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What You Want Versus What You Need In A Relationship, Based On Your Personality Type​

Nicole Bradley-Bernard
08/11/2021


What we want (or think we want) in a relationship and what we actually need from our relationship are a bit different. It can get confusing, though, because they tend to overlap.

Sometimes what we want and need to do ends up being the same thing. But let’s be real, we often think we want one thing and ignore the things we truly need because we don’t want to feel weak and vulnerable (everyone seems to have a superhero complex).

I mean, let’s be honest — most of us want romance, love, and well, satisfying physical intimacy. We want to be hot for our partner, to feel that rush of excitement that most of us describe as “love.”

But the reality is that a lot of these feelings don’t last. Eventually, the excitement wears off a bit, the physical aspects are a bit less hot, and we end up in a bit of a rut. It’s normal and in its own way, beautiful (a rut just means you got THAT comfortable with someone).

But ruts are relationship strains and it’s important to know what you NEED from your partner because, in the long run, it’s all about who complements you and your lifestyle best. Who will support you through the remaining stages of your life? Who will never give up on you? Truly, THAT is love.

Depending on your personality type, we are all going to want (and need) different things from our relationship.

It’s baffling to me, but for some, the physical and romantic parts of a relationship are less important than the aspects that help them grow as a person. And for others, all they need in a partner is emotional support and a good romp or two in the sack a week (I feel that).

Take the personality test, find your personality type, and see what you’re likely to want from a relationship as well as what you secretly need:​

1. The “Architect” (INTJ)​

For this cold, calculating, and logical personality type, when it comes to romantic relationships, they think they want intellectual respect and understanding. And, well, they probably really do. However, no one is as non-feeling as the INTJs think they are.

The reality is that the “architect” personality type needs a good mix of intellectual respect, understanding, AND emotional support (emotional support isn’t something they think they need though). The ideal situation for them is when all these things can be incorporated together.

For such a logical and calculating personality type, it’s important for them to work with their partners to distinguish between practicality and emotions. It’s also important for them to understand that emotions are generally not logical and shouldn’t always be approached as if they are.

RELATED: The One Thing That Makes People Fall For You, Based On Your Personality Type

2. The “Logician” (INTP)​

The “logician” personality type wants their romantic relationships to look like an “adorable couple” movie montage filled with flirty excitement, fun, and ultimate romance. And, I mean really — can you blame them? If only we could all live in a romantic movie montage with our significant other forever *sigh*.

What the INTP personality truly needs in a relationship (especially a long-term committed one) is to find a balance between the logical and the emotional in all areas of the relationship. Because the INTPs tend to be more logical than emotional, they tend to struggle with meeting their partner’s emotional needs, which eventually brings up conflicts. It’s important for them to communicate and agree on a balance in this area early to avoid conflict later.

3. The “Commander” (ENTJ)​

The ENTJ personality type desires their relationship to look like two best friends who happen to be in love. One of their biggest desires in a relationship is to be able to have open and honest discussions that lead to growth as individuals and as a couple.

What the “commander” personality type needs is to accept that it’s okay to relax with your partner instead of constantly working to improve everything. Constantly trying to improve yourself gets exhausting. This personality type could do with a little relaxation and taking time to just BE with their partners more often (intimacy is important too).

4. The “Debater” (ENTP)​

The ENTP personality type wants an open and honest relationship that focuses on two people who love each other and want to grow as individuals (and as a couple). They see an ideal relationship as one that allows them to say everything they want to say openly and still be loved.

The “debater” would do best to be able to be more emotionally sensitive to their partner’s needs, however. Not everyone can handle their level of honesty and lack of feeling.

5. The “Advocate” (INFJ)​

The “advocate” personality type seeks a romantic relationship that makes them feel as if their life has meaning. The emotional connection is where it is at for this personality type, they can even handle a mediocre sex life if there is a spiritual connection.

What the INFJ personality type needs in a relationship is a partner who won’t take advantage of their kind nature as they don’t like being manipulated AT ALL.

6. The “Mediator” (INFP)​

The biggest desire for the dreamy-eyed “mediator” is a picturesque romance akin to that of Romeo and Juliet, Noah and Allie, and Lilly and Marshal. Their biggest desire is for a perfect relationship with their “soulmate” (they are very likely to believe in such things). INFP desires a connection that is intense and deep. To them, they feel that love is being truly understood. Making up only 4% of the population, “mediators” are often hard to peg and feel the most in love when they feel that someone truly “gets them”.

7. The “Protagonist” (ENFP)​

For the “protagonist” personality type, the biggest wish in a relationship is for both people to make their partner’s happy and to help them fulfill their goals in life. The ENFPs would do well to be sure that their relationships are a good balance of give and take, however, the extent to which they strive to make their partners happy can sometimes overshadow their own happiness.

Since the long-term goal for ENFPs is for a relationship where each makes the other happy, it would be wise to make sure that they’re working towards this goal actively as a couple.

8. The “Campaigner” (ENFP)​

The ENFP personality type wants a relationship that is exciting and spiritual. Wanting to always be exploring new ideas together and wanting to feel connected to another soul, they want the same level of excitement from their partners.

The “campaigner” needs a deep level of devotion from their partner (as in matching the excitement about the relationship frequently). Also, a well-placed compliment now and again goes a long way with this personality type.

9. The “Logistician” (ISTJ)​

The ISTJ personality type thinks they want a partner that is logical and practical. They believe that this will help them achieve their long-term goals and allow for ultimate closeness and communication ease.

However, what the “logistician” really needs sometimes is to be brought out of their shell and forced to experience new things and the emotional side of their relationship with the partner they care so much about.

10. The “Defender” (ISFJ)​

The “defender's” tendency towards overwhelming shyness tends to mean that what they want most in a relationship is to get to the point where they are 100% comfortable with each other and can just bask in the comfort and love of their relationship together.

What the ISFJ needs is someone who ensures that their goals are also being met despite the “defender's” tendency towards always taking care of others' needs first. It can be easy to get caught up in the role that the “defender” establishes as the “caregiver”. And, understandably so, this role is very important to the ISFJ. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t need their needs and long-term goals are seen to.

11. The “Executive” (ESTJ)​

ESTJ personality types tend to be straightforward and upfront about their long-term goals (even from the beginning of a relationship). So, to them, they would want a relationship that is two people with the same long-term goals coming together in mutual fondness. They would also like their romantic relationships to be practical instead of emotional as this is their preferred method of communication.

However, the “executive” personality type could stand to improve their social skills (especially ones rooted in emotions) so that they can better connect with their partners in this way as most people cannot handle every aspect of a relationship being logical and practical (that’s not very romantic after all).

12. The “Consul” (ESFJ)​

The ESFJ personality type holds romantic relationships with a high level of importance as these types of relationships are where they can receive the support and devotion that they so greatly desire. To the “consul,” the best part of a romantic relationship is feeling supported, loved, and adored. They like to be showered with gestures and compliments.

More than gestures that let them know that they’re appreciated, however, the ESFJs need to know their partner is behind them 100% (doubts in this department can be relationship killers for them). They also could do well with a partner that keeps their tendency towards neediness in check. Making sure that they are not compromising their own values for the sake of approval.

13. The “Virtuoso” (ISTP)​

The ISTP personality type prefers to live life day-to-day, always ready to change things up and experience new things. Basically, their biggest desire in a relationship is for it to be exciting, fun, and, preferably, quite sensual.

However, the “virtuoso” personality type could grow (and have a better relationship) if they worked through some of their initial panic with the idea of consistency in a relationship since long-term relationships can’t always maintain the same level of spontaneity and fun. They could also stand to work with their partners by expressing their feelings better in hopes of a more intimate relationship.

14. The “Adventurer” (ISFP)​

The ISFP’s tendency to need life to be exciting and spontaneous makes them hesitant with long-term relationships. Can you say, “commitment issues?” For them, they always want to be able to always wonder “what’s next?” This is true of even their relationships. For them, they want their relationships to always be exciting (which, admittedly, is hard to maintain for too long).

Once the “adventurer” is in a committed relationship, they could stand to get better at planning. Everything can’t always be spontaneous and it’s important that they work with their partners to comfortably develop this area, together.

15. The “Entrepreneur” (ESTP)​

For the ESTPs, their biggest wish for a relationship is one that is a very physical and exciting relationship. They want a partner who is always ready to go on an adventure with them. They don’t like just talking about things, they want to go out and DO things!

For “entrepreneurs” that can make it into a long-term relationship, they could stand to get better at long-term planning and getting an emotional connection (especially in their sex lives).

16. The “Entertainer” (ESFP)​

The ESFP personality types want a relationship that is fun and exciting that can be fully enjoyed for as long as it lasts.

For “entertainers” that end up in long-term relationships, it can be helpful for them to work on being able to handle criticisms better and to be less manipulative in general.

RELATED: What Is The Most Common Personality Type?
 
I think a lot of people are generally introverted or extroverted depending on the situation a lot of the time. For instance, some people that I know are complete loudmouths around their friends, but at work meetings are more timid. Then there are people that talk a lot at work and then just are quiet around their family. It really varies and I rarely meet people that are completely on one end of the spectrum or the other, but I do notice that when it comes to relationships, there’s usually a more extroverted person paired with an introvert. It balances out pretty well though.
I think it's just generally misunderstanding what Introversion and Extroversion are, since it's more about whether or not social situations give you "psychological energy" or drain it. My little sister is far more outgoing than I am and very adept at social situations, but we both still always test as introverts.

America is a bad judge of it though, we're notably more outgoing culturally than most of the first world. Almost annoying so.
 
I think a lot of people are generally introverted or extroverted depending on the situation a lot of the time. For instance, some people that I know are complete loudmouths around their friends, but at work meetings are more timid. Then there are people that talk a lot at work and then just are quiet around their family. It really varies and I rarely meet people that are completely on one end of the spectrum or the other, but I do notice that when it comes to relationships, there’s usually a more extroverted person paired with an introvert. It balances out pretty well though.
FWIW my wife detests company even more than I do.
I think it's just generally misunderstanding what Introversion and Extroversion are, since it's more about whether or not social situations give you "psychological energy" or drain it. My little sister is far more outgoing than I am and very adept at social situations, but we both still always test as introverts.

America is a bad judge of it though, we're notably more outgoing culturally than most of the first world. Almost annoying so.
What kind of creep feels "energized" by being surrounded by drunk strangers?

One of the best things about not being a 20something is no longer being expected to like big parties.
 
What kind of creep feels "energized" by being surrounded by drunk strangers?

One of the best things about not being a 20something is no longer being expected to like big parties.
I'm about the most introverted person on the planet, so I'm the wrong person to ask, but that's how I've heard it described. It sounds insufferable to me too, but supposedly that's what "normal" people enjoy.

I just find a fellow introvert and have a great discussion about whatever, but I'm told that's doing it wrong. I'm guessing it's like trying to explain green to a person that can't see color.
 
My job made me and my co-workers get tested on this. I forget what result I ended up as (this was years ago) but it seemed to fit me really well... then I read my co-worker's result and thought it fit me too, so I don't know how much I trust the MBTI stuff.

The people who gave us this test explained that it wasn't meant to be a personality test or a more scientific horoscope, but instead it's supposed to be a way to see how we process and use information. It made a lot of sense and didn't sound like bullshit, but who knows, I never looked into it.
 
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My job made me and my co-workers get tested on this. I forget what result I ended up as (this was years ago) but it seemed to fit me really well... then I read my co-worker's result and thought it fit me too, so I don't know how much I trust the MBTI stuff.

The people who gave us this test explained that it wasn't meant to be a personality test or a more scientific horoscope, but instead it's supposed to be a way to see how we process and use information. It made a lot of sense and didn't sound like bullshit, but who knows, I never looked into it.
I think it probably was legitimately trying to measure something like that, but just became astrology for office workers later. Hell, that's probably how astrology start, trying to make sense of personality traits, and then some big brained Sumerian figured out chicks loved that shit and used it to get in their pants. And it fucking stuck.
 
Counterpoint : All I want is a Mentally Stable 5/10 with decent titties who likes the hobbies I like and doesn't have kids or a "OWO WITTLE FURBABBIE OWO"

Now females in this age can't manage the low bar of being 5/10 and SANE so I just accept my 2D Overlady.

All this personality shit is fucking Cope for the fact you are a boring, fat..bluehaired CUNTBAG.
 
What kind of creep feels "energized" by being surrounded by drunk strangers
Drunk strangers are easy to talk to and have no prior expectations. It's way easier to deal with than some asshole who's seen your insecurities.
Edit: Also the way Extraversion and Introversion work differently than you would assume in MBTI. It's less about where you draw energy from so much as its a measure of how you relate energy to your thought process. For example Extraverted Thinking relates to how you judge yourself on "objective facts" such as performance reviews, financial status, and career advancement while Introverted Thinking is more about imposing a "subjective process" like theory, critique and mechanics in a situation.
 
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Drunk strangers are easy to talk to and have no prior expectations. It's way easier to deal with than some asshole who's seen your insecurities.
What if I told you that sitting quietly at home by yourself was an option?

I was once insecure, then I met enough people to realize I'm better than them.
 
What if I told you that sitting quietly at home by yourself was an option?

I was once insecure, then I met enough people to realize I'm better than them.
That gets boring. It's good for a month off for sure to start thinking and building myself up but talking to someone new and jockeying to get in their pants can be refreshing.
 
That gets boring. It's good for a month off for sure to start thinking and building myself up but talking to someone new and jockeying to get in their pants can be refreshing.
That's insane, and hitting on women is so exhausting that we invented marriage.
 
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The MBTI community is cliquey and autistic as all fuck, there's this weird hierarchy where all the guys want to be INTJ (the aloof movie villain genius) and all the girls want to be INFJ (the rarest and therefore most "not like the other girls) type, also the introvert types all think they're better than the "basic" extroverts for some reason, and the S-J types are seen as conformist normies. It's basically horoscopes for weird nerds who think they're too clever for horoscopes, also I regret ever taking the test because I got INFP which is apparently Chris-Chan's type.
 
A good marriage is where two people are together for only half of the time..
 
Edit: Also the way Extraversion and Introversion work differently than you would assume in MBTI. It's less about where you draw energy from so much as its a measure of how you relate energy to your thought process. For example Extraverted Thinking relates to how you judge yourself on "objective facts" such as performance reviews, financial status, and career advancement while Introverted Thinking is more about imposing a "subjective process" like theory, critique and mechanics in a situation.
What? That doesn't even make sense in regards to extroversion and introversion. It's almost exactly External focus vs. Internal focus. Objective/Subjective would be more the realm of Thinking/Feeling
 
What? That doesn't even make sense in regards to extroversion and introversion. It's almost exactly External focus vs. Internal focus. Objective/Subjective would be more the realm of Thinking/Feeling
In jungs original text, he discussed the idea of extraversion and introversion somewhat differently here: http://www.cyjack.com/cognition/(ebook pdf) jung, carl - the psychological types.pdf. From this perspective, a person whose dominant function draws its energy from the outside would be extroverted, but that didn't necessarily mean that said person was anywhere near a social butterfly. It just meant that they judged themselves by outside criteria in a broad sense.
 
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