When it comes to Myers-Briggs Type Indicators, some combinations can match well in a relationship and others that will not. In INTP vs. ENTJ relationships, compatibility is built on their common “NT” indicators. Both are intuitive, thinking personalities. But are they compatible on other fronts?
INTP vs. ENTJ
According to the Myers-Briggs Foundation, INTPs are logical and analytical above anything else. They are quiet and controlled but are also free spirits and are adaptable. They are prone to have a higher interest in ideas, theories, and problem-solving than social interaction. They can concentrate in-depth on their area of interest. They can be skeptical, critical and “seek to develop logical explanations for everything that interests them.”
ENTJs are natural-born leaders, with forthright decisiveness. They have the confidence to promptly point out unreasonable and unproductive plans and execute solutions to those issues. They enjoy setting long-term goals and implementing strategies and are unwavering in their journey to achieve them. They are intellectual, knowledgeable, well-read, and readily share their knowledge and ideas.
With the shared attributes of being intuitive, thinking personalities, there is a good foundation to build a relationship on. How might other relationship compatibility factors affect an INTP and ENTJ couple?
9 Truths About INTP vs ENTJ Relationship Compatibility
Here are 7 truths that show how these two types might be successful, or unsuccessful in a relationship:
#1 First Impressions
When meeting new people, INTPs might struggle to connect. They are introverted and enjoy the company of their own thoughts. However, their ability to adapt and eagerness to share ideas opens them up to the opportunity to connect with the right person. They are never going to be in the spotlight at a social gathering, but they will catch the eye of someone looking for the shy, quiet person in the corner.
ENTJs are charismatic, confident individuals and they risk intimidating their INTP counterparts. An INTP will benefit from a pairing with a person willing to make the first move, and that is exactly who the ENTJ is.
If the ENTJ can use their logic and intuition to recognize social cues in a shy, quiet, but open-minded INTP, they could balance each other out well in a first meeting.
#2 Trust in the Relationship
A well-known predictor of long-term success in a relationship is trust. INTPs are honest and straightforward. They see the logic in telling the truth and can trust others easily. Their open-mindedness, intuition, and constant state of analysis will lead them to build a good foundation of trust in their partner if that partner is worthy of trust.
ENTJs, like INTPs, see the logic in telling the truth and would avoid creating the problem of dishonesty in a relationship. They also thrive when they have a goal to achieve. If that goal is having a happy, healthy relationship they will act in accordance with their objective.
The compatibility built through trust between an INTP and ENTJ is built on the logic of honesty, rather than emotional ties to their partner, but trust is trust, regardless of its motivation.
#3 Shared Interests
INTPs are going to be attracted to advanced fields of study. They will invest as much time and energy as they can into learning more about the topics that interest them. INTPs can come off as patronizing or condescending. If their ENTJ partner is on the same intellectual level as them, there is a reduced chance of that happening, but it is still something that could negatively affect an INTP vs ENTJ pairing.
ENTJs also will be interested in advanced fields of study. They love deep, meaningful conversation and their desire to learn, and in turn, share information will lead to a compatible relationship with an INTP. However, their dominant, stubborn characteristics could overwhelm, or push away a quiet, shy INTP.
#4 Conversations
An INTP and ENTJ relationship could result in some dynamic, intellectual conversations. There is a high likelihood these two would share common interests and fields of study. To be a compatible match, the ENTJ needs to keep their dominant characteristics in-check, but otherwise, there is great potential.
#5 Lifestyle
While they have an unshakeable focus on individual tasks, INTPs are relatively free spirits and don’t enjoy lifestyles with too much routine. They are prone to boredom and need varied stimuli to stay engaged. This contrasts quite strongly with their ENTJ partners
Quite the opposite of a free spirit, ENTJs like having a goal, devising a plan to achieve it, and staying on track with that plan. Often their planning leaves little to no room for adjustments and spontaneity.
#6 Perspective
One of the only things that might make the INTP vs ENFJ relationship fail, is their approach to living life to its fullest. Overcoming this mismatch could be achieved by simply implementing a little bit of compromise. Take that last-minute vacation but plan the heck out of the itinerary!
#7 Handling Stress
As introverts with limited attention paid to emotion, INTPs are stressed by social events with lots of interaction, frivolous rules and policies, strict schedules and routines, and situations that require emotional sensitivity. However, because they take a logical, rather than emotional, approach to things they are likely to problem-solve their way out of stressful situations.
Being more social vs. INTPs, ENFJs get stressed when they are required to work independently, when there is disarray or turmoil in the environment around them, when faced with indecision from others, or when they need to be sensitive to others’ feelings. They manage the sources of their stress best when they are leading and in control of outside factors. They use logic and reason to work through difficult situations.
In an INTP and ENTJ relationship, each partner needs to be aware of what causes stress for the other and to put their partner’s needs ahead of their own in those situations.
#8 Analytical approach
INFP and ENTJs are a match made in heaven when it comes down to how they analyze information. They both have intuitive, thinking indicators of their personality type and use logic and reason as their primary tools for interpreting the world around them. INTP vs ENTJ will work incredibly well together. They trust the data and act sensibly based on that.
This method of thought and analysis forms a key part of successful relationships in that logic and reason are a shared core value in their relationship. In this aspect, they are incredibly compatible.
#9 Emotional connection
INTP and ENFJs have a hard time connecting with others on an emotional basis. Often coming off as cold, INTPs struggle to make connections, even close friendships. They are motivated by logic and can be insensitive to the emotional needs of others. But once a connection is established, they can be enthusiastic, thoughtful partners.
Similarly, ENFJs struggle with emotional connection, and can sometimes be ruthless, dominant, and insensitive. Their desire to achieve goals in a decisive, logical way outweighs the emotional needs of those around them. However, if they decide that one of their goals is a long-term, healthy relationship they will work hard to resolve any conflicts that can arise in a relationship.
Perhaps the lack of emotional, reactive thinking can build strength between an INTP and ENTJ in a relationship.
Conclusion
Both INTP and ENTJs are motivated by logic and reason. They both love deep thinking and advanced fields of study and have the potential for a great relationship built on shared interests and values. However, compromise and understanding will be needed to balance the differences in social needs and conversation style. If an INTP and ENFJ set their sights on a successful relationship with one another they will both work to ensure their compatible qualities reach their full potential.
If you think your compatibility is slightly off-balance with your partner because of work stress, check out the effective work management techniques. We summarized Deep Work book with 20 Quick Takeaways and PDF download.