INFP and ENTP: Compatibility, Love, Marriage, and Romance

Are INFP and ENTPs compatible? When trust is the foundation for the relationship, they are. INFPs tend to trust ENTPs, who give them space to grow. ENTPs trust the INFP’s kind nature and sense of adventure that is similar to their own.

The introverted INFP and the outgoing ENTP may not seem like an ideal match, as they share only two of the Meyers-Briggs personality traits. There’s no such thing as a perfect match of personality types, though, and the INFP and ENTP have enough in common to develop a potentially long and healthy relationship.

General Compatibility of INFP and ENTP

Though they have different values and ways of interacting with the world, an ENTP/INFP relationship has the potential to be a loving and mutually satisfying one. This is because both place a high value on relationships, even if they do so for different reasons.

ENTP and INFP types share an intuitive perspective on the world and will likely find one another stimulating conversationalists. In addition, each type enjoys discussing theory and analyzing information, so art, science, music, and philosophy are likely to be mutually enjoyable subjects of discussion for both partners.

Compatibility Possible Conflicts
Both tend to think in the abstract Both tend to overlook details for the bigger picture
They have complementary styles of communication INFPs tend to be indecisive
Both are motivated by their passions ENTPs tend to be impatient
They share a sense of adventure An ENTP may not appreciate or understand the INFP’s need for time alone

Three Reasons why INFP and ENTP can be Good for Each Other

In a healthy relationship, the differences in personality between the ENTP and INFP, far from being impossible stumbling blocks, can often prove mutually advantageous.

  1. ENTP can help INFP with practical decision making
  2. INFP can remind ENTP of the importance of people and their feelings
  3. They often indulge each other’s need for adventure and excitement

Far from being a drawback, the thinker and feeler’s opposite approaches to decision-making can be highly beneficial in a healthy relationship. As long as neither allows themselves to become frustrated with their partner’s seemingly alien notions, a broader range of perspectives and facts upon which to base a decision is almost always good.

INFP and ENTP types both crave adventure and will likely keep one another stimulated by suggesting new and exciting things to experience together.

Three Reasons why INFP and ENTP might not be Good for Each Other

As long as they’re addressed healthily, personality differences between the ENTP and INFP can be turned to the couple’s advantage. Left unchecked, though, some of these differences have the potential to cause conflict.

  1. ENTP types tend towards impatience and may be frustrated by INFPs’ indecisive nature
  2. Different communicative styles
  3. Both partners tend to focus on the big picture at the expense of the details

The ENTP’s tendency toward impatience could cause conflict in any relationship. When paired with the indecisive INFP, the ENTP will often feel frustrated with the other’s seeming inability to make decisions. Whether the INFP/ENTP couple can work through this issue will depend primarily on the quality of their communication.

The ENTP and INFP have different but, in many ways, complementary communicative styles. The straight-talking ENTP and the emotionally sensitive INFP will have to work together, each aware of the other’s feelings and communicative style, so that communication does not lead to conflict.

The ENTP and INFP are abstract thinkers prone to looking at the “big picture.” Unfortunately, this can lead the ENTP/INFP couple to make decisions without considering all the details first. Still, the INFP – ENTP relationship can be successful–if they learn to push past their communication issues and focus on what makes their personality types compatible.

Communication

Communication between the ENTP and INFP can be something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it has the potential to draw the couple together and keep them engaged; on the other, it can cause some friction. However, both personality types are analytical thinkers who relish deep conversations about ideas rather than things and are likely to enjoy conversing together.

Because of their different values and communicative styles, each partner will have to give a little ground lest communication becomes a sore point rather than a high point in their relationship.

Where are the Strong, and Why?

While both ENTP and INFP types enjoy meaningful conversation, the introverted INFP is, generally speaking, far less expressive than their ENTP counterpart. This can work out well, as the less conservative INFP is often happy to let their partner take the lead in a conversation.

Where do they have Problems, and Why?

If the ENTP isn’t careful, there’s a chance they’ll shut their introverted partner out of a conversation entirely. Indeed, INFPs are often happy to let their partner do most of the talking in a conversation, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate being listened to.

There’s also a chance the ENTP’s preference for speaking plainly may come across as confrontational to their more sensitive, feeling counterpart. When combined with the INFP type’s tendency to monitor conversations for emotional tone, misunderstandings are almost certain to arise, especially early in the relationship.

How might INFP and ENTP Improve Communication?

Though the ENTP and INFP couple faces some challenges when it comes to communication, none are insurmountable. In fact, with a bit of work on the part of both partners, the ENTP/INFP relationship has the potential to enjoy relatively harmonious communication.

Conflict In relationships can lead to serious issues and even breakups. To avoid misunderstanding and resulting conflict, the ENTP will have to learn to temper their messaging with some tact. This will likely take some work, at least at first, for the straight-talking ENTP. They’ll have to work on being a little more patient and allowing their partner ample time to express their ideas and feelings.

For their part, the INFP partner should be aware of their tendency to monitor conversations for emotional tone and to learn to curb it when appropriate. Although the emotional connection is essential to an INFP, nobody wants to feel as though they’re being scrutinized whenever they express a thought—especially not the logical thinker in the INFP – ENTP relationship.

Where do INFP and ENTP Connect, and Why?

Despite their communicative styles and values differences, the ENTP and INFP can find plenty of common ground to connect meaningfully. Both types share a penchant for excitement and adventure, so their experiences together will likely be memorable and fun.

Their passions drive both the ENTP and INFP, and both place a high value on independence so they can pursue them. As mentioned earlier, both types enjoy meaningful conversation and are likely to find the other a deep and engaging conversationalist.

INFP and ENTP: Values

The ENTP and INFP both value improvement and following their passions but are likely to find they have different ideas about what constitutes an improvement. In terms of fundamental personal values, the ENTP and INFP may find they have little in common. Does this mean they can’t have an amazing relationship? Absolutely not. By focusing on core values and their shared interest in improving the world, these two can find a middle ground and bring a sense of balance to each other.

Three things an ENTP Values

Unlike their feeling counterpart, the thinking ENTP focuses less on people and their feelings and more on solving practical problems. They’re passionate about helping people but tend to want to do so through innovation that will make their lives easier. They have a strong sense of self, and their core values often reflect this sense of independence. Analytical thinking is a strong suit of the ENTP, and although it isn’t necessarily one of their shared personal values, it must be appreciated.

  1. Improving the world through intelligence and analytical thinking
  2. Independence
  3. New experiences

Like their INFP partner, the ENTP fundamentally wants to make the world a better place. It’s a large part of what drives their decision-making. With their tendency to prioritize things over people, ENTPs see solving practical problems as the surest way to improve people’s lives.

Experiencing new things is high on the ENTP’s list of priorities. This is one of the few areas where the ENTP and INFP find their values align, and the couple is likely to bond, to some degree, over shared experiences. Another thing both types value is a degree of independence. This makes a higher possibility for a compatible relationship.

Three things an INFP Values

The feeling, perceiving INFP tends to focus on people and their emotions rather than ideas. Their fundamental values are often quite different from their ENTP counterpart. INFPs value:

  1. Helping people through acts of service
  2. Authenticity
  3. Harmony

While the ENTP looks to help people indirectly by solving problems, the INFP prefers humanitarian acts of service. Whereas an ENTP might be concerned with analyzing data to find where a soup kitchen could do the best for the largest number of folks, the INFP would first donate their time to cook food or serve the people meals.

Authenticity is essential to the INFP regarding personal behavior and potential friends or partners. The INFP desires deep, meaningful relationships, and authenticity is necessary for this. Therefore, the INFP will likely find the ENTP’s straight-talk and defense of truth attractive, if at times a bit abrasive.

As feelers, INFPs can be overly sensitive and almost intuitive regarding the feelings of others. As a result, they monitor the emotional states of others nearly constantly and desire harmony in their interactions with others.

How do INFPs’ and ENTPs’ Values Match Up?

While some of their values are contradictory in some pretty significant ways, there are plenty of ways INFP and ENTP values match up. Their passions drive both, and they share the belief that the world can be made a better place. While they may have different perspectives and priorities regarding how they try to improve their world, both care for people and want to be of service.

Love Language/Love Style

For all their differences in values and communicative style, there is significant overlap in the love languages of the INFP and ENTP. This is especially true when it comes to spending quality time.

Ways ENTPs Show Their Love

  • Quality time
  • Physical touch
  • Acts of service

The practical ENTP is likelier to express affection for their partners in nonverbal ways. Spending quality time with their partner is one of the ways the ENTP shows their love, as is physical touch. The ENTP will also show their affection through acts of service, keeping with the ENTP’s practical perspective on the world.

Ways INFPs Show Their Love

  • Physical touch
  • Quality time
  • Words of affirmation

INFP types, being more people and feeling-oriented than their ENTP counterparts, use words of affirmation to express their love. With their desire to form deep and meaningful bonds with their partners, the INFP is more verbal in their expression of love than the ENTP.

A significant mismatch in the degree to which each type expresses love verbally could potentially lead one or the other partner to feel unsatisfied or neglected. Fortunately, as they value quality time and physical touch, a little work is all it should take for the ENTP and INFP to translate this slight variation in love languages.

INFP and ENTP in Bed

INFP and ENTP types have the potential to be mutually gratifying sexual partners. Both desire intimacy and connection, and they can be highly passionate lovers if they bring their love of adventure and new experiences to the bedroom. As long as the ENTP doesn’t let their high sexual energy initially overwhelm the somewhat more guarded INFP, there’s every chance this couple will enjoy terrific sex.

INFP and ENTP Couples/Marriage

ENTP Male and INFP Female

This couple has a high potential for long-term success as long as the INFP female isn’t initially put off by the sometimes blunt communicative style of the ENTP. However, already sensitive to the tone of conversations, there’s a chance the INFP will see too much potential for disharmony and conflict in her straight-talking partner.

The ENTP male should consider his partner’s feelings before speaking his mind and be aware that his INFP partner will likely see assertiveness as confrontational.

ENTP Female and INFP Male

Likewise, the relationship between an ENTP female and an INFP male also has a good chance of achieving long-term fulfillment. There is a danger, though, that the more practical ENTP may see her INFP mate as overly-sensitive and indecisive.

The INFP male needs to be aware of this potential problem and not become too emotionally dependent on his ENTP counterpart.

INFP and ENTP Conflicts

The ENTP/INFP relationship, potentially compatible as it may be, is not immune to possible conflict. Though they share many interests and drives, the two types have very different values and communication styles.

Possible Areas of Conflict

Every relationship must deal with disharmony and do so effectively; it’s helpful to identify possible conflict areas. For the INFP/ENTP couple, some of these are:

  • Extroverts need activity
  • Introverts need isolation
  • Miscommunication

The extroverted ENTP craves and is reenergized by activity. However, while INFPs enjoy exciting activities and new experiences, they also require time alone. To the INFP, the ENTP’s desire for action may seem exhausting.

Conversely, the introverted INFP’s need for time alone during which to process and recharge may be complex for the ENTP to understand. There’s the danger the ENTP will interpret the INFP’s need for time alone as an unwillingness to participate.

As in any relationship, healthy communication is the difference between growth and stagnation, or worse. Without authentic, caring dialog, INFP/ENTP partners are unlikely to understand one another’s needs.

How do INFP and ENTP Resolve Conflict?

The ENTP may “rock the boat” with their straight-talking style, but they are adept at containing and resolving conflict. Charming and charismatic, the ENTP takes pride in being able to smooth things over, which represents another chance to hone and even display their problem-solving skills.

As introverts and feelers, INFP often deals with conflict initially by trying and avoiding it. However, maintaining harmony in a relationship is a high priority to the INFP, and it can become all too easy for them to equate conflict with failure on their part.

How do INFP and ENTP Build Trust?

For the action-loving ENTP, building trust involves shared experiences, and plenty of them. Although establishing a deep connection with their partner is a high priority for the INFP, trust-building has more to do with authenticity and getting to know their partner intimately.

ENTP types can’t abide by the idea of being coerced or manipulated by others, so trust doesn’t necessarily come easily. They are also less apt to open up to people, which puts them in a vulnerable position.

The INFP, on the other hand, is far more willing to show the vulnerability trust requires. Unless they’ve suffered significant betrayals of trust by those close to them, INFPs are unlikely to have trust issues.

INFP and ENTP Friendships

The ENTP and INFP can make great friends with their mutual passion for adventure and excitement. Add to that both types’ love of deep discussions on meaningful topics, and an ENTP/INFP friendship is unlikely to be dull.

INFP vs ENTP: Approach to Friendship

Above all, ENTP types value intellect and mental agility and look for these traits in friends. An ENTP is more likely to appreciate a friend with whom they can have a stimulating debate than one with whom they share a deep connection.

While INFPs also value meaningful conversation, they prioritize connection when choosing friends. As a result, the people-oriented INFP will likely have a small but close group of friends. Ideally, they’d like to have more, but the energy required to maintain friendships makes this impossible.

INFP & ENTP Friendship Dynamics

The extroverted, thinking ENTP and the introverted, feeling INFP have the potential to form lifelong, mutually beneficial, and rewarding friendships.

What Makes INFP and ENTP Good for Each Other as Friends?

The INFP and ENTP have enough in common to forge a lasting, meaningful friendship. Their differences, however, may make them suitable for each other as friends. ENTPs and INFPs have much to learn from one another, and their different thinking and feeling perspectives on decision-making can be mutually beneficial.

Could they be Close Friends?

Despite their differences, ENTPs and INFPs have the potential to be close friends. As in any relationship, both parties in an ENTP/INFP will have to be willing to make some concessions if they value the friendship.

What are some areas that might cause them Problems as Friends?

Every friendship experiences its share of strains, including the ENTP/INFP friendship. The INFP, though they love the excitement and new experiences, need alone time during which to recharge. The extroverted ENTP will need to be understanding and patient with their INFP friend’s need for time alone.

Communication can cause conflict in a romantic relationship between an ENTP and an INFP; the same can be said of the ENTP/INFP friendship. The ENTP will need to be sensitive to their INFP friend’s feelings when expressing themselves. On the other hand, the INFP will need to give their ENTP friends some license to express themself without feeling like they’re under examination.