INTP compatibility (A Complete Guide)

In this article, we will discuss INTP’s compatibility. We will do that by giving an overview of INTP and their cognitive functions. After that, we shall describe how INTPs are in a relationship. Then we will discuss their compatibility with all personality types given by MBTI.  

INTP compatibility 

INTP personalities are more likely to connect with INTP, INTJ, INFP, and ENTP due to a lot of commonalities. With ISTP, INFJ, ENTJ, and ENFP, INTP personalities form a connection based on attraction due to similarities as well as differences. Similarly, with  ISTJ, ISFP, ESTP, and ENFJ, INTPs have a complementary relationship and are compatible. They may not get attracted to each other initially but with time, they can learn from their partner’s strengths. Finally, with ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFP, and ESFJ, INTPs have low compatibility and a difficult relationship since these people are quite opposite to them.

INTP: The Thinker (Four Cognitive Functions) 

Four cognitive functions that guide how INTP personality type processes information includes:

  • Introverted Thinking

INTPs are mostly focused on understanding how things work. They think in parts rather than whole i.e. they break down complex ideas into simple parts to thoroughly understand something before taking any action or making an opinion.

  • Extroverted Intuition

INTPs are imaginative and able to utilize their past experiences in present decisions. They are future-oriented and think about ‘What if scenarios’. They also have the ability to identify patterns and gather insight into something by thoroughly going through it in their mind. 

  • Introverted Sensing

INTPs are careful, attentive to detail, and categorize all incoming information into simplified yet understandable categories. They are able to compare new information with the old one to make a judgment or prediction about how the future will play out. 

  • Extroverted Feeling

This is the weakest part of INTP’s personality. They can be social and connect with others if they are comfortable. However, for stressful situations, they withdraw, prioritize logic over feelings, and have difficulty connecting with others. 

INTPs in Romantic Relationships

INTPs make interesting romantic partners since they offer a mixture of traits in their relationship and are usually innovative in their approach. They come up with unique ideas and pleasantly surprise their partners. They are more exploratory in nature but don’t often get a chance to follow this up by action. They are open and share their ideas, thoughts, and emotions since it allows them an opportunity to connect with someone at a deeper level. When they find a suitable partner, they ensure the other person has a good time.

In the initial meetings, their approach is full of enthusiasm and excitement. They intellectually engage their romantic interest in brainy games and flirt as well as using wordplay. They use their logical side to impress their partner and give them a chance to look into their mind. It doesn’t mean they do all this smoothly and naturally since such people are introverts and are shy in a new company. They take their time in adjusting to the situation and meeting someone new on dates. It is hard for them to be at the center of attention since they usually shy away from the limelight.

INTPs are also afraid of rejection. Putting themselves out in situations that expose their vulnerability is quite hard for them. They are emotionally sensitive even though they seem very logical and mechanical. These personalities let the other person take the initiative before deciding to pick up the trail. Similarly, with regards to commitment, these people wait and ensure if the other person is willing and on the same page as them. Once they know the feelings are mutual, they reciprocate them and this eventually leads to the start of their relationship.

INTPs are serious in their relationship especially since they have a tendency to let their imagination run loose and come up with all types of scenarios of what their partner might be like. So, they give this process the attention it deserves and prove to be loyal partners in the long run. They are straightforward and honest as they dislike playing around and not getting to the point regarding their relationship status i.e. deciding whether they like someone or not. Furthermore, they also believe that indirect and vague communication creates conflicts and misunderstandings. So, in order to prevent that from happening they express their thoughts and emotions openly and expect their partners to do the same so their relationship can progress based on mutual understanding.

As they move further in their relationship, their partners come to know that INTPs are simple people who like simplicity in life. They are not too concerned with the social rituals of relationships including birthday surprises, gift-giving, and complicated social plans. Similarly, having regular and fancy date nights does not suit them. This can become a problem if their partner is the romantic type and requires all of these things. For INTPs, it would be hard to comprehend the idea behind why someone would like all this. So, usually, they are the people who are unable to pick out the emotional layers of their relationship. Accordingly, they are not good at identifying what their partner needs at an emotional level and in the same way, are unaware of how to address it.

It can become one of the reasons behind their conflicts. These people try their best to maintain the peace in their relationship and come up with logical solutions.  However, unless they improve their skills to identify the underlying emotional aspect of their relationship, they would be nowhere near to resolving it. It is important that INTPs at least make an effort to try to understand their partners and make  meaningful gestures no matter how small they may be. It is highly possible that their partner would acknowledge and appreciate their attempts to come halfway in order to fix things.

Apart from this, INTPs like to spend time in their imagination and coming up with creative ways to make their relationship more passionate and exciting. Their shyness gets the best of them and they don’t express or act on any of their romantic plans directed towards their partner. However, they do make an attempt to be intimate every now and then in their own unique way.

IF INTPs learn to be more emotional, physical, and intellectual, their relationship can progress and grow in quite a smooth manner. Similarly, if their partner is somewhat different from them, it can create opportunities for both of them to learn from each other. INTPs only require some space and independence. If their partner fulfills that, it can become a very rewarding experience for both people.

INTP compatibility

Below we shall discuss the compatibility of INTP with other personality types

INTP compatibility with personalities similar to them

INTP personalities are more likely to connect with INTP, INTJ, INFP, and ENTP due to a lot of commonalities. These people share similarities in how they see life, their interests as well as values. They agree on most things but they would have their differences like any other couple. Despite everything, it is easy for them to cruise through life with personalities they can relate to.

INTP compatibility with personalities slightly different than them

With ISTP, INFJ, ENTJ, and ENFP, INTP personalities form a connection based on attraction due to similarities as well as differences. These partners allow a chance to relate to each other on common ground and also gives the opportunity to explore each other’s differences. This establishes and maintains their interest as the relationship progresses and proves to be a connection that is quite balanced in nature.

INTP compatibility with personalities complementary to them

With ISTJ, ISFP, ESTP, and ENFJ, INTP personalities have a complementary relationship. They may not get attracted to each other initially but as they spend time getting to know one another, they can learn what they lack from their partner’s strengths. Furthermore, their relationship is more balanced in nature especially with regard to the common and different cognitive functions the two partners have together.

INTP compatibility with personalities opposite to them

With ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFP, and ESFJ, INTPs may have a difficult time establishing a relationship since these people are quite opposite to them. They have a different way of approaching situations, have different motivations and interests. Due to this, they find it hard to relate to each other at an emotional and intellectual level. However, these couples can learn a lot from each other and move towards balance in terms of their personality if they keep their mind open to the differences.

FAQs: INTP compatibility

What types are INTPs attracted to?

INTPs are attracted to people who are more extroverted, outgoing, fun, and know how to enjoy themselves. Although they don’t actively search for such partners since they find the process intimidating, they do find themselves interested and attracted to people who are different, charming, and adventurous.

Are INTP and INTP compatible?

Two INTPs in a relationship can be compatible since they share a lot of similarities and it is easy for them to empathize with each other. Yet, they are not each other’s ideal partners since they both have the same weaknesses. They also feel uncomfortable around each other as well in the beginning as they are both shy.

Are INTPs manipulative?

INTPs may not be actively manipulative with a proper intention behind their actions. However, they can get manipulative especially when they want to figure someone out and understand them. Their search for information about a person gives them the chance to use it to their advantage in relationships either to improve it or in some cases get their way in a subtle manner.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed INTP compatibility. We found that  INTP personalities are more likely to connect with INTP, INTJ, INFP, and ENTP due to a lot of commonalities. With ISTP, INFJ, ENTJ, and ENFP, INTP personalities form a connection based on attraction due to similarities as well as differences. Similarly, with  ISTJ, ISFP, ESTP, and ENFJ, INTPs have a complementary relationship. They may not get attracted to each other initially but with time, they can learn from their partner’s strengths. Finally, with ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFP, and ESFJ, INTPs have a difficult relationship since these people are quite opposite to them.

 I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊

Citations

https://www.16personalities.com/intp-relationships-dating

https://www.truity.com/personality-type/INTP/relationships

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