#ixfp

Tbh, it is much more simple than people think, if we talk about standard development l--- PeFi (ExFP) vs FiPe (IxFP). When it becomes blurry is if you account for the fact divergent developments exist, such as ll-- (both Ji and Pe conscious) and ll-l (introvert or extrovert heavy, despite the lead energetic).

So, let assume we talk about the standard development. Pe lead is not necessarily about trying everything once but it does have the mindset of exploration, which means it will focus on possibilities, opportunities and novelty in general. As a perception function, it also implies a fluid mindset as in having a kind of relativistic perspective on things. It doesn't discriminate the value of the object. It is what it is, and the Pe lead will rather toy with it as a mean to explore the form and contour of the given object. It exploits possibility for the sake of it, when on Pe is on its own.

Ji on the other hand is a Judgement function, so it cares about discrimining objects. The core process of this function is about definition, so to define, refine and precise. It wants to find the core value of the given objects. It leads to much more reserved, meticulous and perfectionistic traits in an individual. However, I wouldn't say it is close-minded, quite the contrary. Ji is perfectionistic to a fault. It wants to reach the "truth" of the object, therefore it will want to consider any details they could have missed. It sure is more categoric than a Pe lead will be, but its goal is to reach a sort of perfection, so if presented a new information, it will want to ponder on it to either discard or refine the present definition/category.

So, in term of distinction, Ji leads are much more reserved, meticulous, perfectionistic even, and over all careful, while Pe leads are much more curious, novelty seeking, restless and open ended in their view of things.

But then, as I mentioned, the lines can blur rapidly. Nonethelessly the ll-- dev exists, but in general, someone can value a function and modulate it without having integrated the function fully. So, a FiPe could totally have a fixation on their Pe and be much more daring and spontaneous than a l--- would be, and a PeFi could have a fixation on Ji and be more careful, pondered and overall show a restrain a l--- Pe lead wouldn't.

In the end, both those set of traits can coexist in an individual, making it difficult to parse through psychology alone what is leading in the psyche. Though, what I mentioned about Ji and Pe is what distinguish them the most. But as I said, it's not black or white and they usually bleed into each other, depending on the openness the person has toward their auxiliary function or even other functions.

On top of this, being a 4 core usually correlates somewhat with a focus on Ji, especially Fi. So, the chance of you being PeFi ll-- is higher or at least, you probably value some fair bit Fi and may modulate it if it's not integrated. Remember Pe is not just about doing reckless stuff, it's simply about seeking novelty and wanting to explore, which can apply to exploring the mind and concepts. I know this is not what will help you the most, but I'd rather mention it so you take into account why it can be so confusing.

Infp: hey intp

Intp: yeah?

Infp: you look like nut balls

Other than GAD illness which affects work lately, I am also dealing with the anxiety or slight depression regarding the corona-virus in my city while dealing with the rocketing price for getting masks, and now the above anxiety when my male Libra  friend (who he thinks we are” friends only”) has not texted me back since Feb 12 while I simply texted “How have you been doing?”.  (I also forgot telling readers that I also miss a female co-worker/friend who is currently on sick leave due to having cancer at a young age. I sobbed once when I stared at her empty desk.  I missed the time when we texted and complained about office politics on the phone.)

It has been going on like this since 2017 or 2018?  I guess I should cut loss from my end and move on (even though I seriously don’t want to.)

So, I’m not sure if you’re asking us to type you or to simply explain the differences between the two types… so… I’ll do a bit of both.

This is where the cognitive functions come in handy. To keep this post shorter, I’m going to have to link you to our FAQ page that explains what the cognitive functions are.

Now here are the cognitive functions of the types you mentioned:

INFP: Fi Ne Si TeISFP: Fi Se Ni Te

So by looking at that, you can see how ISFP & INFP have the same dominant and inferior function. Therefore, we need to look at the middle two functions to differentiate between the two types. 

Typically, the auxiliary is easier to identify than the tertiary. Your auxiliary function should support your dominant function and should be very strong. Se and Ne are both extroverted functions so they are focused externally. The difference here is that Se is focused on the physical environment around you and external stimuli. Ne is more about external information, ideas, theories and non-tangible things. 

I’d recommend researching the cognitive functions on your own a little bit; but as for a brief description of how each type’s cognitive functions interact with each other:

INFP: 

Fi makes a judgment on a piece of information using your personal feelings 

Ne then compares this judgment to external information, and branches off into new ideas based on the judgement 

Si applies your personal memories and experiences to see how judgement holds up 

Lastly, Te supplies objective facts and data that support or disprove the judgement 

ISFP: 

Fi makes a judgment on a piece of information using your personal feelings

Se will compare the judgment to what you have observed in real life through your 5 senses 

Ni applies internal information (what you already know) to the judgement and begins to narrow it down to the core idea

Lastly, Te supplies objective facts and data that support or disprove the judgement 

Your auxiliary function will be the one you rely the most on. Your tertiary and inferior will be less important to you, and you may not always consider them to hold much weight over what your dominant and auxiliary decide. 

ESFP, ISFP, ISTP, ESTP. The Explorers/Sensing Perceivers