ESTJ and INTJ: Compatibility, Love, Marriage, and Romance

The hard-working ESTJ and the analytical INTJ might make an unlikely pair. However, the two types have enough in common that a happy and long-lasting relationship between them may be possible. Both ESTJs and INTJs value order, routine, and logic, and they both are often very ambitious. A shared desire to make their relationship work can lead them both to monumental personal growth.

 

 

I. Compatibility

Generally, ESTJs and INTJs have the potential to be a supportive, healthy, and formidable match. These two types can be a great team that’s able to accomplish any goal that they aim to achieve. For both types, solving problems and achieving their goals are serious matters. As they are both cerebral types who value order, reason, and routine, they both seek partners who are hard-working and able to open their minds to new ideas. For ESTJs who are more conservative or traditional, they prefer partners who are more presentable and orthodox. Introverted INTJs, however, prefer partners who are willing to give them ample space and who are able to complement them intellectually.

 

Summary Chart: ESTJ and INTJ Compatibility vs. Possible Conflicts

Compatibility:	Possible Conflicts:
Both types are usually rational and level-headed.	Both types are often stubborn and inflexible.
They’re able to fill in each other’s gaps in thinking.	They’re both typically private about their feelings and fail to understand emotions well.
Both types are often direct.	They have different values and priorities.

 

3 Reasons Why ESTJ and INTJ Are Good for Each Other

There are a few reasons why ESTJs and INTJs can be good for each other:

1. They are both usually rational and level-headed people.
2. They can complement each other mentally.
3. They both typically communicate directly.

Both ESTJs and INTJs value logic and reason over emotion. As a result, they both tend to be more rational and level-headed. This can make them good for each other because neither the ESTJ nor the INTJ will have to worry about having big emotional blow-out fights with their partner.

Additionally, since both ESTJs and INTJs are more cerebral, they can solve problems and communicate with each other more comfortably since they both tend to be more measured and analytical when getting their points across or making decisions.

Also, since both ESTJs and INTJs are both more logical, they may feel like they can communicate with each other more effectively and get more intellectual stimulation for one another.

Another reason why ESTJs and INTJs may be good for each other is because they can complement each other mentally. ESTJs are often more pragmatic than INTJs, especially when it comes to the everyday practical necessities of life that tend to bore INTJs. INTJs may benefit from ESTJs’ abilities to handle these things, and they may appreciate how well ESTJs can navigate the practical aspects of life.

Likewise, ESTJs may be attracted to how creatively INTJs can think, and they may be fascinated by INTJs’ abilities to think outside of the box. Though ESTJs and INTJs are both thinking types, their thought processes are very different and this can both intrigue both of them and help them both to grow.

ESTJs tend to focus on the minor details, while INTJs are big-picture thinkers, and this contrasting combination of traits can help them both become more complete thinkers if they were to allow themselves to be influenced by each other’s way of thinking and seeing the world.

Resourceful and rational, these two types can be a formidable team when they put their heads together and are mature enough to keep their egos out of the way.

Lastly, ESTJs and INTJs can be good for each other because they both communicate directly. Neither ESTJs or INTJs are they type of people to shy away from confrontation, and this can be beneficial for their relationship and them both since it means that issues are more likely be dealt with promptly before they are able grow into bigger problems

 

3 Reasons Why ESTJ and INTJ Are Not Good for Each Other

Just like there are a few reasons why ESTJs and INTJs can be good for each other, there are also a few reasons why a relationship between these two types may not be good for them as well:

1. They both can be stubborn and inflexible.
2. They’re both emotionally private and can struggle to understand emotions.
3. They value different things and have different priorities.

Both ESTJs and INTJs tend to be inflexible, and they both can be quite stubborn, especially when they feel certain that they are right and the other person is wrong. These traits can make ESTJs and INTJs bad for each other because it can lead to conflicts not being resolved due to their bullheadedness.

Additionally, because both ESTJs and INTJs need order and structure to feel more comfortable, they can both struggle with adapting whenever they face obstacles to their plans.

The ability to embrace spontaneity is an important trait to have as things don’t always happen how one may want them too, yet both people in this pair can struggle with this skill. As a result, if life were to throw some unexpected roadblocks at this couple, they may not be able to adjust. And since neither ESTJs nor INTJs are known for being laidback, unexpected problems can lead to tense moments between the couple as they may take their frustrations out on each other if the stressfulness of the situation chips away at their usual abilities to be rational and logical.

Despite being such cerebral types, ESTJs and INTJs do have softer and more emotional sides. However, this aspect of them tends to be hidden as they usually keep their emotions private, often even from their closest loved ones. Because of this, it can take a while for ESTJs and INTJs to open up to each other, and their relationship may be more emotionally shallow.

Also, on top of being emotionally private people, ESTJs and INTJs can also struggle to understand emotions altogether, especially more intense ones, so they may fail to notice when something is wrong with the other emotionally or how to help them.

The last reason why ESTJs and INTJs may not be good for each other is because of their conflicting values and priorities.

ESTJs are rule-followers who have a strong preference for tradition and doing things “by the book” because that’s how they’ve always been done, while INTJs are forward-thinking innovators who couldn’t care less about tradition or “the book” if they think doing things another way would be better.

This preference tradition versus innovation will be a thorny spot for ESTJ and INTJ couples to navigate as both of these types feel strongly about their preferred methods.

ESTJs would follow orders and do things step-by-step by the book even if they know the outcome will not be as good or efficient just because they need the safety of knowing they did things “right,” while INTJs would quickly and confidently abandon orders and the book to do things another way if they were reasonably sure that’d it’d result in a better outcome.

 

Communication

Both ESTJs and INTJs are extroverted thinkers with INtroverted Feeling (Fi) in their cognitive functions stacks. This means that they both tend to be more direct in the way they speak, and they may both think out loud. Additionally, they’re both usually more concerned about their own feelings than the feelings of others. In fact, they may be completely oblivious to how other people feel or respond to them.

Because of their shared Extroverted Thinking (Te) cognitive function trait, both ESTJs and INTJs tend to be more concerned with systems and tangible things than people or their subjective feelings. Also, their Fe leads these two types to focusing their energies on the external world and making it more rational and efficient according to how they think its operations, policies, plans, or procedures should be handled.

 

Where are they strong and why?

Where ESTJs and INTJs are strong is in the shared direct communication styles and in their shared preferences for logic, reason, and objective facts over subjective emotions or opinions.

Because both ESTJs and INTJs are more direct and less avoidant of conflict, they are less likely to live in denial by sweeping problems under the rug and hoping for the best. Additionally, because they are more direct about issues, they are less likely to let resentment form between them because they neglect to discuss their frustrations.

Another way in which ESTJs and INTJs are strong is in their shared abilities not to let conflict affect them. They are both able to get past conflicts without harboring ill feelings and refusing to get over them. As a result, they’re able to refocus and put their attention on things that are more important to them like making their relationship work or achieving a certain milestone or goal.

 

Where do they have problems and why?

Where ESTJs and INTJs can have problems is in their shared trait of being private about their emotions and in their mutual disregard and lack of understanding of other’s emotions.

People with Introverted Feeling in their cognitive functions stacks can sometimes be selfish and only concerned with their own feelings and how things affect them with little concern with the feelings of those beyond their own noses. Given that both ESTJs and INTJs have this Fi in their stacks, this is a problem that a couple with this type of combination should look out for and pay attention to not let happen.

In a relationship it’s important for partners to be empathetic towards each other and be more understanding, so if the ESTJ and the INTJ in this relationship are unable or unwilling to do that, then it can make the relationship being happy and healthy, or long-lasting, unlikely.

Another problem ESTJs and INTJs may have is the fact that they have different ways of thinking. While ESTJs and INTJs are both more rational compared to a lot fo other types, INTJs tend to be abstract thinkers while ESTJs couldn’t care less about theoretical or abstract topics and would rather give thought to what’s “real.”

 

How might they improve communication?

ESTJs and INTJs can improve communication by setting their egos aside and being willing to actually listen to each other for the purpose of trying to understand each other’s thoughts and point of views.

Also, ESTJs and INTJs can improve their communication with each other by respecting each other’s needs. ESTJs need to respect that INTJs need time to process their thoughts before talking through issues, while INTJs need to understand that for ESTJs, talking out problems as quickly as possible helps ESTJs feel more comfortable and can help them clarify their own thoughts or feelings on the matter as the conversation or debate progresses.

 

Where do they connect? Why?

Where ESTJs and INTJs connect is in the fact that they are both thinking and judging types, meaning that they are both cerebral types who prefer objective logic and reason over subjective emotions, and they both prefer more ordered and predictably structured lives over loose schedules and laissez-faire planning.

Additionally, both types tend to prefer a neat and clean environment over mess.

ESTJs and INTJs also connect in how they communicate. Both types are often more direct and tend to prefer talking things out.

 

ESTJ & INTJ: Values

Both ESTJs and INTJs chave strong values, and they can both be quite overconfident and stubborn about them.

 

3 Things an ESTJ Values

1. Order and structure
2. Tradition
3. Achieving goals and meeting deadlines

 

3 Things an INTJ Values

1. Order and structure
2. Innovation and self-improvement
3. Independence and personal space

 

How do their values match up?

Both ESTJs and INTJs value order and structure. They both like to make and follow schedules, and they prefer that their surrounding environments are clean and orderly. Their day-to-day lives are often very structured as they both tend to value following routines strongly.

Unlike INTJs, ESTJs value tradition, and this can be a major point of conflict for the two types. Additionally, INTJs are a very independent type and they need ample time alone and do not like anyone impeding on their required personal space. This can be an issue for the couple as ESTJs can be pushy and may not respect or appreciate the amount of alone time that their INTJ partner may need as ESTJs are a more sociable type.

 

Love Language/Love Style

Both ESTJs and INTJs have Quality Time and Physical Touch as two of their top love languages.

 

Ways ESTJs Show Their Love

An ENFJ shows love in the following ways:

• They are reliable and honor their commitments.
• They manage the household and make sure the everyday practicalities are handled well.
• They are clear about their desires and expectations.
• They value their partner and make them a priority.

 

Ways INTJs Show Their Love

INTJs may do the following to show their love:

• They’re more physically affectionate and emotionally demonstrative.
• They’re attentive.
• They give their partner space and allow them room to be themselves.
• They make adjustments for their partner.

 

ESTJ and INTJ in Bed

ESTJ are less likely to experiment in bed, and they may be aggressive. They tend to be more focussed on the physical rather than the emotional aspect of sex. INTJs can be intense and passionate in bed.

 

II. ESTJ and INTJ Couples/Marriage

How well-matched are they in a long-term romantic relationship?

 

ESTJ Male and INTJ Female

Issues with communication and criticizing one another may happen in a relationship between an ESTJ male and an INTJ female. The INTJ female may feel like the ESTJ male is inflexible and controlling, while the ESTJ male may feel like the INTJ female is not traditional enough for them, and they may not like or understand her need for time alone. There may be issues of trying to change each other.

 

INTJ Male and ESTJ Female

A relationship between an INTJ male and an ESTJ female may have high highs and very low lows. The ESTJ female may not like or understand the INTJ male’s abstract way of thinking, and she may wish that he spent less time thinking about things in his head and more time actually physically doing things.

On the other hand, the INTJ male may dislike how hyper-focused on the rules the ESTJ female is, and he may wish that she was less traditional and “by the book” about everything.

 

III. ESTJ and INTJ Conflicts

Conflict is a part of any relationship, and this is especially true for relationships between ESTJs and INTJs.

 

Possible Areas of Conflict (and Why)

Conflict is basically a given in any relationship between ESTJs and INTJs, and the following are some possible areas of conflict:

• The ESTJ may be impatient about the INTJ’s need to process things on their own for a while before sharing their thoughts.
• The INTJ may wish the ESTJ was more concerned about the bigger picture as well as how their actions could affect things down the road.
• The ESTJ may think that the INTJ is too critical of them and is too theoretical in their thinking.
• Both the ESTJ and the INTJ may wish that the other one is more clear and concise in how they share their thoughts.

 

How do they resolve conflict?

ESTJs and INTJs can resolve conflict by putting their egos and stubbornness aside and talking things out rationally.

 

How do they build trust?

ESTJs are more likely to trust INTJs who are more willing to following the rules, and INTJs are more willing to trust ESTJs who respect their need for space.

 

IV. ESTJ and INTJ Friendships

Thanks to their different values and priorities, friendship between these two types can be difficult but not impossible.

 

ESTJ vs. INTJ: Approach to Friendship

The ESTJ is more likely to approach the INTJ first. INTJs are often slow to get close to others initially as they don’t see much need in connecting with others, especially emotionally.

INTJs are one of the most independent types, while ESTJs are sociable and are often all about taking charge in their relationships whether it’s a relationship with a coworker, friend, or romantic partner.

 

ESTJ & INTJ Friendship Dynamics

The ESTJ will bring their strong personalities and organization skills to the friendship, while the INTJ will bring their creative problem-solving abilities and their big-picture thinking skills.

The INTJ will likely be more quiet and private, while the ESTJ may try to take on a more leadership role. Depending on the type of INTJ, this may be a problem for their friendship.

 

What makes them good for each other as friends?

There are a few things that can make ESTJs and INTJs good for each other as friends. They include the following:

1. ESTJs can inspire INTJs to step outside of their comfort zones and be more socially active, while INTJs can encourage ESTJs to be more introspective.
2. INTJs can inspire ESTJs to aim for bigger dreams, and ESTJs can help INTJs to be more practical.
3. Both value order and structure, and they can rely on each other to follow through with their commitments and responsibilities.

 

Could they be close friends?

Yes, ESTJs and INTJs can be close friends, but it can be difficult to achieve. These two personality types are drastically different in a lot of key ways that can be hard for them to overcome. Some of their core similarities can make a close friendship between them difficult as well such as their shared stubbornness and mutual disregard of and lack of understanding of their own and other’s emotions.

 

What are some areas that might cause them problems as friends?

Areas that might cause them problems as friends include the following:

1. INTJs need a lot of time alone while ESTJs are more sociable.
2. They are often not on the same wavelength because ESTJs are well-documented rule-followers with little desire to go against the status quo, while INTJs are innovative independent thinkers who are willing and able to go against tradition if they think another way is better.
3. Both ESTJs and INTJs are private about their emotions and will take a long to open up about their feelings if they ever do so at all.
4. Neither ESTJs nor INTJs are good at being spontaneous, and they both can struggle with adapting if situations or circumstances hinder their plans