MBTI Relationship Compatibility: The 10 Worst Personality Pairings & The 10 Best
Compatibility With The Myer-Briggs Personality Type Indicator
Have you ever heard of the Myer-Briggs Personality Type Indicator or simply heard someone describe themselves with a set of letters? Well, the Myer-Briggs test allows individuals to discover their personality through their strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. If you're unaware of this test, you just need to know it's split into 4 different scales: Extraversion (E)/Introversion (I), Sensing (S)/Intuition (N), Thinking (T)/Feeling (F), Judging (J)/Perceiving (P). Each scale explains a different facet of your personality, so if you're curious, take the test to find out what you are! But it does so much more than just explain your personality, it can also tell you about your compatibility with other personality types. You'll be shocked to learn which 10 are expected to pair well together and which 10 really don't!
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1. INTP and ESFJ
INTPs and ESFJs can have difficulty understanding each other mainly when it comes to the INTP's preference for intellectual discussions and independence, which directly clashes with the ESFJ's desire to focus on others. This mismatch can lead to frustrations for both sides where the emotional ESFJ will want more emotional engagement while the INTP will want more intellectual stimulation. To put it simply, they both want different things.
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2. ISTP and ENFJ
ISTPs and ENFJs are just naturally different; while ISTPs are analytical, independent, and focused on the present, ENFJs are more empathetic, sociable, and future-oriented. This duo will likely struggle to find common ground when it comes to expressing affection and naming their priorities, leaving plenty of room for potential misunderstandings.
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3. INFJ and ESTP
Here's another pairing that might seem like polar opposites: INFJs tend to be insightful, reflective, and emotional while ESTPs are generally more pragmatic, action-oriented, and logical. These two together might face challenges when it comes to communicating and understanding each other's needs and wants, with the INFJs possibly finding ESTP's too surface-level and the ESTPs finding INFJ's too complex.
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4. ESFJ and INTJ
ESFJ and INTJs might struggle when it comes to solving problems together. ESFJs are social, practical, and work through issues more emotionally compared to INTJs who are independent and love to solve challenges logically. This clashing of emotions versus logic may cause misunderstandings or arguments to arise because they don't see eye to eye.
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5. ENFJ and ESTJ
While you might think these two that both share extraverted and judging traits would get along perfectly well, we all know there's no such thing as a perfect match. And in this case, their difference in the other two traits can actually cause quite a big rift. Although both are very sociable and love following routines or schedules, ENFJs are more empathetic and focused on caring for others while ESTJs are more logical and care about tradition and order. Because of this, they might find each other's priorities too hard to understand, with one feeling too rigid and the other feeling too idealistic.
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6. ESFP and ENTP
ESFPs are spontaneous, energetic, and live in the present moment, while ENTPs are analytical, innovative, and enjoy exploring abstract concepts. The potential for conflict lies in their different approaches to life; ESFPs may find ENTPs too abstract and unconcerned with practicalities, whereas ENTPs might see ESFPs as not interested enough in theoretical discussions.
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7. INFP and ISTP
This pairing will find challenges when it comes to communication and emotional expressions; INFPs are introspective, value-drive, and look for authenticity in their relationships while ISTPs are more practical, factual, and value independence. The struggle comes when INFPs will look for deeper emotional connections than the ISTPs might be willing to provide.
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8. INFP and ISTJ
INFPs and ISTJs both have strong internal value systems but can clash over their approach to life and decision-making. INFPs, who prioritize personal values and possibilities, may find ISTJs too focused on facts, details, and established methods. ISTJs, in turn, might see INFPs as impractical or too idealistic.
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9. ISFP and ENFJ
While both these personality types possess the Feeling trait which means they're both more emotion-oriented, the discord comes from ISFPs being much more reserved than the ENFJ. While ISFPs might require more personal space and internal processing, ENFJs typically desire a deep emotional connection and open communication which can be overwhelming for the ISFP.
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10. ISFP and ENTP
Although these two personality types are both adaptable, ISFPs are more grounded in the present and reserved while ENTPs love exploring possibilities and being creative. This dynamic can lead to plenty of misunderstandings, with each personality having different approaches to solving problems and expressing themselves.
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1. ENFP and INFJ
ENFP and INFJ make a great pair! ENFPs are known for their enthusiasm, creativity, and sociability while INFJs are insightful, empathetic, and idealistic. They both share a very intuitive nature and the ability to feel deeply, allowing them to understand and support each other's dreams and emotional needs. Because they both value honesty and good communication, it makes for a healthy relationship.
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2. INTP and ENTJ
INTPs tend to be logical and innovative while ENTJs are organized and ambitious. This combination of the two works well because they both enjoy planning for the future and love making careful decisions. The ENTJ can benefit from the INTP's creative problem-solving skills while the INTP can appreciate the ENTJ's ability to take charge and make things happen.
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3. ISFJ and ESFP
ISFJs are nurturing, detail-oriented, and loyal, while ESFPs are outgoing, spontaneous, and fun-loving. While they may seem different, this is actually a very healthy and loving pairing! This pair complements each other by balancing the ISFJ's need for structure with the ESFP's love for excitement, enriching each other's lives with stability and adventure.
4. ENTP and INFJ
Another great match for the INFJ is the ENTP, who is inventive, outgoing, and enjoys debating ideas. INFJs and ENTPs are attracted to each other's strong suits, leading to a mutually respecting relationship where both sides feel appreciated. These two personality types enjoy deep conversations and are drawn to each other's intellect and creativity, often finding a unique and stimulating connection.
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5. ISFP and ESTJ
Despite their differences, ISFPs and ESTJs are actually stated to be a great pair that can really benefit from one another. While ISFPs are creative, sensitive, and love living in the moment, ESTJs are more practical, organized, and value tradition. While the expectation is that they would clash, these two personality types instead look for ways they can combine their strengths, motivated by their shared desire to help other people.
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6. INTJ and ENFP
INTJs are strategic, private, and have a deep desire for knowledge, while ENFPs are warm, imaginative, and see endless possibilities. This combination of personalities works because they have a deep respect for each other's strengths and can find a good balance when they come together. While ENFPs are drawn to the INTJs confidence, the INTJs appreciate the bright enthusiasm of ENFPs.
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7. ESFJ and ISFP
Both possessing the Sensing and Feeling traits, the ESFJ and ISFP types both enjoy living in the moment and creating harmony in their relationships. These matching ideals allow the ESFJ to create a supportive environment while the ISFP's natural tendency to appreciate the moment creates an understanding and balanced relationship.
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8. ESTP and ISTJ
Sharing the Sensing and Thinking traits, both of these personality types are focused on the present and tend to make decisions based on factual, logical thinking. This works great for them as they're able to find common ground in their outlook on life and approach to problem solving. While the extraverted ESTP can help push the ISTJ towards new experiences, the ISTJ in turn provides a reliable and structured approach to life.
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9. ENFJ and INTP
These two personality types are deeply attracted to what each other offers in the relationship. ENFJs are charismatic and empathetic whereas INTPs are thoughtful and innovative. This relationship works because ENFJs provide a warmth and understanding environment that encourages the INTP to express their creativity while INTPs are able to offer insightful, unique perspectives that ENFJs also admire.
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10. ISTP and ESFJ
ISTP and ESFJ pairings are able to complement each other nicely in relationships and tend to feel a strong attraction towards one another. Able to connect with one another on a deep level, the two share similar values and priorities despite having different approaches. But that's okay because the ISTP learns to appreciate the ESFJ's dedication to caring for others while the ESFJ in turn learns to adopt the ISTP's more practical skills.
