#fi cognitive function

Part 2: How Each Func. Looks in Each Place

Table of Contents

1. Fe and Fi: What are they?

2. How they’re different

3. Pros of both

4. Cons of both

Side note before we start: The MBTI is primarily focused on how you process and understand information, which is why a lot of companies use the MBTI. It is not meant to describe what you expect from the world, your fears, how you perceive yourself and others, etc. Lastly, If you are looking for a system that defines that, I recommend you look into the enneagram and the instinctual types. To add onto that, everyone uses every function, even if it is a part of your shadow. Each function will find a way to present itself in you. I advise that you look at which one you use more. If you want to understand your MBTI, you have to look into why you think the way you think. Happy searching!

Fe and Fi: What Are They?

Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Feeling (Fi) are two of eight cognitive functions recognized by Jung’s contribution to the MBTI theory. Both are judging functions, which means that they are primarily used to determine the validity of information presented to them. Because they are “Feeling” functions, this means that these functions are centered around morality or “what is the right thing to do.” So, in a nutshell, Fe and Fi judge the world based off of a moral compass.

How these functions develop this sense of morality mostly comes from the extravertedness or introvertedness of the function. Likewise, how these functions are presented comes from the extravertedness/introvertedness of the function. I will get into this more under “How They’re Different,” however it is to note this difference before we move on.

Fe is, in a nutshell, a function that develops morality from the outside world. This means that whatever is agreed upon by the majority of people, a Fe dominant will also most likely agree on. Similarly, when presenting these morals, Fe tends to push it outward. So if a large majority of people say that murder is bad, the Fe dominant will say that murder is bad and then apply that to other arguments. Fe, due to its extraverted nature, also tends to be group oriented. So if something hurts the general population, Fe dominants will typically resist that.

Fi develops morality through personal experience and figuring out what is right to the individual. If a Fi dominant has an opinion on a topic, it will either come from:

1. Personal experience with the topic

2. Putting the self in the position of someone who does have experience with the topic or;

3. The application of the Fi dominant’s other morals attributing to their opinion of the topic.

For example, if a Fi dominant agrees that murder is bad, they will either:

1. Share a time they had experience with murder

2. Create a connection between an experience they had to the feelings of someone who experienced murder or;

3. Take a strong value they have, such as family, and then state how murder violates that family value.

Fi, while it can value other people, typically does not value the majority or opinions of the majority. Similarly, Fi dominants do not necessarily look for reassurance on their morals unless it is someone they value.

How They’re Different

As previously discussed, the main difference between Fe and Fi tends to be the extraverted and the introverted part of each function. To explain this, I figured that it would be easier to create a table that compares the two.

Fe:

- Creates support that comes from an external source

- Moral beliefs typically originate from what is agreed upon externally

- Identity typically comes from the viewpoint of others; lack a sense of identity outside of the group.

- Focused on building connections externally

- More easily swayed by the opinions of others. Similarly, need to put their feelings outward to process through them properly.

Fi:

- Support is needed internally. Many Fi dominants experience their lowest moments when they lack internal cohesion.

- Moral beliefs typically originate from what they feel is right and wrong or what they experience.

- Identity comes internally. Likewise, if the Fi dominant cannot come to a conclusion on who they are, they will never feel like a full person (regardless of what external validation they seek).

- Focused on building connections internally.

- Typically need some form of alone time in order to process through their emotions/ come to a logical conclusion.

Here are some similarities that I have also noticed:

- Morality has a major impact on their sense of self. If they don’t follow their morals in their own life, their self esteem plummets.

- Both tend to have identity issues for two entirely different reasons.

- Both are typically firm in their beliefs in some way, shape, or form.

Pros

Like everything in this world, there is both good and bad to the functions. In this part we’ll primarily focus on what is good about Fe and Fi.

Fe:

- Are typically more aware of what is expected from other people

- Similarly, are good at “reading the room.” From what I’ve heard from Fe dominants, it feels like absorbing what other people are feeling.

- Spiritually intuitive in a “This person doesn’t feel good” sort of way

- Naturally good at communicating

Fi:

- Are typically more aware of what they expect from themselves

- Good at building connections within themselves (i.e. better at understanding where a certain feeling originated from)

- spiritually intuitive in a “something feels off about this/this makes me feel sick/ I don’t like how this situation feels” way

- Always “feel” who they are, even if they consciously are not aware of it (knowing where their limits are)

Cons

Fe:

- Have the tendency to lack identity outside of a group/ group expectations.

- Over-extend themselves/ can sometimes talk about themselves in a “I did not need to know that” way.

- Seeks external validation for their morals.

- Aware of how others feel, but take that as a “I need to change myself to accommodate this person’s feelings” way; comes off as fake to some, though not intentionally.

- When anxious, try to push others to open up as a way to “confirm” their inner thoughts.

- Can be outwardly judgmental if others do not conform to generally accepted ideas.

- View emotions as something to talk about nonchalantly. Like over dinner will ask you how your depression had been or smth.

Fi:

- Super not great at communicating. Have to process through their feelings first before they even consider opening up to you. Even then, will probably decide that it’s not worth the hassle. Healthier versions of this type are better at this, however still need time to process their emotions.

- Needs internal support. When in moments of internal conflict, can become aggressive and reject other people.

- Really bad about overthinking. Makes accommodations for people in a “No one will understand what I’m feeling, so I’ll just keep my mouth shut” way. Causes them to come off as people pleasers.

- Shut down if pressured to open up.

- Bad at jumping to conclusions. Have the tendency to decide how you’ll react before they actually have confirmation; react based off of their fears.

- While this is not necessarily Fi specific, Fi users have the tendency to be emotionally intense and too introspective.

Hopefully this helped you on identifying the difference between Fe and Fi. In no way, shape, or form am I trying to discredit or over-credit any type, just trying to shine some light on how these types tend to work! As always, if you have any questions, let me know wherever you see fit! Hasta manaña!

Credit: I steal all of my headers from Pinterest. Whoever makes this shit (lovingly), cudos to you broskotcho