Extraverted Sensing (Se) is the inferior function for INFJs. This often creates a struggle for the INFJ to connect to the physical world and the now.
As Se is focused on the sensory details in real-time, INFJs’ dominant function, introverted intuition (Ni), pulls them toward pursuing ideas in the abstract and in the future.
Understanding Se is important for INFJs in order to become more grounded in the world around them, compensating for some of their natural blind spots.
Extraverted Sensing (Se) in Detail #
Extraverted Sensing (Se) forms the basis of experiencing and engaging with the here and now and the external environment. It’s the function that gets the most out of perceiving the world as it exists right now, in real-time.
Se users are acutely aware of sensory information and quickly absorb what they encounter in their surroundings. They live in the present moment and appreciate what is right in front of them. This allows people to be in touch with their surroundings, to act quickly when things change, and to be spontaneous.
Se is centered on instant gratification and physical presence — what can you experience right now? Se, however, is not the INFJ’s native environment. Rather than reacting to what is in front of them, they tend to exist in their mind and abstract concepts.
Se vs Si #
Se (extroverted sensing) and Si (introverted sensing), while both sensing functions have different focuses. Se is the state of all things present and outward-facing, eager to experience new stimuli and to feel the world.
Se users are able to connect to the environment and are motivated by the thrill of surprise. Whereas Si is more about memories and the past. Si users use what they’ve learned through their history to process the now.
As INFJs are Ni-dominant types they see past their own experiences and replace them with potential futures dampening the importance of sensory details. Si users prefer to rely on routines and sensations that are familiar.
For INFJs, their inferior Se likely struggles with the absence of a routine and being bombarded by sensory stimuli.
Inferior vs. Dominant Se #
Se as a Dominant Function #
Se is known as a dominant function for types like ESTPs and ESFPs, indicating that it is a primary way these types process information. They are very responsive to their environment, quickly reacting to any changes in their surroundings.
They live for being in the moment, exploring the sensory landscape, and looking for adventure. They are able to adapt quickly as they have fast reflexes and respond instantly to novel stimuli. Sensory details feed their energy and help them act with confidence.
They have no qualms about making life-or-death calls in fractions of a second, sometimes even gravitating toward doing rather than thinking. For them, living in the present is second nature.
Se as an Inferior Function #
Se is an inferior function for the INFJ, meaning it is weak and runs in the background. As a result, it’s hard to connect with the present and process sensory information. INFJs may initially feel shocked, paralyzed, or overwhelmed instead of automatically responding, however.
When it comes to decisions that need to be made on the spot, they may falter, as their dominant Ni would rather deliberate than act on impulse. While Se-dominant types can find comfort in adaptive patterns, INFJs can struggle with the rollercoaster nature of navigating life in the unknown.
Their interest is in global plans, not surfacing with a particular world.
The Conflict Between Ni and Se #
Ni (introverted intuition) and Se (extroverted sensing) are the opposites on the cognitive function spectrum, and this creates tension to INFJs. Ni prompts heavy introspection and long-term thinking, whereas Se demands being in the moment and active.
This tension between abstract thinking and real-world interaction can create frustration for INFJs. This can lead to hesitation and self-doubt, as they may have trouble trusting their ability to respond in the moment.
Developing proficiency in these two areas oftentimes becomes a necessary life skill for the INFJ, helping them cope with real-world situations.
Ni and Se – The Push and Pull #
Both Ni (introverted intuition) and Se (extraverted sensing) are in direct opposition to one another in the INFJ. Ni draws them toward abstract, future-headed ideas, often at the cost of losing sight of the present.
Se, by contrast, is about responding to what is going on in the present moment. This means that reality and possibility can feel at odds for INFJs, creating a division between their inner world of possibility, and the reality that they are a part of physically.
The same goes for INFJs and Ni users; they can end up drifting so far into fantasy dreams and ideas that they miss out on what is real around them. As a consequence, they can often feel frustrated with their inferior Se, as INFJs feel as if they are ill-equipped to deal with the world of concrete, sensory experience without their inner intuition.
These internal cyclical motions can manifest throughout one’s life, creating tension between these two functions that ultimately prevents them from reaching their full potential as a well-balanced individual who is engaged with the world around them beyond surface-level facts.
The Three Faces of Extraverted Sensing #
Environmental Scanning #
Users in Se type constantly monitor their environment, watching for things as they happen. They’re very dialed into sensory details—what people are doing, what the milieu feels like, and how they can play in it.
This heightened perception enables them to respond rapidly in novel environments and negotiate socio-physical contexts with ease. Because this real-time processing in the moment can be overwhelming and even hard to sustain for INFJs, who have a difficult time with Se, it can be hard for them to stay present to what is happening around them.
A Hunger for Sensory Stimulation #
Se users value the new and typically draw energy by taking action in their surroundings. Trying new foods, traveling to unknown places, participating in high-octane activities — Se to Se, “Let’s just get our kicks right now.”
They experience the world as joy through the 10 senses and are energized by novelty. While INFJs often prefer to analyze arising situations rather than join fully in the action, ENFPs have a difficult time saying no to opportunities and experiences.
This avoidance of sensory experiences can result in missed opportunities for joy and connection.
Dynamic and Responsive Nature #
Se is a doing function that lives to react. It allows users to be spontaneous, and action-oriented and respond immediately to what’s in front of them. Dominant Se users are extremely adaptable and can switch their focus as needed, which helps them avoid feeling drained.
This dynamic nature can however hit INFJs hard. Their Ni/thought-based and future-oriented tendency to predict what they might be supposed to do next makes it all too easy to slow them down mentally, so performing without prior instruction is alien enough to their thought processes that it can feel uncomfortable or even induce anxiety.
Having a better relationship with Se can assist INFJs in not feeling as uncomfortable with the idea of responding to the moment rather than overanalyzing every choice.
Procrastination and Overwhelm #
INFJ usually struggle quite a bit in some areas because of their inferior Se. Procrastination is one of the most important struggles. Even mundane things such as practical chores can seem daunting as INFJs would like to avoid the unforeseen problems they may bring.
They tend to feel overwhelmed with the uncertainty of what might unfold if they start a task. That can create chronic delays in dealing with real-world problems that have to be solved.
For example, an INFJ might avoid taking the car in for an oil change because they dread what else might go wrong once they start dealing with the car.
Their way of being contributes to an entirely unnecessary feeling of overwhelm due to their weak connection to the present moment and the tendency to overthink negative outcomes that could take place.
Struggle with Sensory Overload #
Another challenge of INFJs is sensory overload. They are naturally tuned into the abstract and what the future might hold, so being in a highly stimulating place can be too much. Noisy environments, bright lights, and crowded places can easily deplete their energy.
They may not do well in fast-paced environments like crowded areas and other similar workplaces where quick responsiveness is needed. But rather than remain here now they retreat into rumination, a mental swirl all too often divorced from the immediate experience.
Difficulty in Taking Immediate Action #
INFJs tend to appreciate plans rather than spontaneity, making spur-of-the-moment decision-making challenging. Their Ni prefers to explore and analyze the situation before jumping into a decision.
This may, however, cause them to be slow to act in emergencies or reluctant to take chances. There can be a certain feeling of paralysis that comes with their perception of the now that leads to missed opportunities or frustration when they recognize they spent more time thinking about a decision than actually doing it.
Physical Neglect and Disconnection from the Body #
A second area many INFJs might struggle with is their relationship to their bodies. Because they don’t naturally register bodily sensations, they may overlook fundamental self-care imperatives, such as eating regularly, exercising, and drinking enough water.
They can get so lost in their mind and their ideas that they lose track of time and forget to take care of themselves. If not properly addressed, this disconnection can result in challenges such as burnout or chronic fatigue.
How INFJs Can Develop and Boost Their Se #
Practicing Mindfulness and Sensory Awareness #
Practicing mindfulness can be the first step for INFJs in developing their Se. That means more consciously being present in the moment and engaging with their environment.
They can begin being mindful by noticing the sights, sounds, textures, and smells around them. Activities, as simple as enjoying a meal, paying attention to the texture of fabric, or observing the nuances in music, can draw INFJs into their five senses and away from the abyss of idealism.
Engaging in Physical Activity #
Earthy movement tends to be the most grounding way for INFJs to get in touch with their Se. Activities such as yoga, hiking, weightlifting or even dancing can keep them grounded in their bodies, facilitating immediate engagement with the physical world.
Exercise forces INFJs out of their heads and into their bodies, emphasizing movement, balance, and energy, making them more aware of their physical senses.
Building a Routine of Immediate Action #
While INFJs like to engage in the present, their natural tendency to overthink before taking action can slow them down in the process. By creating small, concrete actions they can take right away, these individuals can outsmart their own tendency to wait.
For instance, instead of over-planning before composing an email, they can choose to write and send one right away. Making incremental progress towards agile execution informs INFJs that they can respond to real-world needs.
Exploring New Experiences #
INFJs can actively look for new experiences that help them step out of their comfort zone. Development often begins with new experiences like food, travels, or physically creative activities such as paint or pottery. In doing so, they hone their Se and balance their default inclination toward introspection.
Using Sensory Anchors to Stay Present #
By being anchored in their senses, INFJs can avoid getting lost in their thoughts. Encourage them to hold a smooth stone, focus on their breath, or even go outside and feel the air on their skin as grounding techniques.
They can develop a more natural and fluent relationship with their Se by cultivating these small habits regularly, which allows them to play with reality in a more steady fashion.
Se in INFJ Relationships #
Struggles with Being Present in Relationships #
The dominant Ni for INFJs makes it almost painful for them to stay completely present with their partners. They might get lost in their thoughts, overthinking their partner’s words and actions instead of just being in the moment together.
This tends to come off as cold or uninterested, even if that couldn’t be further from the truth. Because of their struggle with Se, they may miss the smaller connections and just enjoy the present moment rather than consider what the future has in store.
Challenges with Spontaneity #
This desire for, and need for, structure and predictability as an INFJ can sometimes clash with partners who thrive on spontaneity. Plan-oriented people tend to prefer predictability in their schedules.
They may find it difficult to adapt to spontaneous plans or changes, becoming uncomfortable when things don’t go according to plan. This can create friction with more action-driven partners who enjoy a flexible approach. When it comes to something such as going on a spontaneous date, INFJs should aim to be more flexible.
Sensitivity to Sensory Overload in Relationships #
Due to their lower tolerance for an overwhelming amount of sensory input, INFJs might get exhausted in loud, busy, or otherwise overly stimulating environments.
It can at times create a difficulty in relationships where their partner thrives on high-energy activities or socializing often. It’s important to find a balance between quality time spent together and solo downtime to keep a healthy dynamic.
The Need for Physical Connection #
Although INFJs can be slightly more focused on building relationships on a deep emotional level instead of the physical, they can easily overlook the need for physical presence and affection in their relationships.
Se-dominant partners might crave more physical acts of connection from their partners like touching, shared experiences, or impromptu acts of love. Even for the INFJ who is physically affectionate, it can be good for those with strong values to place focus on being more engaged with the physical side of the relationship on a basically regular basis through involving minor acts of physical intimacy or working out together.
Summary #
Understanding inferior Se can help INFJs become more in touch with the present moment and with the tangible world around them. The downside of being an INFJ is that we tend to procrastinate, become easily overwhelmed, and struggle in building relationships with those around us.
By developing Se INFJs can minimize the effects of these traits. Making sense of the significance of Se also explains how INFJs can heal their weaknesses and attain a more grounded existence, connecting their imaginative ideation with the tangible experiences they face in life.