F = Feeling

Ooooohhhh ... feelings. INFPs must be lovey-dovey, touchy-feely, starry-eyed and obsessed with cute fluffy kittens and wiggly little puppies. Well, maybe some are--but not necessarily.

"Feeling" in the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator methodology simply means that the person who is identified as a Feeler makes decisions based on personal values more than hard, cold facts. Feelers will follow an inner compass that points "true north" to their true selves. "If I do this, will I be doing the right thing?" is a question Feelers ask themselves. As is "what does this mean to me?" or "what do I really want out of this?". Ambiguity is tolerated in some circumstances, but Feelers are never satisfied with their current state of being. An authentic lifestyle is what a Feeler desires above all else, and he or she will pursue it relentlessly. In relationships, this authenticity is especially important. Feelers long for open, expressive communication with their significant others.

The value system used has been developed by a Feeler over a lifetime. Young Feelers often feel alienated from their peers. "Marching to the tune of a different drummer" is a phrase that describes this situation well. Past experiences, spiritual beliefs, learned knowledge, current interests, future goals, and relational implications all play a part in the constantly developing inner sense of value. Feelers draw upon this inner sense to make everyday decisions.

But what about love, joy, frustration, fear, or anger? Aren't those "feelings" and don't they affect Feelers differently than their Thinking counterparts? Well yes, emotions do play a part of Feeling. Feelers are typically more expressive and more in tune (due to that inner compass) to what their emotions mean. They are also more open to the emotions of others, and tend to take the feelings of others into consideration when making decisions.

At the end of the day, however, Feeling is ultimately a decision-making function and not an indefinite aura of emotive expressiveness.