Admittedly, that title is a bit deceiving, because this post is all about how every type can be compatible with every other type.
That's right, there is no perfect equation of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) instrument results that make you a better or worse match for anyone else. I am an example of "opposites attract" myself. As an ISTJ, I have daily struggles in communication and understanding with my ENTP fiance, but when you want to make it work- you do.
Similarly, like-types don't necessarily have the easiest relationships either. Just because you view life from the same lens, doesn't mean there won't be disagreements, conflicting priorities, and values.
Relationships and marriages take work. That goes for every kind of relationship. Whether you're looking for the "perfect" co-worker, team member, leader, or soul mate...there is no perfect MBTI type that will ensure a stress free relationship.
The key is understanding and respecting one another. Once you learn to see value in the unique ways in which we all view the world, you can learn how to give and take to make a healthy, happy relationship.
Robert C. Dodds: "The goal in marriage is not to think alike, but to think together."
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3 comments:
So true. Not many "experts" would pair up an INFP with an ISTJ, but my husband and I make it work...and have been for four years now. :)
Sorry, I am going to disagree here. Yes, any pair can 'make it work'. If people decide for whatever reason that they want/need to be together then indeed type is 'useful knowledge' rather than a barrier.
However if one is in the position of choosing a partner, where you are trying to find the person that will be the best match with you, then of course their personality comes into play - and as we know, one manifestation of that is MBTI type.
Some types are going to have wildly different approaches to the world than others - think opposite dimensions such as NF and ST. Yes, they can 'work it out', however the level of 'work' involved is something to be taken into consideration when starting out in the relationship.
If you want to make it work, yes you can, but if you want someone who sees the world in the same way as you, don't ignore MBTI.
Marianne (ENFP)
PS: Our wildly different views on this perhaps are a perfect reflection of the impact of opposite types! (ISTJ and ENFP) Interesting in a blog exchange, but not to be sniffed at in a committed relationship.
As an INTJ in a long-term relationship with another INTJ, I am always fascinated by how much variance exists even *within* designations. I am happily selling bicycles on the weekends, but so much interaction with strangers would make him miserable.
I think these inter-designation differences can be underplayed in most of the MBTI literature but are really important for us to understand dynamics in our relationship.
So even when you have a good MBTI match, love is hard work!
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