The Myers-Briggs personalities are based on research by Carl Jung. Along with being helpful in the workplace, an awareness of your partner’s personality type may help you navigate disagreements and better understand each other.
Thinking or feeling
Thinking (T) people tend to view problems more objectively and make decisions based on logic. A thinking person may gravitate towards pros and cons lists and consider rational consequences.
Feeling (F) people, on the other hand, prefer feelings and base their decisions on values and how the decision will impact others.
Having the same T or F letter as your partner may make you more compatible because you approach decision making the same way. You may experience fewer conflicts because you will more often see eye-to-eye, or at least be able to articulate your thought process in a way that you both understand.
On the other hand, couples different T and F letters may have fewer blind spots, which are often missed when couples approach decisions the same way.
Sensing or intuition
Sensing (S) people focus on facts and tend to view issues in a step-by-step sequence.
Intuition (I) means looking at the big picture and themes.
When couples have different S and I personality types, they often fall into the trap of thinking “you are wrong.” Instead of blaming your partner, try to understand that and S and I just have different ways of approaching a problem, and neither is necessarily “right”.
Extraversion or introversion
Extroverts (E) derive their energy from interacting with other people and the outer world.
Introverts (I) derive their energy from their inner world, preferring to spend time alone in their heads.
Almost nobody is 100% introverted or 100% extroverted. More often than not, couples find that each partner has a different balance of I and E tendencies. It is important to be aware of how your significant other recharges and enjoys spending his/her time.
Judging and perceiving
Judging (J) people tend to be list makers and planners, approaching life in a structured manner.
Perceiving (P) people enjoy flexibility and often prefer making spontaneous decisions.
Having different J and P personality types can bring balance into the relationship and minimize blind spots. It can also cause conflict if the couple is rigid about their approach to life.
Couples are more than their four personality types, but having a framework to understand your partner can help your relationship thrive, no matter how similar or different you are.
Where can I take the Myers-Briggs test?
You can take the Myers-Briggs test on the official website, but this requires you to pay in exchange for additional tools and information.
You can also take variations of the Myers Briggs Personality Test on the following websites:
Reach out for help
Jennifer Lauren offers couples counseling in the Culver City/ Playa Vista area. Call now to schedule a complimentary consultation, or just fill out the contact form and press Send.