In this guide we will be looking at two personality types. Our primary emphasis will be on the compatibility, communication, conflict and stress management between these two personality types.
INTP INFJ:
Because INTPs receive the title of ‘the inventor’ and INFJs receive the title of ‘the counselor’, it may seem like they are poles apart. However, there are a lot of commonalities between these two personality types which makes them compatible in both romantic relationships and friendships. They are often called the golden pair, because of how compatible they are.
Both personality types share certain cognitive functions. They share the same energy needs and way of perceiving the world i.e. INFJs and INTPs are the introverted intuitive kind, thus they share a lot of similar interests, Both enjoy deep tête-à-têtes usually about abstract ideas and concepts. INFJs and INTJs have a rich and colourful inner world. And although neither is the type to let other people into their worlds, they usually find it easy to do so with each other. INFJs provide INTPs with the mental stimulation they crave from others and in turn, INTPs appreciate and understand INFJs in the way the latter wishes to be understood.
INFJs and INTPs also share the same judging functions, although with a slight variation. Generally, INFJs are more dominant in the Fe (Extraverted Feeling) function and INTPs are more dominant in the Ti (Introverted Thinking) function.
However, both INTPs and INFJs have similar judging functions, they have different perceiving functions. INTPs are dominant in the Ne (Extraverted Intuition) function and INFJs are dominant in the Introverted Intuition (Ni) function. Additionally, while neither of them are sensing types, INFJs have a preference for Se (Extraverted Sensing) and INTPs have a preference for Si (Introverted Sensing).
Thus, both personality types bring a number of different functions to the table, while also having a lot of functions in common. And this forms the basis for a strong relationship. Both types are able to use both functions and they often rely on each other to develop their weaker functions.
INTPs like INFJs for their compassion, integrity and emotional openness while INFJs appreciate the intelligence, humour and quiet confidence of INTPs. INTPs are drawn to INFJs charisma and empathy.
Because of their unconventional and original thinking, INTPs often feel misunderstood by others and INFJs with their keen abilities to understand all people can be attractive to INTPs. INFJs in turn are drawn to the prodigious intellect and creativity of INTPs.
Another commonality between INFJs and INTPs is that they are both rare personality types. Together, they make up only about 5% of the general population.
INTP (The Thinker):
INTPs are usually analytical, objective and logical in their behaviour. They are skilled at dealing with practical and logical as well as abstract problems. INTPs are not unlike mad scientists or inventors constantly discovering something new. They love exploring ideas and theories and are often responsible for new findings or discoveries in their fields of interest.
INTPs are less in touch with their emotional side and often have trouble understanding and expressing their emotions. They prefer to approach relationships from a logical rather than emotional standpoint. INTPs love to explore new possibilities and ideas and are interested in existential questions.
INFJ (The Advisor):
INFJs at their core are idealists and their greatest desire is to make the world a better place. They are reserved but persistent and altruistic individuals. They are empathetic and have a keen understanding of people. Due to their strong feeling and intuiting functions, INFJs can be quite sociable and charismatic.
In addition to being humanitarians at heart, INFJs are also highly creative individuals. Like INTPs they like to think outside the box, but it is usually about issues such as spirituality and morality. INFJs are motivated to find the underlying or deeper meaning behind what they see around them, especially other people.
Compatibility between INTP and INFJ:
INTPs often tire of a relationship where there is no intellectual stimulation and often stay away from relationships altogether if they don’t provide opportunities for intellectual and philosophical growth. INFJs are a lot more dependent on other people than INTPs, but they too prefer deep discussions to small talk.
What INFJs want more than anything is to have people appreciate their authentic self and value their ideas. Thus, since both personality types look for people who will broaden their understanding of themselves and the world, they are well-suited for each other.
INTPs and INFJs both use their thinking and intuitive functions to form new insights about the world. They are both introverts and will not try to force each other into social interaction. Both INFJs and INTPs share a feeling of being outsiders. Because they are so rare they often feel misunderstood or forced into being something they are not. WIth each other they can feel free to be themselves and feel accepted. Both share an offbeat sense of humour and a unique take on the world that is mutually appreciated.
One area of incompatibility is the difference in thinking/feeling functions. INTPs are unemotional and private while INFJs prefer their partners to be more open with their feelings. Additionally, INFJs are a lot more perceptive of others needs and feelings that INTPs, who tend to be in their own worlds sometimes. This can often lead to the INTPs unintentionally hurting the INFJ. Another area of contention could arise due to the preference INTPs have for spontaneity, which goes against the INFJs desire to plan and organise everything.
Values of INTP and INFJ:
Although INTPs and INFJs share some similar values, they differ in certain crucial respects. While both have a passion for improving society, INFJs are more interested in how change helps people whereas INTPs are usually focused on innovation in science, technology or business. INFJs may perceive INTPs as lacking heart and a higher purpose in their goals, while INTPs may feel that INFJs are too idealistic.
Additionally, INFJs are more emotionally engaged and goal-oriented compared to INTPs who tend to be laid back and unemotional. While these differences in values may be a source of conflict, it can also be a source of growth for both parties if they choose to work together.
Communication between INTP and INFJ:
Both INTPs and INFJs prefer abstract discussions and find each other quite stimulating and interesting to converse with. Yet, both personality types have some trouble starting conversations with strangers. But once they’ve got the ball rolling, the doors are opened to a fascinating world of ideas and insights.
However, although they are both introverts who prefer to think intuitively and conceptually, INTPs are logical and spontaneous whereas INFJs are more emotional and organised in their thinking. Thus, in order to communicate effectively with each other, INTPs must try to be more caring and understanding of INFJs and allow for some emotional disclosure. In turn, INFJs need to tone down the emotionality and enter into more rational discussions with their INTP partners.
Conflict Resolution between INTP and INFJ:
INFJs have a tendency to avoid conflict. Thus, INTPs often need to be patient with their INFJ partners, allowing them the space and time to address any contention that may exist in the relationship. INFJs in turn, need to work on themselves. They need to understand that conflict is normal and safe and learnt to approach it directly rather than in an indirect, passive-aggressive manner.
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
Building Trust between INTP and INFJ:
INTPs begin to trust INFJs who allow them to be spontaneous and who address issues directly instead of avoiding them. INFJs value reliability and security in their partners and appreciate INTPs who are caring and committed. Both personality types have a desire to be understood in a meaningful way. And given their unique combination of similar as well as dissimilar functions, they are the two types best suited to do that for each other.
Working Relationship between INTP and INFJ:
INTPs adapt easily in a workplace and are balanced thinkers. They can help INFJs communicate their thoughts more effectively. INFJs are methodical and conscientious individuals. They also help INTPs account for other feelings and needs when making important decisions in the workplace.
However, when working on a project together, both personality types tend to neglect practicalities and details in preference for general ideas which can hamper productivity.
How INTP and INFJ manage Change:
INTPs are usually better at adapting to change than INFJs. INFJs need organisation and predictability and this can make it hard for them to accept changes. INTPs on the other hand, are good at adapting to new situations and can help INFJs recognise the positives of a new experience.
How INTP and INFJ manage Stress:
In order to have a successful relationship, it is necessary for INTPs and INFJs to understand what causes stress in the other and strive to minimise it.
INTPs are usually stressed by things like emotional vulnerability, following rules and order, excessive time around other people. INFJs are stressed by chaos and unpredictability, conflict, inability to express themselves and failure or disappointment.
Thus, when they are stressed, INFJs need INTPs to be patient and empathetic and allow them to express themselves. INFJs need to abstain from forcing INTPs into emotional discussions and learn to communicate more logically.
How INTP and INFJ motivate each other:
In order to motivate each other, it is necessary for INTPs and iNFJ to understand the sources of motivation for the other.
INTPs are motivated by novel experiences and ideas, problem-solving, flexible schedules and alone time. INFJs are driven by emotional connections with others, alone time and planning and achieving goals.
Thus, INTPs can help INFJs by sticking to commitments and allowing them to self-disclose when they need to. INFJs can help INTPs by giving them space and the freedom to be spontaneous.
Conclusion:
In this blog we examined the MBTI personality types: INFJ and INTP. We looked at what they’re like individually as well as their compatibility in different aspects of their lives including work, communication, conflict and stress.
FAQ on ‘INTP INFJ (A 7 Point Guide):
Why do INTPs like INFJs?
INFJs help INTPs have more control over their Feeling function. INTPs can be their quirky and unique selves around INFJs.
Are INFJs good with money?
INFJs tend to be spendthrifts. They are usually good at managing money, owing to their Judgement function. However, while they are good at helping others, they are reluctant to receive financial help when they need it.
What personality type should INTP date?
INTP’s natural partners are usually ENTJ or ESTJ (in addition to INFJ). Their dominant Introverted Thinking function is complemented by personality types with a dominant Extraverted Thinking function.
What should an INFJ major in?
INFJs do well in careers in the social sciences or humanities. Fields of study such as philosophy, psychology, religion and liberal arts are well suited to them. Careers in law or medicine are usually not ideal for INFJs.
Which personality type has the highest IQ?
The personality types on the MBTI with the highest IQ tend to be ENFPs. Additionally, INTPs, ISTJs and INFPs also tend to have high IQs.
What is an advocate personality?
‘The Advocate’ or ‘The Idealist’ are terms that are often used to describe INFJs who tend to be sensitive and idealistic with high moral standards and goals for social improvement.
References:
https://www.truity.com/type-relationship-advisor/I/N/F/J/I/N/T/P
https://www.crystalknows.com/personality-type/relationship/intp-infj
https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2017/01/27/myers-briggs-relationships-infjs-intps-fall/
https://personalityjunkie.com/09/infj-intp-relationships-compatibility-part-i/
