When you think of the INFPs, you probably think of INFP 4w5s or INFP 9w1s. Yet, there’s a forgotten INFP that’s also quite popular, yet less talked about. That is the INFP 9w8.
Here, we’ll discuss what you can expect from this personality type.
Who is an INFP 9w8?
INFPs are mediators. INFP 9w8s follow the same part with a twist. These are peaceful and kind people who really want to live in harmony with others.
However, don’t take their need for peace to mean they are pushovers. They have a back of steel as you will see.
While the INFP certainly complements the type 9 of the enneagram, their wing alters things. This makes this personality type very interesting, to say the least. INFP 9w8s are more likely to be INFP-As or just in between.
They will be laid-back and prefer to go with the flow when possible. However, they will resist any attempt to control their actions or choices.
Here are articles that talk about INFP-As and INFP-Ts.
What is the Core Desire of the INFP 9w8?
The core desire of the INFP 9w8 is to be at peace with others. While this is true, they also want to be in control of their lives and make their decision.
This personality type has goals and targets they are trying to achieve. However, expect them to only shoot for those goals if it won’t disrupt the peace of their family and loved ones.
What is the Core Fear of the INFP 9w8?
The core fear of the INFP 9w8s is to be abandoned or lose their inner peace and harmony. To avoid this scenario, they try to balance their need for independence and power with the need of their friends.
While peace will always come first, these people will certainly not follow the wishes of others blindly.
How the 9w8 Changes the Natural Tendencies of the INFP
1. People-Pleasers? Nah
The stereotypical belief about INFPs is that they find it hard to say no. While INFP 9w8s want to please those they love, this doesn’t apply to them.
They know where to draw the line and take a step backward. People often find this personality type to be tough and a no-nonsense type. This certainly doesn’t mean they are less kind. It just means they are independent.
2. More Ambitious
INFPs are usually portrayed as less ambitious people. They are usually more interested in their passion rather than a high-paying career for example.
With INFP 9w8s, this is a bit different. Granted, they have their passions and work towards them. However, they will also be ambitious and look to seek some power for themselves.
The extent to which they do this depends on the strength of their wings.
3. More Disciplined
It’s often said that INFPs find it hard to stay focused. Complacency and procrastination creep in. This is also true with type 9s.
However, their wing is quite powerful. While they might never attain the drive of type 8s, they certainly won’t be as undisciplined as a core type 9.
When healthy, they can power through tasks with their sheer willpower. You might not even believe they are INFPs when they do that.
4. Less Expressive with their Emotions
INFPs have a reputation for being emotional. They feel intensely and might not have complete control over their emotions. This certainly doesn’t apply to this INFP.
INFP 9w8s are less likely to show their emotions. Because they have type 8 as their wing, they might see their emotions as being weak or less powerful.
Thus, they might only be their true selves when they are with people they trust. Other times, all you see is a façade.
5. Empathy and Action
INFPs truly want to help the world become a better place. Their way of helping is more geared toward empathy and kindness.
INFP 9w8s are the same but with a twist. They also combine this with action. Thus, while normal INFPs might want to show how much they care by comforting people, INFP 9w8s wants to find solutions.
This certainly does not mean they don’t show empathy. They just realize empathy and actions are equally important.
6. More Realistic
INFPs are idealists. They see things how it ought to be, not how it is. However, this certainly does not apply to this personality type.
INFP 9w8s are realists. They understand that while they want the world to be a particular way, things usually don’t go as planned.
Thus, they are more prepared for worst-case scenarios than other INFPs.
7. The Right Balance
Many personality types often struggle with finding the right balance between helping people and independence. This personality type seems to have found the balance.
They know when to be helpful and diplomatic and when to define their boundaries. This is especially evident when their wing is strong.
By now, you’ve probably figured out that a lot of things will depend on the strength of your wing. For a clearer description of your enneagram type, you should read the in-depth description of the 9w8.
New Weaknesses of the INFP 9w8
1. A Different Type of Aloofness
INFP 4w5s are often accused of being aloof. The same applies to INFP 9w8s but with a twist. This personality type probably shares a bit of the INTJ death stare.
They might seem intimidating because they usually have a “don’t mess with me” face on. However, they are quite friendly and approachable underneath.
While this is true, your first impression of them might not be so good.
2. Prone to Anger
INFP 9w8s are more prone to anger. This makes a lot of sense considering their enneagram type. Type 9s are known for repressing their anger. Type 8s are known for being confrontational.
So, what you get is someone who tries to be calm and resolve matters diplomatically. If that fails and the person is pushed to the wall, things can get ugly.
INFP 9w8 vs INFP 9w1
Wondering if you are an INFP 9w8 or an INFP 9w1? Here are some of their common differences
| INFP 9w1 | INFP 9w8 |
| More Idealistic | More Realistic |
| More of a Perfectionist | More Ambitious |
| More Judgmental | More Confrontational |
Here’s an in-depth description of the INFP 9w1
INFP 9w8 in the Workplace
INFPs love to follow their passion. They want to be happy and satisfied with the work they do. INFP 9w8s are no different. While this is true, they also have some lofty targets they want to meet.
So, if their career path can help them with this, even better. They want to work in an environment that is flexible and less structured. INFP 9w8s can also make great leaders. Their ability to mix empathy with a firm hand is unrivaled.
To get the best out of this personality type, place them in a role that offers career progression, flexibility, and excitement.
They certainly won’t do badly in leadership roles.
Best Careers for INFP 9w8
- Mediator
- Judge
- Arbitrator
- Lawyer
- Nurse
- Executive
- Social Worker
- Religious Leader
- Environmental Scientist
- Professor
- Law Enforcement
- Writer
- Ambassador/Diplomat
- Politician
Worse Careers for INFP 9w8
- Rancher
- Plumber
- Mechanic
- Bartender
- High School Teacher
Famous or Fictional Characters that were INFP 9w8
- Scarlet Witch (The Avengers)
- Connor Kenway (Assassin’s Creed)
- Keanu Reeves
- Bob Marley
- Jasper Hale (Twilight)
- Adam Driver
- Katrina Van Tassel (Sleepy Hallow)
This is literally me what the hell, im creeped out because of how exact this is.
Haha, glad you enjoyed it!
Been looking forever for INFP 9w8 validation and finally I found you, Umesi, and your very strong matchup description of me! Excellent! I’d like a spiritual side description of INFP 9w8 which so far I have not found. I relate most to Moses and Enoch and the modern person: JRR Tolkien. I feel there are certain introverted types that find it advantageous to stay in the background, not because they feel misunderstood, but because they are not as needy. Some introverts can see other’s neediness. But what is upside down and backwards is when needy others focus on the introvert and either direct them or try to fix the introvert’s life for them in absurd manners. But I do desire to share with others equally and thankfully have one friend my type and we talk little to each other but feel we share spiritually on a spiritual level which is like a breathe of fresh air! I think this can be done virtually. Any INFP 9w8 sx types out there who want to try, I am game!