Due to their similarities, a relationship between an INFJ and an ENFP can blossom into an amazing and mutually beneficial connection.
Counselors (INFJs) and Champions (ENFPs) share the intuitive and the feeling function, so the way they perceive and interact with the world is quite similar. However, the differences in their energy levels and lifestyles may cause a little bit of friction.
If you want to learn how this relationship can work and what potential issues INFJs and ENFPs may face, keep reading! We’ll walk you through the dynamics of an INFJ and an ENFP in love.
INFJ and ENFP Relationship Compatibility
INFJs and ENFPs are generally considered to be compatible, but this can also depend on various factors, which we will uncover in the following sections.
Before delving deep into the intricacies of the compatibility between an INFJ and an ENFP, let’s quickly learn more about each personality type.
INFJ, also known as the Counselor, is an altruistic and idealistic individual with a unique blend of empathy and intuition. This is what can make INFJs great partners, generally speaking.
Their dominant function, Introverted Intuition (Ni), is what shapes their understanding of the world. The way they see the world around them is usually grounded in logic and based on identifying patterns and connections. However, their determined nature invites them to try and turn their visions into reality.
The four cognitive functions of an INFJ are:
- Dominant: Introverted Intuition
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Feeling
- Tertiary: Introverted Thinking
- Inferior: Extraverted Sensing
ENFPs, also known as Champions, are highly imaginative individuals who enjoy socializing, exploring the world, and thinking about exploring everything the world has to offer—to them, opportunities are endless. They are spontaneous, free-spirited, and fun to be around, but also highly empathic towards others.
An ENFP’s cognitive functions include the following:
- Dominant: Extraverted Intuition
- Auxiliary: Introverted Feeling
- Tertiary: Extraverted Thinking
- Inferior: Introverted Sensing
INFJ Male and ENFP Female Compatibility
The INFJ male and the ENFP female can make a good pairing, although INFJ males are generally reserved and introverted, while ENFP females are bubbly, curious, and fun-loving. This discrepancy may actually benefit their compatibility, as they can learn a lot from each other and draw from their differences.
The ENFP female can find the INFJ male’s depth and intelligence attractive. The INFJ male can learn how to be more outgoing and adventurous. These complementary characteristics between the two personalities can lead to the start of a good INFJ and ENFP friendship.
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INFJ Female and ENFP Male
These two personality types would generally make a conventional pairing. INFJ females are empathetic and sensitive, while ENFP males are charismatic, kind, and affectionate.
An INFJ female might not engage in as many activities as her ENFP male partner. However, she can provide them with the necessary support.
Thorough Analysis of INFJ and ENFP Relationship
Now that you’re acquainted with both personality types, let’s uncover the specific components of the INFJ and ENFP relationship dynamic:
#1. INFJ and ENFP Communication
INFJs like conversations that delve into concepts, theories, profound topics, philosophy, and ideas. They enjoy abstract and thought-provoking topics that can propel each other forward intellectually.
ENFPs operate in a similar manner. Besides also enjoying theoretical discussions, these types are usually quite open and enthusiastic, and they are able to express their ideas in a very creative way. As abstract thinking is their common ground, they will often find effective ways of explaining their ideas, even if they don’t necessarily agree on the topic.
Thus, communication between these two types would run relatively smoothly. Both types are attuned to other people’s emotions and are able to understand different perspectives from multiple angles.
#2. INFJ and ENFP Handling Conflict
In case of a conflict, INFJs will require time alone to process the situation before trying to resolve it—they are usually conflict-avoidant.
ENFPs, on the other hand, are known for being able to communicate openly and honestly. However, they may also shy away from conflict, like INFJs, at least at first. While INFJs will avoid conflict altogether, ENFPs are the ones who will be able to initiate a discussion and seek a solution to resolve the issue, taking into consideration the emotions of their partner.
ENFPs are known for being supportive and sensitive to other people’s needs, which an INFJ would appreciate in an emotionally charged situation.
Thus, both types dislike conflicts and would avoid, or rather procrastinate, resolving them rather than facing them directly.
#3. INFJ and ENFP Values
There are quite a few similarities between INFJs and ENFPs in terms of the values they uphold. Both are idealistic and empathetic, and their values revolve around their passion for creating positive changes in the world.
One difference, though, is that INFJs naturally value structure and good organization in their lives, which is much more negotiable for ENFPs, given that they are the Perceiving type. Although this can be a source of conflict, it can also be an opportunity for growth.
However, the INFJs could be triggered by ENFPs’ desire for new experiences and adventures, while ENFPs could view INFJs as too static and anchored.
If they are both willing to work on this issue, ENFPs can help INFJs get out of their comfort zones and embrace novelty. In turn, INFJs can show ENFPs how to stay grounded in reality and be still and calm when necessary.
#4. INFJ and ENFP Decision Making
As feeling types, both INFJs and ENFPs tend to follow their hearts when making decisions. However, they differ in one major way.
INFJs are governed by extraverted feelings, which means they think about how their actions and decisions may affect other people. ENFPs will take into consideration other people’s needs and emotions but will most likely do what feels right to them. They won’t rely on logic and data but on their own set of beliefs and assumptions.
This can cause further issues and misunderstandings, especially when it’s a serious matter at hand that calls for strategic thinking and contemplation.
Be that as it may, it’s important to note that with enough self-reflection and proper emotional management strategies, these two can learn how to make decisions faster and with less friction.
#5. INFJ and ENFP Daily Life
Daily life is one aspect where INFJs and ENFPs aren’t compatible at all—INFJs like an organized and quiet life, and ENFPs can’t stand monotony, routine, and rigid structure.
INFJs prefer privacy but aren’t opposed to spending long hours with those they are genuinely interested in. They typically want to have a slow but enjoyable day instead of having their senses overloaded by relentless socialization and exposure to a high-stress environment. This would thrill an ENFP, as they generally enjoy lively social gatherings and outdoor activities.
To reach daily life bliss in the INFJ and ENFP relationship, they need to understand and accept each other’s differences. ENFPs need to respect their partner’s need for solitude and not disturb INFJs when they’re charging their batteries alone. On the other hand, INFJs need to accept their partner’s need for socialization and do their best to tag along from time to time.
#6. INFJ and ENFP Dealing With Stress
INFJs and ENFPs handle stress in a similar manner. INFJs tend to withdraw, choosing to deal with it on their own instead of involving other people.
ENFPs’ heightened senses of empathy and emotional intelligence give them the resilience to solve their issues. However, they also need some time to process their emotions, which they prefer to do alone with more space.
Naturally, both types struggle to deal with this aspect of their partner's personality appropriately. However, with some compassion and understanding, they may be able to comfort and understand one another.
2 Common Issues in INFJ and ENFP Relationship
The following are the two most evident issues that INFJs and ENFPs can face in their relationship:
- Different needs. INFJs need a lot more solitude and alone time than ENFPs, and ENFPs need to socialize more often than INFJs, which may cause some conflicts and issues down the road.
- Different approaches to structuring their lives. INFJ and ENFP differ primarily in how they approach their days and professional lives. Mediators value organization, structure, and stability. Champions don’t take life too seriously; they enjoy being spontaneous and adventurous, which can be very challenging to resolve.
3 Tips On How to Improve INFJ and ENFP Relationships
Disputes in an INFJ and ENFP relationship are rare but not inevitable. Luckily, there are effective ways to address and resolve the drawbacks of this dynamic, namely:
- Conflict resolution. Since both types can be conflict-avoidant, this can become an issue. Try to come up with conflict resolution strategies that will work for both partners. This should not be too challenging, as both INFJs and ENFPs are known to be gentle and compassionate.
- Be each other’s safe space. It’s understandable that people in relationships also need their alone time. However, if more time is spent alone than together in a romantic connection, being in one may not seem as promising. INFJs and ENFPs can try to find a balance by sharing quality time together that meets both of their needs.
- Celebrate each other’s differences. Mediators and Champions are usually quite open-minded; thus, accepting that they are not alike and celebrating their differences will take this relationship to the next level! They can also take a personality test about love languages and communication styles to understand each other better.
Final Thoughts
INFJ and ENFP in a relationship make a lot of sense, but even if you or your loved one are different types, you can make your relationship flourish! Your personality test results might not tell you what you want to hear, but don’t let them stand in the way of love.
If you and your partner listen to each other and acknowledge one another’s needs, you can make a beautiful love story happen regardless.
Knowing each other’s type is the first step towards mutual understanding—now you just need to apply what you’ve learned to your relationship!
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