Hierarchy of conditions for perfect matches

topic posted Wed, December 27, 2006 - 5:29 AM by  Tanja
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There is a lot of different information out there regarding romantic compatibility between types. Among others, I know of the following theories of perfect matches:

- Opposites attract (INTJ + ESFP, ISTP + ENFJ etc.)

- Keirsey: Opposites attract, but N or S must be the same (INTJ + ENFP, ISTP + ESFJ etc.)

- Personalitypage: The dominant function must be shared, but oppositely directed (INTJ with Introverted Intuition + ENFP _or_ ENTP since both have Extraverted Intuition, ISTP with Introverted Thinking + ESTJ _or_ ENTJ since both have Extraverted Thinking)

Based on my own observations, I believe that Keirsey has it right when he insists that N or S should be the same. I also believe that Personalitypage is correct in emphasizing the importance of having the same dominant function. Finally, I believe that, as long as the basic language (N or S) and interest (dominant function) are the same, opposites do indeed attract and complement one another.

I therefore propose the following hierarchy of relationship matches:

---

Condition 1: The dominant function must be the same, but oppositely directed.
Condition 2: The perceiving function (N or S) must be the same.

If possible once these conditions are met, the judging function (T or F) should be different.

---

This leads to the following eight optimal matches:

INTJ-ENFP (Dominant function: Intuition, T and F opposite)
ENTP-INFJ (Dominant function: Intuition, T and F opposite)
ISTJ-ESFP (Dominant function: Sensing, T and F opposite)
ESTP-ISFJ (Dominant function: Sensing, T and F opposite)
INTP-ENTJ (Dominant function: Thinking)
ISTP-ESTJ (Dominant function: Thinking)
ENFJ-INFP (Dominant function: Feeling)
ESFJ-ISFP (Dominant function: Feeling)

---

I'd love to hear any thoughtful comments.

Also, if anyone is aware of a source who has already published this hierarchy, please let me know.

Yours,
Tanja (INTJ)
posted by:
Tanja
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  • Re: Hierarchy of conditions for perfect matches

    Tue, January 9, 2007 - 10:27 AM
    As I understand it,the best matches are probably such that where one person has an extreme score on on parameter,
    the other person has a moderate score on that parameter in the opposite direction.

    That is, degree may be as important as direction.

    No?
    • Re: Hierarchy of conditions for perfect matches

      Wed, January 10, 2007 - 11:46 AM
      Hi Josh

      First, congratulations on being the first Extravert to reply to my thread (posted in all 8 iNtuitive tribes). ;-)

      Before I comment, let me just make sure I understand what you mean. According to your theory, what would be the best match(es) for, say, an ENTJ with strong T, but moderate on the other dimensions?

      ---

      What are your own relationship experiences? I assume you're an ENTJ - have you ever dated an INTP?
      • Re: Hierarchy of conditions for perfect matches

        Mon, March 31, 2008 - 6:45 PM
        here's my take (I'm an ENFP)
        I'll start with what I see in real life. Very often ENTJs are attracted to _SFPs. in the case of ISFP, this would be the 'animus' relationship. That means that the ENTJ often projects ideals that are hard to live up to onto an introverted feeling type. This can work out, and lead to long lasting relationships that individuate both people, or if unrequited can turn into obsessions (think of Beethovens ode to an 'eternal beloved') Von Franz notes in one of her lectures that extraverted thinking men in the past have been known to keep diaries where they write about similar imaginary 'eternal beloveds'.
        Then there's the opposing process relationship-with introverted thinking types.
        Another thing I notice in real life is that I barely ever see people of the same type dating. That includes ENTJs
        And then there's the rest of relationships. There really is no one theory that describes all succesfull relationships.
  • Well, in my ENTJ life, I have found INTPs are the hardest rational for me to get along with. INTJs have been my natural friends, and ENTPs and ENTJs (when I happen to find one) are too.

    I do find myself attracted somewhat to INFPs (like Keirsey says) but the relationship is strained because they find me lacking in "emotional intelligence".

    So I think going for and NT, probably not INTP, is best.
    • Re: Hierarchy of conditions for perfect matches

      Mon, September 1, 2008 - 9:07 AM
      I despise introverts.
      I can not ever imagine wanting to deal with an introverted female under any circumstances.
      EVERY experience i have ever had with introverted women has left me with extreme frustration as a trophy.

      I DO NOT think that it is even a personality at all. I think it is much more likely some sort of undocumented disorder.
      Turning in upon oneself and indulging in perpetual self reflection is not a productive activity, and if a computer did it we would say it was trapped in an infinite loop.

      i have stated my view.
      • Re: Hierarchy of conditions for perfect matches

        Mon, September 1, 2008 - 9:17 AM
        Introversion is matter of degree... I think a healthy
        person has their appropriate amount of down time.
        So, I have no qualm with that, but they certainly MUST
        be able to communicate and interact with others!

        Now Ps on the other hand, What flakes!
        Who among us can be with them?
        • Re: Hierarchy of conditions for perfect matches

          Mon, September 1, 2008 - 9:32 AM
          Ok perhaps if it is balanced out...but WHEN IS IT EVER BALANCED OUT?!

          like NEVER.

          and the P's? freaking pick something already!

          Lastly I'll say that the S's are necessary, for doing things like...my laundry for instance. and it makes me happy that they enjoy that sort of thing.
    • Re: Hierarchy of conditions for perfect matches

      Thu, August 20, 2009 - 7:41 PM
      I am an ENTJ currently dating an INFP, and although he has never said so outright, i am pretty sure he would agree with the lack of emotional intelligence as you put it. with past relationships i tried to hide my blunt, my way or the highway nature, but found that it did not work and eventually wrecked everything. so with this guy, i am just being myself, which can be bossy and abrasive. i like to think i am more down to earth and practical, but sometimes my practicality seems to crush his dreams. we have been together for a year and a half, it is certainly the best relationship i have ever been in, but i am not sure if we would ever survive marriage. he is so illogical and impractical. if you or anyone has and great ENTJ & INFP advice, i would love to hear it. of course if he would just see the world the way i do, it would be so easy.

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