Compatibility

This is a full table of intertype relations for 16 personality types. Intertype relations refer to the patterns of functional interaction between two Socionics types. There are 14 such patterns: 12 symmetric and 2 asymmetric.

Duality is a fundamental concept of socionics, and was introduced by Aushra Augusta. Duals can interact on many levels and in a variety of ways, which creates a sense of fullness and variety in the relationship. Duals almost always bring something unexpected to the relationship for the other person and end up affecting them in ways they did not expect.

Adapting to one's dual takes time and the fulfillment of certain conditions. Initially, these duals attract one another with their role functions: ENTP – by presenting himself or herself as a self-assured, confident person, and ISFJ – by presenting as an easy-going, somewhat reckless optimist, who seems to not have any problems.

In the intimate sphere, the initiative for showing feelings, casting aside all prejudices, should fall to ESFJ, who acts in this area quickly and with confidence.

When it comes to intimacy, ENFJ should not rush to show his skill in seduction. ISTP likes a sublime yet modest partner, whom he can teach and show "what is needed" to the extent he deems it acceptable. In this pair, ENFJ takes lead in emotional life of the dyad, while sensing remains the sovereignty of ISTP.

In this dyad, relations are in many ways similar to the ENFJ and ISTP dyad. Both couples are prone to engage in a kind of "play-fighting". Overbearing nature of ESTP evokes emotional resonance in INFJ, who, cleverly playing with his feelings, can endure a lot from such strong and authoritarian personality.

The main impetus of this dyad is welfare. Pragmatism is expressed quite clearly in both of these types. INTJ should be appreciative of the energy, flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit of his partner.

Their relations have a pulsating nature, as do relations of other members of 2nd and 3rd quadra, for whom fighting spirit and orientation at victory are characteristic. Fluctuations and contrasts in their relations only serve as a guarantee of their longevity.

ESTJ also does not care for verbal expression of feelings – he does not trust them. He is disarmed only by sensitivity, gentleness, faithfulness and ability of partner to compromise. As for the feelings and desires, INFP, implicitly reads them – he can see them in the eyes of his dual, and tries to meet them. He shows his attitude indirectly, but this only inspires his enterprising partner.

Fickle by nature, easily carried away by new people, ENFP requires an interesting and mysterious partner, who needs to be won over his entire life. ISTJ is that fortress which needs to be conquered by continuous advance. Even when he loves, he often hides his feelings under the mask of coldness.

Activation is a very common relationship for friendship. Activation is similar to duality in that each person provides those kinds of information that the other most expects, however, the emphasis is always somewhat different than subconsciously expected.

Relations of identity are characterized by a very rapid "getting to know you" process and the ease of communicating information to each other. Identity partners can easily relate to each other and offer sympathy and understanding, but rarely solutions.

Initially, Mirrors find plenty of things to talk about. They easily understand each other's philosophies (and usually find that they agree) on basically all issues. They are surprised to find that the other can provide a subtly different outlook and recognize valuable things they themselves would tend to overlook.

While generally sympathetic towards each other and sharing many of the same weaknesses, quasi-identicals are almost unable to offer meaningful assistance on a personal level, and quickly become annoyed with each other's expectations, if any. Furthermore, the solutions to their emotional or personal problems are always radically different.

Super-Ego partners usually think of each other as mysterious and curious individuals. They are usually intrigued by each other's manners, behavior and thoughts. Both partners might experience interest in each other, but to an outsider spectator, these relations may look cold for some inexplicable reason.

At a distance, conflictors may find each other interesting, but as they become closer are sure to notice a fundamental difference in their motives and point of view. They can only sidestep this by limiting their relationship to the most formal and superficial interaction possible in a given situation.

Relations of extinguishment are characterized by an interest in the same kinds of things, but partners approach it in a fundamentally different and often incomprehensible way. Many people note a certain draw in these relations, as if the other person possessed some dual-like qualities, but never materializes into a dual.

Some leading socionists have quipped relationships of semi-duality "the moth and the flame". The couple is invariably attracted to each other, but repeatedly "burned" by each other. To some onlookers these relations may seem especially passionate and loving.

Informal communication flows easily, but competition for influence may ensue if partners spend too much time in the same group. Partners may have difficulty dividing roles when trying to work together. Neither one is able to be much of an assistant to the other, as there is little if any natural complementarity of behavior.

Often, a mutual two-way yet asymmetric interest develops between people in benefit relations. The person in role of the beneficiary admires the person who is in role of benefactor. Benefactor's abilities seem impressive to the beneficiary from a distance. The manners, behavior, and the way the benefactors holds himself seems attractive to the beneficiary.

The supervisor is usually interested in what the supervisee does and says, but at the same time feels like it is often in need of modification or reformulation from the point of view of his leading function. Because this reframing of issues corresponds to their vulnerable function, the supervisee may often feel frustrated with the supervisor's statements.

Since the beneficiary typically appreciates and admires benefactor's values and lifestyle, the beneficiary is often supportive of the benefactor in implementation of benefactor's ideas and values, treating any of the benefactor's suggestions as a call to action.

Though the supervisee's discomfort can become quite intense, it is often not evident at first glance. He will usually only talk about it with closer friends, finding it difficult to express to the supervisor without sounding childish. To the supervisor it will appear that the supervisee is overreacting.

Business partners do not tend to view each other as serious threats or competitors. Their preferred spheres of influence, their basic attitudes and purposes — defined primarily through the leading function — are very different, diminishing potential competition. Furthermore, neither partner can easily stimulate the other's vulnerable function, meaning that partners can loosen up around each other.

Illusionary relations range from apparent compatibility, offset by the occasional small, short argument to mutual understanding and tolerance of the other's quirks to complete aversion and disregard for the other's lifestyle. The relationship usually progresses smoothly, but it depends on how close the partners are, what terms the relationship started on, and which of the two leads the relationship.