Relationships
Understanding how personality types influence our interactions with others
Understanding Relationships Through Type
Knowing your MBTI® type and that of others in your life can help you appreciate and understand differences in relationships, both personally with friends, partners, children, and family and professionally with co-workers, team leaders, and managers.
Understanding and applying type theory to relationships can enhance communication, provide people with a better understanding of how they deal with conflict, and provide tools for a variety of situations including successfully making decisions and engaging in activities together.
"Type differences in relationships can be a source of growth and/or conflict. However, there are no best or more successful combinations of types in relationships. Two people who share all four preferences, only one or two, or none at all, can get along well. Type awareness and maturity matter more than the number of preferences you have in common."
Understanding and applying type theory to relationships can enhance communication and provide a better understanding of conflict.
In most areas of life, when differences between you and another person are bothersome, you can avoid the other person in some way. But when that person is a loved one or close friend, a co-worker or boss, you have a lot to lose by walking away.
Not every relationship problem is type related, of course, but when it is, knowledge of personality type allows you to see differences in a new way, as just different ways of "being." You may still feel frustrated or annoyed but understanding those differences can go a long way in working through many interpersonal concerns.
Instead of labeling a person and putting value judgments on his or her behavior, you can learn to see it as behavior reflecting personality type, not something designed to offend you. Many people learn to appreciate these differences and may even see them in a humorous light.
Relationships and Type
For Couples
The MBTI instrument is popular in premarital counseling, helping new couples identify areas of difference that may cause conflict. The respect created by this awareness can go a long way in weathering married life.
Perhaps one partner likes to get the household chores completed before doing leisure activities, whereas the other partner may be spontaneous and ready for the next great adventure. This couple likely prefers Judging and Perceiving, respectively.
For Families
Knowledge of type preferences can help families negotiate differences in lifestyle, intimacy, division of chores, managing money, and other areas of potential conflict.
When parents are very different from their children, or when siblings seem like complete opposites, there is potential for misunderstanding. When children know their personality type and parents know theirs, communication is often improved.
For Co-workers
Personality type can help you work better with others and manage your work. When you understand your type preferences, you can approach your work in a manner that best suits your style.
Knowledge of type can help you better understand the organizational culture of your workplace. Leadership styles, team dynamics, coping with change, and professional development can all be better understood through type awareness.
Featured Case Studies
View all case studies
The Visionary and the Analyst
How an enthusiastic ENFP and a strategic INTJ navigate their differences to build a thriving relationship based on mutual growth and respect.
Creative Problem Solvers
Exploring how an innovative ENTP and an insightful INFJ collaborate in a professional setting, combining creativity with purpose.
Explore Compatibility Between Types
Discover how different personality types interact and complement each other in various relationships. Our interactive compatibility chart helps you understand the dynamics between any two personality types.
- See communication strengths and challenges
- Understand potential areas of conflict
- Get tips for building stronger relationships
Get Relationship Insights
Subscribe to our newsletter for tips, case studies, and the latest research on personality types in relationships.