The Complete Guide to Personality Type Compatibility
Do opposites really attract? Or should you be dating someone similar to yourself? Which personality types are compatible? At So Syncd, we pair partners based on personality type compatibility. The couples we think work best are those that have just the right amount of similarities to understand each other and just the right amount of differences to create that spark.
Do opposites really attract? Or should you be dating someone similar to yourself? Which personality types are compatible? At So Syncd, we pair partners based on personality type compatibility. The couples we think work best are those that have just the right amount of similarities to understand each other and just the right amount of differences to create that spark.
Without shared ground, it can be challenging to relate to and understand each other, which is key for a healthy relationship. At the same time, having differences creates the chemistry and excitement that’s crucial for attraction and gives you butterflies in your stomach.
If each person has complementary strengths and weaknesses, it makes for an unstoppable team where each person can learn from each other and help one another grow.
Personality type compatibility
So which personality types are compatible? Before we get started on that, if you’re new to personality type compatibility, you can read our introduction to personality types. It’s true that any personality type combinations can work in relationships, but some pairings will feel more effortless and fulfilling than others. We have found that the following works best in relationships:
Extraversion/introversion – opposite: Extraverts push introverts out of their comfort zones while introverts encourage extroverts to take time to reflect.
Intuition/sensing – same: Having a sensing or intuitive preference in common means that you tend to view the world in a fundamentally similar way and find it easier to understand each other.
Thinking/feeling – no impact: This preference appears to have little impact on compatibility. There are different benefits and drawbacks to each combination.
Judging/perceiving – opposite: Judgers help perceivers to come up with concrete plans and organize their life, while perceivers encourage judgers to go with the flow and be spontaneous.
Let’s take a look at the most compatible matches for each of the 16 personality types and delve into why they’re so great together. If you don’t know your personality type already, you can take our quick and easy personality test.
INFP: So Unique
Who they are: INFPs are idealistic, creative, and principled. They are easy-going and adaptable 99% of the time, but cross an INFP’s strongly-held value and prepare for a Jekyll-and-Hyde-like transformation from an adorable fluffy bunny to a raging lion. Compromising their values is just not an option for this personality type. INFPs are kind, open-minded, and empathetic. However, they can be oversensitive, impractical, and prone to leaving projects unfinished.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- INFP – ENTJ relationships. INFPs are attracted to the ambition, intensity, and leadership capabilities of ENTJs. INFPs are full of creative ideas, and ENTJs can help INFPs come up with plans to turn these dreams into reality. ENTJs are attracted to the warmth, authenticity, and creative insights of INFPs. INFPs can help ENTJs see things from a different perspective and encourage them to get in touch with their feelings.
- INFP – ENFJ relationships. INFPs are attracted to the charisma, thoughtfulness, and supportiveness of ENFJs. They can get lost in their own little bubble, but ENFJs are good at pulling them out of it and encouraging them to take action. ENFJs are attracted to the calm, genuine, playful, and easy-going nature of INFPs. INFPs can help ENFJs relax and slow down once in a while.
ENFP: So Curious
Who they are: ENFPs are spontaneous, enthusiastic, and creative. They are full of ideas. Quitting their job to become a yoga teacher in Bali or to save baby polar bears in the Arctic is just another day in the life of an ENFP. They often have a stockpile of quirky stories from these adventures, exacerbated by their lack of practical skills that get them into all kinds of unusual situations. ENFPs are resourceful, curious, and know how to have fun. However, they can be unpredictable, impractical, and flighty.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ENFP – INTJ relationships. ENFPs are attracted to the intellectual, determined, and composed nature of INTJs. They are brimming with new ideas, and INTJs can help ENFPs channel them into actionable plans. INTJs are attracted to the playful, fun, and bubbly nature of ENFPs. ENFPs can encourage INTJs to step out of their comfort zone and do new things.
- ENFP – INFJ relationships. ENFPs are attracted to the depth, thoughtfulness, and kindness of INFJs. They sometimes lack direction, and INFJs can help ENFPs be more grounded and focused. INFJs are attracted to the positive, open, and insightful nature of ENFPs. ENFPs help INFJs let loose and enjoy life.
INFJ: So Thoughtful
Who they are: INFJs are reflective, devoted, and perceptive. They have a seemingly magical ability to read people and can often sense someone’s mood the minute they walk through the door. People of this personality type are able to tell if you’re going to be lifelong partners or distant acquaintances within seconds of meeting you. INFJs are thoughtful, passionate, and mysterious. However, they can be oversensitive, perfectionists, and stubborn.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- INFJ – ENTP relationships. INFJs are attracted to the intellect, confidence, and energy of ENTPs. ENTPs help INFJs grow by pushing them out of their comfort zone. ENTPs are attracted to the calm, receptive, and imaginative nature of INFJs. INFJs can help keep ENTPs on track, and they often spend hours engaging in deep, meaningful conversations.
- INFJ – ENFP relationships. INFJs are attracted to the positive, open, and insightful nature of ENFPs. ENFPs help INFJs let loose and enjoy life. They are attracted to the depth, thoughtfulness, and kindness of INFJs. ENFPs can sometimes lack direction, and INFJs can help ENFPs be more grounded and focused.
ENFJ: So Giving
Who they are: ENFJs are giving, charismatic and supportive. There’s nothing more important to an ENFJ than helping a friend in need, and, fortunately, giving advice comes instinctively to them. They are naturally popular and have hectic social calendars. ENFJs are encouraging, sociable, and affectionate. However, they can be manipulative, smothering, and too selfless.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ENFJ – INTP relationships. ENFJs are attracted to the grounded, rational, and easy-going nature of INTPs. INTPs can help ENFJs see things from a different point of view. INTPs are attracted to the friendly, empathetic, and open nature of ENFJs. ENFJs can help INTPs understand emotions (both their own and other people’s).
- ENFJ – INFP relationships. ENFJs are attracted to the calm, genuine, playful, and easy-going nature of INFPs. INFPs can help ENFJs relax and slow down once in a while. They are attracted to the charisma, openness, thoughtfulness, and supportiveness of ENFJs. INFPs are at risk of getting lost in their own little bubble, but ENFJs are good at pulling them out of it and encouraging them to take action.
INTP: So Logical
Who they are: INTPs are analytical, conceptual, and inventive. They are exceptional at analyzing problems. They’ll happily spend days, if not weeks, picking apart ideas such as why the optimum angle to pour beer is 42.7°. It may be utterly useless, but they’ll do it purely to satisfy their own burning curiosity. INTPs are honest, logical, and innovative. However, they can be insensitive, absent-minded, and aloof.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- INTP – ENFJ relationships. INTPs are attracted to the friendly, empathetic, and open nature of ENFJs. ENFJs can help INTPs understand emotions (both their own and other people’s). ENFJs are attracted to the grounded, rational, and easy-going nature of INTPs. INTPs can help ENFJs see things from a different point of view.
- INTP-ENTJ relationships. INTPs are attracted to the proactive, intellectual, and decisive nature of ENTJs. INTPs are full of great ideas, and ENTJs can help turn them into reality. ENTJs are attracted to the originality, adaptability, and down-to-earth nature of INTPs. INTPs can be the perfect sounding board for ENTJs because ENTJs hugely respect their intelligence.
ENTP: So Visionary
Who they are: ENTPs are original, inquisitive, and visionary. They are sponges for information and love to debate. They don’t do this to achieve a greater purpose but for the love of intellectual stimulation. ENTPs are treasure chests of knowledge as a result of having completely immersed themselves in numerous obscure topics over their lifetime. ENTPs are quick-witted, resourceful, and innovative. However, they can be argumentative, tactless, and impractical.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ENTP-INFJ relationships. ENTPs are attracted to the calm, receptive, and imaginative nature of INFJs. INFJs can help keep ENTPs on track, and they often spend hours engaging in deep, meaningful conversations. INFJs are attracted to the intellect, confidence, and energy of ENTPs. ENTPs help INFJs grow by pushing them out of their comfort zone.
- ENTP-INTJ relationships. ENTPs are attracted to the determined, intense, and strong-minded nature of INTJs. INTJs can keep ENTPs interested and know how to handle them. INTJs are attracted to the dynamic, innovative, and enthusiastic nature of ENTPs. ENTPs introduce INTJs to new concepts, which makes for stimulating conversations.
INTJ: So Strategic
Who they are: INTJs are purposeful, innovative, and structured. They treat life like a chess game, and there’s a rationale behind nearly everything they do. The reason why they moved the toothbrush holder 30 cm to the left is not that they felt like it; it’s because it will save 1.7 seconds each day, which is, incidentally, 10.3 minutes per year and 13.6 hours over an average lifespan. INTJs are organized, independent, and future-oriented. However, they may be judgmental, arrogant, and impatient.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- INTJ – ENFP relationships. INTJs are attracted to the playful, fun, and bubbly nature of ENFPs. ENFPs can encourage INTJs to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. They are attracted to the intellectual, determined, and composed nature of INTJs. ENFPs are brimming with new ideas, and INTJs can help ENFPs channel them into actionable plans.
- INTJ – ENTP relationships. INTJs are attracted to the dynamic, innovative, and enthusiastic nature of ENTPs. ENTPs introduce INTJs to new concepts, which makes for stimulating conversations. ENTPs are attracted to the determined, intense, and strong-minded nature of INTJs. INTJs can keep ENTPs interested and know how to handle them.
ENTJ: So Ambitious
Who they are: Determined, decisive, and charismatic. ENTJs are natural-born leaders that project an aura of certainty and authority. They’re masters at executing ideas. When they decide they want something, they go full speed ahead and watch out for anyone who gets in their way. ENTJs are assertive, confident, and goal-oriented. However, they can be stubborn, impatient, and ruthless.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ENTJ – INFP relationships. ENTJs are attracted to the warmth, authenticity, and creative insights of INFPs. INFPs can help ENTJs see things from a different perspective and encourage them to get in touch with their feelings. INFPs are attracted to the ambition, intensity, and leadership capabilities of ENTJs. INFPs are full of creative ideas, and ENTJs can help INFPs come up with plans to turn these dreams into reality.
- ENTJ – INTP relationships. ENTJs are attracted to the originality, adaptability, and down-to-earth nature of INTPs. INTPs can be the perfect sounding board for ENTJs because ENTJs hugely respect their intelligence. INTPs are attracted to the proactive, intellectual, and decisive nature of ENTJs. INTPs are full of great ideas, and ENTJs can help turn them into concrete plans.
ISFJ: So Nurturing
Who they are: ISFJs are loyal, practical, and altruistic. They are always there to help. From spending all weekend cooking crème brûlée for a friend’s dinner party to cutting off their left arm as a sacrifice to the gods, they tirelessly put other people’s needs before their own. ISFJs are warm, dependable, and traditional. However, they can be inflexible, oversensitive, and perfectionists.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ISFJ – ESTP relationships. ISFJs are attracted to the confident, dynamic, and resilient nature of ESTPs. ESTPs make life exciting and fun for ISFJs. ESTPs are attracted to the stability, security, and nurture that ISFJs provide. ISFJs offer a warm and welcoming safe haven for ESTPs amidst the chaos of their everyday lives.
- ISFJ – ESFP relationships. ISFJs are attracted to the bubbly, excitable, and perceptive nature of ESFPs. ESFPs encourage ISFJs to mix things up and step out of their comfort zone. ESFPs are attracted to the thoughtfulness, calmness, and loyal nature of ISFJs. ISFJs can help ESTPs to take time to reflect rather than always immediately jumping into action.
ESFJ: So Supportive
Who they are: ESFJs are sociable, warm, and organized. They are people-oriented and popular. ESFJs are a big hit at dinner parties, somehow finding a perfect balance of being fun and responsible. They’ll push the boundaries enough to entertain but will know exactly when to stop so as to not offend anyone. ESFJs are selfless, practical, and loyal. However, they can be needy, inflexible, and narrow-minded.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ESFJ – ISTP relationships. ESFJs are attracted to the level-headed, practical, and quietly confident nature of ISTPs. ISTPs can help ESFJs realize that they don’t always need to be around people to have a great time. ISTPs are attracted to the sociable, caring, and approachable nature of ESFJs. ESFJs encourage ISTPs to get out there and step out of their comfort zone.
- ESFJ – ISFP relationships. ESFJs are attracted to the artistic, sensual, and free-spirited nature of ISFPs. ISFPs can help ESFJs to go with the flow and realize that they don’t have to always have a plan. ISFPs are attracted to the stable, dependable, and loyal nature of ESFJs. ESFJs help ISFPs come up with concrete plans to achieve their dreams.
ISTJ: So Dependable
Who they are: ISTJs are thorough, reliable, and honest. They are dutiful and can always be counted on to follow through. There is yet to be born an ISTJ who isn’t loyal (probably). Once they’ve decided to commit to you, they’ll weather many storms to stick by your side. ISTJs are hard-working, orderly, and strong-willed. However, they can be stubborn, insensitive, and judgmental.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ISTJ – ESFP relationships. ISTJs are attracted to the friendly, warm, and excitable nature of ESFPs. ESFPs can help ISTJs express their feelings, which does not come naturally to ISTJs. ESFPs are attracted to the dependable, determined, and hard-working nature of ISTJs. ISTJs can help ESFPs organize their lives and are extremely supportive partners.
- ISTJ -ESTP relationships. ISTJs are attracted to the spontaneity, rationality, and quick-wittedness of ESTPs. ESTPs encourage ISTJs to take risks and break up their routine every now and again. ESTPs are attracted to the dedicated, loyal, and quietly self-assured nature of ISTJs. ISTJs can help ESTPs plan for the future instead of taking things as they come.
ESTJ: So Dedicated
Who they are: ESTJs are direct, organized, and dedicated. They are model citizens. No social event would be complete without an ESTJ ensuring everything is going to plan. Give them a fundraiser to organize, and they’ll be in their element. ESTJs are efficient, reliable, and honest. However, they can be rigid, judgmental, and insensitive.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ESTJ – ISFP relationships. ESTJs are attracted to the adaptable, passionate, and imaginative nature of ISFPs. ISFPs help ESTJs be less rigid and embrace spontaneity once in a while. ISFPs are attracted to the measured, assured, and dedicated nature of ESTJs. ESTJs help ISFPs add some structure to their lives.
- ESTJ – ISTP relationships. ESTJs are attracted to the hands-on, understated, and flexible nature of ISTPs. ISTPs balance out the ESTJ’s need to be highly organized and plan everything. ISTPs are attracted to the direct, ambitious, and committed nature of ESTJs. ESTJs can help ISTPs find direction and channel their talents.
ISFP: So Artistic
Who they are: ISFPs are creative, kind, and sensitive. They have a strong appreciation for aesthetics and are often artistically gifted. They feel happiest when following their hearts, be it taking a year off to paint every species of rhododendron or becoming a horse whisperer. ISFPs are loyal, perceptive, and passionate. However, they can be unpredictable, indecisive, and disorganized.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ISFP – ESFJ relationships. ISFPs are attracted to the stable, dependable, and loyal nature of ESFJs. ESFJs help ISFPs come up with concrete plans to achieve their dreams. ESFJs are attracted to the artistic, sensual, and free-spirited nature of ISFPs. ISFPs can help ESFJs to go with the flow and realize that they don’t have to always have a plan.
- ISFP – ESTJ relationships. ISFPs are attracted to the measured, assured, and dedicated nature of ESTJs. ESTJs help ISFPs add some structure to their lives. ESTJs are attracted to the adaptable, passionate, and imaginative nature of ISFPs. ISFPs help ESTJs be less rigid and embrace spontaneity once in a while.
ESFP: So Fun
Who they are: ESFPs are spontaneous, energetic, and playful. ESFPs are the life and soul of the party. They embrace being the center of attention in social situations and live for the moment. ‘Bored’ is not a word in an ESFP’s vocabulary. ESFPs are fun-loving, observant, and practical. However, they can be unfocused, poor long-term planners, and take things too personally.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ESFP – ISTJ relationships. ESFPs are attracted to the dependable, determined, and hard-working nature of ISTJs. ISTJs can help ESFPs organize their lives and are extremely supportive partners. ISTJs are attracted to the friendly, warm, and excitable nature of ESFPs. ESFPs can help ISTJs express their feelings, which doesn’t come naturally to ISTJs.
- ESFP-ISFJ relationships. ESFPs are attracted to the thoughtfulness, calmness, and loyal nature of ISFJs. ISFJs can help ESFPs to take time to reflect rather than always jumping into action. ISFJs are attracted to the bubbly, excitable, and perceptive nature of ESFPs. ESFPs encourage ISFJs to mix things up a bit and step out of their comfort zone.
ISTP: So Practical
Who they are: ISTPs are practical, easy-going, and adaptable. Figuring out how things work comes naturally to people of this personality type. They are particularly useful to have as a passenger in your car as they will be able to fix it ten times faster than anyone else in the case of a breakdown. ISTPs are analytical, relaxed, and spontaneous. However, they can be insensitive, non-committal, and easily bored.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ISTP – ESFJ relationships. ISTPs are attracted to the sociable, caring, and approachable nature of ESFJs. ESFJs encourage ISTPs to step out of their comfort zone in a social sense. ESFJs are attracted to the level-headed, practical, and quietly confident nature of ISTPs. ISTPs can help ESFJs realize that they don’t always need to be around people to have a great time.
- ISTP – ESTJ relationships. ISTPs are attracted to the direct, ambitious, and committed nature of ESTJs. ESTJs can help ISTPs find direction and channel their talents. ESTJs are attracted to the hands-on, understated, and flexible nature of ISTPs. ISTPs balance out the ESTJs’ need to be highly organized and plan everything.
ESTP: So Adventurous
Who they are: ESTPs are outgoing, enthusiastic, and straight-shooting. They love nothing more than jumping into action and are constantly scanning the environment for the next exciting adventure. A midnight motorbike ride across the mouth of a volcano? Count them in. ESTPs are dynamic, observant, and energetic. However, they can be defiant, impatient, and impulsive.
Best matches based on personality type compatibility:
- ESTP – ISFJ relationships. ESTPs are attracted to the stability, security, and nurture that ISFJs provide. ISFJs offer a warm and welcoming safe haven for ESTPs amidst the chaos of their everyday lives. ISFJs are attracted to the confident, dynamic, and resilient nature of ESTPs. ESTPs help make life exciting and fun for ISFJs.
- ESTP – ISTJ relationships. ESTPs are attracted to the steady, determined, hard-working nature of ISTJs. ISTJs can help ESTPs keeps their lives in order, and they are extremely supportive partners. ISTJs are attracted to the confident, quick-witted, and charming nature of ESTPs. ESTPs can help ISTJs try new things and be spontaneous once in a while.
What does personality type compatibility actually mean?
The good news is that personality type compatibility can help you find love. So if you find your ideal personality match, will everything be plain sailing for the rest of eternity? Well, it will be a smoother boat ride, but there will always be the odd storm that challenges you.
Even with your perfect match, to have a happy and fun relationship, you’ll need to listen to and understand each other’s needs, desires, hopes, and fears. Communication can make or break a relationship, and if you want to tip the odds in your favor, understanding personality types is the perfect place to start.
