Hierarchy of conditions for perfect matches

topic posted Wed, December 27, 2006 - 5:29 AM by  Tanja
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:

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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.

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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)

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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
  • 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.

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