Choosing a Life Partner: Insights from MBTI Types and Personal Experiences
When it comes to choosing a life partner, many consider personality types such as those identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a popular psychometric questionnaire designed to indicate patterns of psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. However, the suitability of a partner based on personality shouldn't be the sole criterion. Let's delve into the factors and experiences that contribute to choosing a compatible life partner.
Personal Prefrences and MBTI Types
My personal choices and preferences regarding marriage reflect an inclination towards intuitives and thinkers. Intuitive types are particularly important to me due to my views on tradition and its perceived asinine nature. For instance, I envision a marriage where close family members are the only witnesses, and it is conducted in a casual setting like someone's backyard. The ceremony would be brief and require minimal preparation, cost, and formalities. The important aspect is the signing of documents to make it legally binding.
ENFP/ENTP Relationship and ENTP/INTJ Matches
In my previous article, "What personality type is the best match for a female ENFP long-term," I discussed the compatibility of ENFP and ENTP, as well as their close friendships with INTJs. If I were to marry for MBTI reasons alone, my choice would be an INTJ. They share a deep familiarity and understanding, perhaps stemming from mirroring qualities. Both INTJs and ENTPs often reach similar conclusions through different avenues, maintain a playful and provocative relationship, and enjoy mental confrontation and the pursuit of intelligence, data, and logic.
Marriage to an INFJ
I chose to marry an INFJ, being an ENTP, and I am quite satisfied with this decision after 12 years of marriage. Our compatibility is based on effective communication, mutual compromise, shared values, aligned long-term goals, and a shared sense of humor. Despite our differences, we challenge each other to grow, making each day a meaningful and delightful experience.
Why Not Rely Solely on MBTI?
It's important to note that relying solely on MBTI to choose a life partner can be limiting. Instead, one should focus on communication, compromise, shared values, and long-term goals. Deal-breakers, how often one makes each other laugh, and the ability to support and challenge each other are all crucial factors. My ESFJ husband stands in stark contrast to my INTJ expectations for a life partner, and yet, he embodies kindness, warmth, and the qualities I cherish in a partner. Every day, I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know him, and I appreciate the common ground we share and the differences that keep our bond engaging.
Expanding One's Horizons
Restricting oneself to any "type"—whether MBTI, religion, race, height, hair color, or other labels—limits the potential to connect with someone truly compatible. It's essential to open oneself up to meeting a wide range of people to find a partner who can genuinely complement and enrich one's life.