ESFP and INTP: Compatibility, Love, Romance, and Marriage

If ever there were two personality types who were any more different from one another than INTP and ESFP, it would be hard to imagine. In fact, on the surface, you would never assume a thinker like an INTP and an entertainer like ESFP would ever hit it off. But like they say, opposites attract. In this case, the unlikely pairing can be great as friends, a cute romantic couple, or a husband and wife combo.

 

 

I. Compatibility

While ESFP and INTP are vastly different in so many ways, the one thing that can bring them together is a desire to explore new things and find out all they can about the world around them. ESFP will always be very friendly to those they meet, which is what brings them together with INTP. Upon meeting one another, INTP can fascinate ESFP with their logical mind and reasoning. In fact, it is not unusual for an INTP to be an expert in their field, and to be well-recognized for making various discoveries.

Another aspect of their personalities that gels early on is they both are very easygoing individuals. Though ESFP will be more adept at going with the flow no matter the situation, INTP holds their own in this area, thanks to their ability to assess situations and think things through very quickly. Even if it appears as if ESFP is not taking life too seriously, this is not the case when it comes to their relationships.

 

Summary Chart: ESFP and INTP Compatibility vs. Potential Conflicts

Compatibility Potential Conflicts
Both are easygoing INTP may be too serious for ESFP
Each values relationships ESFP can be too self-centered for INTP
Both enjoy talking to others INTP may be intimidating to ESFP
Each is very supportive ESFP too outgoing for INTP

 

3 Reasons Why INTP and ESFP are Good for Each Other

Despite what you witness on the outside from this odd couple, there are many reasons why INTP and ESFP are very good for each other.

  1. Very willing to communicate and explore new ideas
  2. Both enjoy socializing
  3. Each will commit to a serious relationship

Their keen ability to balance out one another makes this pairing successful as friends or romantic partners. INTP will bring a strong sense of logic and reasoning to the relationship, which can help ESFP keep their emotions in check when faced with difficult situations. ESFP can help INTP connect more deeply with their emotions and the emotions of others, which can lead to a much more empathetic INTP.

ESFP is also a master at building up a strong network of friends and acquaintances, which can help INTP expand their social circle. Before each knows it, they are regularly attending concerts and parties while also taking some time to lend their time and talents to causes they feel are important.

 

3 Reasons Why INTP and ESFP are Not Good for Each Other

Since you’ve already figured out just how different these two people are in so many areas of their lives, you won’t be surprised to learn that there are numerous reasons why INTP and ESFP may not hit it off in the long term.

  1. ESFP can take disapproval personally
  2. INTP can tire of constant socializing
  3. ESFP dislikes analytical thinking

Since INTP can be focused so much on logic and reasoning, they may sometimes say things that they know need to be said, but without thinking about how their words will be received by the other person. When that other person is ESFP, the result will be taking the disapproval much too seriously. When ESFP has their feelings hurt, it takes them a while to bounce back, meaning they will likely avoid INTP for a few hours or even days.

Meanwhile, as these two begin to socialize together, INTP can start to get tired of the constant party scene. Much more at home exploring complex ideas and making their discoveries about this and that. INTP may at some point want to get back to business, while ESFP wants to continue being the life of the party. Since ESFP is not a person who enjoys analytical thinking to any great extent, they may simply let INTP walk away and start looking for a new friend.

 

Communication

Though both are open to enjoying new experiences and tend not to let life get them down too often, INTP and ESFP do have some differences in how they communicate. ESFP will be much better at gauging what is bothering INTP, while INTP will be far better at relaying practical solutions to problems that ESFP is grappling with from an emotional standpoint. 

INTP will also need to learn how to be more open with their thoughts and feelings, which is something ESFP can help them get better at over time. More often than not, both are able to get tuned in rather quickly to the other’s thoughts and feelings, which helps keep their relationship on any level moving in the right direction.

 

Where are they strong and why?

These two are strong in their communication in that they will always try to consider the other person’s needs before they say something. Even if INTP slips up on this now and then, ESFP knows their heart is in the right place. As they get to know each other better and become more comfortable in their interactions, the blend of logic and emotion tends to work better and better in helping them to communicate with each other and other people as well.

 

Where do they have problems and why?

These two begin to have problems in their communication when each forgets that they need to make sacrifices to how they usually handle communications. INTP will need to remember that while logical and analytical thinking has its place and works very well in most situations, they also need to interject some emotion and empathy into the conversation. ESFP will need to remember that thinking about something from an emotional perspective can also work well, but being willing to listen to some sound reasoning can help improve a situation much quicker than anticipated.

 

How might they improve communication?

To improve their communication, INTP and ESFP will need to not get ahead of themselves when with one another. INTP needs some space now and then to think about things so that they can reach a logical conclusion, while ESFP will need to keep their emotions under control when conversing with INTP. Once ESFP realizes INTP is not trying to hurt their feelings when giving advice and INTP figures out ESFP will always be the supportive friend or partner they have sought for so long, communication between these two gets easier and much clearer.

 

Where do they connect and why?

INTP and ESFP can relate to one another because each knows what it feels like to stand out in a crowd. INTP usually does so due to their intellect and achievements, while ESFP does so due to their ability to dazzle people with their wit and gift of gab. Deep down, both INTP and ESFP value close relationships, and this becomes clear to each of them soon after they meet. A willingness to communicate, figure out how the other person feels, and solve problems is where these two will always connect.

 

INTP and ESFP: Values

Even if they are so different in so many ways, INTP and ESFP do possess very strong and similar values systems in terms of relationships and how they are perceived by others.

 

3 Things INTP Values

  1. Recognition for achievements
  2. Loyal friendships
  3. Logical and rational thinking

As a person who has often been recognized for their intellectual achievements from the time they were very young, INTP places great value on being recognized for a job well done. Although they realize life will go on with or without such recognition, they do feel as if this helps to validate all the hard work they put in on a project or relationship. Loyalty is also valued by INTP since they always want to be able to completely trust their friend, romantic partner, or spouse. Last but not least, INTP also values logical and rational thinking since they are convinced this is how you solve problems and stay out of trouble.

 

3 Things ESFP Values

  1. Good friends
  2. Taking life as it comes
  3. Being the center of attention

Initially, it sounds as if ESFP is very vain, and in some ways this is true. As a person who is used to being the center of attention, ESFP places a high premium on attending the latest party or concert, where they can be seen by as many people as possible. The epitome of a person who likes to take life as it comes, ESFP will rarely get too flustered about last-minute changes, instead taking them in stride. But in the end, ESFP also knows the value of good friends since they realize the easy ride they are on at the moment may not last forever.

 

How do their values match up?

INTP and ESFP both value friendships, which is the one major area in which their values intertwine. Since both realize tough times are always ahead, no matter how well things may be going at the moment, each relies more on their friends than they care to admit.They also match up well in their appreciation of being the center of attention, although ESFP values this far more than INTP. If they are a couple, expect INTP to let ESFP bask in most of the glory.

 

Love Language/Love Style

ESFP will rely on emotions to convey their love, while INTP will think about ways that will make the most sense in terms of expressing how they feel about ESFP. Both value quality time with the one they love, but may use different paths to get there.

 

Ways INTP Shows Their Love

INTP will show their love in the following ways:

  • Never forgetting important dates
  • Arranging for quality time
  • Being the voice of reason in a relationship

INTP will never forget any important date associated with their relationship, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or the date when they went out on their first date with their partner or spouse. Believing someone has to be the voice of reason in a relationship, INTP will assume this role so that they can ensure the best decisions are made along the way. Even if they are extremely busy with their work, INTP will always find a way to carve out quality time, even if it’s only an evening on the couch with their significant other.

 

Ways ESFP Shows Their Love

ESFP will show their love in the following ways:

  • Rarely getting upset
  • Being supportive
  • Keeping life fun and unpredictable

ESFP will show their love for others by rarely getting upset, especially when things change at the drop of a hat. Though very emotional, ESFP has an uncanny way of not letting things get to them very much, which is always appreciated by those around them. When someone they care about is going through a tough time, ESFP is perhaps the most supportive person in the room. Finally, once INTP is romantically linked to ESFP, life will always be fun and a bit unpredictable since ESFP believes variety and spontaneity are the spice of life.

 

INTP and ESFP in Bed

Again, logic and emotion meet, but this time it’s underneath the covers in their bedroom. When INTP and ESFP get into bed, the fun can really begin. INTP will still use their keen sense of logic to figure out what their partner wants during their encounter, while ESFP will bring an emotional intensity to sex that INTP never thought existed. Both like to make the sexual experience slow and meaningful, which is a big reason that once INTP and ESFP become a romantic couple, they stay together for many years.

 

II. INTP and ESFP Couples/Marriage

How does INTP match up in a long-term romantic relationship?

 

INTP Male and ESFP Female

As they begin a long-term romantic relationship, these two quickly realize they have lots of potential for success. The INTP male will be the bedrock of the couple, always there with a sound plan for anything. The ESFP female will bring lots of emotion to their relationship, helping to balance out the INTP logic and help her INTP male get more in touch with his own feelings.

 

INTP Female and ESFP Male

In this relationship, it may look like the INTP female is always trying to keep her ESFP male and his emotions under control, and that is the case to some extent. However, this duo works well together. The INTP female will take care of the details day after day, while the ESFP male will keep things just interesting enough in terms of their social calendar to make life fun and enjoyable.

 

III. INTP and ESFP Conflicts

Since they can be so different in how they think and deal with the world each day, INTP and ESFP do have some conflicts as they proceed down the road of life.

 

Potential Areas of Conflict and Why

Conflict may happen between INTP and ESFP for the following reasons:

  • INTP may inadvertently hurt ESFP’s feelings
  • ESFP may not want to listen to reasoning
  • INTP may tire of ESFP’s shallowness and vanity

When things are going well between INTP and ESFP, they are going very well. Yet when they are not, there can be numerous conflicts. If they are arguing, INTP will almost always say something that ESFP takes too personally. INTP may also get frustrated at their perception that ESFP simply won’t listen to logic and reasoning, even if that is not entirely true. When ESFP wants to go out night after night to various social gatherings, INTP may believe this demonstrates a sense of vanity and shallowness they weren’t sure existed in ESFP.

ESFP may sometimes feel as if they are with a robot since INTP relies so much on logical thinking. Should INTP hesitate to reveal their true feelings, this can also create conflict since ESFP may take this to mean that INTP does not trust them enough to share what they are really feeling.

 

How do they resolve conflict?

To resolve conflict, INTP needs to be respectful of ESFPs’ feelings and accept that they are a passionate, emotional person. ESFP will need to accept that INTP will always want to solve their problems logically rather than emotionally. Once each realizes the other is actually quite empathetic and supportive, conflicts can get resolved.

 

How do they build trust?

Trust comes to INTP and ESFP through a combination of mutual understanding, respect, acceptance, and adaptability. ESFP is usually more trusting than INTP, who tends to keep things to themselves and only trust those who are calm and level-headed in a crisis. ESFP will trust someone who is open with their thoughts and feelings, is willing to relate on an emotional level, and can always be counted on for support.

 

IV. INTP and ESFP Friendships

Despite differences that may keep many people like themselves from becoming friends, INTP and ESFP usually are able to forge a friendship that surprises those who know them well.

 

INTP vs. ESFP: Approaches to Friendship

These two approach friendship so differently that it is a miracle they ever actually wind up as friends with one another. INTP doesn’t mind being around other people, but doesn’t just go up to anybody and say hello. Instead, they choose their interactions carefully and, of course, logically. In how they strike up a friendship with ESFP, it is often due to them hearing ESFP talking about something interesting and wanting to learn more about the topic.

ESFP looks at each person they meet as a potential friend, and usually lives life as if they have never met a stranger. Thus, they are able to make friends very quickly with others. INTP will notice this right away, which is something they envy but will never admit to ESFP.

 

INTP and ESFP Friendship Dynamics

When these two use their differences to balance out one another, this is a friendship that becomes surprisingly strong. INTP will listen to ESFPs’ emotional outbursts, then attempt to bring sound reasoning to the situation so that their friend can get their problem solved. ESFP will want to show off their newfound friend to their other friends and their family, which will quickly give INTP many more social opportunities than they had only a short time before. The combination of curiosity and their easygoing approaches to life are what brings these two together and keep them together as friends.

 

What makes them good for each other as friends?

As INTP and ESFP get to know each other, they realize the other’s major strengths perfectly complement their weaknesses. When that is combined with realizing they have a true friend who really cares about them and is not intimidated by their accomplishments or strong personality, these two will start to spend more and more time together.

 

Could they be close friends?

While oil and water don’t mix, the same cannot be said for INTP and ESFP in terms of them becoming close friends. In fact, these two rarely have only superficial friendships. As they get to know the true essence of each other’s personality, they come to see that they have a friend who is smart, strong, supportive, and willing to use their strengths to make their friend a better person.

 

What areas might cause them problems as friends?

The failure of INTP to respect ESFP’s feelings about things can become a big problem in this friendship. Likewise, ESFP may sometimes come across as a person who wants to have a good time rather than someone who wants to solve important problems. If INTP and ESFP cannot reach an understanding of these issues, it’s likely the friendship will end.