4 Reasons Why INFJs and INTPs Are Highly Compatible

On the surface, the INFJs and INTPs may look very different. INTPs are often characterized as “the inventor” type. Albert Einstein is an example of a famous INTP. INFJs are often called “the counselor” type and are represented by famous historical figures such as Nelson Mandela. While it may seem like Albert Einstein and Nelson Mandela are drastically different people, if their type analysis is true, these world-changing men have a lot more in common than many would think.

As an INFJ personality type, I really enjoy spending time with INTPs. I appreciate their intellect, their thoughtful insight, and their obscure sense of humor. More so than with any other type, the INTP is the one that I feel I can examine the mysteries of the universe with one minute, and be on the floor laughing over a silly YouTube video the next.

INFJs and INTPs actually have a lot in common. In fact, according to this article by Dr. A.J. Drenth of Personality Junkie, INFJs and INTPs are sometimes called “the golden pair.” These two types have the potential to be highly compatible in both friendships and romantic relationships.

Here are four reasons why INFJs and INTPs are highly compatible as friends and partners:

1. We’re both introverted intuitive personality types.

Since both types are introverted and intuitive, they often enjoy many of the same things. They like in-depth, one-on-one discussions, examining theories and ideas, and learning new things. Both personality types have deep and colorful inner worlds, but as introverts, it can take them a while to share their inner world with others. However, because of their commonalities, they usually find it easy to reach the comfort level required to share a deeper part of their personalities with one another.

INTP personality types seek mental stimulation from friends and partners. This type is bored easily by people who don’t challenge them, which INFJs are happy to do. INFJs seek friends and partners who fully appreciate them in an authentic and meaningful way. They’re drawn to the INTP’s constant search for understanding and meaning. Their intuitive natures allow them to discuss abstractions and ideas for hours that may bore other people.

2. We share the same judging functions.

INFJs and INTPs share the same thinking and feeling functions, also called “judging” functions. Judging functions reflect how the brain makes decisions and draws conclusions. INFJs have Extroverted Feeling (Fe) as their auxiliary (or secondary) function, and INTPs have Fe as their inferior (or fourth) function. INTPs have Introverted Thinking (Ti) as their dominant (or first) function, and INFJs have Ti as their tertiary (or third) function. The table below shows what the function stack for each type looks like.

INFJs have stronger use of Fe since it is higher in their function stack. Likewise, INTPs have stronger use of Ti. However, both types use both functions and value being able to learn and develop their weaker functions by exercising them with their INFJ or INTP friend or partner. The INFJ is often in awe of how well the INTP uses Ti, and INTPs feel the same way about Fe in INFJs. You can read a deeper analysis of how INFJs use each of their cognitive functions here.

3. We’re drawn to our opposing perceiving functions.

INFJs and INTPs have different intuitive and sensing functions, also called “perceiving” functions. INFJs rely on Introverted Intuition (Ni), while INTPs use Extroverted Intuition (Ne). While neither are sensing types, INFJs have a preference for Extroverted Sensing (Se), and INTPs prefer Introverted Sensing (Si). Both types are intrigued by how the other uses their perceiving functions, which seems so foreign from their own way of taking in information. In mature and healthy INFJs and INTPs, rather than cause conflict, this is part of what draws them to each other.

Outside of the cognitive functions, INFJs and INTPs are attracted to each others’ general personality traits. According to Just Your Type: Create the Relationship You’ve Always Wanted Using the Secrets of Personality Type by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger, “INTPs are drawn to INFJs because of their warmth, integrity, and emotional availability. INFJs are often attracted to the intelligence, dry sense of humor, and quiet confidence of INTPs. They admire their partner’s independence and find their honesty refreshing.”

4. There are not a lot of us in the world.

Both INFJ and INTP personality types are rare. Combined, they make up under 5 percent of the population. It’s nearly as rare for an INFJ to meet an INTP as it is for an INFJ to meet someone of their same personality type. When these two introverted intuitive types do come across one another, it can feel like they’ve met a unicorn. There is someone else who seems to understand them on a deeper level, yet there is still a bit of mystery to discover.

This article was originally published by the same author on Introvert, Dear.