Each Myers-Briggs type has its requirements for relationships. Some value adventurous, romantic, and lifelong partnerships, while others want commitment or loyalty. But the one thing each MBTI type wants in a relationship is “to be understood.”
Knowing the personality type will not only help you to find your compatible partner but will also assist you in understanding the needs or desires of your partner. Researchers found out that the personality types of partners highly influenced marital interactions.
Let’s, look at how you can improve your relationship based on your Myers-Briggs type and what is your best match.
- INFP- Needs an authentic and romantic relationship
INFPs, true idealists, are known for their compassionate and authentic nature. Despite their high level of privacy, they look for a partner who can share emotions and thoughts with them.
INFPs are romantics and believe in “give and take” in relationships. They know how to show affection and in return need love and warmth from their mates.
These people believe in meaningful relationships and want to know the heart & core of their partners. They have zero tolerance for criticism, manipulation, and stress.
Things INFPs expect from their partners:
- One who can understand their moods
- Give them space
- Hear them out and can listen to their deep conversations
- Honesty and openness
- Physical intimacy
- Make them smile with his sharp sense of humor
Best match for INFPs:
INFPs have a dominant introverted feeling and match best with one who has a dominant extroverted feeling. The compatible matches for INFPs are ESFJs, ENFJs, ENFPs, and INFJs.
Related: Strengths, weaknesses, and hobbies of INFP 6w7s.
2. ISFP- Needs intimacy and freedom
A person with an ISFP personality type seeks harmony and compassion. These people want an intimate relationship where their partner inspires them. They want someone who can appreciate their artistic endeavors and creativity and with whom they can share heartfelt conversations.
The free-spirited ISFPs need fun-loving and supportive partners. These individuals prefer long-term relationships instead of casual hookups and can go as far as to rearrange their careers or stop working to maintain their relationships.
ISFPs can’t tolerate a partner who forces them to change their beliefs, tries to control them, and doesn’t understand their feelings.
Things ISFPs expect from their partners
- One who can start meaningful conversations
- Have an interest in arts or at least can appreciate ISFP’s artistic approaches.
- One who can show his/her affection through words & physical intimacy.
- Make them laugh as they love a cute sense of humor.
- Give them space & privacy, which they need as introverts.
Best match for ISFPs:
In relationships, ISFPs are most compatible with -EJ types, who help them to convert their dreams into actions. Their best matches are ENTJs, ESFJs, ENFJs, and ESTJs.
3. INTP- Needs independence and privacy in relationships
INTPs, the analytical souls, are one of the most introverted types who have critical thinking. They seek a partner who intellectually challenges them and with whom they can share and pursue analytical thoughts or ideas.
Melinda Korenchuk says in her book “How to find a right person for you” that INTPs want a relationship where partners understand or are comfortable with their need to take plenty of time to work on their projects or reflect on ideas.
Furthermore, they find it refreshing when their partners understand them and tell them their honest expectations in a relationship. They hate being bogged down by social rules.
Things INTPs expect from their partners:
- Give them plenty of space
- Show open-mindedness
- Have an interest in intellectual and analytical things
- Loyalty and straightforwardness
- One who never shows controlling and clingy behavior
Best matches for INTPs:
The dominant function of INTPs is introverted thinking, and that’s why they are most compatible with those who have extroverted thinking as their dominant function. The best matches for INTPs are ENTJs and ESTJs
Related: Strengths, weaknesses, and best careers of INTP 1w9s.
4. ISTP- Needs autonomy in relationships
ISTPs are the most independent and realistic people. They seek a partner who gives them enough space and the freedom they need to pursue their hobbies or careers.
They are among those who are not very expressive but show love & affection through their actions. Additionally, they are playful and fun-loving and expect the same from their mates.
Things ISTP expects from their partners:
- Never show clinginess
- Straightforwardness and honesty
- Have a good sense of humor and be up for adventures
- Respect their values
- Don’t force them to be social
- Listen to them and show care through insignificant gestures
Best match for ISTPs
The dominant introverted thinking of ISTPs goes well with those who have dominant extroverted thinking. That’s why ESTJs or ENTJs are the best matches for ISTPs.
Related: ISTP 6w7s: Their strengths, weaknesses, and celebrities.
5. INFJ- Needs understanding of relationships
INFJs are the most perceptive individuals who focus entirely on their inner ideas, feelings, etc. These people seek a partner who is future-oriented and can understand them.
The intense personality of INFJs makes it difficult for others to understand them fully. Therefore, they often feel misunderstood and want someone who can comprehend their deepest unsaid feelings.
They are mostly not interested in casual hangouts and prefer serious relationships over superficial attachments. INFJs need emotional connection and a feeling of being understood in a relationship.
Things INFJs expect from their partners
- One who values honesty and truth
- Trust them and understand their feelings.
- Give them attention with actions like making handmade gifts for them
- Spend quality time with them
- Make them laugh with inside jokes
Best match for INFJs
The dominant introverted intuition of INFJs is the best match with the dominant extroverted intuition. That’s why ENTPs or ENFPs are the most compatible ones for INFJs.
6. ISFJ- Needs commitment and security in relationships
ISFJs are the most nurturing people who are compassionate and love to assist others. These individuals are loyal and want a long-term relationship in their lives.
They always long for someone who can listen to their passions and with whom they can spend their whole life. They believe in commitment, stability, and security in relationships.
Things ISFJs expect from their partners
- Don’t hide feelings or past secrets from them
- Show loyalty and a sense of commitment
- Show kindness
- Encourage and acknowledge their slight gestures and little kind efforts.
Best match for ISFJs
Although any two developed persons can make healthy relationships, ISFJs can make the best match with ESTPs or ESFPs.
7. INTJ- Needs authenticity in relationships
INTJs are the most logical, have authentic ideas, and value intellectual challenges. These individuals don’t date much but look for a person who clicks with their personalities.
They love to have someone with whom they can share their interests which are philosophy, theoretical speculations, intellectual discussions, etc. INTJs, especially female INTJs, need a person who intellectually and emotionally meets their requirements.
Lying, manipulation, mind games, and fakeness in everything are the things that turn the INTJs off. They just can’t stand these things in relationships.
Things INTJ expects from their partners
- Give them the space they need as introverts.
- Authentic approach and value truth in relationships
- One with whom they have a mental connection
- Have an interest in deep conversations
Best match for INTJs
The dominant introverted intuition of INTJs matches well with the dominant extraverted intuition. That’s why natural matches of INTJs are ENFPs or ENTPs.
Related: INTJ 5w4s: Their strengths, weaknesses, and hobbies.
8. ISTJ- Needs steadiness and honesty in relationships
ISTJs are the most practical, sincere, and traditional people. For ISTJs, love means being shown up, fulfilling commitment, and responsibility.
Their way of dating is traditional, as they are the preservers of traditions. Some traditions and customs are crucial for them and they can’t sacrifice these traditions for their partners.
Like INTJs, they also have an intense desire to be understood and want their partners to listen carefully to them. ISTJs can turn their back if their partners lie or break promises.
Things ISTJs expect from their partners
- Honesty and authenticity
- Fulfill commitments
- Respect their values and traditions
- Keep promises and show acts of service
- Admire them for their dedication
Best match for ISTJs
The most compatible personalities for ISTJs are ESFP or ESTP.
9. ENFP- Needs expression of feelings and broad-mindedness in relationships
ENFPs are insatiable curious people who have a vast imagination and crave uniqueness in everything. These people shower their unconditional love on others but inwardly want a partner who can understand their deepest emotions.
ENFPs want a partner with whom they can share their wild, fascinating, and delusional ideas or dreams. One who will go with them in the exploration of new possibilities. They express their feelings and in return need verbal affirmations from their partners.
Things ENFPs expect from their partners
- One who shows kindness
- Playfulness with a lot of adventures
- Honesty and open-mindedness
- Expression of emotions from partners that how they feel about them
- Realistic & emotional encouragement
Best match for ENFPs
It is common for individuals to form relationships with those who are good at things in which they are weak. Therefore, the best match for ENFPs is INTJs or INFJs.
Related: What’s it like to have an ENFP 4w3 personality type?
10. ESFP- Needs affection and social companionship in relationships
ESFPs are natural hosts, exuberant, and naturally drawn to people. They are real adventurers who think the world is theirs and they can do what they want.
These people often hang out with others until they find someone with whom they can synchronize fully. They seek a partner that goes on adventures with them to explore what the world has to give them.
The one with whom they can fully experience the world, who respects their friendly and overly social nature, and whose enthusiasm is similar to theirs. They never pursue a relationship if their partner criticizes them and tries to control or change them.
Things ESFPs expect from their partners
- One who enjoys the moments and is adventurous
- Show affection and prove their social companions
- Loyalty
- Show love through giving gifts or expressing feelings.
Best match of ESFPs
The best match for ESFPs is ISFJs or ISTJs. Because of their introverted sensing, they are opposite to ESFPs, thus giving them new perspectives and making the strongest bonds.
11. ENFJ- Needs loyalty and support in relationships
ENFJs are the most romantic people who love to have social interaction and are highly goal-oriented. These people have an intense desire that their partner understands them and their innermost feelings.
They are expressive and caring individuals who want appreciation from their partners for all the efforts they do to make their spouse happy.
ENFJs want someone in their lives with whom they can change the world, help people, and work hard to materialize their dreams. They never get along with partners who try to control or repress their feelings.
Things ENFJs expect from their partners
- Acceptance and feeling of being understood
- Attention, trust, and care
- Appreciation for their efforts
- One who can express his feelings verbally
Best match for ENFJs
In her book “Tools for mystery writer”, Anne Hart says that an ENFJ, especially a woman ENFJ, should marry a feeling person who values her and her efforts of affection and prefers face-to-face conversation. The best matches for ENFJs are INFPs or ISFPs.
12. ESFJ- Needs warmth and support in relationships
ESFJs are the most responsive, generous, and caring people who neglect their desires to make their partners happy. They nurture and protect their relationships and show extreme love and care for their mates.
But ESFJs also believe in give & take and hope to get the same warmth and support from their partners that they provide. They date a lot and want someone who can understand them and their inner feelings.
They need assurance that their partners will be there for them in the end and will take an interest in their hobbies, friends, or family. In their relationships, they want their partners to share where they are in their lives.
Things ESFJs expect from their partners
- Encourage and appreciate them constantly.
- Fulfill commitments
- Support for their social image
- Physical Intimacy
- A good listening person
Best matches for ESFJs
Although two people with a better understanding can share a healthy relationship, the natural match for ESFJs is ISFPs or INFPs.
13. ENTP- Needs independence and freedom in relationships
ENTPs are the most responsive people who love to explore new ideas, insights, and possibilities by using their analytical skills. These people want someone with whom they can go on physical as well as intellectual expenditures. They love self-development.
Renee Baron says in her book “What type am I?” that ENTPs seek mentally stimulating journeys, excitement, and ever-growing relationships.
In addition to that, they want intellectual debates with their partners where they can talk about unusual and mysterious things or ideas. They never compromise their freedom or can’t do well in stifled relationships.
Things ENTPs expect from their partners
- A good listener who values and appreciates their intellectual approaches
- Spontaneous or willing to accept their spontaneity
- Don’t impose rules on them
- Analytical and one who fulfills commitments
Best match for ENTPs
ENTPs have the best match with INTJs or INFJs, who have dominant introverted intuition.
14. ESTP- Needs fun and adventure in relationships
ESTPs are the most action-oriented individuals who detest commitments and used to date a lot. They want novelty, adventure, spice, and something unpredictable in their relationships.
Their nature of getting bored quickly makes them move from one person to another, but they do fall seriously for someone with whom they can resonate.
ESTPs require partners who are willing to embark on thrilling adventures with them to discover all the thrills the world has to offer. An individual who respects and encourages their spontaneity proves their best partner.
Things ESTPs expect from their partners
- One who doesn’t try to cage them & their independence
- Straightforward talk without any mind games
- A playmate with whom they can share their interests
- One who is up for adventures
Best match for ESTPs
ESTPs tend to fall in love with people who are their polar opposite, who are perceived as different or unpredictable. Therefore, the best match for ESTPs is ISFJs or ISTJs.
15. ENTJ- Needs intellectual equality and directness
ENTJs are the most commanding, logical, and decisive people who are not much into random dating. These individuals believe in long-term relationships in which they can share their theories or innovative ideas with their partners.
Alexandra Borzo says in her book “ENTJ dating and relationship guide” that ENTJs seek relationships that offer fresh adventures and learning experiences. A partner who shares his/her intellectual ideas with them and who comes for advice and opinions, and relies on them for specific jobs.
Moreover, they seek a partner who respects and admires their individuality and ability to work on different rational ideas.
Things ENTJs expect from their partners
- Honesty and loyalty
- Ability to converse on intellectual topics
- Have coherent plans & goals for future
- One who is intelligent and knows his/her worth
- Fulfill commitments and don’t cage their independence.
Best match for ENTJs
The compatible mates for ENTJs are those who have dominant introverted thinking, like INTPs or ISTPs.
16. ESTJs- Needs stability and responsibility in relationships
The ESTJs are the most decisive and steadfast when it comes to completing tasks. In most cases, these individuals wish to share their life’s ups and downs with a partner. They need sensible and flexible people in their lives.
They try to find a partner that trusts and follows through on plans or commitments. Someone about whom they are sure that he/she will be there for them to appreciate their efforts at the end of the day.
They are more or less commanding people who like to give orders, so someone who can respect that and go with it is the best partner for them.
Things ESTJs expect from their partners
- Honesty and integrity
- One who cares for family values
- Responsible and fulfill commitments
- Confidant and problem solvers
- One who is kind and emotionally open
Best match for ESTJs
ESTJs have dominant extroverted thinking and go well with partners with INTP or ISTP personality types.
Final thoughts
The MBTI test is one of the best ways to improve your relationships with your partners. The awareness about the personality type of your spouse will assist you in knowing about the things they want in relationships.
But of course, this is not the entirely relying tool for choosing your partner. Two people with a better understanding and knowledge of each other can lead happy life.
Mariam is a freelance writer, has an educational background in English literature. She loves to read books about complexities of human relationships. She’s passionate about sharing knowledge related to psychology and self-improvement with others.
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