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Discover the most and least compatible MBTI pairings

If you're on the dating scene, you may have seen Myers-Briggs types listed in people's dating profiles, and potential partners may have even asked you what your type is. But what does the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) mean when it comes to romance? If you’re curious about the romantic compatibility of different Myers-Briggs types, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explain what the MBTI is and go through the most and least compatible matches for each personality type, so keep reading!

[Edit]Things You Should Know

Myers-Briggs types that share the same S-N type (Sensing or Intuition) tend to be most compatible with each other.
Sharing two of the four traits further increases compatibility, especially if you and your partner are both Sensing/Judging, or Intuition/Feeling.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Best Matches for Each MBTI Type

ISTJ (The Logistician) & ISFJ{endbold} ISTJs are steady, practical, and dependable when it comes to romance. Though they may come across as shy or reserved at first, their feelings run deep when they fall in love.^[1] ISTJs tend to be most compatible with people who are also Sensing-dominant, rather than Intuition-dominant..^[2] Their top match is ISFJ, who shares their Introverted (I), Sensing (S), and Judging (J) traits.^[3]
- Most Compatible: ISTJ, ISTP, ESTJ
- Least Compatible: INFP, ENTP, ENFJ, ENFP^[4]
ISFJ (The Defender) & ISTJ{endbold} ISFJs take a cautious approach when it comes to romance. It takes time for them to open up, and familiarity needs to come before love. Their perfect match is someone they feel safe sharing their inner thoughts and convictions with.^[5] Their top match is ISTJ, who shares many of their traits and values.^[6]
- Most Compatible: ISFJ, INFJ, ESFJ
- Least Compatible: INTJ, ENTJ, ENTP, INTP^[7]
INFJ (The Advocate) & INFP{endbold} INFJs desire deep, meaningful connections.^[8] They are very thoughtful and sincere, and they take romantic relationships very seriously. They tend to be private people, so it can be difficult for them to open up and express their interest. Once they do, however, they’re all in!^[9] Their best match is INFP, who shares their thoughtfulness and sincerity in love.^[10]
- Most Compatible: ISFJ, INFJ, ENFJ
- Least Compatible: ESFP, ESTJ, ESTP, ISTP^[11]
INTJ (The Architect) & INTP{endbold} INTJs are careful and methodical. They are more reserved with their emotions, and they avoid big romantic displays of affection. When they do fall in love, however, they fall in love sincerely. They are most compatible with partners whose goals and desires line up with their own.^[12] Their top match is INTP, who shares their preference for directness over showiness in love.^[13]
- Most Compatible: INTJ, ISTJ, ENTJ
- Least Compatible: ISFP, ISFJ, ESFP, ESFJ^[14]
ISTP (The Crafter) & ESTP{endbold} ISTPs value freedom in romance. They’re especially compatible with partners who will explore new things with them, while also respecting their need for space and independence.^[15] They tend to work best with partners who share their Sensing (S) trait.^[16] Their top match is ESTP, who shares their desire to be adventurous and try new things.^[17]
- Most Compatible: ISFP, ISTJ, ISTP
- Least Compatible: INFP, INFJ, ENFJ, ENFP^[18]
ISFP (The Adventurer) & ISFJ{endbold} ISFPs are reserved and a bit mysterious, but their internal emotions run deep. They are great listeners who love to put their partners first, rather than focusing on themselves.^[19] They tend to be most compatible with partners who share the Sensing (S) trait.^[20] Their best match is ISFJ, who shares their Introverted (I), Sensing (S), and Feeling (F) traits.^[21]
- Most Compatible: ISFP, ISTP, ESFP
- Least Compatible: INTJ, ENTJ, ENTP, ESTJ^[22]
INFP (The Mediator) & INFJ{endbold} INFPs are hopeless romantics. Endlessly optimistic and sincere when it comes to love, INFPs give their all in relationships.^[23] They tend to be most compatible with partners who love deeply and believe in soulmates.^[24] Their best match is INFJ, who desires deep connections and takes love as seriously as they do.^[25]
- Most Compatible: INFP, INTP, ENFP
- Least Compatible: ESFJ, ESTJ, ESTP, ISTJ^[26]
INTP (The Thinker) & INTJ{endbold} INTPs are logical and direct. They tend to express their feelings in a straightforward, no-nonsense way, instead of putting on a showy display of their love. They may be a bit more reserved, but they are deeply truthful and sincere, which can be refreshing!^[27] Their top match is INTJ, who shares their preference for simple sincerity over big shows of affection.^[28]
- Most Compatible: INTP, INFP, ENTP
- Least Compatible: ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFP, ESFJ^[29]
ESTP (The Persuader) & ISTP{endbold} ESTPs look for adventure and excitement in romantic relationships. With their daring nature, ESTPs are most compatible with partners they can share thrilling experiences with.^[30] Their best match is ISTP, who shares their desire for adventure in love.^[31]
- Most Compatible: ESTJ, ESTP, ENTP
- Least Compatible: INFP, INFJ, INTP, ISFJ^[32]
ESFP (The Entertainer) & ESFJ{endbold} ESFPs are full of passion and emotion, and they approach romantic relationships with this intensity. They are most compatible with partners who can appreciate their big waves of emotion without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated.^[33] Their top match is ESFJ, whose considerate and dependable nature helps them weather the storm.^[34]
- Most Compatible: ESFP, ISFP, ESTP
- Least Compatible: INTJ, INFJ, ENTJ, INTP^[35]
ESTJ (The Director) & ISTJ{endbold} ESTJs are dedicated romantic partners. When they see a future with someone, they work hard to build a strong foundation with them. They aren’t overly showy or extravagant with their displays of affection, but this doesn’t mean their feelings aren’t strong.^[36] Their best match is ISTJ, who shares their steady and practical approach to love.^[37]
- Most Compatible: ESTJ, ESTP, ENTJ
- Least Compatible: INFP, ISFP, INTP, ENFP^[38]
ENFP (The Champion) & ENTP{endbold} ENFPs value spontaneity and excitement in romance. They are sincere, warm, and social, and they are most compatible with partners who share these traits. They tend to work best with people who value fun as much as they do.^[39] Their best match is ENTP, who shares their thirst for excitement.^[40]
- Most Compatible: ENFJ, ENFP, INFP
- Least Compatible: ISFJ, ESTJ, ISTJ, ISTP^[41]
ENTP (The Debater) & ENFP{endbold} ENTPs are assertive, and they can sometimes come across as a bit abrasive. When it comes to romance, however, ENTP’s bold nature can be magnetic.^[42] They work best with partners who share their taste for fun and excitement, as well as their Intuitive (N) trait.^[43] Their best match is ENFP, who can understand them and match their energy.^[44]
- Most Compatible: ENTJ, ENTP, INTP
- Least Compatible: ESFJ, ISFJ, ISFP, ISTJ^[45]
ESFJ (The Caregiver) & ISFJ{endbold} ESFJs are naturally considerate, and they look for harmony above all in their romantic relationships. They prefer smooth sailing, rather than turbulent waters. They are most compatible with partners who share their value of consistency and dependability.^[46] Their top match is ISFJ, who is also looking for stability in love.^[47]
- Most Compatible: ESFJ, ESFP, ESTJ
- Least Compatible: INFP, INTJ, ENTP, INTP^[48]
ENFJ (The Protagonist) & INFJ{endbold} ENFJs are intense and idealistic when it comes to romance. They fall in love with a potential partner’s character and soul, rather than their physical attributes. ENFJs are most compatible with partners who take romance as seriously as they do.^[49] Their best match is INFJ, who shares their desire for a deep and meaningful connection.^[50]
- Most Compatible: ESFJ, ENFP, ENFJ
- Least Compatible: ISTP, ISTJ, ISFP, ESTP^[51]
ENTJ (The Commander) & ENTP{endbold} ENTJs are confident and direct. This boldness can come across as a bit too forward for some, but others find it exciting and magnetic.^[52] ENTJs tend to be most compatible with people who share their Intuitive (N) trait.^[53] Their best match is ENTP, who can appreciate and match their commanding energy.^[54]
- Most Compatible: INTJ, ENTJ, ESTJ
- Least Compatible: ISFP, ISFJ, INFP, ESFP

[Edit]What makes Myers-Briggs types compatible or incompatible?

Similarities in Myers-Briggs types tend to increase compatibility. Though MBTI compatibility hasn’t been comprehensively studied, some research suggests that sharing the same S-N type (both partners being Sensing-dominant or both partners being Intuition-dominant) increases romantic attraction.^[55]

Sharing two of the four traits further increases compatibility, especially if you and your partner are both Sensing/Judging, or Intuition/Feeling.^[56]

For example, ESTJ and ESFJ are likely compatible because they share the Sensing and Judging traits. This means that they process information and move through the world in similar ways.^[57]

Similarly, INFP and INFJ are likely compatible because they share the Intuition and Feeling traits. This means they both focus heavily on their personal impressions and emotions when making decisions.
People with very different Myers-Briggs types are less compatible. In other words, when it comes to MBTI, opposites don’t attract.^[58] For example, ISTJ is likely incompatible with ENFP because they have major differences in how social they are, how they make decisions, and how they move through the world.

Pairings where one partner is Extraverted and the other partner is Introverted also tend to be less compatible. They might not see eye-to-eye about how often they should go out and socialize, which could cause conflict in the long run.^[59]

If your partner is an “incompatible” Myers-Briggs type, don’t worry! You can still have a healthy and fulfilling long-term relationship. Work on building healthy communication skills and focus on seeing things from each other’s perspective, so that you can understand one another’s differences.

MBTI can be a great tool to learn more about yourself and your partner, but it shouldn’t be the sole factor you consider when making decisions about your relationship. Your personal interactions and connection with someone are what matter most!

[Edit]What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)?

The MBTI is a test you can take to identify your personality type. According to the MBTI, there are four categories that determine your personality. Each person has one preferred quality from each category, and the different combinations produce 16 distinct personality types.^[60] Here are explanations of the four categories:
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): based on where you focus your energy and how you receive energy.
  - Extraverts focus energy outward and are energized by spending time with others.
  - Introverts focus energy inward and need alone time to recharge after socializing.
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): based on how you gather information.
  - Sensing people take in information through their five senses and focus on things they can see or observe.
  - Intuitive people observe patterns and put a heavier weight on their impressions about things.
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): based on how you make decisions.
  - Thinking types prefer using hard facts and logic to make decisions.
  - Feeling types consider people’s emotions and circumstances when making decisions.
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): based on how you move through the world.
  - Judging people prefer structure and routine, and they move through the world methodically.
  - Perceiving people prefer spontaneity and flexibility, and they use their adaptability to move through the world.^[61]