INFJ vs ISTP

Some personalities from Myers-Briggs 16 types can get along even if they don’t share many cognitive functions. But others can be incompatible while they have plenty of things in common. INFJs and ISTPs share all four cognitive functions (Ni, Fe, Ti, Se), which means that they should be pretty much alike. And they actually look like one another in many aspects but still, surprisingly, these two personality types can’t get along at all. It may be due to their different personality traits. 

INFJs and ISTPs share only one personality trait and it’s Introversion (I). Both of them are independent, self-assured people and enjoy spending time alone rather than being with people. However, their other three main traits are completely different. While INFJs are Intuitive (N), Feeling (F), and Judging (J) personalities, ISTPs are Sensing (S), Thinking (T), and Perceiving (P). Let’s explore the main differences between INFJ vs ISTP and see how these differences affect their relationships either as friends or as romantic partners. 

INFJ: The Advocate

Did you know that INFJ is one of the rarest personality types from MBTI? In fact, Advocates make up only 1-3% of the population, meaning that if you can hardly meet INFJs in your life. People with this personality type have high analytical skills and tend to be very creative. They look at the world from a completely unique perspective and as a result, people can’t really understand them. However, they are very caring, warm, and sensitive people with a strong need to express empathy. 

INFJs are idealists. But they enjoy bringing their ideas to life and realizing them. Paradoxically, they can be very practical at times and actually react instead of just dreaming about changing the world. While most personalities are either logical or sensitive, INFJs are both at the same time and that’s why they understand the world better than others. Also, they are perfectionists and have very high expectations. 

ISTP: The Crafter

ISTPs are extremely creative people who enjoy spending time alone and being independent. As a result, they are often called the Crafters. But also, ISTPs can be referred to as Virtuosos because of their exceptional skills in arts and music. Although it doesn’t mean that all ISTP people can be geniuses at arts, they usually have amazing talent, even if they don’t know about it yet. 

ISTPs enjoy working at their own pace. They hate instructions, rules, and teamwork. Therefore, they are only successful if they work alone. Generally, they are considered shy people but actually, ISTPs enjoy adventure and new experiences. When it comes to solving problems, they just sit quietly but come up with an efficient solution very quickly. That’s because they are oriented on results, want to succeed, and would do anything to achieve their goals. The fact that they are self-confident can be the major reason why they can easily take risks and get involved in hazardous activities. 

Can INFJ and ISTP Get Along As A Couple?

At a first glance, INFJs and ISTPs look very much alike. Both of these personalities are very intelligent and creative and have the ability to think outside the box. They like getting involved in new and extraordinary situations but prefer staying alone rather than interacting with people. However, it seems like these similarities aren’t enough for romantic compatibility.

In fact, personality experts believe that INFJs and ISTPs don’t get along in relationships. ISTPs can’t handle INFJs’ compassionate nature while INFJs hate ISTPs’ orientation on the facts. These people are looking for completely different things in relationships and as a result, they can’t stay together for so long. However, they can be ideal friends or co-workers because of similar attitudes towards many areas of life. 

INFJ vs ISTP: The Main Differences

Since we already discussed the common personality traits and similarities between INFJ and ISTP, now let’s compare INFJ vs ISTP and see how different they can be in particular situations. People often want to find out more about their and their possible partner’s major values, what they look like when they’re in love, and what kind of leaders they can be. Not surprisingly, INFJs and ISTPs share some of those qualities as well.

Values

• INFJs value harmony in life. They are perfectionist people who aim to improve all the flaws of their everyday life and live better lives. They are focused on the future and try to find the purpose of life in order to change the world for good. Besides, daily is a priority for them and they would do anything for their loved ones. 
• ISTPs like independence and autonomy. They can’t imagine being dependent on somebody in any aspect. They want to be free and have private space to take time and think about important matters. Family and home are very important to them as well. Also, they value the financial stability, health, and well-being of people who are close to them, including friends and relatives. 

Love

• The majority of INFJs have skeptical and rather cynical attitudes towards love. They believe that they are so logical that it’s impossible to fall in love. But actually, they fall for sentiments immediately. And when they love, they love passionately. Therefore, you can’t get bored in front of INFJ partners.
• ISTPs are not considered romantic people either. They are rational, practical people with a down-to-earth approach and focus on the present. But obviously, it doesn’t mean they can’t fall in love. Usually, they don’t even try to express what they feel but they can easily understand their partner’s emotions and take care of them. 

Leadership

• Typical INFJs are amazing leaders. They establish deep connections with team members and do their best to motivate and encourage them. The fact that they are introverted doesn’t mean that they can’t interact with others effectively. Their innovative ideas often inspire the team as well. 
• Just like INFJs, ISTPs are very quiet and effective leaders. They can easily focus on current problems and come up with excellent ideas to solve them and achieve their goals. ISTP leaders like listening to other people and thinking about their ideas. They always pay attention to others’ perspectives. 

Bottom Line

To sum up, INFJs and ISTPs have more things in common than it’s evident. However, they are not very compatible in romantic relationships and are most likely to separate very soon. We can see in the INFJ vs ISTP section that they have almost the same values and the same attitudes towards love but somehow, their relationships can’t work for the long term.