Due to their similarities, a relationship between an INFJ and ESFJ can blossom into an amazing and mutually beneficial connection.
Counselors (INFJ) and Consuls (ESFJ) share the feeling and the judging function, which means that there is some alignment in how they operate. However, the differences in their energy levels and lifestyles may cause a little bit of friction.
If you’re curious to learn how this relationship can work, keep reading as we uncover the dynamics of an INFJ and an ESFJ in love.
INFJ and ESFJ Relationship Compatibility
INFJs and ESFJs are considered to be somewhat compatible, but this can depend on many factors, which we will explore in detail in the upcoming sections.
Let’s briefly go over who these two types of personalities really are.
Dubbed the Counselor, INFJs are altruistic and idealistic, boasting a unique blend of empathy and intuition, which can make them great partners in general.
Their dominant function, Introverted Intuition (Ni), shapes their understanding of the world, which is logical and based on identifying patterns and connections, while their determined nature propels them to try and turn their visions into reality tirelessly.
The four cognitive functions of an INFJ are:
- Dominant: Introverted Intuition
- Auxiliary: Extroverted Feeling
- Tertiary: Introverted Thinking
- Inferior: Extraverted Sensing
The Consul, or ESFJ personality type, is generally characterized by friendliness, warmth, and an easygoing nature. These individuals enjoy being around people, and they care about their communities. Moreover, they are great at anticipating other people’s needs and often put the needs of others ahead of their own.
An ESFJ’s cognitive functions include the following:
- Dominant: Extraverted Feeling
- Auxiliary: Introverted Sensing
- Tertiary: Extraverted Intuition
- Inferior: Introverted Thinking
Due to the Extraverted Feeling function (Fe), these two types are able to find some common ground. They are both highly considerate of others’ emotions, and they are essentially advocates of meaningful, deep relationships and social harmony. They both tend to treat people with respect and kindness.
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INFJ Male and ESFJ Female Compatibility
The INFJ male and the ESFJ female rarely make a stable pairing, although even this unlikely connection can work with enough understanding and effort. INFJ males are generally reserved and introverted, while ESFJ females are outgoing, caring, and fun-loving. This discrepancy may actually benefit their compatibility, as they can learn a lot from each other and draw from their differences.
The ESFJ female can find the INFJ male’s depth and intelligence attractive. The INFJ male can learn how to be more social and open to new experiences.
These complementary characteristics between the two personalities can lead to the start of a good INFJ and ESFJ friendship.
INFJ Female and ESFJ Male
These two personality types could potentially make a good pair. INFJ females are empathetic and sensitive yet quite self-reliant and independent.
ESFJ males are practical, organized, result-oriented, and committed partners who foster traditional values in the relationship and assume a protective attitude toward their partner. They are also gregarious and enjoy frequent gatherings and socialization.
Thus, an ESFJ male’s protective nature may be perceived as overbearing by an INFJ female, while an ESFJ male may see an INFJ female as too reserved and mysterious.
Luckily, both types have the ability to be supportive and flexible, so resolving these issues should not be too challenging.
Thorough Analysis of INFJ and ESFJ Relationship
Let’s explore the specific components of the INFJ and ESFJ relationship dynamic:
#1. INFJ and ESFJ Communication
INFJs prefer conversations that delve into concepts, theories, profound topics, philosophy, and ideas. They love abstract and thought-provoking topics that can propel each other forward intellectually. Due to their introverted nature, they are usually not as vocal as ESFJs usually are.
ESFJ's communication style is characterized by openness, clarity, empathy, and respect toward other people. These types prioritize understanding and compassion in relationships and in their everyday interactions with other people, which makes them very compelling communicators.
Although it is not easy for an INFJ to open up and share (unlike for an ESFJ), once functionally communicating, booth types are capable of expressing their feelings in a practical and constructive manner.
Thus, communication between these two types could run relatively smoothly. Both types are attuned to other people’s emotions and are able to take on perspectives from multiple angles.
#2. INFJ and ESFJ Handling Conflict
Both INFJs and ESFJs are known for being conflict-avoidant. However, they handle conflict differently. In the event that such a situation happens, INFJs will need time alone to process the situation before coming back to resolve it. Their intuitiveness allows them to think of the issue from multiple angles, and trying to come up with a solution takes mental effort and time.
ESFJs avoid conflict at all costs, but they can be effective at solving it. They do not want to spend too much time analyzing all the possibilities; they focus on the here and now. ESFJs want to solve the issue right away, and they do this by clearly expressing their emotions and simultaneously looking for practical solutions that would restore harmony. INFJs seek to understand the underlying emotions that lead to conflict.
For this reason, ESFJs and INFJs are able to grow and develop through their conflicts. ESFJs are supportive and sensitive to other people’s needs, which an INFJ would appreciate in an emotionally charged situation.
#3. INFJ and ESFJ Values
There are quite a few similarities between INFJs and ESFJs in terms of the values they uphold. They both value connection, empathy, harmony, integrity, and authenticity, and both are highly motivated to help other people.
The major difference is the domain in which and the scale at which they aim to do this. ESFJs are much more social, so they enjoy being surrounded by people and being recognized and known by their communities. INFJs prefer a more low-key life that is harmonious, indeed, yet with a close circle of friends and family.
Though they express these values in different ways due to their differing auxiliary cognitive functions, these two types actually complement each other in this regard, reinforcing each other’s qualities.
#4. INFJ and ESFJ Decision-Making
As feeling types, both INFJs and ESFJs tend to follow their hearts when making decisions. They also think about how their actions and decisions may affect other people. However, they differ in one major way.
When making decisions, ESFJs focus on practical, tangible, and real-world factors. INFJs will use their Introverted Intuition (Ni) to consider all kinds of implications and might focus too much on the long-term consequences of their decisions.
This can prove to be problematic, especially when it’s a serious matter at hand that requires strategic thinking and analysis.
What they have in common is a people-centric approach and a strong sense of morals and ethics that influence their decision-making. Thus, with enough self-reflection and the implementation of emotional management strategies, these two can learn to make good decisions more quickly and with less friction.
#5. INFJ and ESFJ Daily Life
Daily life is another area in which INFJs and ESFJs can be aligned if they are willing to work together.
INFJs prefer privacy and don’t mind spending long hours with those they are genuinely interested in. INFJs would prefer to have a slow but enjoyable day rather than have their senses overloaded by social activity and exposure to a fast-paced environment. This would thrill an ESFJ, as they generally enjoy lively social gatherings and outdoor activities.
However, as these two types share the same Judging function, they both like to be organized and on top of their responsibilities.
The key to daily life bliss in the INFJ and ESFJ relationship is understanding and accepting each other’s differences. ESFJs need to honor their partner’s need for solitude and avoid disturbing INFJs when they’re charging their social batteries alone.
In turn, INFJs should accept their partner’s need for socialization and try joining them every once in a while.
#6. INFJ and ESFJ Dealing With Stress
INFJs and ESFJs handle stress in a different manner. INFJs tend to withdraw, choosing to deal with it on their own instead of involving other people.
ESFJs cope with stress by seeking support, connecting with other people, reinforcing stability, and focusing on practical solutions.
It comes as no surprise that an INFJ would perceive an ESFJ as too needy or clingy, especially at times in which they need their space. An ESFJ might get hurt by INFJs’ need to be away from their partner so they can take this personally.
Naturally, both types struggle to deal with this aspect of their partner's personality appropriately. However, with some compassion and understanding, they may be able to soothe one another.
2 Common Issues in INFJ and ESFJ Relationship
Besides the other aspects discussed so far, there are some more evident issues that INFJs and ESFJs can face in their relationship.
Namely, they are:
- People-pleasing. Both types can be generally regarded as people-pleasers, i.e., they put other people’s needs before their own. In such a relationship, both partners will try to make one another happy but will struggle to express their own desires, fearing this will cause discord. This loop of giving can cause resentment down the line.
- Personal growth. ESFJs often seek external validation, and their behavior is usually in accordance with social norms. These types are known for their unwillingness to rock the boat. INFJs are less concerned with their reputation. Their strength and confidence come from within; thus, they are content as long as they are authentic and true to themselves and their values.
3 Strategies On How to Improve INFJ and ESFJ Relationships
Just like any relationship, the one between an INFJ and an ESFJ will need work.
Luckily, there are effective ways to address and resolve the drawbacks of this dynamic, namely:
- Conflict resolution. Since both types can be conflict-avoidant, this can become an issue. Try to come up with conflict resolution strategies that will work for both partners. This should not be too challenging, as both INFJs and ESFJs are known to be gentle and compassionate.
- Be each other’s safe space. Understandably, people in relationships also need their alone time. But if more time is spent alone than together in a romantic connection, it defeats the point of being in one. INFJs and ESFJs can try to strike a balance by sharing quality time together that meets both of their needs.
- Spend quality time together. Since INFJs are introverted and like spending time indoors, and ESTPs couldn’t be farther away from that, finding activities to do together may be a bit tricky. However, spending quality time together is important in every relationship, so these two should put their minds together and see which activities would suit them both and meet their preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in an INFJ-ESFJ relationship, you may think too many differences can’t make for a good love story, but we’re happy to tell you that’s not necessarily true!
The connection can work very well, provided both parties are willing to compromise and have enough patience and openness to resolve different ways of expressing themselves as well as operating in their daily lives.
If you and your partner listen to each other and acknowledge one another’s needs, you can make a beautiful love story happen regardless.
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