Not in my experience as an INFJ. I’m not saying we don’t sometimes share our thoughts about the various subject matters that entertain our minds — but we aren’t exactly about being advice columnists or personal coaches.
ENFJs and INFJs are more likely to share deep insights that help you make a decision when they aren’t trying to achieve that goal.
So, I don’t see either type “giving advice” in an active way. Rather, they are simply in tune with the other person and often accurately describe your situation and the reasons for stagnation or depression.
I have two very influential ENFJs in my life — and neither one of them appear to “like” being in the counselor role. Sometimes they will share the most brilliant insights. And, I often feel very understood by them.
As for me, I have always felt uncomfortable giving people advice. I used to get lengthy letters from readers asking for advice — with private personal details. I would delete the correspondence and politely let them know I’m not the one.
On the other hand, I do like helping my INTJ friend but it’s not really helping him make decisions as much as helping him see how he could be a nicer person and get along (harmony). That’s really the INFJ focus. When people aren’t getting along, I like to help them see how they could get along. I’m more about people making their own decisions so giving advice is not my thing.
Most of the “advice” I’ve ever given in life is from a satirical and ironic point of view. Right now there are too many people in the world who take those roles. Life coach. Diet coach. MBTI coach. Dating coach. Spiritual advisor. Psychic advisor. Shrink. NLP Practitioner. Religious counselor. Drug counselor. Psychiatrist. Psychologist. Social worker with counseling degree. Psychoanalyst. Analyst. Relationship astrologist.
Actually relationship astrology is my favorite. At least it’s interesting and practical at the same time. If I were going to get advice from anyone, I’d be wanting to know all about how my moon is trine his Saturn and stuff like that. Ultimately, if the person giving the advice and helping is a good person, most people will get something positive out of the dynamic. I think the reason for the increase in the number of professional or monetized advice givers has to do with our economy and changes in the labor force and technology. And the nature of some social media sites and forums sort of breeds beauty school drop-out psychology experts. A little reference to the movie Grease.
Even dear Abby’d say the same
Now I’ve called the shot;
Get off the pot;
I really gotta fly;
Gotta be going to that malt shop in the sky
Beauty school dropout (beauty school dropout).
— Aura the Explorer on Quora. See post.
