{"id":771,"date":"2023-03-24T14:16:05","date_gmt":"2023-03-24T05:16:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stevethefish.net\/stuff\/?p=771"},"modified":"2026-02-06T15:26:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T06:26:17","slug":"i-retook-a-personality-test-and-reinforced-that-i-am-an-infp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stevethefish.net\/stuff\/index.php\/2023\/03\/24\/i-retook-a-personality-test-and-reinforced-that-i-am-an-infp\/","title":{"rendered":"I retook a personality test and reinforced that I am an INFP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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I took a personality test on a site called 16personalities.com<\/a> It says I am a “mediator.” This is taken from the results I was given. I will highlight parts that really ring true for me.<\/mark> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although they may seem quiet or unassuming, Mediators (INFPs) have vibrant, passionate inner lives. Creative and imaginative, they happily lose themselves in daydreams, inventing all sorts of stories and conversations in their minds. <\/span>These personalities are known for their sensitivity \u2013 Mediators can have profound emotional responses to music, art, nature, and the people around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Idealistic and empathetic, Mediators long for deep, soulful relationships, and they feel called to help others.<\/span> But because this personality type makes up such a small portion of the population, Mediators may sometimes feel lonely or invisible, adrift in a world that doesn\u2019t seem to appreciate the traits that make them unique.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Gift of Empathy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mediators share a sincere curiosity about the depths of human nature. Introspective to the core, they\u2019re exquisitely attuned to their own thoughts and feelings, but they yearn to understand the people around them as well. <\/span>Mediators are compassionate<\/span> and nonjudgmental, always willing to hear another person\u2019s story. When someone opens up to them or turns to them for comfort, they feel honored to listen and be of help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empathy is among this personality type\u2019s greatest gifts<\/mark>, but at times it can be a liability. The troubles of the world weigh heavily on Mediators\u2019 shoulders, and these personalities can be vulnerable to internalizing other people\u2019s negative moods or mindsets<\/mark>. Unless they learn to set boundaries, Mediators may feel overwhelmed by just how many wrongs there are that need to be set right.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking Their Truth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Few things make Mediators more uneasy than pretending to be someone they aren\u2019t.<\/mark> With their sensitivity and their commitment to authenticity, people with this personality type tend to crave opportunities for creative self-expression<\/mark>. It comes as no surprise, then, that many famous Mediators are poets, writers<\/mark>, actors, and artists. They can\u2019t help but muse about the meaning and purpose of life, dreaming up all sorts of stories, ideas, and possibilities along the way.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through these imaginative landscapes, Mediators can explore their own inner nature as well as their place in the world. <\/span>While this is a beautiful trait, these personalities sometimes show a tendency to daydream and fantasize rather than take action. To avoid feeling frustrated, unfulfilled, or incapable, Mediators need to make sure that they take steps to turn their dreams and ideas into reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Search of a Calling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People with this personality type tend to feel directionless or stuck until they connect with a sense of purpose for their lives. For many Mediators, this purpose has something to do with uplifting others and their ability to feel other people\u2019s suffering as if it were their own. <\/mark>While Mediators want to help everyone, they need to focus their energy and efforts \u2013 otherwise, they can end up exhausted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, like flowers in the spring, Mediators\u2019 creativity and idealism can bloom even after the darkest of seasons. Although they know the world will never be perfect, Mediators still care about making it better however they can. <\/span>This quiet belief in doing the right thing may explain why these personalities so often inspire compassion, kindness, and beauty wherever they go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediator (INFP) Strengths<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n