When considering the type of person you are dating (or looking to date) personality type should be pretty high on the list. You may meet someone that matches all of the criteria on your “ideal date” list . However, if their personality isn’t compatible with yours, your relationship may hit a dead end.
Luckily psychologists and researchers have studied the different personality types and how compatible they are for decades. By exploring what psychology has taught us, dating can be a bit smoother when you go into it knowing whether your personalities will match.
One method of personality identification is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®. The MBTI instrument breaks down all human beings into 16 different personalities.
Of course, in order to know if your and your date’s personality types will mesh well, you need to identify your own first. Take this free online test to see which personality you are and enjoy getting to learn about the other personality types as well.
Once you have a basic understanding of your own personality, it can be a lot of fun to see the other personalities that you may be compatible with. Regardless of where you fall on the introversion and extraversion scale, it’s worth your time to see who you could be get along with well. Let’s take a look!
1. INTJ & ENFP
Like peanut butter and jelly, the INTJ and ENFP complement each other well. Usually feeling a natural spark right away, these two personality types both thrive on living a life full of adventure, ideals and endless possibilities.
Because their strengths are in different areas, these couples draw interest and fascination with each other. That helps keep the relationship between the two from ever getting dull!
2. ISFJ & ISFJ
Believe it or not, psychology often shows that some of the best relationships are formed between people with similar personalities. Take the ISFJ personality for example. ISFJ personality types mesh well together. Always looking for the best in others, this stable and dependable personality often attracts and does well with others who are similar minded. Dependability and loyalty are important to the ISFJ and so who could possibly more trustworthy than a fellow ISFJ?
3. INTP & INTJ
The INTP and INTJ are sister personalities and thus compatible. Both enjoy linear and logical thinking and pair well together because they can easily follow each other’s thoughts and streams of consciousness.
Both the INTP and INTJ value theories and ideas which can lead to amazing conversations and pursuits in life when these two are thrown together. The INTJ will usually embrace the spontaneity of the INTP and and INTP can learn to appreciate the INTJ’s organizational and planning skills.
4. ENTP & INFJ
Paula Abdul may not have had a degree in psychology, but she was onto something which she said that opposites attract! The outgoing, extroverted ENTP can really break open the shell of the INFJ and pull them out of their comfort zone. The INFJ in turn provides a safe and calming presence which can balance the ENTP’s potential to make their own life difficult.
5. ENTJ & INTP
The ENTJ and INTP personality types really value intelligence not only in themselves, but in others too. When put together in a relationship, they will quietly challenge each other, constantly seeking to bring out the best in one another. Their subtle competition keeps each other on their toes and can lead to heated, but loving debates about anything and everything. A merged life of an ENTJ and INTP will never be boring!
6. ENFJ & INFP
The intuitive trait that the ENFJ possesses helps them to really understand and get along with the INFP. Their extroverted nature complements the INFP’s introverted idealism and they can easily compensate for any shyness. Both personality types have a lot in common like seeking a deep connection and having great communication.
7. ENFP & ESFJ
Both the ENFP and ESFJ love life and have similar perceptions of the world. It’s no wonder, then, that these two personalities often make a great match. They encourage each other and provide attention for one another. The ESFJ values the depth of the ENFP and the ENFP helps cultivate the creative side of the ESFJ.
8. ESFJ & ISFP
The ESFJ and ISFP personalities have almost the perfect ratio of differences to similarities and which makes for the possibility of a fantastic relationship. The ISFP personality doesn’t open up easily due to their introverted nature, but this can often be a fun challenge for the ESFJ who enjoys bringing out the best in others. Unlike people who don’t really care about feelings, the ESFJ is genuinely concerned about the thoughts of the ISFP and thus the two form a very compatible relationship.
9. INFJ & ENTP
It can often be hard for the INFJ to find someone whom they feel they can easily connect with, but when it does happen, it’s usually with an ENTP.
In The Science of Love, Chris Race explains that, “The ENTP and INFJ were meant to be together because the ENTP shares his intuition all the time. Most people do not like to hear intuitions and theory they don’t understand in conversations. The INFJ has the same skill at idea generation that the ENTP has. When the ENTP talks, the INFJ can listen and understand his very advanced intuitions. INFJ’s and ENTP’s both like systems. The INFJ finds people systems more interesting; the ENTP systems of things. When they communicate something special happens. The ENTP talks and the INFJ comprehends and listens automatically. That means the ENTP feels listened to and completely understood.”
10. INFP &ISFP
Both the INFP and ISFP personality types are very accepting, Not bossy, they crave peace and will weigh their thoughts and words accordingly. They make a great team because they are both loyal and share the same priorities. Because of their extreme sensitivity, they can relate well to each other and work hard not to hurt one another. Both adaptable and up for adventure, when an INFP and ISFP form a relationship, it usually has a happy ending.
11. ESTJ & ISTJ
The ESTJ and ISTJ find attraction in the different energy levels of one another. The introvert enjoys the bubbly and excited personality of the extrovert and the extrovert likes the steady calm of the introvert. These two personality types really balance each other out because when one is too shy, the other will take the reigns. And when one is too stressed or high strung, the other can be a calm and safe refuge.
12. ISFP & ESFP
Both the ISFP and ESFP possess the traits of sensing, feeling, and perceiving. They are both focused on and in the present, empathetic and easy going when it comes to their schedules. These two personality types build trust with each other by showing one another constant encouragement and support.
13. ESFP & ESTP
The ESFP and ESTP are outgoing personalities who love being around people. When these two are in a relationship together, choosing how to socialize is rarely and issue. They feed off of each other’s energy and enjoy a mutual zest for life, often attracting a wide network of people who are always at the ready to support them.
14. ESTP & ISTP
While different in that one is an introvert and one is an extrovert, the ESTP and ISTP are attracted to one another because they enjoy conversing about life and all of its experiences : past, present and future. They are both straight-forward and frank with each other, so emotion does not usually cause unnecessary squabbles. A benefit in any relationship!
15. ISTJ & INTJ
When you think of ISTJs and INTJs you will typically think of logical, organized people. Both hard working, these two personality types appreciate one another’s work ethic and do well together when diving into projects together. They prefer one on one socializing which works to their advantage and prevents clashes about many socializing issues.
16. ISTP & ISTJ
Both needing and enjoying quiet personal time, the ISTP and ISTJ personality types compliment each other well. Avoiding big social gatherings, they are happy at home with one another and enjoy deep and meaningful conversations which are usually received well due to their nature of being good listeners.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of research when it comes to personality types and how each of them get along. Psychologists are constantly studying and proving that as people we are naturally drawn to and away from people that share (or don’t share) similar traits.
By taking the time to acknowledge your personality type as well as those of the people you are in relationships with, you will find your world of dating to improve drastically! Knowing who you will and won’t be compatible with is a battle half won.
Did you enjoy this article? Be sure to check out some great first date ideas to get your relationship started off on the right foot!
