ESFJ and INFJ (Analysis of Relationship)

This analysis will give readers an in-depth understanding of the relationship between an ESFJ and an INFJ. The blog will first describe both these personality styles and then dive into the interpersonal dynamics of their connection.

What is the Relationship Between ESFJ and INFJ Like?

This relationship, like all relationships, has its strengths and weaknesses. Both ESFJs and INFJs share common values and are supportive of people around them. INFJs can be more idealistic, abstract, introverted, and spontaneous than their counterparts. These differences can either cause friction or serve as opportunities for both sides to grow.

Getting to Know the ESFJ and INFJ Personalities

Before we start analysing this union, we have to get to know what these personalities are like. The following are description of the ESFJ and INFJ personality types:

What is the ESFJ Personality Like?

The ESFJ is one of the sixteen personalities given by the MBTI. These individuals are labelled “The Caregiver” because they can be loyal, tender-hearted, and outgoing. Their extraverted nature makes them reach out to others often. 

Social interactions fill them up with energy and they try to be of use to those around them. This probably stems from a desire to be liked and approved of. At work, the ESFJ is highly organised and detailed. 

They can create effective systems and love to follow their plans consistently. But this also makes them aversive to change. An ESFJ is sensitive to criticism and can at times appear controlling.

What is the INFJ Personality Like?

People with the INFJ personality type from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator are often referred to as “Idealists”. That’s because they care a lot about improving the world and dedicate their lives to that cause. 

Often mistaken as daydreamers, INFJ personalities do tend to have high standards of themselves, others, and systems. However, these people are not only capable of envisioning a better world, but can also bring about that change. 

INFJs are introverted, creative, and engage in abstract-thinking. 

The Relationship Between an ESFJ and INFJ

Now that we are familiar with the behaviour patterns of the ESFJ and the INFJ, let’s begin our analysis. We will be inspecting all kinds of relationships; professional, romantic, familial, or friendships.

ESFJ and INFJ Compatibility

There is plenty of compatibility between ESFJ and INFJ individuals because of the shared qualities of Nature and Tactics. These are two aspects that shape personality. Nature can be Feeling (F) or Thinking (T) and Tactics are either Judging (J) or Perceiving (P). 

As ESFJ and INFJ people are both Feeling and Judging, they have some similar patterns of behaviour. Both are highly supportive in interpersonal relationships and help the other in any way possible. On the other hand, there are personality differences that can cause friction if not handled in a healthy way. 

INFJs tend to be idealistic. They want to believe that situations can be improved and it is up to us to change them. In relationships, this manifests in the INFJ’s need to try new and radical things that might serve as innovative solutions. The ESFJ usually responds to this with resistance. 

For them, consistency and traditions are more important. Since ESFJs and INFJs clash in their openness for change, this can be a source of conflict. These two personalities also differ in their preferences for social interaction. 

Introverted INFJs can find it hard to match the extraverted ESFJ’s energy for socialising. The former likes cozy and quiet afternoons indoors and the latter likes loud, late evening get-togethers. Having said that, these differences offer each ESFJ INFJ relationship opportunities to balance each other out. 

ESFJ and INFJ Communication

ESFJ and INFJ people vary in their way of thinking and communicating. The ESFJ is direct, to-the-point, and concrete in their approach. If there is a challenge in front of them, they look at it from a practical and fact-based perspective. 

The intuitive INFJ, however, is a lot more abstract. They love to talk about ideas and concepts rather than objective observations. When communicating with each other, these two personalities may find it difficult to understand the other’s point of view. 

This can be seen as a binding agent in their relationship if they manage to navigate it with empathy. Through open and patient dialogue, the two can serve as sounding boards for each other’s ideas. If they fail at that, the ESFJ might think of the INFJ as unrealistic while the INFJ could find the ESFJ non-receptive. 

The varying positions on the introversion/extraversion scale can also impact communication. The ESFJ must give their counterpart enough space and time to respond. Similarly, the INFJ must learn to accommodate the liveliness of the other. 

They share a common motivation to follow plans, which can be helpful in communicating better. When INFJs are given enough room and the suggestions of ESFJs are taken seriously, they both make a great team.

The ESFJ and INFJ at Work

At work, the INFJ’s idealism causes them to come up with creative, out-of-the-box ideas. ESFJs, being more realistic, only approve of these ideas if they come with detailed, step-by-step plans. 

There’s not much trouble in their professional relationship as both groups are extremely goal-oriented. They want things done and want them done fast. The only way to achieve that is through systematic planning and that’s something both personalities enjoy. 

Challenges to synergy in the workplace occur when the ESFJ isn’t open to the unfamiliar suggestions of the INFJ. Or when the latter cannot give the ESFJ a detailed action plan.

The ESFJ and INFJ at Home

At home, difficult situations are dealt with by sweeping things under the carpet. Both ESFJs and INFJs have a denial tendency that makes them resolve issues by forgetting about them. 

The ESFJ values family traditions and rituals. They might insist on maintaining the sameness of periodic activities. Repetition in meals, recreation, vacation plans makes an ESFJ feel content but can put off an INFJ.

INFJs too can upset their family members because they’re not enthusiastic about elaborate family celebrations. These areas of conflict at home lead to passive aggression, especially from the INFJ.

ESFJ and INFJ Friendship

The most harmonious relationship between an ESFJ and INFJ is a friendship. The two make great buddies and can maintain a long-lasting companionship. There can be imbalances in this equation as well. The previous mentioned clashes in perspectives can make them argue.

Moreover, the INFJ can at times be self-sacrificing and end up doing more than they are expected to. Unfortunately, this extra measure always leads to disappointment when the giving isn’t reciprocated by the ESFJ.

The onus is on the ESFJ to make ther friend feel like they matter. They’ll also have to be the ones initiating more often because INFJs are introverts. A good friendship between these personalities is one that gives the INFJ enough privacy and the ESFJ open conversations.

Values of ESFJ and INFJ Personalities

When it comes to values and a belief system, the INFJ and ESFJ match. They both possess high levels of compassion for other people. That’s why these groups of people prove to be supportive in their interpersonal connections. 

A common appreciation for human lives makes them invest a lot into being helpful. ESFJs and INFJs often opt for careers that run along the same lines. 

Professions that revolve around helping and serving the community appeal to these two personalities. Together, the INFJ and ESFJ can start something of their own that aims to serve the people in any way.

Conclusion

This analysis gave readers an in-depth understanding of the relationship between an ESFJ and an INFJ. The blog first described both these personality styles and then explored the interpersonal dynamics of their connection.

ESFJ and INFJ personalities clash when it comes to abstract or concrete thinking, introversion or extraversion, and being realistic. 

These differences can either cause friction or bring them closer. It depends on the level of patience and understanding in their communication styles. Both personalities share the values of compassion and service.

FAQs (ESFJ and INFJ)

Citations

• https://www.truity.com/type-relationship-advisor/E/S/F/J/I/N/F/J
• https://www.crystalknows.com/personality-type/relationship/infj-esfj