
Myers-Briggs Compatibility: Interpreting Relationships
Do you ever look at those happy-go-lucky couples on Instagram or Facebook and wonder how they seem to have it all together?
In theory, we know this only shows one side of their seemingly perfect life. In reality, who knows exactly what goes on behind closed doors?
The truth is that most relationships aren’t perfect - far from it. We’re all human. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. And we all handle situations differently.
It isn’t a bad thing!
Yet, we have all been there. You say something. The other person takes it the wrong way. It turns into a big misunderstanding. It might be no one’s fault. In fact, you may just have different personality traits!
We know compatibility is huge when it comes to relationships. But can we anticipate how to avoid miscommunication so we can get ahead of our relationship issues? The answer is yes! Enter: The Meyers-Briggs Personality Test!
What is the Myers-Briggs Personality Test?
Here is the good news: You can improve on these miscommunications. You can become more self-aware. How? Start by understanding yourself and your own personality traits. Take the Myers-Briggs Personality Test.
The Myers-Briggs Test is a questionnaire-style quiz. It offers insight into your individual way of thinking, feeling, behaving, and communicating. It can help you get to know yourself better and help you address where you keep going wrong. Maybe you didn’t realize you come off as judgemental, or perhaps you assumed the other person knew how you felt.
Essentially, the test shows that people rarely act in random ways, but have preferences in their perception and judgment.
Once you have completed the test, you are categorized into 1 of 16 personality types. Take it at the same time as a friend or your partner and then compare! You may start to appreciate each other more. It may even create a deeper connection as you come to understand how you both tick.
What Are the 16 Personality Types? What Can You Do to Improve Your Relationships?
Each personality has 4 different dichotomies.
The first is based on general attitude - you are either more of an introvert (I) or more of an extrovert (E).
The second is your perception, sensing (S) versus intuition (N). If you tend to be more factual and detailed, you’re likely a more sensing personality. Intuition is based on your interpretation and abstract thinking.
Then there’s thinking (T) versus feeling (F). Do you make your decisions based on facts? You’re more of a thinking personality. If your values, emotions, and relationships tend to sway your decisions, you’re more of a feeling personality.
Lastly, there’s judging (J) versus perceiving (P). This dives into your approach to life. Judging simply means you focus more on having structure and a schedule. Meanwhile, perceiving gives way to higher flexibility and spontaneity.
So, which one are you? How do can you make sense of your relationships according to Myers-Briggs?
INTJ: The Architect
The Architect personality traits are just like their ‘Mastermind’ nickname indicates: these types include logic, open-mindedness, high standards, reservedness, and a love for complex theoretical ideas and concepts.
INTJ In Relationships
This personality type can be overly honest and blunt. If you are this personality type, you may say what you think without considering the emotions and feelings of others. You may also have difficulty expressing or saying how you feel.
While sometimes being honest and direct is the only way to get through to someone, there are other ways to approach a situation. Consider the other person’s feelings - how might they react? Find effective ways to communicate how you feel minus stepping on someone’s feelings. Learn to say and accept how you feel. Suppressing your emotions may only result in pent-up energy, which often doesn’t do anyone any good.
INTJ Compatibility
You are the best fit with ENFPs and ENTPs. And your discussions are out of this world! In fact, they encourage you to become a more well-rounded and less closed-off human being. All in all, this helps you enjoy life more!
INTP: The Logician
The Logician is well… logical. They are fairly independent, quiet, and value intelligence above all.
INTP In Relationships:
Thinkers spend a lot of time in their own heads. If you fall under this personality type, get out of your head and consider the people around you. Take into account their problems, their worries, and their emotions. For any relationship to work, you need to meet the emotional needs of your partner, whether that is for support, discussion, or decisions.
INTP Compatibility
Spending too much time in your own head may result in your ideas never coming to fruition. ENFJs and ENTJs help lead you toward your wants and desires. They are natural leaders who inspire you to walk your own path and speak up.
ENTJ: The Commander
The Commander leads naturally, taking charge of most situations. They like to push their limits and overcome challenges.
ENTJ In Relationships
If you are The Commander personality type, you may be too much of a perfectionist - to the point that it is controlling. You see it as a way to improve, while the other person feels attacked and judged.
Try to spin it with something positive, or start with an offer for support. Often, people don’t like being controlled and told what to do all the time. If someone doesn’t ask for your advice, they may not want it. Wait for them to ask, or ask them before proceeding.
ENTJ Compatibility
Since you’re a high-powered and driven personality, you need someone that is easy-going and doesn’t stress the small stuff. INFPs and INTPs fit this description and may be the match in heaven you’ve been waiting for!
INFJ: The Counselor
The INFJ personality type is very intuitive and cares deeply about others. The Counselor also avoids social events where they may be forced to mingle or open up. However, they are very in-tune with others’ emotions and feelings and avoid hurting others, instead offering compassion and empathy.
INFJ In Relationships
If you fall under this personality type, you may have trouble trusting others and opening up until you get to know them fairly well. This guarded side of you may be preventing you from creating positive connections and keeping you from new opportunities. You might be holding yourself back.
Let go of this fear - it could potentially lead you down a slippery slope involving jealousy and other negative emotions. Learn forgiveness. Understand that deep down, most people are good people. They aren’t out to hurt you.
The INFJ personality is also stubborn. Again, letting in other people’s viewpoints and opinions is okay. Other perceptions and input can actually be good for you and help you grow.
INFJ Compatibility
You’re best matched to ENTPs and ENFPs. You help keep them on planet Earth, whereas they help you push your limits, taking you out of your comfort zone.
The personality traits of a Mastermind personality type include logic, open-mindedness, high standards, reservedness, and a love for complex theoretical ideas and concepts.
ENTP: The Debater
The Debater is smart, a creator of ideas, knowledgeable, and innovative.
ENTP In Relationships:
If you fall into this personality type, you may come off as arrogant or insensitive to others. Since you don’t long for others’ approval, you often trample on people’s feelings. Like other personality types, simply being mindful of people’s feelings can go a long way.
ENTP Compatibility
What you need in a relationship is another person to tell you when you’re being unrealistic. INTJs and INFJs help realign you and keep you grounded. They also help you become more aware of others’ feelings - something you may sometimes desperately need.
INFP: The Mediator
The Mediator is considerate and a great listener. They seek to understand others and are true lovers of life.
INFP In Relationships
If you have this personality type, you are great at understanding both sides of a given situation. You want to avoid arguments and hurt feelings. However, you may struggle with explaining your own feelings. While understanding the other side is an important part of communication, make sure your own feelings are heard.
If you do not express yourself, you may end up feeling misunderstood and ignored. This could build, leaving you lacking in the emotional needs department.
INFP Compatibility
ENTJs and ENFJs provide you with the confidence you need to truly express yourself and go after what you want. They also help you understand your feelings, making you feel more understood and seen.
ENFJ: The Protagonist
The Protagonist personality type loves to be around others. They are extroverted, loyal, passionate, very intuitive, and very people-focused.
ENFJ In Relationships
If you are this personality type, you may depend on approval too much from others. Start believing in yourself more!
You may also reflect others’ feelings onto yourself. When your partner is in a bad mood, you may confuse it with them being mad at you. Ask instead of assuming. Know you aren’t the only factor that comes into play in others’ worlds.
ENFJ Compatibility
INFPs and INTPs and you get along splendidly. You share a similar sense of humor, but also balance each other out. While one enjoys alone time, the other enjoys socializing. It can prove to be a great combination.
Related Article: Your New Morning Routine, Based on Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type
ENFP: The Campaigner
The Campaigner is the individualistic human. Their world is full of possibilities and potential. They have no trouble relating to others and love being surrounded by people.
ENFP In Relationships
You may feel the need to constantly be aware of your partner’s thoughts or feelings. You like to be complimented and given positive feedback. Some may consider this a bit much in a relationship. Try to find a balance. Explain to your partner what you need on an emotional level. This way you’ll avoid being hurt, misunderstood, or neglected.
Make sure to talk before it becomes a problem. When emotions build, things can get ugly fast.
ENFP Compatibility
INTJs, INFJs, and ISTJs may provide what you need. Specifically, ISTJs may offer you a safe place to express your emotions and communicate what you need. They give you strength when you need it the most.
ISTJ: The Logistician
This personality is reserved and quiet, but logical, and an expert analyst. The Logistician bases their opinions on hard-solid facts. They are organized, intelligent, calm, and often well-respected. They also like to follow tradition and are well-known for their planning skills.
ISTJ In Relationships
If you fall under this personality type, you likely have trouble picking up on the emotional needs of others. You like things to follow a specific plan. You may also come off as cold when you approach situations from a logical standpoint.
In relationships, this can pose some problems.
Try to become more aware of others’ emotions by asking questions. Know that just because something is logical, doesn’t mean it has to be that way. Humans are complex creatures. Our emotions do come into play - consider this. Further, be spontaneous once in a while! Or let your heart guide the way. Dig into your feelings a little more and learn to express them.
ISTJ Compatibility
An ISTJ personality does well with ESTPs or ESFPs. They help you break through your shell and help you be more social and perhaps even a bit more spontaneous. You also tend to use similar communication styles so you easily understand each other.
However, be wary. No one gets along with everyone (for the most part). Personality types that don’t have the same sense, judging, or intuition/feeling card may clash.
ISFJ: The Defender
The Defender cares about others’ feelings. They are kind, dependable, grounded, and find conflict highly uncomfortable.
ISFJ In Relationships
While the Defender is very aware of their own feelings, you may not know how to express them. You may lack the ability to properly communicate your own feelings with your partner or friends. In turn, you may feel disappointed and let down. While it is wonderful to understand and care about others, make sure you do the same for yourself.
ISFJ Compatibility
Spending too much time in your own head may result in your ideas never coming to fruition. ENFJs and ENTJs help lead you toward your wants and desires. They are natural leaders that inspire you to walk your own path and speak up.
ESTJ: The Executive
The Executive is a leader. They have personality traits including a strong will, loyalty, strategic, hard-working, organized, and responsible.
ESTJ In Relationships
When you perceive others as lazy or not as hard-working as you, you become frustrated. Know that others have their own strengths and weaknesses. We do not all have to be the same. Not everyone will want to do it your way or follow your path. Try to put yourself in your friend’s or partner’s shoes. Consider that they may see things from a different viewpoint.
Talk with them. Ask questions. Try to understand your friend or partner. Put your frustrations aside. It doesn’t help you or them.
ESTJ Compatibility
You may struggle to relax and detach from the ongoing around you. ISFPs and ISTPs can help you out with this. They allow you to fully relax at home and also share the same sensing trait, making communication flow easily.
ESFJ: The Consul
This personality type is very people-focused and often thrives when making a difference in their social community. The Consul is energetic, sensitive, well-liked, and genuine.
ESFJ In Relationships
The Consul can actually become overly sensitive. Because they are social butterflies, they often seek approval and can become hurt when rejected by others. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to agree with your point of view. Others are allowed their opinions.
The best thing a Provider personality type can learn is that being different isn’t wrong. It’s just different. Agree to disagree. Or accept others’ differences and appreciate them for what they are. Maybe you can even learn something new from them and expand your horizons.
ESFJ Compatibility
Since you’re such a social butterfly, you get along well with someone who brings a little balance into your life. ISFPs and ISTPs provide just that. They bring quiet into your life. They also are easy for you to communicate with and vice versa.
ISTP: The Virtuoso
The Virtuoso is fairly private and easy-going, but a risk-taker. They enjoy new experiences and can have a spontaneous side.
ISTP In Relationships
This personality type loves variability. Without it, they get bored. This can be problematic in friendships and relationships since the same old is mundane and unfulfilling. For this personality type, they need to find friends and relationships that feed their adventurous side.
Go out and join clubs or meet-ups revolving around things you enjoy. You’ll find your people and feel more satisfied with your life.
ISTP Compatibility
You crave adventure. Yet, ESTJ and ESFJ personality types offer an easy person to talk to and offer up the energy you crave. They can be a match made in heaven! And if you’re S.O. is already one of these personalities, you’re set.
ISFP: The Adventurer
The Adventurer is a sensitive artist. You are able to truly live in the moment and you love new experiences. Yet, you are also difficult to get to know. You are sensitive and you guard yourself. Instead, you are very much a listener as opposed to a sharer.
ISFP In Relationships:
If you are this personality type, you often tend to focus on your partner or friends. You like to let someone else take the lead when it comes to strategy or logic, but you’re also unpredictable. This can be good and bad. You’ll make last-minute cancellations to look after a sick partner but then this also leads to some frustration. You also love to feel appreciated and when you don’t get that, you feel hurt.
ISFP Compatibility
ESTJs and ESFJs fit well into your life and with your personality. They give your life more structure, help you stay organized, and ensure you maintain strong friendships for life. You are also very factual and detailed-oriented people, which gives way to easy communication.
ESTP: The Entrepreneur
The Entrepreneur is outgoing, fast-moving, and adventurous. They are good at determining people’s motivations and interpreting people’s attitudes. They love instant gratification and tend to live in the moment.
ESTP In Relationships
If you are this personality type, you may not pay much attention to the future. Sometimes, this can hit you smack in the face. Time might speed by without you noticing. You might neglect someone you care about without noticing. With close friends and relationships, make sure that you are meeting their needs. Check-in. Have that discussion. It will be entirely worth it and save you myriad problems in the future.
ESTP Compatibility
Since ISFJs and ESFJs tend to also be a bit more scattered, you get along the best with these two personalities. The other good news? They also provide a more loving side which you often tend to neglect. In turn, this can help you realize what you’ve been missing.
Related Article: How to Create Balance in Your Relationships
ESFP: The Entertainer
This personality type enjoys being the center of attention. The Entertainer loves excitement and was born to entertain. Generally, they are very warm and generous people.
ESFP In Relationships
If you are this personality type, you love having fun and love entertaining. Like the Craftsman personality type, you may get bored with the same old. Unfortunately, this often means you might neglect to lend a helping hand with “boring” tasks. Instead, help out with the non-exciting tasks and then reward yourself and your partner with something fun.
Another tip? Avoid taking rejection personally. Not everyone is going to be as enthusiastic and excited about your pastimes and hobbies as you are. As long as you enjoy what you’re doing, that is what matters the most.
ESFP Compatability
You love trying new things and diving headfirst into the fun. But this may lead to irresponsible behavior. Paired up with ISTJs or ISFJs proves to keep you in check and ensures that you take those fun plunges in a smart and safe way.
Myers-Briggs Vs Zodiac Compatibility
Okay - wait a minute. So which one is more important Myers-Briggs or zodiac signs?
Surprisingly, your personality type and zodiac sign likely match up. This means your zodiac sign is likely right in line with your personality. This also generally means compatibility is very similar in the two.
Ultimately, what matters the most is whether or not you’re happy. Relationships should add to your life - not take away from it. Relationships further shouldn’t be about two half people coming together but rather, two whole people coming together and making each other better because of it.
Want to learn more about your compatibility? Read about Your Love Language, According to Your Zodiac Sign next.
Can This Improve Your Relationships?
Knowing your personality type and corresponding traits can provide insight into where you can improve, especially when it comes to your relationships.
Check out the Myers-Briggs Test and find out what your personality is, as well as where there may be the possibility for improvements! Remember, none of us are perfect, but we can always grow and learn.
What else can your Myers-Briggs Test tell you? Find out what your ideal morning routine should be.