MYERS-BRIGGS® TYPE AND RELATIONSHIPS Oil and Water? The MBTI® framework can be applied to a variety of relationships – our partners being no exception. While we cannot necessarily pick our teammates or our bosses, we do tend pick our partners. And thus, it can become a fascinating case study for us to begin to explore the sources of both joy and challenge that comes with these choices. Increasingly, people want to know whether type can explain why or why not their relationship is destined for success. I received an email from a woman wanting to use type to communicate better with her partner. She was feeling frustrated, saying that often, arguments led to dismissing their partnership as akin to Oil and Water – never meant to mix, too incompatible in the long run, their differences insurmountable. This got me thinking, and I have decided to use this week’s blog post to discuss what I’ve learned about personality type and relationships. Type – just like in an organizational context – can provide a great deal of value when understanding the needs of others, making constructive use of our differences, and flexing accordingly. Principle #1: There is no “Perfect Pairing” Despite what we see, and what we compare ourselves to, no relationship is perfect, because the people in them never are. I encourage my clients to remember that although it can seem like everyone’s grass is greener, the truth is, green grass requires work. Relationships require cultivation and nurturing, regardless of how ‘similar or different’ people are. Rather than looking at the lawn on the other side, the best relationships seem to come from exploring ways to water our own lawn. Just as every couple faces challenges, every pairing can also bring about wonderful insights and joys that are as unique as the two people in them. Furthermore, in addition to our types, a wide variety of other factors influence who we are, how we behave, and how satisfied we are in our relationships (past memories and experiences, our own parents’ marriage, culture and heritage, age and maturity, gender, etc.) Principle #2: Oil and Water It is thought that relationships are easier for couples who are more similar in type, due to the ease of communication or similar ways of making decisions for example. However, just like we perpetuate when using the MBTI with teams, easier does not necessarily equate to better. While things may seem smoother, too many similarities can often equate to missing important perspectives that would otherwise bring us insight, and can also be frustrating as our weaknesses are continually reflected in another. For these reasons, the greatest opportunity for growth can actually come from loving someone different. We are all familiar with the adage that opposites attract. [1] In fact, Type research may back this up as we know only about 10% of couples are alike on all four letters. On some level, we seem to be drawn to our partners precisely because of our differences. We may see things in them that we don’t have, inspiring awe and admiration when they do these things so naturally. They may also encourage us to try new things, and they may bring about unique perspectives that enrich our lives and help us develop maturity and open-mindedness over time. (Compliments abound!). So, while they may be more challenging and require more effort to achieve understanding, relationships with differing perspectives can be amongst the most satisfying. Rather than Oil and Water, I argue that differences amongst two partners is more akin to Salt and Pepper – sure they are different, but when used in unison, bring so much more flavour and substance out of life. That said, consider these “joys” and “challenges” of being with someone who is similar. Ask yourself if these resonate. If you are the same as your partner, do you recognize these benefits? Can you do more to address these blind spots? If you are different – and are encountering frustration because of it – use these to help understand the value that actually comes from the diversity you two have. Is there something you can do to flex to their needs, rather than speaking only your language? Myers-briggs Type and Relationship compatibility Extraverts with Extraverts The Good: Big talkers and lots of discussion, active and busy, will be equally social, engaging with a variety of people. The Bad: May not listen well or will listen only to respond; may interrupt each other and overextend themselves with outside commitments Introverts with Introverts The Good: Will listen well, are patient with depth of thought, and may respect each other’s need for privacy and quiet The Bad: May lose touch with outer world, could see everything from only their own vantage point, and may avoid issues, problems and reactions Sensors with Sensors The Good: Share a practical and realistic view, are literal and linear in their communication and tend to be down-to-earth without pretense The Bad: May not consider options and alternatives with big and small matters, may be overly skeptical of each other’s ideas and may be materialistic Intuitives with Intuitives The Good: Love to share ideas and talk about possibilities, share alternatives and plans for the future, appreciate each other’s uniqueness The Bad: May overlook essential facts and realities, may become stressed by the tangible (ie finances), may be vague and abstract in their communication Thinkers with Thinkers The Good: Tend to be direct and honest, remain consistent and logical in their approach and preserve their principles at all costs The Bad: May be critical blunt or insensitive, may not understand underlying emotional causes of conflicts, may not risk vulnerability or emotion sharing Feelers with Feelers The Good: Are eager to understand each other, are warm compassionate and expressive, and often eager to connect emotionally The Bad: Take everything personally, are often sensitive to criticism, and tend to avoid conflict Judgers with Judgers The Good: Make for very organized partners, are decisive and goal-oriented and often share a desire for order and accomplishment The Bad: Struggle for control, may be stubborn, and are often unwilling to adjust plans Perceivers with Perceivers The Good: Are easygoing and adventurous, playful and have fun together, and are curious and open to change The Bad: Sometimes do not follow through or plan ahead, may be impulsive, and can miss opportunities due to procrastination Additional Resources [1] Tieger, P. D., & Barron-Tieger, B. (2001). Just Your Type. Boston: Little Brown & Company.
