Why INTJs Are So Attractive: What Your MBTI May Say About You

The Meyers Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment that attempts to determine your personality type. The MBTI may help people discover which of the 16 personality types best describe them. The results of these assessments may highlight an individual’s strengths and deficits and can help them have a better understanding of specific personality traits they may have. People with one personality type, INTJ, may be perceived as more attractive to some – this may be because the traits they have tend to lend themselves well to intimate relationships or drawing in other people. Overall, though, your MBTI type can help you learn more about yourself and how you function best, which can help you be a better friend and partner to anyone.

More background on the MBTI

According to the MBTI, there are 16 different personality types, with each type containing its own spectrum and nuances. Thus, the assessment helps people learn more about their personality. This assessment may help an individual discover things like what they enjoy, what they don't enjoy, their strengths and deficits, and even what type of work environment they might do best in.

One thing that may be important to note about the MBTI is that it's not about one personality type being "better" or "worse" than the other; there's no way to answer this test “correctly” because there are no right or wrong answers. 

There are numerous kinds of people in the world with differing personalities, and they can all have different strengths and traits. The MBTI exists partially to inform people that it is perfectly okay to have a different personality from others. Having self-awareness about who you really are may help you in nearly every aspect of your life, which might be part of why the MBTI is so popular and so useful.

Four scales in MBTI

There are four scales used in the MBTI that determine your results:

Extraversion  or introversion (E or I)

The dichotomy between extroversion and introversion on the MBTI scale stems from Carl Jung. In Jung's theory of personality types, he focused on how human beings respond and interact with those around them. You may have heard of the terms extrovert and introvert, but in the MBTI as well as Jung's theory, they might present differently than you'd imagine. 

Extroverts may tend to be people who believe in taking action - it's not only that they like to be around others and enjoy going places where they can socialize, but also that they feel energetic after spending time with others. According to this interpretation, their energy levels are often boosted by spending time with other people. In a combination of intuition and confidence, extroverts may often find ways to involve themselves in social situations.

Introverts, on the other hand, are often more thoughtful, and while they may like to be engaged in meaningful social interactions, they don't necessarily need to be around others to feel their best. They may often need time alone to recharge by themselves. Both introverts and extroverts can need alone time, but it can be especially important for introverts. After being alone, an introvert can sometimes gain enough energy to act with an extroverted personality around others. However, unlike extroverts, they often cannot maintain a highly social personality for long and may eventually feel drained and need to recuperate in a less energetic setting.

Sensing or intuition (S or N)

In the sensing and intuition scale of Myers Briggs, the assessment differentiates how people obtain information in the world. Based on this school of thought, people can be either sensing or intuitive. 

People who are on the intuitive side of the spectrum may tend to focus more on their intuition. They might focus on patterns they see, what possible things could happen, and prefer an abstract theory of possibilities as opposed to a definite or concrete, black-and-white reality.

People who get the S, or the "sensing," result may be much more likely to observe things in terms of more concrete aspects and think about how things practically. A sensing individual might often focus on the physical reality, following their five senses — touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight. They can tend to be more concerned with what is actually happening in the present moment and use experience as a guide.

Thinking and feeling (T or F)

The thinking and feeling scale of MBTI focuses on whether an individual is  more logical and fact oriented or if they focus more on how they feel about something. 

You might be more on the "thinking" end or more on the "feeling" end, but as with all of the MBTI scales, they're just that: scales, which can have different degrees of each trait depending on the individual. Typically, people may have elements of both but lean toward one end of the spectrum.

Individuals who are “thinkers” might tend to be more analytical and like to find basic truths and principles when making decisions. Individuals who are “feelers” may be more likely to make decisions based on feelings and emotions. They may weigh other peoples’ feelings or points of view in a situation before making a decision, as well as their own. Likewise, they might prefer to keep peace and harmony in their relationships.

Judging and perceiving (J or P)

The last scale, judging and perceiving, involves how an individual may orient themselves in their outer world, including how they like to live and what others tend to see in them. 

Judging, not to be confused with being judgmental, may describe an individual who tends to like order and control in their decision making. “Judging” individuals may seem organized and that they have an orderly way of life. 

On the flip side, a “perceiving” individual may seem adaptable and more spontaneous in their outer world. They may be flexible and open to new experiences and information.

The sixteen personality types

The combination of these four scales makes up a possibility of 16 different personality types. Details about each are as follows.

Introverted MBTI personality types

INFJ

INFJs usually focus on ideas and visions. They’re often passionate about understanding peoples’ motivations. They can be extremely moral and have a clear sense of what their values are. Those with this MBTI type may have a vision and want to serve humanity. Their moral compass and understanding of others may contribute to them as a sensitive person who cares about the people around them

ISTJ

An ISTJ might tend to be more reserved, traditional, and systematic. They're often highly practical and realistic. ISTJs may rely on logic to make decisions and can focus regardless of those who are disorganized around them. Those with this personality type may come across as independent thinkers who come up with solutions that are more practical than fantastical. They may sometimes come across as impersonal or rigid, but this isn’t always necessarily true.

ISFJ

ISFJ individuals are often patient, dependable, and loyal. They may be likely to keep their commitments, and they often want to be in an environment that's free of discord. Those in this category may often enjoy a sense of belonging and serving others. ISFJ’s tend to not be very assertive and can be overly cautious in their decision making.

INTJ

INTJ individuals are often strategic and innovative. Those with an INTJ personality type may have highly original ideas and are naturally skeptical. They can see patterns in the world, and INTJ individuals may be highly creative in addition to being very organized. INTJs may be able to make a plan and follow through on that plan with seemingly little difficulty. However, if you're dating an INTJ, you may have to be more patient and understanding, because those with an INTJ personality may come off as cold or distant when focused. This personality can be seen as attractive because of the mystery and seeming ingenuity that can come with it, which may tend to lure others in to learn more.

ISFP

Individuals with an ISFP personality are often attentive and highly sensitive. They might tend to be on the shy side, and they generally like to have personal space and freedom. ISFPs can be very adaptable and cooperative, and usually tend to not like conflict or pushing their views on other people.

INFP

INFPs can be highly idealistic. They may understand how they feel about things on a very intuitive level and want to live a life that honors the way that they feel morally. They’re typically highly adaptable unless they feel that a moral corruption is threatening them. 

INTP

Individuals with INTP personalities tend to be those that need logical explanations for different things and may be highly analytical. INTPs also tend to be quiet and adaptable. They might have the ability to hyper-focus and can be great problem solvers. 

Extroverted MBTI personality types

ESTP

ESTP individuals are often highly pragmatic by nature, enthusiastic, and outgoing. They may be results-oriented and may not need to hear an entire explanation for a problem and would rather deal with what's in front of them. ESTPs may tend to want to act and fix problems and enjoy taking risks. 

ESFP

ESFP types tend to be highly outgoing, social, and exuberant. They can have common sense but also be fun and spontaneous. Those who fall into this type may like to learn from others and might be highly sociable, spending lots of time with other people and entertaining those they come in contact with.

ENFP

ENFPs tend to have a warm personality and can often make connections fast. They're typically spontaneous and can improvise at the drop of a hat. ENFPs may also be likely to be highly articulate. An ENFP is often a free spirit who prides themselves in communication, and they may be very enthusiastic and motivated as individuals.

ENTP

ENTP individuals can be highly stimulating, outspoken, and resourceful. They may be good at understanding and reading people. Overall, they typically do not like routine, and often like to look at different possibilities in a situation. ENTPs may also love debate and enjoy solving problems creatively. 

ESTJ

ESTJs are often logical and organized. They may tend to be decisive and like to pay attention to detail. People with this personality type can be forceful if they feel as though they need to plan something. 

ESFJ

ESFJs can be very compassionate and often like to get along with others, making them good team players. Their personality type often leads them to being loyal and liking details. They may want to be appreciated and sometimes feel as though one of the best ways to be appreciated is when people are outward with that affection. 

ENFJ

ENFJs are often highly empathetic, supportive, and motivational. Those with this personality type generally understand the needs of others as well as their motivations. They may like to be praised, but they can also understand constructive criticism. They're often good group leaders. 

ENTJ

ENTJs can be described as driven and organized, and they typically prefer to be leaders. They're often good at pointing out things that are illogical and can be skilled, thoughtful planners. ENTJs tend to like structure and can be very decisive. 

How to learn more about your personality type

If you’d like to dig more deeply into who you are, it may be wise to speak with a licensed mental health professional. They can offer guidance to help you develop tools and strategies for learning about, improving, and staying true to yourself. 

Options like online therapy can make it even easier to find someone who’s a good match for you and who understands your goals. You can even join sessions from the comfort of your own couch, bed, or wherever else you can find an internet connection.

Studies show that online therapy can be a more cost-effective option than traditional in-person therapy, which means speaking to a therapist through the web might help you save money, time, and unnecessary stress. Whether you want to learn more about yourself or how you can better attract others, it can be beneficial to get some outside perspective. 

Takeaway

If you’re curious to learn more about yourself, discovering your Myers Briggs Personality Type can be incredibly helpful. Having a deeper understanding of your personality can help you learn about your strengths,  potential areas of development, and which career path may be best for you. Gaining greater self-awareness into yourself and learning ways to improve your emotional and mental health can be incredibly beneficial to help yourself on the path to a better you.