Ranking the 16 Myers and Briggs Types from Most to Least Polite

Some personality types are known for being extremely polite in every situation while others couldn’t care less what people think of them and their manners. While politeness depends a lot on culture and upbringing, some personality types are definitely more polite than the rest!

What Personality Types are Most Polite?

Ever wondered which of the 16 personality types are most and least polite? Check out this list and see if you agree with the ranking!

1. ESFJ

People who fit the ESFJ personality type can usually be recognized by their big hearts and kindly manner. ESFJs are warm and welcoming and their love of tradition means they value good old-fashioned manners highly. This personality type embodies the politeness of the past, always keeping the utmost respect for social rules. They behave in exactly the way that is expected for every situation, making ESFJs the most polite personality type of all 16.

2. INFJ

Thanks to their ability to intuit other people’s emotions, INFJs are usually very polite and sensitive. This personality type tends to be reserved and private so you can expect any exchange with them to be courteous. INFJs will very rarely let you know what they’re thinking, making them extremely polite, especially around strangers.

3. ISFPs

ISFPs are spontaneous and creative, always seeking beauty in their surroundings. They tend to be quiet and respectful, with a strong moral compass that sees them behave in a way that is polite in most scenarios. This personality type can sometimes be too polite, however, to their own detriment. In their attempts to avoid conflict at all costs, ISFPs will often submit to the ideas and interests of others which can put them in uncomfortable situations.

4. INFP

As a compassionate and caring type, INFPs are usually very polite. They are sensitive to the feelings of others, so they are careful with their wording and how they approach difficult topics. The only time INFPs let their politeness slip is if they feel their values are being challenged. In these situations, they can react strongly and will fiercely defend their right to an opinion.

5. ESFP

At the top of the list of priorities for ESFPs is making sure they and everyone around them are having a good time. This fun-loving personality type loves surrounding themselves with positivity and enthusiasm so they can usually be relied on to be polite and convivial. The only time the politeness might slip is when they get bored, which can happen easily. Then you might find yourself dropped like a tonne of bricks as they go in search of a new source of entertainment… which is not so polite!

6. ISFJ

Integrity and honesty are two of the core characteristics of the ISFJ personality type. ISFJs always take care to conduct themselves with the utmost decency. At the same time, their practical and straight-shooting personality type means that sometimes they can be a little too honest. This personality type can also fall into the habit of disapproving of change, making them overly traditionalist and can come across as impolite.

7. ENTP

ENTPs are easy going and adaptable. Criticism just bounces off them like water off a duck's back. This means that ENTPs are rarely impolite deliberately. On the other hand, they also have a natural stubbornness where they can come across as being impolite in some circumstances, especially if you try to challenge them.

8. ENFJ

Known for their optimism and upbeat personality, ENFJs are known for being fun to be around. They are very aware of the needs of others and this makes them naturally polite. Where their politeness slips it's when they’re in a rush. ENFJs tend to take on lots of activities and responsibilities so they can get overwhelmed. You might find they’re often running late or hurrying past you without holding the door, or even forgetting your name. Don’t worry, deep down they don’t mean anything by it. They’ll do their best to be polite when they have less on their mind.

9. ESTP

Quick, charismatic and a little chaotic, the ESTP personality is one of the most dynamic and bold of all the 16 types. This type isn’t afraid to get straight to the point. They value directness in their communication and this can sometimes come off as impolite. However, if you can get into the groove of the ESTP way and keep up with their fast-paced lifestyle, you’ll forgive their impoliteness because you’ll be carried away by their playful, infectious personality.

10. ISTP

ISTPs are known for being adaptable and super practical. This personality type is often reserved and rules with common sense. They value their personal space hugely which means that ISTPs can often push other people away. While this has a perfectly reasonable motive, for personalities who aren’t used to it, ISTPs can come across as rude.

11. ENFP

Talkative and a bit self-absorbed, ENFPs aren’t always the most polite personality type. ENFPs have a tendency to talk about themselves a lot and they’re not great listeners. They can also take things to heart quickly, building up resentment towards people who they think have done them wrong. This personality type is fun and their energy is electric but they’re definitely not winning awards for being the most polite personality type!

12. INTJ

Where INTJs slip up is in the air of superiority they can give off. INTJs have a strong belief in their own intellect and a high level of self-confidence. When you pair that with their low emotional EQ, you get a personality type that often rubs people the wrong way. Though they don’t mean to be impolite, INTJs can often come across as know-it-alls.

13. ENTJ

Of all the personality types, ENTJs are arguably the ones who care least about other people’s opinions of them. This is not a personality type who sugarcoats things or cares what others think of them. They are decisive, assertive and extremely blunt. Once you realize this is just the ENTJ way then you’ll be fine. But if it’s your first time encountering one, you’d be forgiven for reading their super dominant persona as impolite. Where ENTJs save themselves is with their charisma, which helps them win people over regardless of how polite they are.

14. INTP

As one of the most logic-based personality types, INTPs can be blind to the needs of others. Where INTPs slip us is when they are completely absorbed in their own imaginations. They tend to be insensitive and hyper critical of other people and this means they’re not always fun to be around. 

15. ISTJ

What drives ISTJs is their sense of duty. They are meticulous and detail-oriented in their approach to work and they are committed to upholding their responsibilities. These are brilliant strengths but they can also lead ISTJs towards conflict. This personality type has a tendency to be inflexible and tactless and this can often make them seem difficult to outsiders.

16. ESTJ

ESTJs have a huge number of strengths, but politeness isn’t necessarily one of them! This personality type prizes efficiency, dedication and focus above all else. What this translates to is a tendency to be perfectionists and workaholics who can come across as more than a little intense. ESTJs can also be judgmental of others who don’t follow their beliefs and can come off as narrow-minded.

These are the 16 personality types from most to least polite as I see it! What do you think? Let us know in the comments!