It's not uncommon for individuals to experience shifts in their personality traits and behaviors over time. While personality tends to have some degree of stability, it can also be influenced by various factors such as life experiences, personal growth, and changes in circumstances. As you mentioned, you identify with the INFJ personality type, but it's essential to remember that personality types are just general frameworks and not strict definitions of who you are as a person.
Several factors could contribute to your feeling of losing your INFJ traits and acting differently:
Life Transitions: Significant life events, such as changing jobs, moving to a new location, starting a relationship, or experiencing personal challenges, can lead to changes in how you perceive and respond to the world around you.
Stress and Coping Mechanisms: High levels of stress or difficult life situations can trigger coping mechanisms that may seem contrary to your typical INFJ behavior.
Personal Growth: As you mature and gain new experiences, your values, beliefs, and preferences may evolve, leading to changes in your behavior and outlook on life.
Social and Environmental Influences: The people you spend time with and the environment you are in can have an impact on how you express yourself and interact with others.
Self-Exploration: Sometimes, people go through phases of self-discovery and experimentation, trying out different ways of being before settling into a more authentic self.
If you find yourself longing to "be yourself again," it could be a sign that you are not entirely comfortable with the changes you've experienced and that there might be a desire to reconnect with your core values and traits.
To address this, consider the following steps:
Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on the changes you've noticed in yourself and what might have triggered them. Explore any internal conflicts or discomfort you might be experiencing.
Identify Core Values: Reconnect with your core values and beliefs to better understand what makes you feel authentic and aligned with your true self.
Seek Support: Talking to a therapist or counselor can be helpful in navigating these feelings and understanding the reasons behind your perceived personality changes.
Embrace Growth: Recognize that personal growth and change are natural parts of life. Embrace the positive aspects of your evolution while staying true to your core values.
Allow Yourself to Evolve: Remember that it's okay for your personality to evolve over time. Embrace the person you are becoming while staying true to your fundamental values and principles.
Ultimately, the goal is not to "go back" to being exactly the same as before but to integrate the changes in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your core self.