Is compatibility based on how an individual interprets and interacts with the world around them? INFP and ISFP personality types have different methods of processing information. One is constantly dreaming of the possibilities and the other is living in the moment. So, can an INFP and ISFP live in a compatible relationship?
INFP vs ISFP
People with INFP personality type indicators are idealists, and quick to imagine the possibilities of a situation. They are quiet, thoughtful, creative, generous, and open-minded. INFPs do not like conflict or confrontation and often place the needs of others above their own. They can be sensitive, driven by their emotions, and become easily stressed when their imagined ideas don’t pan out.
ISFP personalities are similar in that they are thoughtful, creative, value peace and harmony, and are sensitive and kind. But while their INFP counterpart is dreaming about the future, ISFPs are living in the moment and taking in the world currently around them. They are not likely to change who they are to please those around them.
9 Conclusions about INFP and ISFP Relationship Compatibility
Here are 9 conclusions about these personality types that describe their compatibility in a relationship, how they might be successful, and where they might not see eye-to-eye:
#1 First Impressions
INFPs are the dreamers who believe in true love. They will have idealized what a relationship looks and feels like to them and will be seeking connection on a deeper level. They like people who present themselves authentically and will appreciate that trait in their ISFP counterpart.
Valuing privacy, ISFPs can be difficult to become familiar with. They prefer not to be the center of attention and enjoy listening and focusing on others. They have little interest in letting their thoughts and feelings known.
Although the relationship might be slow to develop if the INFP can break the ice and discover who the ISFP is at their core, they will appreciate that they don’t hide who they truly are – they are just reluctant to talk about themselves in general.
#2 Trust in the Relationship
Having trust in a relationship is one of the most important indicators of success and compatibility. INFPs are loyal and tend to give others the benefit of the doubt. But, due to their tendency to change for the benefit of those around them, they will need to remember to communicate honestly about their feelings with their partners.
When it comes to trust and honesty, an ISFP is a very loyal individual. They are, however, very private. While they are not likely to lie or do something to harm their partner, they are likely to keep things to themselves. They will need to understand that sharing is a compromise they may have to make to keep their INFP partner’s thoughts reality-based.
Both INFP and ISFP personalities are highly loyal, honest people. However, that may not be enough for an INFP and ISFP relationship. They perceive the world around them differently, and the INFP will have to be honest about their feelings and hold back jumping to conclusions about their private partner.
#3 Intimacy
INFPs are hopeless romantics and will be sensitive to the needs of their partners. When paired with an ISFP, they should be able to perceive that actions speak louder than words, and will act accordingly.
ISFPs will take things slow to start, but once they are comfortable with and trust they will not only show their love through actions, but they will also perceive actions made by their partner as expressions of love.
An INFP and ISFP couple have great potential for developing both a great physical and emotional relationship, provided they tune into the needs of their partner – which both can do very well.
#4 Disputes and Conflict Resolution
INFPs value peace and do not like conflict. The exception to this is when their personal values are pressed. INFPs can be very outspoken and protective of their core values.
Similarly, ISFPs do not like conflict. They are private and do not like their feelings to be open knowledge to those around them. They will walk away from situations that upset them without addressing them or resolving them.
When it comes to conflicts, both INFPs and ISFPs prefer to avoid and may bottle up their true feelings. For this couple to be successful, they will need to trust each other to be open and communicate about the things that are bothering them.
#5 Conversation
INFPs have a creative streak and are likely to share interests with an ISFP partner. They are excellent communicators and will put effort into seeing things from another’s viewpoint.
The privacy needs of an ISFP do not extend to topics outside of their thoughts and feelings. Being creative, sensory individuals, they will want to share, question, and understand things better. However, they are not likely to speak openly about themselves.
An INFP and ISFP relationship has a great chance for compatibility when it comes to common interests and the conversation and communication surrounding those things.
#6 Core Values
INFPs are introverted and are likely to pursue creative outlets. They are idealists and are apt to be attracted to helping others and fostering peaceful environments around them. They connect with others based on shared values and will steadfastly adhere to those values.
ISFPs like to express themselves in creative ways. They think outside the box do not like to be told to operate within certain parameters. They value adventure and spontaneity and live in the moment by collecting experiences.
If their core values align (which they are likely to), an INFP and ISFP relationship is likely to thrive.
#7 Handling Stress
According to the Myers-Briggs Foundation, INFPs become stressed when the outcome of a situation was not what they initially envisioned it to be. They tend to become self-critical in stressful situations and will need their partner to the ground, encourage, and remind them they can get through it.
ISFPs will become stressed and depleted of energy quickly because they are emotional and sensitive. They will need time alone to process and restore themselves, and likely won’t want to talk about it.
When it comes to compatibility in an INFP vs ISFP relationship, both can recognize and react by understanding their partner’s needs and that can lead to a successful pairing.
#8 Energy and Rest
As introverts, INFPs will need to spend time alone to recharge their batteries. They value time with their thoughts and will need that to gain the energy needed to achieve their goals.
Almost identically, ISFPs are most comfortable in their own company. They will spend their time pursuing something creative and sensory like art, gardening, or cooking.
When it comes to restoring energy reserves, INFPs and ISFPs need the same thing: alone time.
#9 Living Life to its Fullest
INFPs can get swept up in their dreams and always consider the needs of others first. This can lead to a rather unstructured lifestyle and a tendency to fantasize about experiences, rather than pursuing them.
ISFPs perceive the world through tangible facts and experiences and seek new stimuli constantly. They are spontaneous and enjoy adventure.
As a couple, an INFP and ISFP pair are nicely compatible in their need for emotional fulfillment. There is an opportunity for balance since the INFP dreams and fantasizes about experiences, and the ISFP takes spontaneous action to pursue new experiences.
Conclusion
Although the way they perceive the world and interpret information is starkly different, a relationship between an INFP and ISFP can be successful and compatible. They could balance each other out, as long as they learn to communicate with one another openly.
If you think your compatibility is slightly off-balance with your partner due to the lack of life goals, check out the inspiring story of Nike’s founder, Phil Knight: Shoe Dog Summary (5 Minutes): 20 Lessons Learned & PDF Download