ENTP and ISFP: Compatibility, Love, Marriage, and Romance
Generally rated low in compatibility, the ENTP/ISFP couple may seem like a mismatched pair. ENTPs and ISFPs form and maintain relationships all the time, though, and can benefit significantly from the perspective of the other. When ENTPs and ISFPs can see past their differences, they’ll find they have much to offer one another.
I. COMPATIBILITY
Generally rated low in compatibility, the ENTP/ISFP couple may seem like a mismatched pair. ENTPs and ISFPs form and maintain relationships all the time, though, and can benefit significantly from the perspective of the other. When ENTPs and ISFPs can see past their differences, they’ll find they have much to offer one another.
SUMMARY CHART: ENTP AND ISFP COMPATIBILITY VERSUS POSSIBLE CONFLICTS
| COMPATIBILITY | POSSIBLE CONFLICTS |
| ENTPs and ISFPs have complementary communication styles | ENTPs and ISFPs have different social needs |
| Both types value creativity | Traditional versus Progressive values |
| Complementary perspectives on making plans | Different communication styles |
| ENTPs and ISFPs share a high tolerance for disorder | Abstract versus practical perspectives |
THREE REASONS WHY ENTPs AND ISFPs ARE GOOD FOR EACH OTHER
Partners in a healthy ENTP/ISFP relationship can be good for one another for many reasons, including:
- ENTPs and ISFPs have complementary communication styles
- ENTPs and ISFPs can cover each other’s blind spots when making plans
- Neither type tends to make rigid schedules
Though they express themselves differently, the communication styles of ENTPs and ISFPs can be complementary. This couple is likely to fall into a comfortable communication dynamic experienced by most extrovert/introvert couples; the more talkative ENTP usually does most of the talking, while the ISFP most often plays the role of listener.
ENTPs and ISFPs tend to concentrate on different things when planning for the future. ENTPs pay the most attention to the overall scope of a plan, whereas the ISFP tends to focus more on the details. Together, the ENTP/ISFP couple can cover one another’s blind spots regarding planning.
THREE REASONS WHY ENTPs AND ISFPs ARE NOT GOOD FOR EACH OTHER
Not every ENTP/ISFP couple will be able to come to terms with their vast personality differences. The following are three of the most common reasons why ENTPs and ISFPs are not suitable for each other:
- ENTPs and ISFPs have different, potentially opposing values
- These types have different needs socially
- ENTPs and ISFPs have different communicative styles
ENTPs and ISFPs value different things. ENTPs are traditionalists who are reluctant to change what works relatively well; ISFPs, on the other hand, are always looking for ways to improve upon what exists. This value mismatch can present significant hurdles for the ENTP/ISFP couple.
These two personality types also have different social needs. As extroverts, ENTPs use socializing as a means of recharging, whereas the opposite is true for the ISFP.
ENTPs and ISFPs approach communication differently; ENTPs tend to communicate ideas and abstractions, while ISFP prefers discussing facts and details. This mismatch will likely cause misunderstandings between partners in an ENTP/ISFP relationship.
COMMUNICATION
How close any couple comes to meeting their full potential depends, to a great extent, on the quality of their communication. The ENTP/ISFP couple will likely experience at least its share of communicative difficulties, but none are necessarily insurmountable.
WHERE ARE THEY STRONG AND WHY?
Though they have very different styles of communicating, ENTPs and ISFPs often find a comfortable groove, with the less expressive ISFP falling naturally into the role of listener. Under usual circumstances, this dynamic is more than sufficient.
WHERE DO THEY HAVE PROBLEMS, AND WHY?
Most of the time, the speaker/listener dynamic serves the ENTP/ISFP well enough. Sometimes, the partners will need to step beyond their comfort zones to address important or potentially volatile subjects.
For example, the ISFP may find they have a hard time getting equal time to speak. Often, the ENTP will rush to fill potentially uncomfortable gaps in conversation, unwittingly forcing their partners to the periphery of discussions.
Problems may also arise if the ENTP partner feels they must constantly nag their counterpart into participating in conversations.
HOW MIGHT THEY IMPROVE COMMUNICATION?
The ENTP/ISFP couple can improve their communication with some self-awareness and patience on the part of both partners. Each must be willing to stretch beyond what’s comfortable at times to meet on common ground.
For instance, the ENTP must monitor important conversations to ensure they’re giving their partner enough time to think and respond. They must resist the natural urge to fill conversational gaps and give their partner that time to process and reply.
The ISFP may want to set some ground rules early in the relationship to ensure equal time. Also, the ISFP should make sure to show their more expressive partner that they’re engaged in the discussion, even if they aren’t talking.
WHERE DO THEY CONNECT, AND WHY?
Having so little in common, ENTPs and ISFPs aren’t likely to make a connection based on a chance meeting. In fact, it may take more than a shared interest to bring these disparate personality types together; it may take a close common friend or even being forced to work together for an ENTP and an ISFP to hit it off.
ENTP AND ISFP VALUES
Our values shape who we are and how we perceive and engage with the world. Though they share some common ground, ENTPs and ISFPs value different things. The ENTP/ISFP couple will need to confront this reality if they are to survive and grow as a healthy couple.
THREE THINGS AN ENTP VALUES
- Change
- Intellectual growth
- Socializing
Unlike their traditionalist ISFP counterparts, ENTPs place a high value on change. Rather than being content with the status quo, they’re always looking for ways to make things better. ENTPs also value intellectual growth and are likely to be avid readers and lifelong learners.
ENTPs also place a high value on socializing. Outgoing and dynamic, the extroverted ENTP sees socializing as an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate.
THREE THINGS AN ISFP VALUES
- Tradition
- Achieving concrete results
- Freedom in their schedules
ISFPs tend to be traditionalists; they respect the institutions and systems upon which modern civilization runs and are reticent to tinker with them. This personality type also values achievement and highly values producing concrete results.
Like their ENTP counterparts, ISFPs tend not to be rigid schedulers, preferring to leave some room for the random and unexpected.
HOW DO THEIR VALUES MATCH UP?
In most regards, the values of ENTPs and ISFPs don’t align very well, which isn’t to say they are necessarily incompatible. The ENTP/ISFP couple will have to be okay with disagreeing on some key issues and respecting the other’s considered point of view.
LOVE LANGUAGE/LOVE STYLE
Given the many differences between ENTPs and ISFPs, one might expect the two types to show love in significantly different ways. Fortunately for this couple, this isn’t the case; there is a good bit of overlap in the love languages of the ENTP and the ISFP.
WAYS ENTPs SHOW THEIR LOVE
- Spending quality time
- Physical touch
- Words of affirmation
Spending quality time with their partners is the number one love language of both ENTPs and ISFPs. The next most popular way of expressing love for an ENTP is through physical touch. Speaking words of affirmation comes in third on the ENTP’s top three love languages list, a fitting choice for a verbally-expressive personality type.
WAYS ISFPs SHOW THEIR LOVE
- Spending quality time
- Words of affirmation
- Performing acts of service
As mentioned above, the ISFP’s top love language is spending quality time with their partner. Coming in second is speaking words of affirmation, a powerful, if unusual, choice for an introverted personality type. Finally, the ISFP shows love by performing acts of service for their significant other.
ENTPs AND ISFPs IN BED
ENTPs have adventurous, passionate sexual energy. Because they generally have high sex drives, they’re often mischaracterized as likely to be unfaithful; in reality, most ENTPs see sex as more than just a physical act and use it to strengthen their bond with their partners.
Like their ENTP partners, ISFPs have passionate sexual energy. Though they may be shy initially, with the right partner, ISFPs make generous and playful lovers who care as much about their partner’s experience as their own.
II. ENTP AND ISFP COUPLES/MARRIAGE
HOW DO ENTP AND ISFP MATCH UP IN A LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP?
ENTP MALE AND ISFP FEMALE
The ENTP male/ISFP female pairing has a reasonable enough shot at happiness, as long as the ENTP male is careful not to shut his partner out of important conversations unwittingly. Problems may also arise if the ENTP feels he must constantly goad his partner into participating in discussions.
ENTP FEMALE AND ISFP MALE
This couple, too, has at least a reasonable shot at happiness; there are potential pitfalls, though. For example, the ISFP male may become resentful if his extroverted counterpart is always packing the couple’s social calendar. On the other hand, the ENTP female may be frustrated by what she perceives as an unwillingness on the part of her partner to engage socially.
III. ENTP AND ISFP CONFLICTS
Every couple must deal with some amount of conflict, and the ENTP/ISFP pair is apt to encounter more than most. Being aware of this and taking steps to understand the other’s communication style and values can go a long way toward bridging the personality gap between these two types.
POSSIBLE AREAS OF CONFLICT (AND WHY)
There is no shortage of potentially troublesome areas for the ENTP/ISFP couple, but the following are three of the most common:
- ENTPs and ISFPs share a high tolerance for disorganization
- Traditional versus progressive values
- ENTPs and ISFPs have different social needs
ENTPs and ISFPs share a high tolerance for disorder in their environments; as such, any shared living space is likely to be neglected. This couple could benefit significantly by agreeing on a schedule of what chores get done and by whom before things get out of control.
Values are another area that can be potentially troublesome for ENTP/ISFP couples. The traditional ISFP may see their ENTP partner’s ideas as foolhardy or even reckless; conversely, the ENTP may feel their ISFP partner is too rigid and unwilling to accept change.
The social needs of ENTPs and ISFPs are pretty different too, and this can become problematic if each partner isn’t willing to make some compromises. The ENTP must be careful not to pressure their ISFP partners into participating more socially than is healthy, while the ISFP partner must be willing to stretch beyond their usual social comfort zones.
HOW DO THEY RESOLVE CONFLICT?
ENTPs and ISFPs often take different approaches to conflict resolution. ENTPs usually prefer to address potential conflicts early, denying them the chance to fester and worsen. ISFPs, on the other hand, tend to put off having delicate or potentially troublesome conversations.
HOW DO THEY BUILD TRUST?
ENTPs are generally open people and usually need a reason not to trust someone. That said, ENTPs can be guarded about their feelings and are likely to divulge them only to those who have proven trustworthy. Also, ENTPs are more likely to trust others with whom they’ve formed an intellectual connection.
ISFPs are somewhat more reticent to trust than their ENTP counterparts. Extremely independent and self-sufficient, ISFPs are apt to trust themselves with important tasks rather than entrust them to others. Like their ENTP counterparts, ISFPs need to know and trust someone well before they’ll open up about their emotions.
IV. ENTP AND ISFP FRIENDSHIPS
Despite their many differences, ENTPs and ISFPs have much to offer one another. When these personality types can move beyond their differences, they have the potential to be excellent friends.
ENTP AND ISFP: APPROACH TO FRIENDSHIP
The adventurous, charismatic ENTP is generally the person others want to be around. Often attractive as friends and potential partners, ENTPs draw people to themselves quite naturally. Though extroverted, ENTPs can be excellent listeners; they’re genuinely interested in what their friends think and how they feel. Perhaps ironically, the ENTP is often reticent to share their own emotions
ISFPs, on the other hand, are naturally more reserved than their ENTP counterparts; they tend to be skeptical of others at first. ISFPs are independent people who value their freedom. They would rather depend on themselves to get results than rely on others. That doesn’t mean ISFPs don’t make good friends; they tend to be supportive and loyal to those with whom they share a meaningful bond.
ENTP AND ISFP FRIENDSHIP DYNAMICS
When ENTPs and ISFPs do become friends, they both stand to benefit from the relationship. Though different in many ways, ENTPs and ISFPs are in good positions to “guard each other’s backs” regarding potential weaknesses.
WHAT MAKES THEM GOOD FOR EACH OTHER AS FRIENDS?
ENTPs and ISFPs can be good for one another as friends for many reasons. Partners in a healthy ENTP/ISFP friendship will make the most of their differences, seeing in them the potential for greater understanding and mutual growth.
For example, ENTP/ISFP friends can benefit one another when making plans. ENTPs tend to focus more on the broad strokes when making plans; they often neglect to attend to small but crucial details. An ISFP friend can help the ENTP cover their blind spots when planning for the future.
COULD THEY BE CLOSE FRIENDS?
As previously mentioned, ENTPs and ISFPs are not generally rated high in compatibility. It’s important to remember that no Myers-Briggs personality pairing is ideal, though, and that every coupling of people is unique. When ENTPs and ISFPs can successfully navigate their significant differences, they can become close friends indeed.
WHAT ARE SOME AREAS THAT MIGHT CAUSE THEM PROBLEMS AS FRIENDS
Like romantic pairings between ENTPs and ISFPs, ENTP/ISFP friends are likely to experience a fair degree of potential conflict because of their vastly different values, communication styles, and needs for socialization.
ENTP/ISFP friends will have to be open-minded enough with each other to look past disagreements, as there will likely be things upon which they cannot agree. Communication may also present challenges to ENTP/ISFP friends, especially initially, as each learns and adapts to the other’s style.
Like all extrovert/introvert couples, ENTP and ISFP friends will have very different needs regarding socialization. This can cause problems in an ENTP/ISFP friendship if the ENTP feels they have to coax their friend into participating; conversely, it can also be problematic if the ISFP feels pressured by their ENTP friend to socialize more than is comfortable.
