What Are the Best Matches for an INTP?

INTP—one of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types—stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving. People with this personality are usually characterized as quiet, thoughtful, analytical, and innovative, and while INTPs can get along with almost any other personality type, there are a few MBTI types they are particularly compatible with as friends or romantic partners. Curious what they are? We’ll break down the INTP’s compatibility level with each MBTI type below—plus, we’ll go into how INTPs tend to operate in romantic and platonic relationships.

What personality type is compatible with INTP?

People with the Myers-Briggs type INTP are probably most compatible with ENTP: this type is similar to INTP, except they are extroverted, which may help balance out INTP’s introversion. INTPs could also pair well with INTJ, ENFJ, and ENTP. They would likely butt heads too much with ESFJ, ESFP, ISFJ, and ESTJ.

Section 1 of 8:

INTP Best Matches

Download Article

1
ENTP It’s often the case with Myers-Briggs personality types that introverted personalities pair best with their extroverted counterparts. ENTP will push INTP out of their comfort zone, while INTP will help ENTP slow down and become more reflective and thoughtful, but their mutual value of logic and facts will make communication between the two of them easier.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- This is a relationship without too much drama, since both INTP and ENTP value logic over feelings and argue rationally rather than emotionally.
- INTPs and ENTPs may be prone to self-doubt and feel misunderstood by others—which makes some sense, given that each of these types make up less than 5% of the population! But they’re each likely to find a kindred spirit in one another, which can help them relax and be themselves.
2
INFP These signs are natural kindred spirits with INTP and therefore well-suited to be friends or life partners. INFP, like INTP, are prone to exploration and love learning new things, and while they may not always see eye-to-eye with INTP, their intuitive natures likely ensure they can work through any conflict with open-mindedness and respect.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Both types are reflective, open-minded, offbeat, and curious, which draws them together like magnets. They’ll likely spend a great deal of time talking about deep subjects, though INTPs tend to view the world more analytically, while INFPs follow their heart when making decisions.
- Because INFP is more emotional than INTP, they may have a tough time communicating, since they make decisions in very different ways. But as long as they can work to understand where their partner is coming from and practice communicating their needs, they’re sure to make a strong couple.
Advertisement
3
INTJ This is another match with long-term potential. INTJ and INTP share a lot of the same values, interests, and ways of moving through the world, and conversation is sure to flow easily between them.
- Both types are rather independent and individualistic, as well as introverted, so they’re happy to give one another breathing room and alone time as needed.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- A potential pitfall in this pairing is that neither type is particularly adept at communicating their emotions, which may leave feelings bubbling unresolved under the surface if both people aren’t careful. It can be helpful to make a point to check in on one another regularly to make sure everything in the relationship is going well.
4
INTP Not surprisingly, INTPs have a lot in common with other INTPs and make a strong match. However, because they’re so similar, they may not challenge one another very much, so each person has the potential to stagnate in the relationship or even enable one another’s less-than-ideal habits.
- For example, INTPs have a tendency to ignore their feelings and to think their way through problems rather than acting—which may mean problems in the relationship will go unresolved unless both parties make a point to stay on top of things.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- In general, though, relationships between INTPs are likely to thrive. They’ll probably have overlapping interests and hobbies, and will feel supported and seen by their partner.
- Even though they may not feel challenged in the relationship, they’ll still feel safe to be themselves and explore their own passions and curiosities without judgment—which is no small thing!

Section 2 of 8:

INTP Good Matches

Download Article

1
ISTP ISTP and INTP make a really solid match, thanks to their overlapping interests, personalities, and values. Both types are independent, curious, and intellectual, and time is likely to fly when they’re together—but as introverts, they’re also both happy to give one another plenty of alone time.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- These types are likely to be on the same page about most things and have no trouble finding ways to spend their time—as intellectual introverts, they may be prone to parallel play in peaceful silence.
- ISTP’s and ESTP’s value of logic over emotion means they understand one another pretty well—but it’s also a potential pitfall in a more intimate relationship, as neither may be particularly good at communicating their emotions or picking up on the other person’s.
2
INFJ INFJ and INTP have a lot of similarities—enough to ensure they’re a strong match, but not so much that their relationship is ever boring. As Introverted Intuitives, both types can take comfort in one another’s presence and may enjoy participating in intense theoretical discussions.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- INFP is more focused on social situations and emotions, while INTP is more interested in abstract thought and logic—but as both signs are contemplative and curious, they’ll be eager to understand what’s going on inside the other person’s head and what makes them tick. This is part of their attraction to one another!
- While INTP can be spontaneous and free-wheeling, INFJ is more rules-oriented and hard-and-fast, and this can be a source of frustration for both partners.
3
ENTJ ENTJ and INTP operate well together as friends or lovers and have lots of long-term potential, even if they don’t share all the same cognitive functions. They have a lot to teach one another about how they perceive the world, and a relationship between these two types is sure to open both participants’ eyes to new ways of seeing reality.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- INTPs and ENTJs both tend to obsess over the same intellectual topics, from the deep to the witty and surface-level, and will likely have a lot to talk about together, making them ideal friends or life partners.
- As Intuitive Thinkers, both INTPs and ENTJs rely on logic and rationality when problem-solving, including problems in their relationship. These types may feel like they can be themselves around one another, making a relationship more effortless.
- Both types can be rather direct and blunt, which they can both appreciate at times—but at other times, they can behave rather stubbornly and come off insensitive, leading to petty disagreements if they’re not careful.
4
ENFP are reasonably compatible with INTP. These personality types usually mesh well with INTP, but they’re slightly different—which can make things interesting in a friendship or relationship with an INTP. INTPs may find themselves particularly drawn to people with these personality types because they may be unpredictable—but still safe and compatible.
- Both types are free-spirited, curious, and relaxed, which makes a relationship low-key and simple. These types tend to have similar senses of humor as well, making them naturally drawn towards one another.
- INTPs’ reliance on Thinking over Feeling can be frustrating to ENFP, who may navigate problems primarily through emotionality. And ENFP’s tendency to get carried away during heated arguments may be overwhelming to INTP.

Section 3 of 8:

INTP Fair Matches

Download Article

1
ISFP ISFP and INTP share a lot in common, but they’re different enough to keep any relationship unpredictable and even thrilling. They can work well together, as long as they communicate effectively and don’t ignore potential issues that may arise.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- INTP and ISFP are both easygoing, individualistic, and spontaneous. INTP is sure to appreciate ISFP’s genuineness and depth of feeling, while ISFP may appreciate INTP’s nontraditional ways of viewing the world and their creativity when facing challenges.
- ISFPs prioritize emotions when making decisions, while INTPs prioritize logic. Since these types don’t really share cognitive functions, understanding where the other is coming from can be exciting…as well as a bit of a challenge!
2
ESTP INTP and ESTP have enough in common that they can make a relationship or friendship work, but they also might butt heads sometimes. These types are likely to have fairly instant chemistry thanks to their witty and laid-back attitudes, but they may not have enough interests in common to make a more intimate relationship thrive.
- In contrast to safety-seeking and low-key INTP, ESTP is outgoing and adventurous. INTP’s proclivity to spend their free time on introspection and exploring theoretical ideas may seem overwhelming to ESTP.
- That being said, these two types have a lot to offer one another, and thanks to their easygoing manners, they’re likely to be patient enough as they help one another expand their horizons and step out of their comfort zones.
3
ISTJ An ISTJ-INTP couple is sure to be fairly low-maintenance, since both types are relatively private, introverted, and rational thinkers. They’re unlikely to have communication mishaps, since they tend to view the world and make decisions in pretty similar ways—but being disconnected from their emotions is a potential pitfall, for both parties.
- Conversation between these two types is likely to be easy-breezy, since they’re both Introverted Thinkers who communicate in direct, simple ways. But since they can both be out of touch with their own emotions, they may not do a great job communicating their needs in a relationship unless they stay on top of things.
- One area where they may butt heads is in how they think, with INTPs being more open-minded and ISTJs being more traditional and conservative. As long as both partners can learn to respect one another’s ways of thinking and not try to change each other, they stand a chance of having a thriving romantic or platonic relationship.
4
ENFJ These personality types may not always get along, but they’ll challenge one another in healthy or productive ways and they have a lot to learn from one another. INTPs and ENFJs may struggle to understand one another at first, but over time, they are likely to develop strong, trusting, and meaningful romantic or platonic relationships.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- INTP’s curiosity and tendency to question norms will ignite ENFJ’s own curiosity, while INTP is sure to be taken by ENFJ’s compassion for others and desire to make a difference in the world.
- INTPs’ dominant function is Introverted Thinking, causing them to make sense of reality through logic and rationality. ENFJs’ dominant function is Extraverted Feeling, however, meaning they’re in tune with the feelings of others and consider social harmony a top priority.
- This difference in world views and modes of operating can be a source of frustration to both parties, but more likely than not, it’ll force both partners to step out of their comfort zones and to challenge their established ways of moving through the world.

Section 4 of 8:

INTP Challenging Matches

Download Article

1
ESFP ESFP and INTP may share the Perceiving trait, which helps them be free-spirited and relaxed, but beyond this, they share little in common and are likely to butt heads in a romantic or platonic relationship. These types tend to have different values, interests, and ways of moving through the world, making a relationship challenging to maintain—but thanks to their flexibility, it’s certainly not impossible.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- ESFPs tend to be focused on the present and are very interested in pop culture and trends, while INTPs enjoy more intellectual and untraditional pursuits.
- INTPs are slow to connect with people who don’t share their interests, but thanks to ESFP’s warm and friendly personality, the two can still find ways to connect and learn to trust one another.
- Since the two types tend to be flexible and free-spirited, they may be able to adapt to their offbeat relationship as long as they have patience and good communication.
2
ISFJ INTP and ISFJ have some chemistry, but a long-term relationship is likely to pose some difficulty, considering their core values don’t really align. They probably enjoy being together generally, especially since they’re both introverts and gravitate towards quiet, low-key activities, but they may become frustrated by a clash in values and communication style. As long as these types harbor realistic expectations for the relationship and don’t try to change one another too much, they can make it work.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- INTPs can be individualistic, rational, and occasionally competitive, while ISFJs tend to strive to keep the peace and look for common ground, and may view INTP as insensitive or stubborn.
- This can be frustrating to INTP, who is likely to crave a partner with whom they can playfully banter or debate—something ISFJs don’t typically have an instinct for.
- That being said, ISFJs are kind, caring, and compassionate, and they can help the withdrawn INTP open up. INTPs, meanwhile, may broaden ISFJ’s intellectual horizons and push them outside of their comfort zone.
3
ESTJ It’s possible for INTP and ESTJ to work as a couple, but they’ve likely got a difficult road ahead, considering they’re so different. If unprepared to meet this challenge, their differences can lead to major conflict, with both types being prone to controlling behavior. But if they’re willing to put in the effort, they can learn a lot from one another and benefit from tremendous growth!^{[12]
X
Research source}
- ESTJ and INTP both value logic and wit, which is something they’re sure to bond over. They’re both direct and enjoy debate, which makes them, in some ways, natural friends—as long as they can stay open-minded.
- INTP, as an Intuitive type, gravitates towards abstract concepts, but ESTJ, as a Sensing type, is likely to prefer discussing practical, present-day issues.
- Moreover, ESTJ, as a Judging type, may be overly concerned with following rules and not question convention; INTP, as an unconventional, innovative Perceiver, is likely to become frustrated by this. At the same time, ESTJ may not understand INTP’s tendency to overanalyze everything and view it as inefficient.
4
ESFJ An INTP-ESFJ couple is sure to face their fair share of challenges! It’s not impossible for these personality types to make it work, but considering they’re exact opposites, they don’t have much in common, and their opposite world views are likely to cause major friction.
- ESFJs, being so socially-oriented, value and uphold social traditions that baffle or even frustrate INTP, who’d rather spend their time thinking through abstract concepts or working through a problem. Meanwhile, ESTJ is likely to view INTP as out of touch with reality and difficult to get to know.
- It’s not that a romance or friendship between ESFJ and INTP can’t flourish—it’s that these types think, behave, and move through the world in such different ways, and likely have such different interests and hobbies, that they’re unlikely to really cross paths in a meaningful way or want to spend more time together.
- INTP and ESFJ can make a match work if they’re willing to put in a lot of effort to understand where each other is coming from. They can bring a lot of balance to one another’s personalities. ESFJ can help INTP be more social, while INTP can help ESFJ to be more intellectual and objective.

Section 5 of 8:

INTPs in Love

Download Article

1
INTPs may be slow to trust, but are very loyal when they do. Because INTPs live inside their heads, it can take a while for them to open up in a romantic relationship, and they may not immediately bond with their partner. However, when they do open up and decide to trust their partner, they’re often a very loyal and loving partner.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- INTPs may not be quick to commit, but they also don’t play games and don’t appreciate it when a significant other plays games, either. They may move slowly, but they’re straightforward in love.
Because INTPs tend to be introverted, analytical, and reflective, their feelings don’t always manifest as grand romantic gestures. Additionally, since they sometimes struggle to understand other people’s emotions, they may need to be told what their partner needs. But with good communication and an understanding of how INTPs operate in love, a relationship with an INTP can be very rewarding and successful.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Section 6 of 8:

INTP Communication Style

Download Article

INTPs are slow to open up and may struggle to communicate their feelings. Many INTPs are kind, caring, and sweet, but this type tends to struggle when it comes to engaging with others on an emotional level and may even come off insensitive at times. They may not always share what they’re feeling (or know how to), and they may not always understand how other people are feeling unless they’re directly told.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Try not to take it personally if the INTP in your life comes off as insensitive of your feelings or doesn’t seem to understand your emotions—it’s likely not for lack of trying!
- An INTP may just need you to explain what you need directly and calmly: “I am feeling hurt because I told you I had a bad day at work, and you didn’t ask me what went wrong. It makes me feel as if you aren’t concerned.”

Section 7 of 8:

INTP Parenting Style

Download Article

As a parent, INTPs foster independence and creative problem-solving. INTPs are known for their innovative and analytical approaches to problems.^{[16]
X
Research source} As parents, they’re likely to try to instill some of their values and ways of thinking in their children.
- However, since they tend to be more logical than emotional, they may not always be in tune with their children’s emotions and can come off distant.
- They may also find it hard to fake interest in the mundanity of childrearing, preferring to dedicate time to their own personal projects instead.
- When it comes to interacting with their children in a creative and intellectual capacity, though, they’re likely to relish parenthood.

Section 8 of 8:

INTP Personality Overview

Download Article

1
Thoughtful and reserved As you might surmise from the “I” in “INTP,” people with this personality type tend to be introverted and prone to living in their head. They likely prefer to hang out with a small group of trusted friends rather than big crowds, and often spend time alone deep in thought.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- INTPs can be difficult to get to know at first, but tend to open up once they’re comfortable.
2
Analytical and innovative INTPs are known as the “architect” of the MBTI personalities. They love exploring intellectual ideas and learning new things. People with this type are problem-solvers: they enjoy mulling issues over before acting and they’re good at figuring out new and more efficient or creative solutions to difficult problems. They appreciate a challenge and aren’t afraid to spend time considering a problem from all angles before making a decision.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- They may value intellect and rationality over emotion, and are likely to rely on logic when making a decision over their feelings.
- INTPs are good at abstract thinking and may therefore see the world differently from how other personality types do; this helps them excel at thinking outside the box, but it may also make them prone to self-doubt.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Famous INTPs include Carl Jung, Albert Einstein, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Tiger Woods, and Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0