INFJ and ESFP: Compatibility, Love, Marriage, and Romance

INFJ and ESFP may initially seem like a mismatched pair in friendship and romance. However, first impressions can be deceiving. Once they move beyond their initial differences and get to know one another, common themes emerge that allow this pair to find friendship, romance, and much more.

Compatibility

Though INFJ and ESFP do have very different ways of viewing the world around them, they can become quite compatible with one another as time goes on. While INFJ is very idealistic, ESFP likes to stay focused on reality and, in fact, wants to spend as much time as possible enjoying the world around them.

That enjoyment of the world is often what lets both INFJ and ESFP realize they have excellent compatibility. The INFJ will appreciate their ESFP counterpart helping them stay down to earth, while ESFP will feed off of the idealism and fantasy INFJ loves, building a relationship that is filled with spontaneity and even some daredevil activities now and then, such as skydiving or bungee jumping.

Summary Chart: INFJ and ESFP Compatibility vs. Conflicts

Compatibility Possible Conflicts
Both are empathetic and compassionate ESFP’s spontaneity may become irksome to their partner over time
Values matter to both INFJ may feel like the only adult among the two
Each is willing to support the other ESFP may seem lazy or unmotivated
Both are curious about life INFJ may be too serious for lighthearted ESFP

3 Reasons Why INFJ and ESFP Can Be Great for Each Other

Though they are opposites in many areas of life, INFJ and ESFP can still be great for one another as either friends or lovers.

  1. Both love helping others by volunteering.
  2. They’re very passionate about what they believe in.
  3. Both are willing to communicate with one another.

Since INFJ and ESFP share similar value systems, it is easy for these two opposites to attract, especially as they begin to spend more time around each other. Being able to introduce each other to new ways of thinking and approaching various aspects of life, combining creativity and imagination with experience and wisdom is what this duo is all about.

As these pair spend more time with each other on a daily basis, they find that although they will have disagreements about how to do housework and plan out their day, each is always willing to sit down and discuss their views with their partner. In the end, this results in a relationship that can weather storms big and small and make each person stronger, both emotionally and spiritually.

3 Reasons Why INFJ and ESFP May Not be Good for Each Other

  1. INFJ prefers structure, while ESFP likes spontaneity.
  2. INFJ is very serious, while ESFP is relaxed.
  3. ESFP has a very high energy level.

Though this relationship can work, it can also have plenty of situations where each person gets on the other’s nerves. While INFJ loves to have their days structured almost too much, ESFP is always ready for their next spur-of-the-moment adventure, which INFJ can find quite disruptive to their meticulous schedule. This goes hand-in-hand with the problems caused by the high energy level of the ESFP since INFJ may like to take things a bit slower now and then.

Finally, INFJ likes to look at the world in a very pragmatic way, taking a serious approach to problems. However, ESFP prefers to take life as it comes. Thus, each may look at the other at a loss as to why they live life the way they do day after day.

Communication

While it may seem as if INFJ and ESFP are destined to do nothing but argue with one another, the strange thing about this pairing is that they have very few disagreements that escalate into arguing. Instead, the shared empathy and value system allow them to recognize each other’s differences in ways that the other can learn to accept and even appreciate.

When communicating, INFJ and ESFP have great chemistry with one another. INFJ will get ESFP talking about issues they hold near and dear to their heart, while ESFP will always be chatty and ensure the conversation never gets too dull for either person. Once these two start talking, neither is likely to fall silent.

Where are they strong, and why?

Always comfortable having conversations, INFJ and ESFP are strong in valuing each other’s thoughts and feelings, even if they know there is disagreement. Thus, each is always willing to let the other express themselves in a way that suits them best.

Where do they have problems and why?

In some situations, ESFP may want to keep the conversation moving faster than INFJ would prefer. As a result, ESFP may think INFJ has nothing to say when in fact, INFJ is just processing their thoughts before saying them out loud.

When trying to figure out how to tackle problems, conflict can occur if INFJ tries to use tried-and-true methods that ESFP sees as having outlived their usefulness. Sometimes, this can lead to head-butting about whose ideas will emerge victorious. If these two can learn how to compromise more within their relationship, they can forge ahead with fewer conflicts.

How Can INFJ and ESFP Improve Communication?

Again, compromise is the key. INFJ needs to realize that while ESFP may have their head in the clouds quite often, this does not mean their ideas are not without merit. Likewise, ESFP needs to know INFJ can often use their experience and acquired wisdom to bring excellent insight into their discussions.

Though ESFP believes actions speak louder than words, this doesn’t make them opposed to talking out their problems with INFJ. On the contrary, they can work together with their partner to focus on the bigger picture, examining the many possibilities and angles associated with a problem and its solutions. Once they come together in this manner, INFJ and ESFP can take care of the details and determine what is most important at that moment, creating a win-win situation.

Where do they connect? Why?

These two personalities connect with their empathy and a strong sense of values, both of which allow them to overlook any differences they have for the greater good of the world around them. Once this pair puts the energy level of ESFP to work with the pragmatic problem-solving ability of INFJ, the connection that follows gets both partners into the habit of speaking their minds, defending their positions, and coming together to make the world a better place.

INFJ and ESFP: Values

INFJ and ESFP have extremely strong value systems. Whether helping each other, other family members, friends, or total strangers, both INFJ and ESFP believe being empathetic, committed to a cause, and a sense of higher purpose are vital to building a better relationship with one another as well as with the world around them.

3 Things an INFJ Values

  1. Genuine and honest communication
  2. Practicality and common sense
  3. Alone time

While INFJ does love helping others, it is important to remember that they are primarily introverts. Because of this, they love to have some alone time each day, where they can think over problems and sort out the details of what has gone right or wrong along the way. Somewhat private people, they are most comfortable when they feel common sense is being used in any and all situations, be it personal, on the job, or elsewhere.

3 Things an ESFP Values

  1. Tangible results to their actions
  2. Enjoying life to its fullest
  3. Open and honest communication

When ESFP looks at life, they want to see more than just words. Instead, they thrive on seeing tangible results for their actions. ESFPs love living life to its fullest and want to help others do the same, which is why they are often found volunteering for anything and everything.

No matter the situation, they demand open and honest communication. If this doesn’t happen, ESFP will not hesitate to look elsewhere for new friends or lovers, believing life is too short not to be enjoyed.

How do their values match up?

Though opposites in many ways, INFJ’s and ESFP’s values are very compatible. Both honor whatever commitments they have, even when it is very inconvenient to do so. They also love and appreciate communication they know can be trusted since this allows them the freedom to express themselves.

As a couple, INFJ and ESFP put their shared strengths and values together to communicate their feelings to one another, try to understand each other even when it seems almost impossible and work together to turn idealistic notions into pragmatic solutions.

Love Language/Love Style

For an INFJ to impress ESFP in the game of love, they must take action right away. This can be an elegant dinner or even something off-the-wall and spontaneous since this will absolutely thrill ESFP, knowing they prefer actions over words.

As for ESFP, they can use their lust for life to help INFJ break out of a long-standing rut and get back into the game of life. Whether it’s convincing them to bungee jump off a tall bridge or take a vacation to an unusual destination, ESFP will be able to guarantee INFJ plenty of fun.

Ways INFJs Show Their Love

An INFJ will show love to ESFP in the following ways:

  • Absolute devotion to their relationship
  • Willingness to discuss their emotions and compromise
  • Being open to trying new things

Though INFJ needs alone time to recharge their batteries, they also realize the ESFP they know and love needs to keep life fun and lively. Therefore, INFJ will go out of their comfort zone for their partner, which for them is perhaps the ultimate display of love and affection.

Ways ESFPs Show Their Love

An ESFP will show their love by:

  • Keeping daily life interesting
  • Talking about their emotions
  • Performing multiple acts of kindness

While ESFP loves INFJ, they also know their partner has a tendency to get into a rut and stay there indefinitely. Rather than let this happen, they will strive to keep daily life interesting, be it through unplanned and fun activities, unique conversations, or other things. ESFP will never hesitate to discuss their emotions with their INFJ partner, which often precludes any petty disagreements.

As a final gesture of love, ESFP will perform one act of kindness after another for INFJ, such as serving them breakfast in bed on the weekend or whisking their partner away to a romantic weekend at a B&B.

ESFP and INFJ in Bed

Anything goes with these two in bed. Though INFJ may at first be hesitant to try new things, ESFP will use their exuberance and zest for life to convince INFJ to expand their horizons. Though it may sound superficial, INFJ and ESFP actually develop quite an intimate connection sexually, which is maintained throughout their relationship.

INFJ and ESFP Couples/Marriage

INFJ Male and ESFP Female

In a long-term relationship, the INFJ male will need to let go of their tendency to judge ESFP. Meanwhile, the ESFP female will need to learn the fine art of compromise while at the same time remembering it is her vitality that brought the pair together in the first place.

Though seemingly approaching her relationship in a very carefree manner, the ESFP female is actually quite committed to her INFJ partner and will go to great lengths before calling the relationship quits.

INFJ Female and ESFP Male

When an INFJ female brings her practicality to a long-term romantic relationship with an ESFP male, it will take some time for the two to gel. Even if the ESFP male initially appears to be a bit too immature for the INFJ female, time will reveal an ESFP male who shares similar values, wants his partner to be happy, and is deeply committed to doing the work necessary to maintain the relationship. Before they know it, their relationship will be years old and continue to go strong.

INFJ and ESFP Conflicts

Not surprisingly, considering their differences in approaching life, INFJ and ESFP are prone to conflict now and then. While they can learn to get along very well with one another, there are certain areas with increased chances of conflict.

Possible Areas of Conflict (and Why)

When conflict takes place between these two, it is usually due to:

  • INFJ is irritated over ESFP’s high energy level
  • INFJ thinking ESFP is unmotivated and flaky
  • ESFP dislikes INFJ’s fondness for routine and organization
  • ESFP wants to be spontaneous all the time

Needless to say, there is room for quite a bit of conflict between INFJ and ESFP. When together, ESFP will always want to be doing something or going somewhere, which may be irritating to an INFJ who plans to have a quiet day at home. When ESFP gravitates from one subject to another very quickly, INFJ may think they are not spending enough time on a certain issue, making them appear flaky or unmotivated.

When living together, INFJ will always desire a daily routine and organization, which can drive the ESFP crazy due to its lack of spontaneity. If ESFP tries in vain to use their spontaneity to get their INFJ out of the house and into some new and exciting activity, repeated failures at this may spell the end of this relationship.

How do they resolve conflict?

When conflict comes between these two, they often decide to meet in the middle and settle their differences through compromise. Since each deeply values the other’s emotions, they try hard to avoid heated arguments in which someone might say something they can’t take back later on.

How do they build trust?

As a great judge of character, INFJ will be able to decide very quickly whether or not they can trust ESFP. Though it may take a bit of time before they trust ESFP with the most intimate and private details of their life, INFJ is willing to let trust build up gradually.

On the other hand, ESFP has never met a person they consider to be a stranger to them. Because of this outlook on life, ESFP has little trouble trusting others from the first time they meet. While this is a surprise to INFJ, it helps them build up complete trust within the relationship much quicker than they anticipated.

Once INFJ and ESFP decide to embark on a friendship or romance, their strong sense of values makes both of them place trust above all else in terms of having a successful long-term relationship. Should one violate the trust of the other, it can be gotten back, but it won’t happen overnight by any means.

INFJ and ESFP Friendships

Though each may wonder how there could ever be a long-term friendship between them when they first meet, INFJ and ESFP are actually two opposites who can produce beautiful friendships together.

INFJ vs. ESFP: How Each Approaches Friendship

Though INFJ loves having friends, they have a difficult time making them since they can be hesitant to approach people. Since INFJ can be judgmental, they sometimes gain inaccurate perceptions of people before they get to know them, which can doom a friendship before it even begins. However, once a true INFJ friend can always be counted upon, in good times and in bad.

ESFP takes an entirely different approach to friendship. Loving to be involved in new things, ESFPs thrive on the energy of meeting new people and making new friends. Once INFJ and ESFP become a couple, ESFP is eager to have their friends become friends with their INFJ partner. Though it may take some time for this to happen, INFJ is, in the end, appreciative of the many new friends they have thanks to the ESFP.

INFJ and ESFP Friendship Dynamics

Since ESFP is a great extrovert and INFJ is the exact opposite, their dynamics in friendship are vastly different. Knowing the value of true friends, each will use compromise to resolve conflict, chalk up the differences between them to idiosyncrasies, and use their shared commitment to helping others to enjoy many activities together. In fact, it’s quite common to find these two friends helping out at a food bank or animal shelter.

What makes them good for each other as friends?

INFJ and ESFP are good for each other as friends because they want to do all they can to make the world a better place. While INFJ is very practical whereas ESFP is idealistic, they come together and use their empathy and authenticity to become a pair that is not only great friends with each other but also with those they meet.

Can they be close friends?

Since they have common interests and want to help others, they can become close friends once they learn to compromise and accept that each will not be able to change the other very substantially. As they get to know each other and learn that each is as authentic as they seem, a close friendship begins to form.

What areas may cause INFJ and ESFP problems as friends?

The constant spontaneity of ESFP and the INFJ’s need for an extreme organization can cause problems within this friendship. This, coupled with the INFJ’s judgmental persona and the ESFP’s seeming indifference to planning and scheduling, may lead to tension between these friends. To work out their differences, they must learn to compromise and remember there is more to like about one another than dislike.