the fray, I found myself acting as the mediator, trying to understand both sides and find a middle ground.

You see, INFPs believe in the inherent goodness of people. We strive for harmony and understanding, even in the face of conflict. That’s our idealistic streak coming into play. 

So, if you often find yourself playing the peacemaker and striving for harmony in your relationships, it could be a sign that you’re an INFP.

7) You’re driven by your values

This is the heart of the matter.

As an INFP, your values are not just important – they’re your driving force.

You have a strong moral compass, and you’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means going against the grain.

For instance, I’ve always been passionate about social justice and equality. It’s not a bandwagon thing or a passing fad. It’s a deep-seated conviction that guides my decisions and actions every single day.

You might have your own set of values and ideals. Whatever they are, you have this unshakeable belief in the way things should be and are willing to fight for it. 

Embracing your INFP identity

So, you’ve recognized yourself in these signs and realized that you might be an INFP. That’s a beautiful thing.

Being an INFP isn’t about fitting into a box. It’s about understanding your strengths, your quirks, your passions. It’s about acknowledging the depth of your emotions, your love for authenticity, and your drive to make a positive impact.

Use this insight to nurture your strengths and work on areas you wish to develop.

Embrace your idealism, but also welcome the realities of life. Honor your need for solitude, but don’t forget to connect with the world around you.

In being true to yourself and embracing your INFP traits, you’re not just existing – you’re living authentically. And what could be more beautiful than that?