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INTJ/ESTP Compatibility

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intj/estp
95K views 55 replies 35 participants last post by  Selinda  
#1 ·
I am an INTJ and have question for ESTPs regarding compatibility with each other. For some reason me and ESTPs don't get along that well and I can't figure out why. And I am asking if there is anything in particular about an INTJ personality type that rubs an ESTP the wrong way?
 
#2 ·
no actually , I get along fine with many in here and the ones I know at work. I find them sarcastic and entertaining.
 
#4 ·
I'm 'involved' (if that's what you want to call it) with an ESTP, five years now, and we seem to be drawn to one another and can't get away from it no matter how many fights we have or how often we just want to call it quits and walk away. I tell you with my driving need to improve my relationships constantly and his need to be in a relationship that's never boring, I think we make a spectacular team. There always seems to be some drama going on with us. But I am soooo crazy about him, and much as he hates to admit it, he is crazy about me to!
 
#5 ·
Ow, a topic I can talk from both sides. =P

As an INTJ I liked how ESTPs were so energetic, witty, cocky in an adorable way (not like ENTPs :tongue:), independent, eager to fix and improve things and just kickass. I also loved how they always had so much fun which for a J who is pretty much always kinda stressed can be really relaxing and awesome.

As an ESTP (long story) what I like about INTJs is...oddly not so much anymore. But there is still stuff. Mostly how they don't have to talk about feelings all the time, the humor and sarcasm, the independence and how they too want to improve things. However, I highly dislike how they are probably the most introverted from all introverts (next to ISTPs probably). That either means I have to do stuff on my own (which in a RS would suck sooner or later) or...well, I'd have to sit around and think all day too. And I can't. Not to mention that most (not saying "all) of us ESTPs aren't exactly blessed with patience. And while we'd rather experience stuff with our whole self (sensor), they just sit there and think. Me, I don't mix too good with that anymore. However, people are different and some other ESTP eventually can (as the person posting before me kinda shows).
I might add that - since I have been on the "other side" - I am somewhat okay (to a degree) with them wanting to plan ahead. To a degree only though. I still like the spontaneous stuff more, unless you go on a trip 16 hours away all alone in a country you have never been and you need to calculate your money really well, because you are very limited. *cough* But that is another topic. =P

There you have some EXAMPLES about why it eventually doesn't work with that specific ESTP.
However, as always: don't restrict relationships to types. ESTP =/= ESTP and INTJ =/= INTJ. So if you are attracted to them, just go and see if there is some more "mild" ones. Either that or pick that specific person you have in mind and bust your ass off to MAKE it work. Both of you together then of course. :wink:
 
#6 ·
ESTP's are always out and about. They won't hang around and do nothing. They will fix things for you and do projects however. I had the idea that I was just never entertaining enough for the ESTP. He was into sex, renting videos, work, and going out with his friends. I was all for the sex, work, into some of the videos (he only wanted action flicks), and I dreaded his friends...a cacophony of his worst traits in one noisy, drunken place (save me!). (I'm the type who brings a classic novel to sporting events and parties, gets a drink and settles in for the duration.) I do look up to meet someone or when he says to watch the game because the bases are loaded. I wish ESTPs would try to understand INTJs better. INTJs have much to offer: we aren't Feelers at least, we are faithful, we are not spenders, you know where to find us (home or work or in-between...maybe the bookstore), we cook for you and will do your laundry. However we expect you to: do the dishes, all 3D projects, help (alot) with things like vacuuming and general pickup, we need to get motivated and have company for such hideous activities, let us get a maid, let us rent a different video and watch ours beside you as you watch your bloodbath flick, and spare us from your friends...we barely think you are fun, so much less your friends. But we can really like you, love you and be very attracted to you, so give it a try. You will admire our degrees, intellect and wisecracks. Okay, I'm done. Hope this helped.
 
#7 ·
and spare us from your friends...
So no more parties at our place? OK, fine by us! We love you, we want to make it up to you.

We decided to go out. You were invited to join us of course - but as we all know you'd rather spend the evening watching Star Trek for eleventh time, so we did not push you.

When we were out you called us like hundred times to check on us, asking what are we doing, with whom and when we would get back home, because you run out of tea and would like us to get you some.

You and your tea, us with our red wine. From time to time we ask ourselves if you consider us inferior because we drink alcohol. We think you do. You are not feelers but you judge us. And you are not weepy, that's for sure but we don't like you when you get mad. Your wrath scares us!

Back to the story - so we got back home, forgot your tea, damn... You try to smile, but we see that you are boiling inside. We ask why - and you deny being upset. We try to make a conversation, talk about people we met, we tell funny stories we heard but it seems that it only makes things worse. You move a lot, trying to occupy your hands with something (redecorating our flat at 3 am? We don't buy that) responding only "yes" or "no". When we ask you to look at us in the eyes - you get mad and you just yell. We hear - cheating, drinking, cheating, cheating, smelling cigarettes, cheating, cheating, cheating. Oh, my Darlings! We try to explain, but seems that there is no use. So we promise that we would behave better next time, that we would call you every 10 minutes when we would be out and that we would bring you 10 packs of tea... Or if you really insist we may even say that we would not see our friends anymore because you mean a world to us. We make peace and we go to bed.

(oh, well, your intuitin wasn't totally wrong... we do have a wandering eye and we were flirting with some people, but it was just flirting. Maybe some touching...nothing serious. No harm done!)

We feel kinda guilty so the next day we make you a nice breakfast. You know s**t about cooking. Have you ever heard about spices? Geeee... You can't even boil the water. We eat whatever you cook just because we love you.

Yes, we love you. We love you for so many things... We especially adore your wicked, black sense of humor... Oh, but it's friday again and we can hear "the calling"... Adventure... The whole cycle repeates itself. You let us go. You stay home. We forget to call ...

After almost a year I just gave up. I didn't ask him to change himself or his ways for me. I loved him just the way he was. But I needed some air.
We remain good friends and I host my website on his server (he is such a geek^^)
 
#10 ·
My ex INTJ also drinks wine. From time to time and in moderation.
But I got an impression that he is not cool with drinking alcohol in larger doses, especially stronger spirits. When he came from his graduation banquet in a state suggesting mild intoxication his mouth couldn't shut - he was like "and imagine my darling what my friends and I did! We drunk pure vodka!" He was so adorable, making such a big deal out of it that I was laughing outlout^^
I am not a heavy drinker, I lost my conscience two times because of alcohol when I was 19 (it's legal in my Country to buy alcohol when you are over 18) and didn't know yet the strenght of whisky nor gin. And I don't get drunk often - just once in a while. But I am not affraid of getting drunk as he seems to be.

And he called me so often because he was worried. He always considered me kinda loony. In his eyes my behavior while in group of people was to much open and inviting, and in his opinion it was as if I was walking blindfolded at the edge of precipice on a windy day. For my INTJ me talking to some guy I don't know much, being nice to that guy was like asking for trouble. Since I often make jokes about sex and talk freely on the subject my INFJ was reminding me that if I do not change my behaviour I would end up in a black bag buried under some tree in a forest, raped and then murdured. And then probably raped again. (his black sense of humor... I do miss it^^)

I know when a guy I am talking to really gets turned on and I know how to turn him down. It sounds cocky, but I can really take care of myself. I don't do stupid things like leaving the pub alone, I never accept drinks from strangers and even if we didn't pick one of us to be a designated driver who would drive each of us home when the party is over and I have to take a cab, I always ask taxidrivers to walk me to the front door. Besides - I can run fast (I never wear high hills when going out. I used to, but once when I was taking my shoes off in the dark I didn't notice the vacuumcleaner and I slipped and hurt myself really bad in the head that they had to shave my head and stitch me. I was crying not because it hurt, but because I saw my golden locks falling down on the groud. So I don't wear high heels because of security reasons but because of my vanity;) but hush, it's a secret^^) I know how to scream and I have some experience in different martial arts. So I would fight. But for my INTJ it was still not enough. The taxist could harm me, somebody could be hiding in the corridor of the building our flat is a part of. For me he was paranoid, for him I was not paranoid enough.

My security (stupidity?) was just one of many subjects we disagreed on. For him I was to noisy, for me he was to quiet. Even when my sisters came to visit he just said hi, made some small talk and watched for any possibility of escaping to hide in his room. OK, OK, all four of us are E, but come on!
He often felt ashamed when I showed him my affecion in public by kissing or hugging him and I even when it came to walking holding hands I almost had to make him do it. I felt like a violator of some kind. I felt this way during our relationship many, many times. Weird, I just realised that!

Omg.. this post got so long^^ Funny thing, yesterday I wrote about my ESTP-ESTP relationship and it was like four sentences. My INTJ was really something :D I am going to text him and wish him a good day :D

Aaaah, and btw -"we know you have little self control" - strange as it may seem but I took it as a compliment
 
#11 ·
I am intj and I am totally cool with drinking...but not with getting drunk...especially in front of others...I have accidentally gotten drunk...either because of a lack of food or some extra strong drink...but i will tell you...i fought it...and i hated myself afterwards. I don't hold it against others who get drunk however. I just don't think it is becoming for me to do it. I don't know why...i just think that i should behave.
 
#12 ·
I get along with INTJs. I am only close to three male INTJs and one INTJ female. I think they like me and I certainly like them. I appreciate their intelligence and humor as well. I'm sure they find me boisterous at times but I enjoy making them laugh and I can respect their ideas. The INTJ men I know seem to make wonderful husbands. Definitely more easygoing than ISTJ for me. I like em.
As far as romance, I've never dated an INXJ guy ever. I can't see it happening.
 
#14 ·
I've been attracted to some ESTPs, but right now it hasn't happened yet. If it does, though, I certainly can see problems developing. He's loud, flamboyant, artistic, affectionate, and aggressive. He talks about subjects I can't care less about (it's always some gossip, about some girl, and some party, or some sport). I know he has more depth than meets the eye because sometimes it comes out, and his charisma is very addictive, but I just don't see us working out.
 
#15 ·
guys later tell me i was the best girlfriend they ever had. they often (it has happened four times) called me just prior, even the night before their wedding, to see if i will go back with them. i assure them they are with the right girl and they have forgotten why we didn't work out. others attempt to come back later as well. i think the reason they stray in the first place is that i am not really "sexy" (loved sex, and wanted it as often as he, but i wasn't...hmmm...how can you say it...good at making eyes at him...no drama) and i am such a loyal, "sure thing". they may want more intrigue. plus, they can get away with it...i am so unsuspecting. however, once caught, it is totally over. no turning back.

for what it is worth. if you have an intj...don't screw it up. you may be sorry.
 
#16 ·
Thought I'd make a note about my INTP experiences with the ESTP...

One seems to generally like me, but dislikes how I'm unwilling to do anything out of my element. We also have differences in religion that, surprisingly, has caused some conflict.

Another ESTP I know... actually married the same woman as the first ESTP did... he's a total dick. Will tell you what a bitch you are and then when you respond turn around elements in the story so that you called him an asshole first... He's also willing to kick the ass of anyone smaller than him for some reason.

I'm willing to speculate that the first ESTP's sister is also an ESTP. She doesn't live a stop-go lifestyle, she lives a go-go-go-smoke-weed-go-go-go-pop-pills-go-go-go-repeat lifestyle. I must admit, I like to catch her between go's.
 
#19 ·
Well, at least you would agree on how does the cleaned up room looks like :D
One thing I didn't mention in my previous post was that me and my INTJ ex had a totally different idea about what are the proper places for things in our appartament.

For me cleaned room is a room with no dust, with clean windows and with nicely washed floor. There may even be some spiderwebs in the corners, because I don't care about that so much.

But my INTJ had totally different idea about what does the order mean. He couldn't understand how can I work and stay focused when I have so many things on my desk or how can I say that I cleaned up our flat while there is a pile of clothes on the bed. He often joked that I am sort of a cave person - I need no furniture like waredrobes / closets because I store my stuff on the ground anyways, lol.
 
#20 ·
I just started a relationship with a male INTJ (I got him to take the test). We have such strong chemistry its crazy! He's a really big smart ass, but its quite funny :) Im loving the huge I/E difference between us. This weekend we chilled at his house and had excessive amounts of sex/ cuddling, as opposed to my regular weekends of going out and drinking. Another great thing about this INTJ is that he isnt a feeler. My whole life ive dated mostly feelers, and having someone that relies on their logic and rationality as opposed to how thing make them feel is such a nice break. Were also able to have great discussions and go in depth into topics like religion (which we share the exact same views on- people are really dumb for believing its existence in the real world) politics and policy (with his loyalty being with the conservatives, and mine being with the NDP- although I come from a small town where socialist policy could easily be implemented with overall satisfaction, as opposed to trying to implement it in the cities where class systems and social inequalities are ingrained in the minds of its inhabitants), and were able to clearly express our views without th fear of hurting feelings. Our physical attraction to one another is stronger than anybody else ive ever been with! He is sooooo damn cute!!! Were constantly just wanting to rip each others clothes off. He also keeps the hugest smile on my face, and i seem to put one on his :p Yay for young love. I know things will change, but hopefully for the better. We truly compliment eachother :)
 
#22 ·
I am an INTJ and have question for ESTPs regarding compatibility with each other. For some reason me and ESTPs don't get along that well and I can't figure out why. And I am asking if there is anything in particular about an INTJ personality type that rubs an ESTP the wrong way?
I generally get on well with INTJs. But, well, here are some topics:

1. Improvisation
I dont understand much why INTJs gets so anxious and panic or freeze in unexpected situations. At first sight they look quite rational.

2. Speaking rationality: for me rational is to make judgement based on hard facts. Things which are provable, measurable and I dont mind to control myself what I want to know. I dont rely on prejudices, well known "truths" and this kind of stuff, dont use myself as a base for someone elses behavior etc. To say it in other words, I see what I see and not what I expect to see. I have a bit of discussion about that with J people in general, not just INTJs.

3. Order
Im able to make rats nest from my working table when researching or looking for information, which annoys lots of INTJs. But during the proces I dont bother with petty things like that. Ill tidy once work is finished, so I would appreciate more tolerance with that. After all, my working table is mine and I dont try to order someone elses.

4. E vs. I
For me not big deal. INTJs often needs time alone to recharge energy in certain way, I need lots of freedom and authonomy. Its going well together.

And I often like kind of humor INTJs have (usually surprised, because they look serious).
Might more sense for humor and not jumping to judgements and conclusions so fast could repair a bit relations with ESTPs?
And common sense also works with ESTPs, believe me:wink:.
 
#23 ·
The INTJ I'm currently dating is so great! He is the most considerate guy I've ever dated, and the things he says just truly warms my heart. I let him know that I told my mother I have a boyfriend, and she took it great! After I told him that he texted me saying
"Baby you are so smart, it seems you're always trying to do the right thing, I can tell you from experience that your mom is gonna be completely cool with you eventually. That's so cute you told her."
This is the first guy that I've dated that has a beautiful sense of morality. He isn't selfish and he is highly rational. He treats others exactly how he wants to be treated, and doesn't cut down other people like some of my past disasters. Although we're not really similar MBTI wise, we're very similar to one another in many other ways. I feel so lucky to have such a special person in my life <3
 
#37 ·
Hahaha. So every one of these qualities turned out to be false. He was immoral, highly selfish, inconsiderate, treats others how he wants to treat them, although he was still highly rational.

The beginning phase of a relationship is always fun, until you discover who the other person really is. We broke up at the end of may, and I decided its time for a Summer of singledom. No more jumping from one relationship to the next, unless an extremely charming exception comes up. :)
 
#25 ·
I get along great with most INTJs, my one good friend is an INTJ and feel like I can talk about anything with her. We have our differences, but one thing we do have in common is that we're not so open with feelings, so somehow we go to each other to talk about deeper things and their meaning.

They all think I'm insane though, as I do of them. :)
 
#27 ·
Married 20 years! It was hard to get him to be faithful initially, but I rationalized him to death. Did NOT marry until he understood!! I am his ultimate nerd, and he is always telling me to improve myself with things like further education (u smart baby, why u settle less) which I always need. He loves to do things around the house of course. MUHAHAHA!~ I like to stay at home all the time when I am not working because I am introvert and he assumes I will help with the house. WHAAAAT! Got him to buy me a bunch of robots for that! He's still a hunk too! Women love him but you try to flirt you are dealing with me I will kill you off pronto (by wit, not an axe! hehheh) He gets all giddy when I get defensive! It's totally fun! And he makes me laugh so hard! When I laugh like a maniac I scare the shit out of everyone and he loves it =) MY BABE <3
 
#29 ·
I almost never leave the house. It is why I took all those tests - then I had an epiphany.

I can stay in my house and read more. Forever. Maybe when were are old and grizzly he'll buy me a hut to match the house.

I am not really as smart as I should be. I hated seeing I was an INTJ then seeing all the smart famous people...At work when I revealed I was an INTJ, they laughed, and I mean in a good way. A co-worker said he really could imagine me as a dictator of my own island with a drug cartel and a potato chip factory. (I think I am a mean type of INTJ...sux)

when I was young I was top of my class and when I felt like people were staring at me...being an introvert - I retreated. I developed math anxiety and lost my dreams of excelling in science. I am crying while typing this...but I can and will do better. Money is not everything, and knowledge is the sun to me. It is O.K. I work in a library as a grunt, and volunteer my time away =) I can further my education, and work from home someday... I just am scared to be true to myself!

After realizing I was an INTJ, so many parts of my life made sense. You can question my type, but I can't. Operative word <---over there.
 
#40 ·
I almost never leave the house. It is why I took all those tests - then I had an epiphany.

I can stay in my house and read more. Forever. Maybe when were are old and grizzly he'll buy me a hut to match the house.

I am not really as smart as I should be. I hated seeing I was an INTJ then seeing all the smart famous people...At work when I revealed I was an INTJ, they laughed, and I mean in a good way. A co-worker said he really could imagine me as a dictator of my own island with a drug cartel and a potato chip factory. (I think I am a mean type of INTJ...sux)

when I was young I was top of my class and when I felt like people were staring at me...being an introvert - I retreated. I developed math anxiety and lost my dreams of excelling in science. I am crying while typing this...but I can and will do better. Money is not everything, and knowledge is the sun to me. It is O.K. I work in a library as a grunt, and volunteer my time away =) I can further my education, and work from home someday... I just am scared to be true to myself!

After realizing I was an INTJ, so many parts of my life made sense. You can question my type, but I can't. Operative word <---over there.


For you to stay married and adoring to a ESTP for twenty years, your intelligence had to be squashed. In an INTJ and ESTP relationship it' about what wins; the INTJ's intelligence or the ESTP's ego.
 
#30 ·
UGH, that last post makes my brain hurt reading it. I kind of feel like I ruined the thread, and I can't delete it. I like to edit more than writing and forums are my bane. I am sounding dumb, but why? Because I have a very hard time explaining our relationship...let me analyze further.
He is very intelligent - has risen high in one job and is studying engineering on the side. I love to watch him WORK. And by work, I don't go to his work and watch him LOL I watch what he does and admire it. He creates beautiful work out of small menial things - because he does them mind-numbingly perfect. He cares for me super lovingly...like an ISFP! We met one of our smartest friends through him - a brilliant INTP that loves him to death. Ah well, sorry to be a part blathering fool in this. The truth is it's very hard work. Good luck =)
 
#32 ·
I don't judge people based on MBTI nonsense. The ESTPs I know in real life are either hit or miss for me. Some I really like, some I can't stand. Same with any other MBTI type.

With that said, here is a funny clip of an argument between Marc Antony (ESTP) and Augustus Caesar (INTJ) from the show Rome...
 
#33 ·
I don't judge people based on MBTI nonsense. The ESTPs I know in real life are either hit or miss for me. Some I really like, some I can't stand. Same with any other MBTI type.

With that said, here is a funny clip of an argument between Marc Antony (ESTP) and Augustus Caesar (INTJ) from the show Rome...
Exactly.
Trouble with MBTI is that it does express cognitive preference not ability.
How the hell people could expect a-priori someone with T preference (ability for example poor 40%) be better on logic and hard facts than someone with F preference (ability for example 46%)?
And it gets even more biased when derivating peoples values from cognitive preferences.:rolleyes:
 
#38 ·
The longest lasting friendship I've had is with an INTJ. Maybe it's just our specific personalities but the typical conflicts i've been reading in this thread haven't really happened.

We never really have a problem with doing something vs. not doing anything. A huge portion of our time together has been going for walks, which is great for me because we are doing something, and is fine with her because it's not like going out and having to meet people or whatever, it's basically just hanging out except with movement haha :). Also we do sit around a good deal too, which again is just hanging out which she likes, and I like too, especially because we walk somewhere new and sit there every hour or so lol.

She hasn't had a problem with my friends that I hang out with a lot, and she enjoys to hang out with them too. One of my good guy friends, who is pretty misogynistic, says that she's one of the only girls he can actually think of as a friend because he respects her. And she likes him because he and her can make fun of other girls a lot (which I love listening to haha). My other good guy friend that we hang out with she really likes because he's awkward sometimes and it's adorable. She and I drink, and my friends smoke, so it's probably also good that they aren't loud and boisterous a lot. She tolerates me being loud and boisterous lol, and sometimes she will get into loud arguments with me, which are really fun.
Whenever there's a lot more people hanging out where we usually go to chill though, she will want to go for a walk or will just sit and draw while the others do whatever. I like that I'm not supposed to entertain her because she can entertain herself, and am often down to go walk with her for awhile also haha.

Lastly, when she has work to do, we often don't hang out, but when we do i'm fine just being there while she works haha, I'll bring my laptop with me and talk to people online and take occasional smoke breaks with her.

Anyways, this has been my most successful/longest lasting friendship and I feel like the differences in our personalities complement each other well and can be easily be resolved
 
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#39 ·
My best mate is an ESTP. We get along very well. We have a similar sense of humour and I imagine I'd spend every waking (and sleeping) moment at home if he didn't get me up and about. His impatient driving style and his constant, theatrical outbursts about the stupidity behind religion ("how can people honestly still believe in that bullshit with the discoveries in science and technology!!!!") usually leaves me in stitches. Even funnier when he does it with no holding back when we're with our christian friend. Also, when we're out drinking, his impulsive nature lack of care about money often leads to multiple free drinks for me. Not sure if he's learnt much from me, but I have learnt a lot from him. I think if INTJ's can embrace the fact that ESTP's are very different from us, there is a lot to be gained from having a friendship/relationship with one.