ENFP Compatibility for Relationships and Dating

ENFPs are social butterflies, floating from person to person, and constantly forming new emotional connections. Despite this social suitability, this type’s compatibility with other individuals, especially when it comes to long-term relationships or dating, isn’t well understood. Let’s dive into this type’s romantic attractions, what they look for, and which potential partners are most likely to have successful relationships with ENFPs.

What ENFPs Look For

ENFPs are naturally bubbly and compassionate, so it’s no surprise that many of them seek similar traits in their partners. At the same time, however, ENFPs are often characterized by their acceptance of their partners’ unique traits and personalities. As a result, ENFPs are usually fairly easy going and will appreciate partners of many different flavors or personality types. The trick is slowing the ENFP down long enough to connect. However, this can sometimes be quite easy thanks to their focus on feelings and extroverted tendencies.

Indeed, ENFPs are most often concerned with having a positive relationship regardless of the exact personality specifications of their partner. They focus a lot on the feelings of others and tend to be flexible with their own words in order to avoid hurt feelings for themselves and their mates. Additionally, ENFPs do take commitments very seriously, so they’re more likely to connect themselves to other heavily monogamous partners.

However, this isn’t to say that ENFPs don’t have any relationship preferences. Either for romances or for friendships, ENFPs usually look for someone who enjoys having fun, particularly if it’s an activity that both parties can enjoy together. They’re also usually focused on finding new activities or experiences, especially when it comes to dating or sex. ENFPs can be bored with routine and repetition, so they’re more likely to be drawn to romantic partners who are willing to try out new things every now and again.

Importantly, ENFPs are more likely to look for relationship partners to place a high priority on their own emotions. ENFPs do have a tendency to internalize relationship failures or problems, especially if they perceive an issue to be their fault. Thus, they’ll likely look for someone who’s good at conflict resolution and who understands their own feelings, at least to some extent.

ENFPs like plenty of other personality aspects as well; creativity, playfulness, and outward displays of affection are all key traits that most ENFPs will look for in a partner or friend. While the exact love language of the person can vary, many ENFPs enjoy outward displays of love and romance, particularly in either verbal or action forms.

All in all, ENFPs look for partners who can be deeply intimate with them, who will try new experiences with them, and who will prioritize the emotional strength of the shared connection above most other things.

Trouble Spots

ENFPs are very giving and loving partners, but there are a few potential trouble spots that can impact the success of their relationships. Firstly, ENFPs have difficulty working with partners that enjoy habits or routines. As P types, they crave novelty and possibility and will more often want to try something new them is at the same restaurant or vacation spot as they did last time. This issue could cause friction between them and their partner, particularly if they’re a person who loves routine, like most ISTJs.

Additionally, ENFPs can feel slightly needy to their partners because of the requirements for positive affirmation and assurance. ENFPs with verbal love languages can especially be “needy” to their partners, constantly requesting compliments or encouragement from their partner. For personality types that are more introverted or who don’t like to verbalize their feelings, this can be not only annoying but also oppressive.

ENFPs, with their hearts on their sleeves, are also rather sensitive in most verbal conflicts. This can manifest as the ENFP’s feelings being easily hurt even if their partner did not intend for it to happen. As a result, this can make discussing emotional matters of some sensitivity difficult for both parties, particularly if their partner isn’t very good at discussing emotions in the first place.

Any ENFP partner will need to be very careful when discussing criticism or when hashing out a conflict. In fact, ENFPs are extremely sensitive to conflict situations; these ratchet up their stress levels like almost nothing else. ENFPs are more likely to agree to short-term compromises just to end a fight or disagreement rather than fully resolved the issue.

This tendency to “kick the can down the road” can cause trouble later in the relationship. Thus, ENFP partners will likely need to be very aware of their own emotional needs and be somewhat skilled at navigating interpersonal conflict. The relationship will be healthier in the long run with a partner like this.

Ideal ENFP Partners

With all this being said, what are the ideal personality types for ENFPs? As mentioned above, their openness and acceptance of other people mean that ENFPs can get along with a wide variety of personality types. In fact, possibly more than any other personality type, an ENFP can have a rich and engaging relationship with any other person on the Myers-Briggs typing system. It all depends on how well-developed their partner’s emotional maturity is and how well both people communicate.

However, ENFPs do have a tendency to attract certain personality types and gravitate toward those types as well. Big complementary communication styles or skill sets are more likely to increase the likelihood of a connection and help the relationship overcome the criticism and conflict hurdles discussed above.

As such, N-types of any variety are likely to be a great match with ENFPs. This central communication style, focusing on abstract concepts and symbolism through intuition, allows ENFPs to understand where other N-types are coming from.

With other E-types, ENFPs are likely to feel emotionally charged and sociable. The potential for conflict only arises if their partner has friends that the ENFP themselves doesn’t like. However, I-types offer a chance for deeper emotional connections and conversation that the ENFP themself may not be experienced with. I-types, in turn, can feel supported or receive benefits from the ENFP’s gregariousness, gaining friends and loved ones through their expanded social network.

ENFPs also work well with other P-types, as both individuals will likely appreciate novelty and new experiences. However, both individuals may be drained after trying multiple things or might not be able to settle on certain big decisions, intensifying each other’s indecisiveness.

Thus, J-types are usually a great match with ENFPs. In this case, both personality types are complementary to one another; the ENFP provides the J-type with a little spice to their life while the J-type helps ground the ENFP and make decisions when necessary.

All in all, top personality types an ENFP looking to date include:

• INFJs
• INTJs
• ENFJs
• ENTJs
• ISFJs
• ESFJs
• ESTJs

Conclusion

The ENFP is one of the rarest personality types in the world and has a lot to offer any romantic partner or potential friend. Once they give out their affection, they tend to be loyal and loving and every relationship is filled with creativity and excitement. They’ll make wonderful partners for the majority of individuals, especially if their partner can navigate emotional conflicts or conversations with sophistication and insight.