This article was reviewed by Allison Broennimann, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. Dr. Broennimann holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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According to Myer’s Briggs, INFPs are known as idealists and mediators, and their empathetic nature can make them compatible with almost any personality type. They tend to be creative, sensitive, generous, and loyal, but they can also be unrealistic and sensitive to criticism. INFPs are best paired with someone who takes time to understand their introverted, intuitive personality and gives them plenty of reassurance. In this article, we’ll dive into INFP’s compatibility, from romance to friendships and parenthood. Let’s get started!
Things You Should Know
- INFP is the most compatible with INFJ, ESFJ, ENFJ, and ENFJ, and the least compatible with ISTJ, ESTJ, ENTJ, and INTJ.
- INFPs typically want a romantic partner with similar interests, morals, and viewpoints, who they can share a deep emotional connection with.
- INFPs are socially active and engaged friends, but they’re still introverts—don’t take it personally when they need some alone time.
Steps
INFP Compatibility: Best Romantic Matches
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INFJ and INFP make a great emotional and intellectual match. As one of the rarest personality types, INFPs tend to feel misunderstood, and INFJs can make them feel heard and loved. They both share introverted, intuitive, and feeling qualities (INF), which means they might instantly feel at home with each other and love spending quality time together. Plus, INFJ’s judging regimented nature may help balance out INFP’s perceiving, spontaneous personality.[1]
- Challenges: This pair might have trouble communicating their needs, and when conflict arises they both might try and sweep things under the rug.
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ENFP and INFP make a caring and creative pair. ENFPs and INFPs are both adaptable, creative, and empathetic. They understand each other and ENFPs appreciate INFP’s ability to live life in a go-with-the-flow kind of way. This couple constantly pushes each other to be better and tends to have a lot of fun.[2]
- Challenges: Extroverted ENFPs might find it difficult at times to understand introverted INFPs’ need for alone time, and INFPs may struggle to communicate those needs.
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ENFJ and INFP have a deep romantic bond. Both ENFJs and INFPs are dreamers who want to find someone to share a deep bond with them. They take dating seriously, and they’re both extremely passionate and altruistic. As spiritual soulmates, this relationship can be incredibly powerful.[3]
- Challenges: Because INFPs and ENFJs live to please their partner, this pair might have difficulty keeping track of their own needs.
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INFP and INFP understand each other like no one else. As a pair, INFPs are hopelessly devoted and understand each other’s need to process their emotions alone. They both know what it’s like to be stressed perfectionists and give each other tons of space and freedom to be independent. Their relationship is one that was written in the stars.[4]
- Challenges: INFPs struggle with communicating how they feel, especially early on in the relationship. They might need to try more than others to be open and honest with each other.
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INTP and INFP are kindred spirits. INTPs tend to be honest and direct, which is a great match for INFPs, who tend to keep their emotions close to their chest. INTP brings logic to the relationship, while INFP brings emotional depth. Both analytical intuitive perfectionists, this couple loves to puzzle over the mysteries of the universe together.[5]
- Challenges: INTPs crave an equal who will challenge their ideas, while INFPs want a passionate romance, which means that INFPs might at times feel underappreciated or ignored.
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ESFJ and INFP can form a long-lasting relationship. Although ESFJs and INFPs might seem like opposites, their “feeling” trait is what can make them a unique pair. ESFJs are attentive, altruistic, and people-focused, which closely aligns with INFP’s quiet, empathetic, and imaginative nature. Together, they make each other feel supported, loved, and secure.[6]
- Challenges: INFPs tend to interpret information through their own lens while ESFJs are more interested in facts. This means that they may have difficulty seeing eye-to-eye.[7]
INFP Compatibility: Challenging Romantic Matches
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ISTJ and INFP might find it difficult to connect. ISTJs are well-organized and realistic, and place a lot of emphasis on rules and tradition, which might be hard for INFPs, who value creativity, understanding, and spontaneity. But as long as ISTJs try to soften their directness, which can sometimes seem insensitive, and INFPs don’t shut down when conflict arises, this pairing might just work.[8]
- To bond: Try simple dates where the two of you can spend quality time together, like hiking, seeing a movie, or visiting an arcade.
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ESTJ and INFP might have an unstable relationship. ESTJ and INFP are complete opposites in every way, which might cause conflict. ESTJs are direct and honest leaders who are clear about who they are and what their goals are from the start. INFPs tend to be more sensitive, reserved about their true emotions, and tend to follow rather than lead. That’s not to say this couple won’t work out—opposites also tend to attract.[9]
- To bond: Try to go with the classics—go out to dinner, take a walk by the beach, or write love poems to each other.
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ESTP and INFP might burn out quickly. ESTP is energetic, action-oriented, and adventurous, which can provide a lot of opportunities for INFP to grow and explore. They’re also both creative thinkers and love to explore. Although this relationship can be exciting and romantic at first, ESTP can also be insensitive and impatient, which might eventually rub INFP the wrong way.[10]
- To bond: Go on dates that will give both partners a thrill: see a sports match, go skydiving, or hang out at a comedy club.
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INTJ and INFP might find it difficult to keep up with each other. INTJs and INFPs are both analytical, but INFPs are more people-oriented while INTJs are more rational and pride themselves on the power of their minds. INTJs can be dismissive of emotions and overly critical of others, which can be difficult for INFPs, who tend to be emotional and don’t respond to criticism well.[11]
- To bond: Find ways to engage each other in intellectual conversation, like going to a museum, a cooking class, or an author signing at a local bookshop.
INFP Compatibility: Dating and Falling in Love
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INFPs want to share a deep connection with their partner. INFPs tend to be hopeless romantics who believe in the power of true love. They almost never date just for fun—instead, they’re searching for a soulmate and true friend. They’re not just looking for a partner, but a relationship that transcends the spiritual level and connects them both through the body, mind, and soul.[12]
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INFPs are attracted to partners who meet their emotional needs. INFPs are idealists, which means they may have high standards for a partner that can be difficult to find in the real world. However, when they find a person who’s empathetic, committed, and understanding of their needs, they just might fall head over heels for them.[13]
- Some people say that it’s hard for an INFP to fall in love, but that’s not exactly true. It might be that all they need is to learn that true love takes compromise, understanding, and work, and accept their partner the way they are.
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INFPs need to understand their emotions before they can let go of a breakup. The first few days after they and their partner split up, INFPs might feel emotionally exhausted and focus on the best parts of their relationship instead of what made it all roll downhill. They might struggle with thinking about the breakup logically, instead letting their emotions do all the talking.[14]
- If you’re an INFP trying to heal from a breakup, some of the best ways to heal are to spend time with friends, immerse yourself in nature, or take up a new hobby you can be passionate about.
- INFPs’ conflict avoidance and emotional attachment to their partner can create a harmonious relationship, but it can also make them ignore disagreements and red flags.
- INFPs’ understanding, idealistic nature means they tend to stick with relationships until the very end, even when issues start piling up.
INFP Compatibility: Strengths
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INFPs are genuine, hopeless romantics. They’re incredibly passionate about what they believe in, and romance is no exception. They don’t just want to find any partner, they want to connect with their soulmate. They believe that relationships are meant to make both people happier and better people than they were before, and they don’t want to settle for less.[18]
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INFPs are extremely loyal and devoted. They respect their partner’s independence and accept them the way that they are. That being said, they also dedicate themselves to helping their partner reach their goals and change their life for the better. When they fall in love, they’re committed until the end and put all their time and energy into making their partner happy.[19]
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INFPs are open-minded—they don’t judge. INFPs tend to be super tolerant and accepting of other people’s beliefs, lifestyles, and decisions. They hold compassion and empathy over all else and put themselves into the shoes of the people around them—even people who have done wrong. INFPs make great listeners and confidants for their friends, family, and loved ones.[20]
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INFPs are warm and caring. Their intuitive/feeling qualities mean that INFPs don’t just care about other’s emotions, but they actually feel them. They tend to be kindhearted and generous, uplifting the people around them and contributing to a world where everyone’s voice is heard and no one’s needs go unmet.[21]
INFP Compatibility: Weaknesses
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INFPs might avoid conflict a little too much. Although promoting harmony might help create a more stable relationship, it can also lead to bigger problems down the line. To avoid conflict, INFPs may avoid talking about issues that bother them, and instead try to solve them on their own.[22]
- In relationships, INFPs might have to remind themselves that open and honest communication is necessary, even if it isn’t always easy.
- If you’re an INFP, try writing down how you’re feeling when a problem comes up. Then share your emotions with your partner and talk through ways that you can both solve the issue together.
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INFPs can be self-critical. INFPs are perfectionists who want to live up to their own unique potential, which can make them create unrealistic expectations for themselves. When they don’t meet those expectations, INFPs might feel discouraged or give up on their goals.[23]
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INFPs tend to be people-pleasers who are sensitive to criticism. Conflict is difficult for INFPs, which means they might have a hard time saying “no.” When someone dislikes them, they might also have a hard time letting it go. Instead, they might become completely focused on changing that person’s mind, which might drain their energy and cause them to neglect their own needs.[24]
- If you’re an INFP, try to set healthy boundaries and practice saying “no” to invitations you aren’t interested in.[25]
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INFPs tend to overthink everything. INFPs are known for overanalyzing the world around them—they’re always looking for solutions to problems that haven’t happened yet. They might constantly worry that they’re choosing “the wrong path” or that they’re not kind enough to others, which can be exhausting at times.[26]
- If you’re an INFP who struggles with overthinking, try to schedule 30 minutes during your day to write down all of your worries and brainstorm solutions. That way, your overthinking is restricted to that time period.[27]
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.mathiasway.com/infp-infj-compatibility-in-relationship/
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/enfp-personality
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/enfj-personality
- ↑ https://introvertdear.com/news/infp-things-to-know-about-relationship/
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/intp-personality
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/esfj-personality
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/articles/energy-intuitive-vs-observant
- ↑ https://www.verywellmind.com/istj-introversion-sensing-thinking-judgment-2795992#toc-tips-for-interacting-with-istjs
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/estj-personality
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/estp-personality
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/intj-personality
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-relationships-dating
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-relationships-dating
- ↑ https://personalitygrowth.com/infp-post-breakup-dealing-with-the-end-of-a-relationship/
- ↑ https://personalitygrowth.com/infp-in-bed-what-the-infps-sexual-energy-is-like/
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-friends
- ↑ https://www.mbtionline.com/en-US/MBTI-Types/INFP/Relationships
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-relationships-dating
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-relationships-dating
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-strengths-and-weaknesses
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-strengths-and-weaknesses
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-relationships-dating
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-strengths-and-weaknesses
- ↑ https://www.16personalities.com/infp-strengths-and-weaknesses
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/tips-to-stop-being-a-people-pleaser
- ↑ https://www.mathiasway.com/infp-stop-overthinking/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stop-overthinking/