INFJs, like any other personality type, can experience anger and frustration. However, their characteristic traits may influence how they express and deal with these emotions. Here are some reasons why an INFJ might be angry at someone but not express their anger directly to that person:
Conflict avoidance: INFJs tend to avoid confrontation and conflict. They may fear that expressing their anger directly could escalate the situation or damage the relationship. Instead of confronting the person, they may try to find alternative ways to address the issue or simply suppress their anger.
Empathy and sensitivity: INFJs are highly empathetic and sensitive individuals. They can easily put themselves in others' shoes, which can make them more understanding of the other person's perspective, even if they're angry. This empathy might lead them to hold back from expressing their anger directly, as they don't want to cause harm or hurt the other person's feelings.
Desire for harmony: INFJs often value harmony and peace in their relationships. Expressing anger directly can disrupt this harmony, and they may prefer to maintain a stable and positive atmosphere instead of engaging in conflict.
Fear of rejection: INFJs may fear that expressing their anger directly could lead to the other person rejecting or distancing themselves from them. This fear of losing the connection may keep them from confronting the issue head-on.
Difficulty expressing emotions: Despite their deep emotions, INFJs can struggle with expressing them openly. They may find it challenging to articulate their anger in a way that feels assertive but not aggressive, leading them to keep their feelings to themselves.
Passive-aggressive tendencies: Instead of expressing their anger directly, INFJs may resort to passive-aggressive behaviors. They might drop hints, give the cold shoulder, or become distant as a way of indirectly communicating their feelings.
Need for introspection: INFJs are introspective by nature and may want to take the time to understand their emotions fully before expressing them. This introspection can delay their direct expression of anger as they assess the situation and their feelings.
Desire for a deeper connection: INFJs often seek meaningful and authentic connections with others. Expressing anger directly may seem superficial or counterproductive to building a deeper relationship, so they might opt for a more nuanced approach to address the issue.
It's essential to remember that personality types can provide useful insights into how individuals may respond to situations, but people are complex and unique, and individual differences play a significant role in how someone deals with emotions, including anger. If you know an INFJ who seems angry but isn't expressing it directly, it's essential to communicate openly and create a safe space for them to share their feelings when they feel ready.