How do INFJs Handle Conflict and Resolution?

Conflict can be challenging for an INFJ. They may tend to avoid it entirely or feel guilty when it occurs. However, conflict is a natural part of life and can lead to growth and understanding. Let’s explore how INFJs naturally tend to handle conflict and some ways for them to reach healthy resolutions.

Conflict is an Opportunity for Growth

It’s important to understand that conflict is not always a negative thing. In fact, it can serve as an opportunity for growth and better understanding. Instead of feeling guilty or avoiding conflict, INFJs should try to embrace it as a natural part of life. They should remember that confronting people can lead to a new level of understanding and a stronger relationship.

Listen and Validation

The empathetic skills of INFJs make them excellent listeners. During a conflict, they can use this to their advantage by listening without judgment. Often, validation of someone’s feelings is all that is needed to move past a conflict. By acknowledging their opponent’s feelings, an INFJ can show that they understand and value their perspective. Practicing active listening techniques, such as repeating what is said to show that they are engaged in the conversation, can help INFJs make the most of their empathy.

Considering the Impact of Words

INFJs tend to make decisions based on how they will affect their environment and relationships. While valuing group harmony is important, it’s also essential for them to consider the impact on themselves. INFJs may tend to brush their own concerns under the rug and fail to stand their ground when necessary. To counteract this, they should trust their intuition as to what’s worth speaking up about and work towards finding a solution that works for everyone. INFJs can benefit from taking time to reflect on their own feelings and needs before addressing a conflict.

Approaching Disagreements with Civility

INFJs excel in civilized disagreements or debates but may feel uncomfortable with the idea of inciting conflict. However, it’s essential for them to stand up for themselves and voice their concerns. INFJs shouldn’t second-guess their intuition or dismiss their own feelings. It’s important to remember that working towards a solution together can strengthen relationships. It can be helpful for INFJs to refer to their emotions when expressing their concerns by framing their statements with phrases such as “I feel hurt when…” or “I need…”.

INFJ’s Unique Response to Conflict

INFJs may respond differently to conflict than others expect them to. While conflict can be necessary at times, it’s also important to recognize when it’s a waste of time and energy. INFJs should consider the specific circumstances and reasoning behind avoiding or confronting conflict. They shouldn’t feel pressured to respond in a certain way if it doesn’t align with their values and needs. Setting boundaries can help INFJs ensure that they are responding to conflict in a way that aligns with their emotional needs.

While conflict may be challenging for INFJs, it’s important to embrace it as an opportunity for growth and understanding. Using their empathetic skills to listen and validate, considering the impact on their environment, approaching disagreements with civility, and understanding their own response to conflict, can help INFJs reach a healthy resolution. By following these tips, they can strengthen their relationships and find solutions that align with their values and needs.