The 16 Personality Types Descriptions

Often called “the ultimate realist”, ESTPs are action-oriented, present, and live in the moment. They are all about what is happening now and what is real. ESTPs take things as they come and excel at reacting in the moment. They’re all about personal freedom and do not like rules, restrictive plans, and policies that do not make sense to them. Rather, ESTPs take a systematic approach to solving problems and want to do what works immediately instead of focusing on how people feel about it or what the rules say. As a result, ESTPs often do not trust or follow authority for the sake of authority. They live to push the boundaries to see what they can do. At the same time, while ESTPs prefer to focus on practical reality, they have a side that is interested in theories and hypothesizing which they often develop as they age. Though they can develop a spiritual side, ESTPs despise blind faith and live to test it. ESTPs are extremely direct in their communication style. They cut to the chase and get frustrated when others do not do the same. They tell it like it is and say what they think but do so in a way that is charismatic and persuades others. Though they are forthright, they avoid being brash and committing social faux pas. However, while ESTPs are often charming, they can be very critical towards the thinking of others. ESTPs also are constantly vigilant of what others are doing, and so want to correct when they see people behaving in the wrong way. This critique comes from a good place though, as ESTPs want to make people better and to have a lasting impact on their lives. This often takes the form of giving people the reality checks they need and tearing them down a little so they can build them back up as better. While ESTPs don’t necessarily seek leadership roles, they frequently find themselves taking charge when they are faced with things that are inefficient. They are often the dominant leader of their friend group and are looked up to by others. They enjoy when others come to them for help or advice and can become a mentor. People often flock to them because of their confident exterior and the sureness with which they carry themselves, but ESTPs have insecurities just like all types. For the ESTP, they are insecure regarding what they want in life and their future. They are not sure of what they want until they have tried a lot of things and collected information about what other people are doing and the experience those people have had. They learn best through trial and error and observing things first hand in the real world. In romantic relationships, ESTPs need to feel that they are being given plenty of freedom and options with the person that they’re with in order to feel secure. They strive to give their partner a positive and memorable experience, which translates to every facet of dating. ESTPs want to create new memories with their partner and make sure that dating them is always action-packed. In return, ESTPs need loyalty and will sometimes push people away to see if they’ll come back and are truly loyal. For more on ESTP relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ESTJ - The Head Honcho

Often called “the overseer”, ESTJs can often be found in traditional leadership roles where they take charge of delegating tasks to others and provide structure. ESTJs are super direct in their communication and in turn like when others are direct with them. They say what they mean and mean what they say and are suspicious of those that do not speak matter-of-factly. This direct style combined with their focus on decision making means that they excel at directing others as a leader and manager. They are great at managing projects, systems, processes, and compliance. ESTJs like to have things in their life and work in order and have everything under control so that they can achieve their goals. For example, they often keep detailed records to track their finances and are very responsible in managing these matters. For an ESTJ, there is nothing worse than chaos. They can sometimes be accused of micromanaging, but they are simply trying to bring order to the environment or situation to attain the best results. ESTJs are rational above all else and verify what they think by researching and seeking information from reliable sources. They worry about whether they are correct and trust credentialed professionals to give them the input they need to make decisions. It is also very important for ESTJs that others think highly of them. As a result, they work to build and maintain their status and reputation. They have very high standards for how they present themselves, which can manifest itself in being physically fit, dressing well, gaining more credentials, etc. ESTJs are perfectionists who look at the world with a critical eye. Because they take such care of their own image and reputation, they hold others to that standard as well. When people don’t meet these expectations, ESTJs may make witty remarks or jokes about it in showing their disapproval. ESTJs place what others want above what they want. They are duty focused and want to do the right thing and what they should do above what they want to do. They can feel insecure regarding whether they’re a good person. So, ESTJs develop a strong moral compass, a sense of justice, and a judgment of right and wrong. They are extremely loyal to those they love and value family, honor, tradition, honesty, and their close group of friends. However, ESTJs are not the best people to bring sorrows and problems to. While they can be sympathetic, they do not really care about the feelings of others and are annoyed by emotional appeals and displays. ESTJs value their personal experience and look to the past in order to make judgments about the present. They enjoy telling stories and are often quite skilled and entertaining in doing so. They like to draw upon their experience to mentor and give advice to others so that they can have a better future. Later in life, ESTJs develop a more philosophical side guided by their personal values and beliefs. In romantic relationships, ESTJs maintain their direct style and will be honest and straightforward. They like to move at a steady pace and build intimacy through shared experiences which become memories that they can further share later. For more on ESTJ relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ENFP- The Imaginative Explorer

Often known as “the champion” or “the advocate”, ENFPs have a knack for communication and for inspiring and affecting the thoughts of others. They are the best at sales and marketing of any of the 16 personality types, and they can use this skill to affect social change. ENFPs want to bring about positive change in the lives of other people and enact their visions to make the world better for society in their future. Outwardly, ENFPs appear energetic, friendly, eccentric, and quirky. They are able to see all the possibilities and approach them with such wonder that they can sometimes mistake possibilities with reality. When the ENFP is in their mode of exploration, it can seem that their mind is racing as they jump from idea to idea very quickly. Furthermore, ENFPs hate being tied down to a routine and mundane life and want to have the freedom to pursue all the possibilities. This leads them to a love of adventure and travel as they enjoy discovering and exploring everything that is new and different. As they gain personal experience, they mature and are better able to know what they want in life and to be able to finally commit to some consistency and stop wandering. Though ENFPs appear optimistic and strive for an ideal vision, there exists a core of disillusionment. They are aware of the pain and suffering of the world and the lack of morality of humanity. They can brood over the darkness of life which leads them to want to find a better path forward and help people. ENFPs explore what they love and become advocates for ideas and causes that they value. They put their entire selves into their causes as their passions are personal to their heart and soul. ENFPs can enjoy and delight in their difference from the norm, but they can also feel inadequate at times as their nature is not well understood or accepted by society. They can become workaholics as they want to be self-sufficient and responsible. They also are subject to experiencing anxiety and overthinking things that they have said or done to other people. Ultimately, they just want people to think highly of them and respect them. They are highly in tune with their own feelings and values, but they do not very easily pick up on the feelings of others. They do not conform to the feelings of the group but rather shield themselves and maintain autonomy and process information by filtering it through their own values and beliefs. ENFPs are all about being authentic and remaining true to themselves and having the freedom to express their own viewpoint. Overall, ENFPs have a high moral standard for themselves but can lack empathy for the feelings of others. This can cause them to become selfish at times but the reverse is that they can be extremely generous. In relationships, ENFPs look for someone who will allow them to bounce ideas off of them and will have deep metaphysical conversations with them. They desire to be sought after by people and to have people value them and think highly of them. Further, ENFPs like people who have high standards for themselves and that provide them with good experiences that help the ENFP to grow. For more on ENFP relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ENTJ - The Rational Boss

Often called “the commander”, ENTJs are bold visionaries that work to manifest their visions in the physical reality. They are highly goal oriented and ambitious in the undertaking of those goals and doing what works to achieve the best possible results. They strive for effectiveness and efficiency in getting things done and making things happen. ENTJs are also highly rational thinkers and constantly collect data from many sources to find implications and make judgments and decisions. From their research, they are able to develop a singular perspective and focus and develop their value systems. For ENTJs, knowledge is power and they know how to use their knowledge to get what they want. ENTJs are extremely aware of what others around them are thinking and so want to make sure that those people think highly of them. As a result, ENTJs take great care to build and maintain their status and reputation. They project an aura of success and a confident demeanor. They are perfectionists in their performance and the presentation of themselves to the world. They want to not only be successful but appear successful which manifests itself in their stylishness. ENTJs are usually sharp dressers and take care of their outer appearance and whatever else may be seen in the world such as their car or house. The high will power and determination of the ENTJs along with their vision for their own futures makes them the most financially successful of any type. They are responsible in planning for their futures and make excellent money managers. That being said, they can also be impulsive in their decision making at times, especially when it comes to purchasing decisions. Further, despite popular perception, ENTJs are by no means greedy. They want to help people and can be altruistic in giving of their time and money. Ultimately, ENTJs want to help others achieve their goals as they do and to give others a good experience. They have a strong moral compass and strive to be the best person they can be. While ENTJs are certainly not the best people to bring emotional problems to, they do have a deep feeling core that is dedicated to their personal value system. ENTJs like to have everything in order and to provide structure to their environment so that nothing stands in the way of their goals. They have no problem taking charge and initiate conversations with people easily. They are extremely direct in their communication style and tell people exactly what they want from them. ENTJs aren’t afraid to go after what they want, but when doing so, they are sometimes seen as intimidating or too controlling. In relationships, ENTJs maintain their direct and go-getter style and are not afraid to pursue someone they find interesting. They have high standards for themselves and also for the people they date. They will strive to give their date the ultimate experience and show them an amazing time. Finally, ENTJs need to know that the person they are with is loyal to them. As a result, they will sometimes push people away to see if they come back and are truly loyal. For more on ENTJ relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ENFJ- The Harmonious Leader

Often called “the harmonizer” or “the mentor”, ENFJs build deep connections with people and are an inclusive and unifying force within their communities and in society as a whole. They are highly empathetic and intuitively understand how others feel and strive to make everyone around them feel good. ENFJs observe subtleties of body language and facial expressions to pick up on the feelings of those around them. If the feelings around them are positive, ENFJs will absorb those feeling and, if they are negative, they will take action in the moment to effect a positive change. It is clear to anyone that spends time around ENFJs that they are extremely caring for those around them and towards people as a whole. In alignment with this caring nature, they try to create positive social experiences for people in their circle. They often can be found hosting parties and events because they are natural social organizers and enjoy bringing people together for a good experience crafted by them. However, because ENFJs are so warm-hearted and generous with their time and resources, they are vulnerable to people trying to take advantage of them. ENFJs are critical towards the direction of society as a whole and, as a result, work to enact social change to make tomorrow better for the collective good of the people. ENFJs are ambitious visionaries who are able to see what their lives and the world could be and so are often drawn to activism and volunteering. ENFJs promote kindness, love, and a high standard of morality. They frequently have an interest in philosophy and science, develop deep insights, and find themselves in the role of teacher regarding these subjects. Within their activism, they frequently find themselves in leadership positions because of their take charge nature and their ability to provide structure to social situations. They are often opinionated and passionate about their ideals and causes but may not express their opinions if they believe it will be divisive. Instead, they prefer to focus on what people have in common instead of what they disagree about. They also are afraid that they may be incorrect in their judgments and will look for verification regarding how others feel about them. ENFJs are perfectionists, and though they have a confident and controlled demeanor, their high standards are difficult for them and others to live up to. They have high standards especially when it comes to ethics and morality and as a result, carry a weight upon them. They worry that they are not good enough and that they’re a bad person and so need recognition and appreciation for all that they do for others. They may appear to others as too perfect or fake, but their caring is authentic. In terms of romantic relationships, ENFJs give their all to their partner and are loving, caring, and giving. They demonstrate their love by showing appreciation and how much they value their partner and giving them good experiences and gifts. However, ENFJs often have trust issues and are suspicious of and doubt the loyalty of their partners. For more on ENFJ relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ESFJ- The Supportive Ally

Often called “the supporter” or “the consul”, ESFJs care for and support their loved ones and value generosity and social harmony. ESFJs are highly extraverted and enjoy social events as they take on the mood and energy of the group. Socializing allows them to exercise their extraverted feeling and identify with people. ESFJs find it easy to harmonize as part of a group and are often popular in many social circles. They are expressive and genuinely interested in the lives of others and will seek input about how other people feel about things in order to formulate their own judgments. ESFJs socialize and seek input from people indiscriminately as they do not care about social position and treat everyone equally. ESFJs form connections with others through the exchange of feelings. However, they also enjoy sharing logical insights when they’ve had time to think and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. ESFJs like when others value their thoughts since they are insecure about whether they are correct or not. They have an intellectual and an artistic side that they strive to develop. In order to fully develop these sides, they need to have people around them that listen to what they think and allow the ESFJ to care for them. Above all, ESFJs want to be appreciated and given recognition for all that they do. If they do not receive appreciation, they worry that they are not good people because they have to see that people value them and what they do. ESFJs are traditionalists and have a strong sense of what they should do and of what is just. They believe that good things should come to good people and are sometimes disappointed when the world doesn’t live up to this standard of fairness. They like to carry on traditions and may be sentimental when looking back on memories. ESFJs are often the cornerstone of families and friend groups and do what they can to make people feel cared about and special. For example, an ESFJ may remember that someone particularly enjoyed a type of cake they made and so remember to make it for them on their birthday. They put the desires of others before their own and want to be given the opportunity to do their duty and make others feel good. When taken too far, ESFJs can be self-sacrificing and seen as martyrs. If they feel that they are not receiving the recognition that they deserve, they may resort to guilting others for treating them badly. In relationships, ESFJs look for people with high morals that they can respect and support. They want to have open communication of feelings with their partner and for their partner to make them comfortable and give them a good experience by performing acts of service and giving them gifts. They are extremely loyal to their partner as long as that person appreciates all that the ESFJ does for them. For more on ESFJ relationships and best romantic matches, check our "MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ESFP- The Dynamic Star

Often called “the entertainer” or “the performer” ESFPs are driven to express themselves and their personal values and find it easy to captivate an audience when doing so. They are frequently seen as the life of the party for their fun-loving nature and desire to get everyone involved and having a good time living in the moment with them. This sometimes means that they are the loudest one in the room and command the attention of everyone around them. They have high energy and are always moving and keeping the energy up and going while also maintaining a relaxed and easy-going nature. ESFPs are all about living in the moment and focusing on the present. They are extremely observant and good at reacting to what is happening in the moment. They do not execute strategy so much as tactics and like to exercise this skill through hands-on experiences. As a result, they are often up for whatever experience they can have from traveling to concerts to simply trying new foods. They are spontaneous but can take this trait too far and be impulsive and reckless at times by taking part in risky activities. ESFPs ultimately just want to live life to the fullest and in the most authentic way possible by listening to their hearts in the moment and following where their passion takes them. ESFPs sometimes have problems with people not taking them seriously due to their focus on having a good time in the present, especially in their youth. However, ESFPs have a philosophical and intellectual side which becomes stronger as they age. ESFPs want others to think highly of them, and it hurts them when people do not respect their approach to philosophy and intellectual subject. ESFPs enjoy philosophy as they are able to apply it practically as part of real life and integrate it into their value system. They prefer to focus on the big picture ideas and not to dig deep into the details which have no practical use. This approach can be manifested in a like for self-help books and motivational speakers. Ultimately, ESFPs approach their philosophical and intellectual interest with enthusiastic passion and want to express their beliefs to others in a way that is authentic to them. ESFPs typically have a hard time planning for their future because they are unsure of what they want. They like to observe what everyone else is doing and the experiences that other people are having in order to determine what they want for themselves. Because thinking about their futures can cause them such stress, ESFPs can sometimes neglect thinking about it and other responsibilities in favor of focusing on the present. Despite this focus on the present, ESFPs can become nostalgic at times and feel that they need to make new memories. As they mature, ESFPs become more disciplined in doing what they are supposed to do. In relationships, ESFPs need their partner to be loyal to them and to give them plenty of freedom and choices. They want someone they can depend on and a rock so that they can feel free to explore. They seek to be authentic and fully express themselves with their partner and won’t stand for being smothered or repressed. For more on ESFP relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ENTP- The Curious Inventor

Often called “the visionary” or “the inventor”, ENTPs are innovators who live in a world of infinite possibilities. They invent new ideas and systems to solve problems for the future and are frequently drawn to entrepreneurship, forging their own path and spending their time creating and discovering. ENTPs like to focus on ideas that are new and exciting, and they put great energy into them in the beginning but have trouble maintaining their interest and finishing their projects as new, more exciting possibilities present themselves. ENTPs are “big picture people” and can sometimes ignore important details in favor of looking at the possibilities. They enjoy bouncing ideas off of people to see if any stick and will often say things just to test the reactions of those around them. ENTPs are interested in learning about many subjects throughout their entire lives and never allow themselves to stagnate to the point that they appear to be all over the place or chaotic. ENTPs are also frequently seen as the ultimate devil’s advocate because of their love for intellectual sparring and discourse. They are naturally gifted communicators who excel at conversation, communicating with the masses, and explaining complex topics in a clear and concise manner. Because of this nature and their quick-wittedness, ENTPs are highly skilled in debate. However, they do not argue to win but do so for the fun of it. They are curious and investigative and like to brainstorm ideas and converse as a way to gain more perspectives and better understand things. ENTPs like to look at things from all possible angles and will delay judgment until they have properly seen enough sides.They like to pick apart arguments to see if they hold up logically or have any contradictions. They love banter, and because of their ability to see all sides of an argument, they can refute an argument before their opponent has had the chance to present it. ENTPs are naturally skeptical and rebellious and may annoy people by questioning sacred beliefs and traditions. For an ENTP, no subject is too sacred and everything is subject to analysis and negotiation. ENTPs are seen as charismatic by others for the ability to speak easily in front of a group, be witty, and mold themselves to the feelings of the group. However, ENTPs can feel emotionally detached and isolated even among a crowd. They can express themselves in an emotional way but are not, in fact, in touch with their own feelings. As a result, they often cannot form the kinds of connections that they really desire with people. They get caught between saying what they really think which is often regarded as harsh or dark and keeping the peace and harmony in their relationships. As a result, ENTPs often feel that they cannot be real with people because people do not like to hear the truth. When meeting someone new, ENTPs may test the person’s reactions to their humor or droplets of truth in order to test how authentically they can present themselves with this person. ENTPs are often funny and maintain a controlled and a dispassionate exterior in the delivery of their jokes. They are not sentimental and may at times appear cold yet mirthful. In relationships, ENTPs look for someone who will allow them to be themselves and to let them bounce ideas and say harsh truths. They want to be desired by a person and look for someone with high willpower and big plans for their lives. ENTPs often play the coquette and can go hot and cold with a partner before committing but once they do they are extremely loyal. For more on ENTP relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

INTP- The Logical Theorist

Often called “the logician” or “the architect”, INTPs are logical above all else and use deductive reasoning to form systems and discover underlying principles. They do not pursue knowledge for the sake of material gain or power but for the sake of knowledge itself. They do not care about credentials but rather what a person knows and what makes sense. For the INTP, they are ultimately interested in getting to the bottom of things in their great search for truth. They approach this search by observing the world, looking at all different perspectives, and thoroughly examining all sides before making a judgment. However, once they have determined what they think to be true, they can be very stubborn in their opinion. People who try to sway their opinion must show that they have thought about the issue in as great of depth as the INTP. Furthermore, the INTP’s great thirst for knowledge does not include motivation to manifest their knowledge in reality. Put simply, INTPs prefer thinking over doing. Outwardly, INTPs appear cool, calm, and even cold at times but with an excitable and mischievous underlying nature that enjoys dry humor. Though they can be indifferent and apathetic at times, INTPs are in fact caring towards other people but are insecure in their expression of emotion and care. They are loyal and supportive to those they care about and sometimes show this in the form of criticism in order to help people become better and to not make the wrong decisions. INTPs dislike sentiment and emotional appeals that take the place of rationality. For them, feelings are highly subjective and INTPs strive to be objective in their use of logic to make judgments. It does not matter to them how they feel about something but rather what is correct. Furthermore, INTPs are highly individualistic and independent in making their judgments and do not want to be influenced by others or to influence. They want to figure things out for themselves and to allow others to do so in return. Because INTPs understand underlying patterns and possibilities, people and things often become predictable for them, which causes them to lose interest. They are also often able to see what could happen in someone’s future before that person is aware, and so find themselves warning people about what could happen. They see that people around them are making bad decisions and going in the wrong direction which leads the INTP to be very pessimistic and responsible in making decisions for their own future. Additionally, the predictability of things causes INTPs to seek out new people and experiences. However, at the same time, they want to be comfortable in doing so. They like to explore but also enjoy routine and can have a hard time breaking away from their comfort zone and can get lazy. In relationships, INTPs look for someone who can make them comfortable but also is not predictable. They want a partner who is rational and will ask them what they think and now how they feel about things. INTPs may be wary about entering into relationships and clumsy in expressing their feelings for their partner. However, once they do they are extremely loyal and supportive. For more on INTP relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

INTJ- The Visionary Strategist

Often known as “the mastermind”, INTJs are future-oriented visionaries who use willpower and strategic planning to manifest their visions in reality. They are able to see the possibilities for themselves in their futures and develop the ultimate strategies to go after what they want as the masters of their own fate. As highly rational thinkers, INTJs spend much of their time researching and sifting through data to develop intellectual insights and find patterns. They are quick in doing so and can develop a fast mastery over any subject. However, INTJs do not research for pure curiosity and exploration so much as that they do so while always keeping their goals in mind. They are interested in the acquisition of knowledge as power which they can wield over their environment. INTJs gather objective data from many sources in order to make judgments and understand how systems work. They often view life as a game or series of games that can be won if the system is understood. So, INTJs are interested in gaining a superior understanding of how underlying systems work in order to develop more efficient systems for advancing towards their goals. They are extremely driven in their pursuit of useful knowledge that can help them achieve their vision, and they are quick moving and have a tunnel vision approach when working towards a singular focus. INTJs sometimes may be lazy about starting a project, but once they commit, nothing can stop them. They can frequently be found working well into the night and are notorious for having irregular sleeping schedules. As a result of their intense willpower that finds a way to overcome any obstacle, INTJs are often very high achieving individuals. For INTJs, status and reputation are highly important, and they enjoy the power that knowledge and credentials give them. However, INTJs are usually not interested in becoming leaders, especially in social situations. INTJs are among the least comfortable of the 16 personality types when it comes to navigating social norms. On the exterior, they seem well composed, calm, and unassuming, but they are uncomfortable among a crowd and can come off as awkward and commit social faux pas. INTJs are insecure about how they appear to others and so choose not to engage rather than to put themselves in an awkward position. Though INTJs are dispassionate and show a limited range of emotions, they keep a very close inner circle of loved ones for whom they care deeply. The same is true of the values that they hold close to them. INTJs are highly individualistic in their values and what they feel is right, and they do not conform to the feelings of the group. While they are often portrayed as cold and unfeeling, the core of the INTJ feels extremely deeply, but they choose not to share that side of themselves with people outside of their trusted circle. However, it is this deep feeling core with its conviction, passion, and desire that fuels the intense drive of the INTJ. In relationships, INTJs need their partner to be loyal to them in order for them to feel comfortable. INTJs are suspicious of the intentions of others, but once they trust someone and bring them into their small inner circle, they are likely there for life. They are extremely selective with whom they get close, but once they find that person, INTJs form relationships of incredible depth and will do anything for those that they love. For more on INTJ relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

INFJ- The Empathetic Guru

Often called “the sage”, INFJs are highly intuitive and empathic and have a natural view into the psyches of others. INFJs prefer their deep inner world of possibilities and intuition over the external world of mundane realities. This does not mean that INFJs are out of touch with reality since they ultimately seek to understand underlying causes and implications and to go beyond mere appearances to discover truth. In their quest for understanding logical systems and finding truth, INFJs are motivated to develop their understanding in order to impart wisdom to and enlighten others. They want to help people to find and follow the correct path and to help people and society as a whole to improve. In this way, INFJs have historically inspired social change. INFJs view everything as an interwoven and connected system, and they often take this view into philosophy and the spiritual realm. INFJs experience their intuition as flashes of insight into the workings of the universe and people’s lives. This ability can make INFJs seem almost prophetic in their ability to read into people and things. In terms of empathy, INFJs easily pick up on the vibes or feelings of those around them. This is both a blessing and a curse as INFJs cannot help but take on both positive and negative emotions of others. As a result, they need to be careful about who they allow into their lives if they do not want to take on negative patterns and energy. INFJs are also skilled at reading the nonverbal communication of others, further improving their ability to read people. As INFJs can easily understand others, they often find themselves in the role of counselor or therapist. They are typically good listeners and have a soft spoken and gentle manner that calms people and encourages them to open up to the INFJ. However, though INFJs feel that they understand others, they rarely feel understood themselves. They have a sort of mysterious aura to them and are very private and careful about sharing their own feelings with others. Their empathy is backed up by logic and this dichotomy can give the INFJ a projected warmth but a cold and harsh logical core. This adds to the feeling of mystery and complexity that often defines the INFJ on first glance. INFJs are idealistic in that they are the ultimate perfectionists. They are not satisfied with an incomplete understanding or a presentation of something until it is complete and perfect. They are driven to find an ideal vision and path to solve problems for society in the future and make the world a better place. Their perfectionism is also manifest in their insecurity in terms of how they come off to others and their performance anxiety. They want to present themselves well and have high standards for their behavior and how they look. INFJs want to be valued by others and to be helpful but end up feeling lonely because of the high standards they hold for themselves and others. They can feel alienated from others who are not able to perceive the world in the way that the INFJ does. Moreover, INFJs prefer to keep a close inner circle of trusted friends. In relationships, INFJs look for loyalty and high sense of moral awareness. They need open communication and trust to know how their partner feels so that they can help them. INFJs can be selfless and believe that they are worthless and so need appreciation from their partners. For more on INFJ relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ISTP- The Tactical Rebel

Often known as “the craftsman”, ISTPs are highly observant and present in reality. They take in their environment and notice everything, which for them is both a blessing and a curse because sometimes they wish they didn’t notice certain things about people. ISTPs take things as they come and are extremely adaptable. They do not develop plans and strategies so much as they respond in the moment like tacticians. ISTPs are grounded in reality and develop mastery over the physical environment by understanding the framework behind how things work. They have great mechanical and physical aptitude and are usually skilled at building and fixing things. This physical aptitude is also shown in their love of and skill in sports. ISTPs excel in the sports arena where they can react in the moment in the physical environment. They are also bold risk takers and are often drawn to extreme sports. In work and in their personal lives, ISTPs care about doing what works and are not bothered if they have to break a few rules. They need to have a lot of freedom and will not stand for being restricted. ISTPs are independent and believe in self-reliance. They are able to focus intensely on whatever they are most interested in and become an expert in that field. As experts, ISTPs have their own ideas about how things should be done, and often enjoy mentoring people in their field of mastery. Overall, ISTPs embody the phrase “if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.” Outwardly, ISTPs appear chill and relaxed while at the same time always being alert and focused. Their ever-observant eyes don’t miss anything and ISTPs appear present and natural in their environment. They have a calm demeanor in part because they do not need to worry about the future so much as they know they can take anything life throws at them. ISTPs are masters at going with the flow and seeing things for what they are. As ISTPs are well grounded in reality, they do not like to sugarcoat things and are extremely direct in their communication style. ISTPs are logical above all else and order their observations into consistent logical systems. They like to simplify ideas and get to the bare facts. As a result, they may come off as cold or blunt because of their frank expression of what they see to be true. ISTPs detach their emotions from what they see as the objective reality, and as such do not like emotional appeals. They believe in telling it like it is, but at the same time do not like to hurt the feelings of others. ISTPs seek to make themselves understood and want to be able to say what is true without having to worry about emotional reactions from other people. This trait can also be seen in their sense of humor which is often dry and sarcastic as they state their observations in a funny way. In relationships, ISTPs need loyalty and trust from their partner and for their partner to give them the freedom they need. They are direct and appreciate when others are direct with them. Finally, ISTPs seek to give their partners a good experience and to build a bond over those shared experiences. For more on ISTP relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ISTJ- The Diligent Investigator

Often known as “the inspector” or “the scholar”, ISTJs are interested in examining quantifiable data and reference points and in the concretization of those reference points. They are famously conscientious, hard workers who excel at process and policy, logistics, and getting jobs done. They are upstanding citizens who value honor and duty to the institutions that have served them well in the past. For them, reputation is highly important, and they make sure to guard it. They are wary of the future but trust in their own endurance and resilience to pull them through. ISTJs are highly focused on gathering as much information and data as they need on their given subject of interest. They believe in the power of credentials and institutions and seek to become well-respected experts in their fields. As they are so interested in gathering information from trusted sources, they expect others to do the same and always want to see people’s references when they are presenting their thoughts. ISTJs store and remember the data they collect from their research and are highly rational in making judgments. They are critical of what they think and so they need to back up their knowledge with plenty of reference points in order for it to be credible to them. They examine the information they have and then compare it to their own past experiences for reference. However, ISTJs can become lazy in gathering information and become subject to groupthink. When they are not being lazy though, ISTJs are thorough and meticulous and do not form their beliefs quickly. ISTJs are well rooted in their past experiences and traditions and are skeptical of new ideas. They do not get excited by what is new and are unlikely to abandon their belief system. ISTJs generally feel that society is going in the wrong direction and that things will be worse in the future. However, though they think that a storm is coming, they are confident in their ability to deal with whatever comes. They see the future as unpredictable and chaotic and so are motivated to prepare. As a result, ISTJs trust in their past experiences and what has worked for them before to advise others on what they should do. They are loyal to traditional institutions and hold onto the wisdom of the past to protect themselves. When carried out in a healthy manner, these qualities help the ISTJ remain well-grounded and give them great endurance and resiliency for whatever comes. When taken too far, this consistency makes ISTJs susceptible to getting stuck in a rut. They enjoy routine and familiar structures and can get stuck in their ways as they get older and yearn for the good old days of the past. ISTJs are often presented as dry because of their dutiful and hardworking nature. However, behind their professional exterior is an amiable, witty and humorous side. ISTJs often have a great sense of humor which is best described as playful and mischievous. Further, they have a side that is more idealistic and dreamier and wants to be able to follow their passions. ISTJs are not aware of how others feel and can sometimes come off as a bit socially awkward. The reverse side of this, though, is that they have a deep feeling core and a great sense of moral duty that guides their judgments. In relationships, ISTJs develop deep and sentimental attachments to those they love and are extremely loyal. ISTJs look for partners who show how much they want them by striving to give them a good experience and to whom the ISTJ can trust with the soft side of their hearts. For more on ISTJ relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ISFP- The Artistic Free Spirit

Often called “the composer” or “the artist”, ISFPs have a natural inclination for personal expression and communicate their values to the world through their art which can take many different forms. ISFPs are artistic in every way they choose to express themselves which could be through art, music, fashion, design, or simply the way they move and in how they perform their work. They ultimately want to give others a good experience and to have their name be known. The ISFP’s unique style comes from within. Outwardly, they appear gentle, kind, warm, and graceful but with a quirky and clearly independent streak. They believe in freedom of expression and being true to themselves by discovering and expressing their inner values. In line with their independence, ISFPs are highly individualistic in moral and value judgments. They do not desire to lead but to simply have the freedom to be authentically themselves. ISFPs know what they want and are able to find their own path forward. They feel things deeply but do not impose themselves or those feelings on others. They simply live their lives in the manner and style they see best and let others do the same. ISFPs are also introverted and enjoy time alone where they can be in touch with their own feelings and be free from influence in their creation. This deep feeling nature and mildness of character give them an aura of serenity and elegance. ISFPs have a deep inner world but have trouble expressing themselves through words alone. As a result, they are driven to use external forms to express themselves such as through art. They have a lot going on within them and they want to actualize their inner visions through their creations. Their art is a way for ISFPs to communicate and connect with people and to give life to their values. ISFPs are able to see the beauty in the external world and often feel a connection with nature as a reflection of their inner being. They are in touch with the physical environment and grounded in the real world while simultaneously being able to envision and see the possibilities for themselves in their lives. ISFPs are sensual and want to experience the rawness and beauty of life and to live in the moment. It is important for them not to miss out on the moment and things that they can experience now. They live in harmony with their environment and are able to easily adapt to what is happening at the time while not compromising their individuality. ISFPs have a strong moral compass for themselves and are in touch with their feelings but do not necessarily choose to share their feelings with others. They strive to be good people and live their values. However, in considering their values so strongly, they may disregard facts in favor of their own value judgments. What matters most is how they feel about something in the moment, and they want to follow what their passions and heart tells them to do in a free-spirited manner. As a result, freedom is extremely important to ISFPs, and they do not want to be restricted by too many rules. However, in following their passions, ISFPs often struggle with creating the routine or operations necessary to achieve their goals. When they focus deeply on what they love though, they are able to grow and overcome their problems with efficiency in process. In relationships, ISFPs seek to express their love and themselves authentically and often do so through acts of service and gifts. However, it is not all doing and no talking with them as they also enjoy deep conversation with their partner. ISFPs look for people who are empathetic and caring and love their deep feeling nature and appreciate all the experiences that the ISFP gives them. For more on ISFP relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

INFP- The Introspective Soul

Often called “the idealist” and “the dreamer”, the common view of the INFP is that of a daydreamer who prefers their ideal dream world of visions and possibilities over that of the real world. They appear dreamy and detached from the world and have an almost other-worldly quiet contemplation quality to their being. INFPs are highly in touch with their own feelings and are thus able to communicate them in elegant and artistic ways- often making them skilled writers. Also, understanding their own feelings on a deep and nuanced level provides them insights into the universal human experience and to communicate things for the broader humanity. This insight is both a blessing and a curse for them as their inner world can sometimes feel tumultuous, and their mood can get in the way of them accomplishing their goals. In their style, INFPs are eclectic, individualistic, and idiosyncratic. They are gentle, kind, unimposing, and can seem a bit awkward and odd but in their own charming way. They value finding and being true to their authentic selves and encourage others to do the same. INFPs hate conformity and fakeness and are able to easily spot insincerity. They are highly interested in the inner worlds of other people and want to understand people as individuals. INFPs are bothered by the restrictions that society places on the freedom of expression of individuals and are afraid that they will lose themselves to this force. As a result, INFPs often go on journeys, whether physical or only spiritual, to find and understand their authentic selves and what is right for them. INFPs are highly in touch with what they believe in and put their heart and soul into it. This complete integration with their beliefs and deep feeling nature can cause them to sometimes ignore facts and evidence that contradict what they believe. For INFPs data isn’t so important as their journey to find their own truth. INFPs want to be free to explore their own feelings and passions and they encourage others to do the same. Overall, for INFPs, their values are of primary importance with the exploration of those values and many interests of secondary importance. They find routine stifling and may clash with authority but can also ground themselves to settle down as they get older. INFPs are aware that the world can be cruel and society repressive and they see it as their moral duty to bring about social change. INFPs do this by developing their own personal core philosophy and creating a vision for the change, they would like to see in the world. Ultimately, they want to make their reality as close as possible to the world of their visions and dreams. However, though INFPs have their own deep personal passions and convictions and believe in freedom of expression, they do not like to impose their views on the world. They also do not share their inner life with many people because they feel that most people do not understand them. Overall, INFPs like to keep a small inner circle of people with whom they can communicate openly and authentically their deepest passions and inner thoughts. In relationships, INFPs look for a person who understands and appreciates their deep feeling nature and values. They need to be with someone who will allow them to express themselves authentically and to continue exploring their passions. The main love languages of INFPs are quality time and gifts, and they want to know that their partner thinks highly of them. For more on INFP relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

ISFJ- The Unbreakable Loyalist

Often called “the protector” or “the defender”, ISFJs are traditionalists who dutifully uphold the institutions that have served them and their families well in the past. They have incredible resilience and can endure any hardship by grounding themselves in the past and what they know to be true. They are typically the strong but quiet type and diligently carry out the tasks needed to support and strengthen others. ISFJs are the rocks of their families and friend groups and are there to weather the storm and to serve and protect. ISFJs also have a nurturing nature and act from a sense of duty to protect the welfare of others. They have great concern for people and want to help through concrete solutions. For them, simple and small acts of kindness can make a world of difference. Their nurturing nature does not make them pushovers though, and ISFJs firmly stand up for what they believe in and can become morally indignant in the face of a perceived injustice. ISFJs have a firm set or principals which they keep sacred to them, and they feel it is their duty to stand up for their code of right and wrong. Further, their principals are often tied to a sense of loyalty and they are the most loyal of any of the 16 personality types. ISFJs have extremely good memories for their past experiences and draw upon this bank of experience to make external judgments. For them, their subjective experience is the most important and they notice the impression that a particular thing makes upon them personally. They are thus meticulous and detail oriented and pick up on little things that others may not notice and remember them for years if the details have made an impression on them. They also use their experiences to make their own unique associations between things as they compare them to their own experiences of reality. This trait if taken too far can make ISFJs rely too much on their own anecdotal evidence for their beliefs instead of hard facts and data. ISFJs are sensible and concrete thinkers who do not like to be overly theoretical but to rely on practical and straightforward common sense approaches. They do not let themselves get too caught up in a dream world but keep themselves down to earth and are cautious towards the future and the unknown. ISFJs are pessimistic about the future and generally believe society is going in the wrong direction. They can experience anxiety over all of the things that could happen. As a result, they prefer to focus on what they do know and to develop routines, make lists, and plan out their days and activities so that little is left to fate. This does not mean that ISFJs dislike experimentation though, and they have moments where they explore their innovative side and break into new experiences and try out new things for the novelty of it. Despite their worry about what the future could hold, ISFJs maintain an optimistic exterior for the sake of others. They do not want to do things that will upset the harmony of the group and do not like to burden others with their problems. They prefer to maintain a stiff upper lip and to be the one that others can come to and lean on when they have problems. In relationships, ISFJs are extremely loyal and seek to do what is honorable and right to support their partner. When ISFJs fall in love, it is for life, and they ultimately strive to build strong families with close ties to the community where they can pass on their traditional values. For more on ISFJ relationships and best romantic matches, check our “MBTI Type Relationships” page.

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