I'm not sure of your exact situation and your relationship with the others, but I would seek to find a topic that you can speak passionately about the people you feel the closest with. An example of this for me is to bring up bits and pieces of personality types and how it influences our actions. If you don't want to go that route, then I find that there's always something that you can find in someone that will make them want to talk deeply about, no matter who they are. Learn more about your children and grandchildren and their interests by asking questions, then tie in elements of your own experience and wisdom. If this is communicated in a kind and non-confrontational way, they might appreciate the gesture. Build rapport with someone to have a one-on-one conversation, introverts typically do better with that than speaking with large groups of people.
Another way to handle this is to simply accept the situation as it is. If you have low energy levels and must withdraw from the conversation, it's fine to play along with the shallow platitude and excuse yourself. As an INFP, use your Ne to think up of scenarios that you can talk with regarding your shared common interests.
Since you are interested in the MBTI and personality types, perhaps open the discussion by making some input on how their personality types lead to those actions. For example, from your description, it's likely that they are the "S" type personality. I find that people are always interested in insights about themselves, their activities, or the way they are doing things as long as it's communicated in a kind and tactful (non-offensive) way.
I'm sure there are also other activities that you could do as a family gathering. If you can cook, try a new recipe. If you can't, buy something new to share with the family. That would serve as a conversation topic and an opportunity to join together with your family.
I suspect that there might be something deeper at play than your status as an INFP. Are there other factors that might be preventing you from contributing to the discussion? Identify these barriers and try to eliminate them one by one. I hope that helps, I'm a male INFP too!
J.S (not verified)says...
Hi Louis,
I'm not sure of your exact situation and your relationship with the others, but I would seek to find a topic that you can speak passionately about the people you feel the closest with. An example of this for me is to bring up bits and pieces of personality types and how it influences our actions. If you don't want to go that route, then I find that there's always something that you can find in someone that will make them want to talk deeply about, no matter who they are. Learn more about your children and grandchildren and their interests by asking questions, then tie in elements of your own experience and wisdom. If this is communicated in a kind and non-confrontational way, they might appreciate the gesture. Build rapport with someone to have a one-on-one conversation, introverts typically do better with that than speaking with large groups of people.
Another way to handle this is to simply accept the situation as it is. If you have low energy levels and must withdraw from the conversation, it's fine to play along with the shallow platitude and excuse yourself. As an INFP, use your Ne to think up of scenarios that you can talk with regarding your shared common interests.
Since you are interested in the MBTI and personality types, perhaps open the discussion by making some input on how their personality types lead to those actions. For example, from your description, it's likely that they are the "S" type personality. I find that people are always interested in insights about themselves, their activities, or the way they are doing things as long as it's communicated in a kind and tactful (non-offensive) way.
I'm sure there are also other activities that you could do as a family gathering. If you can cook, try a new recipe. If you can't, buy something new to share with the family. That would serve as a conversation topic and an opportunity to join together with your family.
I suspect that there might be something deeper at play than your status as an INFP. Are there other factors that might be preventing you from contributing to the discussion? Identify these barriers and try to eliminate them one by one. I hope that helps, I'm a male INFP too!