INFP Fi-Si Loop (Introverted Feeling & Introverted Sensing)
For introverted personality types, going into their loop is when they turn inward to their introverted functions. This isn’t always a bad thing, and sometimes it occurs under stress as a means of helping the person navigate whatever challenges they are facing. At first, it can cause them to turn towards parts of themselves they normally would not, applying pressure to a function that isn’t as natural for them. It can help the individual figure out some things they are struggling with, but if this goes on for too long, it can certainly become unhealthy for them. When they get stuck in this loop for long periods of time, they definitely need a means of breaking free before it applies too much stress to their weaker functions and leaves them feeling emotionally exhausted.
The INFP Fi-Si loop causes them to turn to these two functions, and neglect their extraverted functions entirely. INFPs are naturally drawn to their extraverted intuition, which is their auxiliary function, but not when they are in their loop. During the loop, the INFP becomes hyper-critical of past mistakes, reverting mostly to their inner morals and applying them to things that occurred in their past. They become nostalgic for these moments, sometimes glorifying people and relationships, and even blaming themselves for things that didn’t go right. During this time, the INFP can struggle with criticism and feeling alienated from others.
INFPs Typically Rely On Extraverted Intuition
When the INFP is not in their Fi-Si loop, they rely heavily on their introverted feeling and extraverted intuition. INFPs rely on their sense of inner morals but are also strongly connected to possibilities and the future. They make choices based on these functions, and this is how they filter the world around them. INFPs absorb information and take in all of the different possibilities and ideas, and ultimately use their sense of inner morals to decide what is right. The INFP needs their extraverted intuition as a means of connecting to the world and having a sense of excitement and hope for the future. This is what inspires the INFP to try new things and really explore the different hobbies and activities which excite them. They thrive on ideas and imagination and enjoy being able to share these things with their loved ones. When the INFP relies on these functions, they can create and imagine things that are awe-inspiring and filled with a sense of passion and wonder. INFPs do care deeply about doing what is right, but they are good at understanding this and are not afraid of standing up for their beliefs. When they are focused on their natural function and learn to grow their weaker functions in a healthy way, the INFP becomes capable of standing by their convictions and enjoys being able to make a difference in the world around them.
The Fi-Si Loop in INFPs
When the INFP is stuck in their loop, their introverted functions are what they turn to, completely neglecting and denying their extraverted functions. This can sometimes occur under times of stress, especially when the INFP feels like their natural behaviors and actions are not working properly. When they start to focus only on their Fi (Introverted Feeling) and Si (Introverted Sensing), the INFP becomes obsessive over the past as a means of figuring things out. They connect with mistakes and things which happened in the past and start to obsess over the details, even judging themselves harshly and feeling guilty for things they probably shouldn’t. They are searching for answers and solutions by drawing from the past. They are likely to seem very reclusive during this time, developing tunnel vision and trying to focus on things that they normally wouldn’t. While this might not seem serious at first, over long periods of time in their loop, the INFP starts to experience severe guilt over their past mistakes. They start to look down on themselves and might feel like they are incapable of improving or making a better future for themselves and those around them. They can become self-critical to the point where they can only see the bad they have done, and can’t find a means of escaping this.
While it isn’t always easy to spot, the loop is not just simply the INFP being reclusive and introverted. They are putting so much pressure on their introverted functions that they no longer seem excited about the things they once loved. Instead of focusing on projects and the things they enjoy, the INFP becomes obsessive over fixing certain problems and understanding how to improve the situation.
How to Escape the INFP Loop
For the INFP, escaping the loop can happen naturally, but this depends on the severity of their outside stresses. If they feel that they are trapped in this loop, and the problems have not been solved, it is important for the INFP to experience something new. Finding ways to dive into new projects, or even just going to a new place or eating new foods. Anything which can draw them towards experiences outside of the past can help the INFP reconnect with the possibilities around them and open up to their extraverted functions again. This isn’t always easy for the INFP, since being in their loop isn’t the easiest thing to recognize. Being that it is based on introverted functions, finding a way to reconnect is something that takes a lot of personal effort. It can also be helpful for the INFPs loved ones to help them when they are feeling trapped in this loop. They need people who understand when the INFP is indulging in these internal doubts for too long, and are capable of reaching out to them. They need to reconnect with their passions and things which draw them out of this shell. Having loved ones who can recognize this loop and help shake the INFP up a bit can be really helpful for them. They don’t need harsh treatment, simply someone who can give them hope for the future.
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