Settling the Beef Between Extroverted Feeling and Introverted Feeling

extroverted feeling and introverted feeling

Between Extroverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Feeling (Fi) types, oftentimes there arises conflict very similar to that between Extroverted Thinking (Te) and Introverted Thinking (Ti) types. Fi types tend to see Fe as fake and manipulative, while Fe types often see Fi as selfish, burdensome, and insensitive towards others. In underdeveloped Fi and Fe types, these judgements can be fairly accurate, but it is important for both types to recognize the importance of the other function.

Similar to Te, Extroverted Feeling is targeted towards quick decision-making. In large groups, Fi can be inefficient, because the analysis of each person’s feelings to such a degree can take a while. Fe however, focuses on emotional cues from each person to quickly estimate how they are feeling, and how they will feel if certain things happen. The rapidity in which this function is used, can easily save a group of people, or most social interactions, from total catastrophe.

There is, of course, a downside to Fe. Although it is great at preventing bad situations from arising, oftentimes its lack of intimacy can actually cause bad things to happen. There are plenty of situations where a quick analysis of one’s emotions will not help a person. When someone is feeling particularly bad, Fe can seem downright offensive. In situations like these, it’s actually Fe that is perceived as selfish, burdensome, and insensitive towards others.

Much like Ti with its analysis of ideas, Introverted Feeling likes to process each emotion in detail before making a decision. Introverted Feeling may seem slow and selfish to an outsider, but really it’s because they have to process all the complexities there are to emotion that Fe users may ignore. In one-to-one conversation, this allows for more intimate dialogue. If given the chance to process itself, Introverted Feeling can be more effective than Fe at communicating, understanding, and acting upon emotional needs. Fi can be very effective at building strong bonds between people.

Fi has its problems too. Because of its need to feel and understand every emotion without being incomplete, or false to oneself, Fi can result in poor decisions. Because it focuses on internal feelings rather than picking up cues from other people, it is often the case that a person has to fully explain how they are feeling, in order for an Fi user to understand and make a good decision that works to the benefit of everybody’s feelings. This can be compared to how a Ti user must understand the logic behind everyone’s arguments in order to make a good conclusion that agrees with the logic of all the arguments given. In many instances there isn’t enough time to do this, or perhaps the other person is unaware of the need to express their emotions thoroughly to the Fi user. When this happens, the Fi type will up making a decision that agrees with their own emotions while ignoring the feelings of others, similarly to how a Ti type in this situation would make a decision that follows their own thought processes. Additionally, Fi types are equally capable of being manipulative and fake as Fe types can be, since they possess the advantage of being able to empathize with people to such a high degree. It is important for both types not to abuse their powers.

The best way to solve this seemingly endless dispute between Fe and Fi types, is for both types to recognize the benefits of the other type, and to work on their own feeling function to the level that it can replace the other. Extroverted Feeling types should realize that it is impossible to fully understand how someone is feeling so quickly, and that affecting the emotions of others is not always the best approach to solving a problem. In many cases it is important to slow down and feel the emotions of the other person in a more detailed, intimate manner, a practice known commonly as empathy. Introverted Feeling types should recognize that before making a decision that strictly serves their own emotional needs, it is important to gather the feelings of those around you, and likely you’ll find out that there’s some common ground between all of your emotions. Developing these processes may take longer, but can lead to an enriching effect on an individual’s life.


This post was written by an INTP Guest Contributor. Read their theory on INTP Personality Biases.


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