ISFPs and Other Personality Types
Kindred Spirits
People of the following types are more likely than most to share the ISFP's values, interests, and general approach to life. They won't necessarily agree on everything, and there's no guarantee they'll always get along, but they're more likely to feel an easy rapport and have plenty of things in common.
Intriguing Differences
People of the following types are likely to strike the ISFP as similar in character, but with some key differences which may make them seem especially intriguing. The ISFP may find people of these types particularly interesting and attractive to get to know. Relationships between ISFPs and these types should have a good balance of commonalities and opportunities to challenge one another.
Potential Complements
ISFPs may not feel an immediate connection with people of the following types, but on getting to know each other, they'll likely find they have some important things in common, as well as some things to teach one other. Although people of these types may not attract the ISFP initially, their relationships present a lot of potential to complement and learn from one other.
Challenging Opposites
People of the following types present the most potential for personality clash and conflict with the ISFP, but also the best opportunities for growth. Because people of these types have fundamentally different values and motivations from the ISFP's, initially, it may seem impossible to relate. But because they are so different, their strengths are the ISFP's weaknesses, and if they are able to develop a relationship, they can learn a tremendous amount from each other.
ISFPs in Love
In relationships, the ISFP is loyal, patient, and easygoing. ISFPs are eager to help and quickly perceive the needs of their partners and families. They often show affection with simple, practical gestures that make their loved ones feel comfortable and well taken care of.
ISFPs like to maintain harmony and are very reluctant to engage in conflict. They may have difficulty asserting themselves and struggle with expressing feelings of anger or resentment. Ideally, they want to be cooperative and accommodate others, and may find themselves taken advantage of if their partners are not sensitive to their needs.
ISFPs are tolerant and uncritical, and adapt easily to their surroundings. They like to go with the flow and enjoy life from moment to moment. An ideal mate for an ISFP takes the time to show spontaneous gestures of affection, and appreciates the ISFP’s kind and helpful nature.
ISFPs as Parents
As parents, ISFPs are warm and sensitive, and take joy in creating comfort and stability in their homes. ISFPs are attentive to their children's practical needs and step in quickly and gracefully to provide for them. They often enjoy caring for children, but can sometimes become overworked and exhausted because of their natural impulse to help.
ISFP parents often seem calm and unflappable. ISFPs are private people and can be reserved or remote, so their children may not always grasp the depth of the ISFP parent's devotion to family. Although it is not often conspicuous, ISFPs have a deep loyalty to their loved ones. They value their intimate connections above all else and are tremendously dedicated to the care of their children.
ISFP Communication Style
ISFPs are gentle, accepting communicators who tend to follow the flow of conversation and look for opportunities to contribute with factual information or practical help. They are easygoing and supportive; they don’t want to be in control or attract attention, and are often attentive listeners. Considerate and accepting, the ISFP often looks for common ground with others. ISFPs shy away from conflict or criticism, preferring harmonious, spontaneous interactions that allow them to be helpful and kind.
About the Author
Molly Owens is the CEO of Truity and holds a master's degree in counseling psychology. She founded Truity in 2012, with the goal of making quality personality tests more affordable and accessible. She has led the development of assessments based on Myers and Briggs' personality types, Holland Codes, the Big Five, DISC, and the Enneagram. She is an ENTP, a tireless brainstormer, and a wildly messy chef. Find Molly on Twitter at @mollmown.