INFP, an abbreviation for introversion, intuition, feeling, and prospecting, is one of the sixteen personalities recognized by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Known as the mediator, an INFP is a dreamer and idealist, characteristics that drive their daily motivations, and those traits also influence what they look for in romantic relationships.
As sensitive beings, compatibility with numerous personality types is common but they are cautious with who they approach when it comes to dating. Here is what an INFP needs and looks for in a compatible partner, as well as problems that might arise due to their personality type.
Expectations From Romantic Partners
As idealists in their daily life, an INFP is no different when it comes to dating. With high expectations, they will not settle as they tend to gravitate towards genuine deeper connections over the casual surface-level ones. Casual dating is not something that an INFP looks for, especially because when it comes to relationships, an INFP needs their partner to open up.
They do not thrive in shallow relationships. Since they prioritize genuine connections over anything, this personality type is more than willing to overlook common superficial traits if it means that they will find their soulmate.
An INFP will prioritize the need for a partner that is being genuine about who they are. They are not interested in games or fake personalities, and anyone who presents themselves as such will not have a successful relationship with an INFP.
As passionate beings, an INFP gives their heart completely to ideas, movements, and people they are interested in. It is common for INFPs to willingly make the effort, they will compromise, needed to strengthen their relationships. That being said, they need a partner who will not abandon the relationship when it might get challenging or problems arise, they need a partner who will also make the same effort.
Given that they are mediators, they are constantly working to grow and improve personally and a compatible partner must understand the importance of this. It is such an integral part of who they are that a partner must not shame or judge an INFP for constantly working on themselves.
It is beneficial that those they are dating also have similar motivations to do so. This is because since they attuned to their feelings, it means they would never want their partners to feel stuck or unhappy if it’s something that can be changed and improved.
It is also important to keep in mind that INFPs are introverts and when it comes to compatibility, they will need someone that fully understands what this entails. They will need their alone time and space from time to time.
Anyone looking to develop a relationship with an INFP must be comfortable with and understand the boundaries that they need and must understand that an INFP can be reserved. That being said, this personality type can still enjoy social settings but it can be draining, so they do prefer to keep their social interactions small with mainly close friends.
To say the least, someone with an INFP personality will naturally gravitate towards those who share similar values to their own.
Obstacles that May Arise
It has been established that INFPs are idealists and as expected they hold high standards and expectations when it comes to dating and with how their compatible partner should be. Although being an idealist and dreamer can encourage them to strive for great things, it can also create unrealistic expectations.
INFPs want someone to meet their standards and they will hesitate to make a move with a potential partner if they are unsure if they are the perfect person. This can cause INFPs to drive people away as they will not commit unless they are completely confident that they have found the right person.
There is also the possibility that the dreamer and idealist in them will conjure a fake perception of their partner and when they realize they are not the “perfect” person they envisioned it can cause problems. On the other hand, anyone in a long-term relationship with someone with an INFP personality can be reassured that they are fully committed to them and their relationship.
It is also important to note that those with an INFP personality will prefer peace over conflict. Although this is seemingly a good quality in a partner, it can eventually create further problems. In an attempt to not disrupt the peace in the relationship, a mediator will not speak up on issues that might be bothering them until it might be too much to handle.
Instead of finding solutions to the problems at the moment they present themselves, an INFP personality will bottle up their emotions until it is no longer bearable and until it may be too late to do anything about it.
The Compatible Partners for an INFP
As stated previously, the ideal and compatible partner for an INFP will typically share similar views and values as them, but most importantly they have to be genuine beings. That being said this personality can be compatible with numerous other types.
Each relationship will obviously be unique and different according to its own circumstances but let’s explore the four most common personality types that are compatible with the INFP personality: INFJ, ENFJ, ISFJ, and ESJF.
INFJs are arguably the most claimed compatible partner for an INFP. INFJs share three similarities with them, they’re both introverted, intuitive, and feeling. INFPs want a partner that they share values and motivations with and INFJs share a lot of commonalities that would ensure this.
As introverts, those in this relationship would understand the importance of alone time and space. As both also share the “feeling” quality, they know the type of empathy and authenticity that the other needs from a relationship.
The main difference between INFPs and INFJs is that the latter is judging rather than perceiving. The J type is beneficial in a relationship with INFPs as judgers can be that certainty and assertiveness that INFPs need, especially because INFPs tend to be passive when issues emerge. Not to mention those with J in their personality type also tend to be more talkative and INFPs are great listeners, proving to be a great balance between partners.
ENFJs are also believed to have great compatibility with INFPs. ENFJs share intuition and feeling with INFPs but are extroverted and judgers. It is the extrovert and judging qualities that can prove to be successful when in a relationship with an INFP.
The extrovert can truly bring the introvert out of their shell, but most importantly they can really help the introvert when it comes to social settings. As extroverts, it is easy to take the reigns in social situations which can be a relief for introverted individuals, as it can be draining for them. As stated previously, judgers can prove to be successful in relationships with P-type as they can be the stability needed.
ISFJs share introverted and feeling with INFPs but are different as they are sensors and judgers with their personality. Sensors tend to enjoy the intuition and dreamer side of INFPs. ISFJs are also loyal and committed when in love, aligning with INFPs desire to find “the one.”
They’re ideal partners for each other as ISFJs also prefer peace over conflict, making them kind and passive beings which can sometimes be taken advantage of, however, INFPs are the same so being taken advantage of would be rare.
Lastly, we have ESFJs as compatible partners for INFPs. Although this personality type is quite different from INFPs, they only share “feeling,” ESFJs are committed to supporting their partners and they need the same in return. This need for support and motivation is common with INFPs, and they too are committed to making the effort to keep their partners happy. Therefore, it doesn’t really matter that the two personality types seem so different at a glance.
The extroverted and judging qualities in this personality are beneficial for INFPs who need stability.
It is important to keep in mind that every strength in a relationship can also have weaknesses, but with balance and effort from both partners, there is a great opportunity for a compatible relationship.
Conclusion
An INFP has so many great qualities that make for the utmost caring and supportive partner when it comes to dating and everyday life. They are genuine beings that live in their aspirations and crave authentic relationships over short-term superficial ones. Although they may seem to be picky because they can be selective with who they choose to approach romantically, it is done with good-hearted intentions.