Ellie Simmonds, MSc
University of Bath, Psychology
Ellie Simmonds, MSc in Psychology from University of Bath. Ellie is an associate lecturer on psychometric assessments and has extensive knowledge of the 16-type model.
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Enigmatic INFPs are one of the least common types, making up only 4.9% of the population. Everyone probably knows a few INFPs, but few people know them well. It may take some effort to become deeply acquainted with an INFPs because they are so different from most other people and also because they are very private. Friends and partners who do develop close relationships with INFPs find them to be caring and passionately devoted.
INFPs are dreamers and they are idealists. As young adults they may create a detailed list of the traits and characteristics that their Prince or Princess Charming should possess, and they won't settle for anything less. Over time, life experiences teach them to adjust their expectations. The people INFPs idolize will eventually fall from their pedestals. These relationships have the opportunity to mature when the INFP's empathetic nature leads them to base relationships on understanding, compassion, and compromise alongside admiration and hope.
An INFP will likely:
INFPs are often wanting to help their partner improve various aspects of their lives. This comes from a loving place, but they must be sure that it doesn't come across negatively and the partner is open to changes.
INFPs know that in a lot of ways they are very different from most people. They seek to make deep connections with people who make an effort to understand their complex feelings and passions. The bonds of friendship and love are rare and precious to INFPs, and they cherish the relatively few people to whom they open their hearts.
INFPs believe that everyone is basically good, and everyone has gifts to share. They are more likely to direct critical thoughts and feelings at themselves than at anyone else. Many are deeply committed to improving their habits, outlook, and empathetic awareness so that they can amplify their unique contributions. They are drawn to people who share this self-awareness and are also on a path of self-discovery and improvement.
INFPs are not ones to be superficial. An INFP will want their partner to be someone who completely understands them and someone they fully connect with on all levels.
INFPs prefer to express their feelings in creative and artistic ways. They avoid confrontation and rarely speak harshly. When conflicts and misunderstandings arise, they are likely to blame themselves more than they do other party. Insults from a loved one in the heat of the moment may wound more deeply than they will ever let on, but INFPs are quick to forgive and eager to mend relationships, believing that it is possible to grow through adversity.
Beneficial dating traits | Negative dating traits |
---|---|
Eager to nurture positive growth in their partners and in themselves. | May be shy and private, difficult to get to know. |
Accepting of different points of view, needs, and interests. | They may intuit a stronger connection than others do at first, and reveal an unexpected level of emotional intensity. |
Dedicated to understanding partners on a deep level. | Their focus on self-improvement and on an idealized future can feel to a partner like pressure to change. |
Aware of their own shortcoming and willing to improve. | They may withdraw into self-blame rather than patch things up after an argument. |
Willing to see the best in those they love. | They may withdraw into self-blame rather than patch things up after an argument. |
INFPs are most compatible with other intuitive and feeling types. As they are one of the rarest types, it's not every day they meet someone who shares their emotional intensity, driving passion, and creative approach, so they may feel validated and supported just by meeting another INFP who sees things the way they do. Mutual understanding between two visionaries can be wonderful as long as they are able to compromise when conflicts between their visions arise.
An INFP's willingness to compromise is integral to the success of their relationships with other types as well. Extraverted and sensing types give them space to express themselves in the moment as a way to connect with others and let go of disappointment when things don't end up perfectly. Thinking and Judging types can help them lay out specific and actionable plans to achieve their goals.
Figure 1: INFP partner compatibility
Percentage compatibility between INFP and other types
What this chart shows
This chart shows an estimate of the compatibility between INFP types and other types. We see that INFP types are most likely to be compatible with other INFPs, and least likely to be compatible with an ESTJ. This 'like-minds' effect is often the case (see Figure 2 below).
Notes:Figure 2: 16 type model partner compatibility
Percentage compatibility between the 16 factor model (Myers Briggs®) types
What this chart shows
This chart shows an estimate of the compatibility between Myers Briggs® types. Our research shows that the strongest match is usually with someone of the same type. Another general pattern we observe is extraverts are generally more compatible with other extraverts, and introverts are more compatible with other introverts. This data supports the adage "birds of a feather flock together” and discredits the often-quoted mantra "opposites attract".
Across almost all types, the most compatible combination is with someone of an identical type. Within this general trend, the degree of compatibility varies slightly. For example, the compatibility between two INFP types is very high (at 95%) whereas the compatibility between two INTJs is 86%. The only exception to the observation that the best match is with someone of the same type is for ESFP types. The researchers note that ESFP types do still strongly favor other extraverts.
Notes:As people who care deeply about creating the best possible life for their partners and families, INFPs have a lot to offer. Both partners in a relationship can benefit from a stable and grounded relationships when INFPs bring their deep appreciation of beauty into each moment and love the world that exists in all its perfection as much as the one they want to create.
INFPs are idealistic and imaginative people who would transform their partners’ lives into a fairy-tale if they could. They are passionately committed to being their best possible selves, and they often bring out the best in their partners as well.
INFPs cherish intimate friendships with people who share their strong ethics, high standards, and commitment to a better future. These friendships develop slowly and deepen over time. INFPs tend to idealize new acquaintances with whom they feel a positive connection and their friendships often feature a honeymoon phase. Once these friendships have survived one or more disappointments, INFPs remain loyal allies who treat their friends with honesty, encouragement, and respect.
INFPs tune in to the emotional states of the people around them. When someone they care about is in distress, they want to do more than bring comfort – they want to solve the problem at its root and make sure it will never happen again. They usually see two versions of each person – who they are and who they could grow to become. They are optimists who believe that in the right environment every individual has the capacity to thrive and flourish as their best self.
As an INFP, try these to improve relationships with other people:
University of Bath, Psychology
Ellie Simmonds, MSc in Psychology from University of Bath. Ellie is an associate lecturer on psychometric assessments and has extensive knowledge of the 16-type model.