What Are The Most Compatible Personality Types?

Listen To The "10 Minute Type Advice" Episode: What Are The Most Compatible Personality Types?

In the world of Myers-Briggs, many wonder: Is there really a “perfect match” for each personality type?

This question often arises when two people connect well on some level but face unexpected challenges, leading them to question the compatibility of their types.

It’s common to see certain types labeled as “ideal matches” online, with INFJ and ENTP often touted as one of these “golden pairs.” But is it that simple?

In this article, we’ll dive into what compatibility really means in terms of personality types, exploring common dynamics, the factors that influence relationship success, and how you can leverage your own type insights to foster fulfilling relationships.

By understanding the role of cognitive functions and personality growth, you can better navigate both the exciting and challenging aspects of any partnership.

The Compatibility Myth: Are Certain Types Truly “Made for Each Other”?

One of the most popular ideas circulating in the Myers-Briggs community is that certain types are naturally more compatible. For instance, it’s often said that INFJs and ENTPs make an ideal match due to complementary cognitive functions.

But while there is some truth to the idea that certain types may have an easier time understanding one another, compatibility is far more nuanced than “type alone.”

Antonia Dodge and Joel Mark Witt of Personality Hacker put it best: “Compatibility is not just about sharing the same worldview or using similar mental processes. It’s about how much each partner is willing to invest in understanding and growing with the other.”

Compatibility hinges on shared values, mutual growth, and, perhaps most importantly, self-awareness.

Key Components of Compatibility: What Role Do Cognitive Functions Play?

To truly understand type compatibility, it helps to look at the cognitive functions each type favors. Each personality type in the Myers-Briggs system relies on a unique combination of functions, which influences how they perceive, evaluate, and interact with the world around them.

Using Personality Hacker’s “Car Model,” we can see how this dynamic plays out between two types like the INFJ and ENTP.

For example:

• INFJ Cognitive Functions:

• Driver (Dominant): Introverted Intuition (Perspectives)

• Copilot (Auxiliary): Extraverted Feeling (Harmony)

• 10-Year-Old (Tertiary): Introverted Thinking (Accuracy)

• 3-Year-Old (Inferior): Extraverted Sensing (Sensation)

• ENTP Cognitive Functions:

• Driver (Dominant): Extraverted Intuition (Exploration)

• Copilot (Auxiliary): Introverted Thinking (Accuracy)

• 10-Year-Old (Tertiary): Extraverted Feeling (Harmony)

• 3-Year-Old (Inferior): Introverted Sensing (Memory)

INFJs lead with Introverted Intuition (Perspectives), a deep, internal process for understanding and forecasting long-term implications, while ENTPs lead with Extraverted Intuition (Exploration), an active process for discovering possibilities in the immediate environment.

Both types are “intuitives” meaning they tend to have a similar approach to perceiving the world. However, they come at it from different angles: the INFJ with a more reflective, inward orientation and the ENTP with a broad, outward exploration of ideas.

Common Strengths in INFJ and ENTP Relationships

When an INFJ and an ENTP come together, their shared “judging functions” (Extraverted Feeling for the INFJ and Introverted Thinking for the ENTP) can create a strong bond, as they both value insight and intellectual depth in their decision-making.

• Intellectual and Emotional Understanding: INFJs value Harmony (Extraverted Feeling), which guides them to prioritize social dynamics and emotional balance. This often complements the ENTPs Accuracy (Introverted Thinking) function, which values logical precision and clear analysis. When balanced, these two functions create a complementary approach where the INFJ brings warmth and social awareness, and the ENTP offers critical analysis.

• Shared Intuitive Perspective: Since both lead with an intuitive function, they often find mutual enjoyment in exploring abstract ideas and discussing future possibilities. While the ENTP might bring a more lively, outward focus on possibilities, the INFJ often brings a reflective, inward focus on meaning, creating dynamic conversations and sparking each other’s imaginations.

Compatibility Pitfalls: The Challenges of Shared Blind Spots

No partnership is without challenges. In fact, for these two types, one area that can lead to conflict is their shared “blind spot”—Sensing.

Both INFJs and ENTPs have their Sensing function in the inferior (3-Year-Old) position, which means they can both struggle with being present in the physical world and may overlook practical details.

• Neglecting Physical Needs: For example, INFJs and ENTPs might prioritize deep conversation or new ideas over basic day-to-day responsibilities, leading to frustrations around things like home organization, financial planning, or health. It’s easy for both to forget to “come back down to earth” and address these practical needs, which can lead to stress or resentment if they don’t acknowledge this mutual blind spot.

• Different Decision-Making Priorities: INFJs may find themselves struggling when the ENTPs Introverted Thinking (Accuracy) function challenges their Extraverted Feeling (Harmony) approach. This difference can create conflict, especially if one partner feels that their preferred style isn’t being validated.

Beyond Type: Other Essential Factors in Compatibility

Personality type plays a role in compatibility, but self-awareness, shared values, and relationship goals ultimately determine a partnership’s success.

As Antonia says, “Compatibility in relationships depends on the maturity of the individuals involved, how much self-awareness they bring to the table, and their willingness to grow.”

• Shared Values and Interests: A strong predictor of compatibility is whether two people align on core values. While personality type can help with understanding, shared values—such as attitudes toward family, career, or spirituality—often play a bigger role in long-term happiness.

• Personal Development: Relationships thrive when both partners are actively growing. Self-awareness helps individuals recognize their own needs and blind spots, enabling them to meet their partner halfway. Without it, even the most “ideal” personality pairing may struggle.

Making Relationships Work: Practical Tips for INFJs, ENTPs, and Beyond

Whether you’re in a “golden pair” relationship or a more challenging one, here are some actionable insights for fostering a strong, self-aware partnership:

1. Communicate About Blind Spots: INFJs and ENTPs (or any types with shared blind spots) should acknowledge their mutual weakness in Sensing. Setting small, consistent reminders for daily tasks or using tools to stay organized can help both partners avoid frustrations around missed details.

2. Balance Harmony and Accuracy: INFJs and ENTPs can strengthen their connection by respecting each other’s decision-making process. The INFJ’s Harmony function can bring compassion into conversations, while the ENTPs Accuracy can bring critical insight. Both should make space for these differences.

3. Foster Individual Growth: As Dr. Dario Nardi suggests, “The individual self-awareness of each partner predicts the quality of the relationship.” Self-aware individuals can reflect on their own patterns and work through conflict rather than relying on their partner to change.

4. Build Shared Experiences: The “ideal” in relationships isn’t the absence of conflict but a deep connection that withstands it. Create rituals, shared hobbies, or other meaningful experiences to strengthen your bond.

5. Focus on Conflict Resolution, Not Conflict Avoidance: Conflict is inevitable in any close relationship, but healthy conflict resolution is key. Ideal relationships are marked not by a lack of disagreements but by a commitment to resolving them and growing together.

Final Thoughts: Cultivating Compatibility Through Growth

At Personality Hacker, we believe that any two types can create a meaningful relationship if they’re committed to self-awareness and growth.

While certain pairings may enjoy a natural affinity, the journey of any partnership is unique and complex, shaped not only by personality type but by the personal and shared values each person brings.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into your type and gain more insights for personal growth and relationship success, check out our resources at PersonalityHacker.com. Ready to put in the work to optimize your relationships? Embrace the journey of growth with us.

Whether you’re an INFJ, ENTP, or any other type, compatibility is as much about who you are becoming together as it is about who you are as individuals. What insights have you discovered about your type in relationships? Share your thoughts in the comments, or join our community to learn more!