ESFJs are perhaps the most relationship-oriented personality type. Also known as Consuls, they feel fulfilled when they’re helping others and forming meaningful personal connections. Pragmatic yet emotionally expressive, they have a deep sense of empathy, and they’re also great at giving advice. However, they won’t necessarily get along with everyone. This article will take a closer look at ESFJs’ compatibility with each personality type, (including their own type!). We’ll be tackling the following questions here:
- What are ESFJs like in relationships?
- Who is the best match for an ESFJ?
- Which types make the best friends for ESFJs?
- Which types have a good work dynamic with ESFJ?
Page Contents
ESFJ Relationships and Dating
Relationships are a priority for the ESFJ personality type. They thrive when they’re surrounded by their loved ones and when they’re playing an active role in their community. Kind and compassionate, ESFJs have a lot of love to give, and they’re deeply attuned to the emotional and practical needs of other people. They’re very committed to those that they care about and possess a knack for seeing the best in others. ESFJs also enjoy following traditions by celebrating important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries. It’s important for them to be recognized and appreciated by others.
You can read a more detailed analysis of ESFJ traits and characteristics here.
ESFJ Dating
While friends and family are a very important part of an ESFJ’s life, romantic relationships hold a special place in their hearts. When ESFJs fall in love, it lasts for a long time. Ultimately, they want a long-term relationship with nurturing, reliable partners who can enjoy social activities with them. When it comes to dating, they often like to follow established rules such as waiting at least a few dates before engaging in physical intimacy. An ESFJ partner is selfless, conscientious, and affectionate. Affirmation and validation from their partners are essential for ESFJs, who run the risk of sometimes being too self-sacrificing.
ESFJ Best Match
One of the best romantic matches for ESFJs could be ISFPs. ESFJs’ dominant function is extroverted feeling, which is balanced out by ISFPs’ introverted feeling. Although they can seem like worlds apart at first glance, their strengths and weaknesses complement each other. There are plenty of opportunities for them to keep growing and evolving as a couple. Their mutual Sensing (S) preference also makes communication easier.
Other types that would be good potential partners for ESFJs are ISFJs, ESTJs, and ESTPs.
ESFJ Compatibility
Technically, ESFJs can get along with any other personality type. The success of a relationship depends on many other factors, such as each person’s level of psychological health and maturity. However, ESFJs can find it easier to communicate with fellow Sensing types rather than Intuitive types because of their similar ways of seeing the world. ESFJs have very strong people skills, but some personality types can find them too loud, energetic, or sensitive. The rest of the article delves into ESFJs’ compatibility with all the other personality types in terms of romance, friendship, and work.
ESFJ Compatibility Chart
To illustrate ESFJs’ compatibility with other personality types, we have made a chart, divided by each personality type. The color coding for the chart is as follows:
Blue – types that are most similar to ESFJs in terms of values, interests, and life philosophies.
Green – types that are quite similar to ESFJs but have intriguing differences, which can produce a healthy relationship with plenty of personality growth opportunities.
Yellow – types that are somewhat similar to ESFJs and could be compatible with them, but some work will be needed to make things work.
Red – types that are poles apart from ESFJs and are likely to clash with their personality. Relationships between these types may require a lot of work.
ESFJ and ESTJ
These two types fall in the “blue zone” of the compatibility chart. They share nearly identical world views, values, interests, and life philosophies. They can also relate a lot to each other.
Relationship
Both ESFJs and ESTJs are traditionalists who emphasize practicality and structure. They also enjoy spending time around other people and maintaining a busy schedule. The biggest difference between these two types lies in their decision-making. ESTJs make choices based on logic, while ESFJs primarily listen to their feelings. As a result, ESTJs can sometimes seem blunt and critical to ESFJs, while ESFJs could appear complicated and overemotional to ESFJs. However, the two can learn to balance each other out and make a dynamic, high-energy couple.
Friendship
ESFJs and ESTJs generally make fast friends because they’re both organized, reliable, and socially active. As friends, they’d rarely run out of things to say to each other. In fact, they might take delight in introducing each other to their friends and attending events and parties together. Because both ESFJs and ESTJs have an outward focus, they’re likely to enjoy sensory or physical activities together such as cooking, playing sports, or gardening. On the other hand, they can also be very stubborn in their own beliefs and may clash over opposing opinions.
Work
Put ESFJs and ESTJs together in a team, and they’re guaranteed to get things done quickly and efficiently. They pride themselves on being responsible, fulfilling their duties, and putting in extra work if necessary. Given their shared preference for structure and organization, these two often see eye-to-eye in professional settings. Still, ESFJs and ESTJs might have to go through some adjustments in their communication styles. ESTJs would do well to show their appreciation for the ESFJs’ efforts, and ESFJs could adapt to ESTJs’ communication style by being more direct and upfront.
ESFJ and ESFJ
These two types fall in the “blue zone” of the compatibility chart. They share nearly identical worldviews, values, interests, and life philosophies. They can also relate a lot to each other.
Relationship
ESFJ-ESFJ pairings are very interesting because they can bring out both the best and worst in each other. Given they have the same personality type, there’s a high potential for them to see the other as their soulmate when they fall in love. After all, ESFJs put tremendous effort into their relationships, and they’re also very sensitive to each other’s feelings. Although it’s easy for them to be in sync with each other, their relationship can be imbalanced. Both ESFJs might become overly emotional or fail to spur each other to grow because they’re too similar.
Friendship
Normally, it’s easy for ESFJs to get along with other ESFJs. When you look at an ESFJ’s friends, you’re bound to spot other ESFJs in their circle. They’re empathetic, accommodating, and willing to make time for each other no matter how busy life gets. One tendency to watch out for, though, is becoming over-involved in the other person’s life. ESFJs enjoy giving advice to friends, but because they’re both strong-willed, they can end up having arguments when they push each other too far.
Work
ESFJs have a knack for working well with others, whether as managers, colleagues, or subordinates. It’s no different when one ESFJ works with another ESFJ. Since they have strong organizational skills, they excel at managing projects and accomplishing what’s requested of them. They also naturally boost each other’s morale but their similar approach to work can make them doubly prone to issues. For example, they might end up becoming too conflict-avoidant or too absorbed in short-term tasks rather than considering overall strategy.
ESFJ and ISTJ
These two types fall in the “green zone” of the compatibility chart. They have quite a lot of similarities between each other, but at the same time possess enough differences to learn from one another.
Relationship
Both ESFJs and ISTJs are Sensing-Judging types who are attracted to security and stability. This makes a good foundation for a romantic relationship, especially since both of them enjoy going through the traditional stages of dating. Even with their similarities, ESFJs and ISTJs might occasionally hit a rough patch because of how they handle their emotional needs. ISTJs are more self-sufficient and detached, but ESFJs prefer being expressive. At their best, ESFJs can help ISTJs open up more, and ISTJs can provide grounding and steadiness to ESFJs.
Friendship
As one of the most popular personality types, ESFJs form friendships easily, and they’re likely to find a kindred spirit in ISTJs. Conscientious and honest, ISTJs are extremely dependable as friends, often standing by ESFJs through the years. ISTJs, on their part, are amazed by how much ESFJs genuinely care about them. This can be a long-lasting friendship, especially since ESFJs are willing to initiate and bring ISTJs out of their shell. Provided that ESFJs respect ISTJs’ privacy and ISTJs remain open to ESFJs’ social invitations, these two can have many fun moments together.
Work
ESFJs and ISTJs take pride in being meticulous with their work and enforcing a sense of order. They can achieve much as a team because their working styles are compatible. Both of them care about details, follow through with their commitments, and respect established systems. However, ESFJs are much more people-oriented than ISTJs, who value being direct over being tactful. Since ISTJs have a perfectionist streak, they can seem overly critical to ESFJs, but this can be smoothed out with good communication.
ESFJ and ISFJ
These two types fall in the “blue zone” of the compatibility chart. They share nearly identical worldviews, values, interests, and life philosophies. They can also relate a lot to each other.
Relationship
ESFJs and ISFJs have the same cognitive functions but prioritize them differently. ISFJs can make good potential partners for ESFJs because they develop an instant rapport, eventually leading to a deep romantic bond. Both are very warm-hearted and devoted to their loved ones. They instinctively know how to make the other feel supported and affirmed. ESFJs might be more dominant in this relationship because they’re more extroverted and high-energy. Since ISFJs enjoy having plenty of quiet time, ISFJs and ESFJs will have to make a compromise when it comes to their level of social activity as a couple.
Friendship
Friendships between ESFJs and ISFJs often flow smoothly because these two personality types have similar values and priorities. ISFJs can be reserved at first, but ESFJs get the conversation going right away. This takes the pressure off ISFJs until they become more comfortable with each other. ESFJs also inspire ISFJs because of their decisiveness and assertiveness. On the other hand, ESFJs are much more forward with their opinions and may run the risk of being intrusive or nagging with ISFJs. As long as they remain mindful of each other’s needs, this can be a harmonious, nurturing friendship.
Work
Both personality types have a lot of traits in common. They take comfort in following routines and procedures, and they’re mindful of the needs of their colleagues. It’s not surprising, then, that ESFJs and ISFJs generally like working with each other. They can also make a balanced team. ESFJs can handle more public-facing tasks such as giving presentations, as ISFJs prefer more introverted tasks such as communicating with clients one-on-one. Avoiding problems and resorting to passive-aggressive behavior might become an issue, but ESFJs and ISFJs can move past these by talking it out calmly.
ESFJ and ESTP
These two types fall in the “green zone” of the compatibility chart. They have quite a lot of similarities between each other, but at the same time possess enough differences to be able to learn from one another.
Relationship
An ESFJ-ESTP couple can have a fun, dynamic, and stimulating relationship. Both of these personality types thrive when they’re around people, and they’re extroverts who can effortlessly step up and be the life of the party. As a couple, they can feed off each other’s high energy. However, ESFJs are more focused on hard work and responsibilities, as opposed to thrill-seeking ESTPs who prioritize enjoying life. This can result in conflicts about their day-to-day life together, from scheduling dates to making career decisions.
Friendship
ESFJ and ESTP friends would be an ideal pairing to invite to social gatherings because they’re usually the life of the party. ESFJs can make people feel at ease and get them chatting, while ESTPs always have something colorful or entertaining to say. As friends, ESFJs and ESTPs can end up on all sorts of adventures together. Even then ESTPs must take care to exercise tact because they can blurt out impulsive things that could offend ESFJs. On their part, ESFJs will also have to practice flexibility since ESTPs’ unpredictability can stress them out.
Work
ESFJs and ESTPs have complementary qualities in the workplace. Although both of them are at ease working with a team and taking charge of hands-on tasks, they bring different strengths to the table. ESFJs can guide ESTPs towards becoming more empathetic and can provide them with helpful structure. In turn, ESTPs can take over when improvisation is needed. They also encourage risk-averse ESFJs to be more open to change. Together, they can make a powerful team – the key being willing to learn from each other.
ESFJ and ESFP
These two types fall in the “blue zone” of the compatibility chart. They share nearly identical world views, values, interests, and life philosophies. They can also relate a lot to each other.
Relationship
ESFJs and ESFPs can appear similar to each other on a surface level, but surprisingly, they don’t share any cognitive functions. They often have a good chemistry right away, assuming that the other can relate well to them. But once they get into a long-term relationship, they can be forced to confront frustrating differences. ESFJs might see ESFPs as reckless because they follow their heart without factoring in what’s sensible. ESFPs may end up feeling that they’re being confined in a box. Despite these potential challenges, both of them are warm, nurturing, and concerned about the other’s feelings, which is a huge advantage in their relationship.
Friendship
Both ESFJs and ESFPs are people-oriented, maintaining a wide network of acquaintances while making sure to spend time with their close friends. There is a lot they can like in each other. ESFPs are often grateful to their ESFJ friends for their kindness and willingness to empathize. Although ESFJs prefer planning rather than indulging in whims, their extroverted intuition develops when they allow themselves to go along with ESFPs’ spontaneity and craving for adventure.
Work
ESFJs are in their element when they’re working based on clear rules and systems. Aside from arranging their environment, they also like maintaining social order, setting definite expectations, and managing people. ESFPs can benefit from this because they can get distracted and would rather jump in feet-first rather than making plans. To work together harmoniously, ESFJs must allow ESFPs creative leeway, and ESFPs must give ESFJs time to adjust to changes.
ESFJ and ISTP
These two types fall in the “yellow zone” of the compatibility chart. They have some similarities in their characters, but problems may occur as they don’t balance each other out and may decide to ignore potential issues.
Relationship
ESFJs and ISTPs would make for an intriguing pair! ESFJs’ dominant cognitive function is the inferior function of ISTPs and vice-versa. While this can sound like a stressful combination, it actually generates plenty of magnetic attraction, compelling ESFJs and ISTPs to keep coming back to each other. ISTPs turn to logical analysis as their default way of processing the world, while ESFJs are primarily attuned to how other people feel. This can make ISTPs seem overly distant to ESFJs. As a result, ESFJs will have to directly communicate their needs to ISTPs rather than expecting ISTPs to figure these out on their own.
Friendship
These two personality types lean towards practical, hands-on pursuits, and their focus is on the here and now. However, ESFJs and ISTPs differ in the activities that they enjoy, so it can be hard to decide on what to do together. ISTPs are attracted to thrilling, fast-paced activities such as skydiving and comedy, while ESFJs tend to prefer more traditional activities like hosting parties, volunteering, cooking. ESFJs also naturally talk about personal or emotional topics, which ISTPs aren’t as interested in. Still, ISTPs can be a calm, patient friend for ESFJs, and ESFJs can help ISTPs be more open with how they feel.
Work
ISTPs are good at improvising and using logical reasoning to uncover underlying causes. When working with ESFJs, ISTPs appreciate how ESFJs can confidently manage details and make colleagues feel supported. Many of one type’s strengths are the other’s weaknesses, hence, ESFJs and ISTPs can make a balanced team. However, micromanagement can be an issue here. ISTPs would rather do things on their own when they can and this might not sit too well with ESFJs. Likewise, ISTPs might rebel against the structure set by ESFJs.
ESFJ and ISFP
These two types fall in the “green zone” of the compatibility chart. They have quite a lot of similarities between each other, but at the same time possess enough differences to be able to learn from one another.
Relationship
ISFPs are among the best matches for ESFJs. ESFJs are attracted to ISFPs because of their authenticity, sensitivity to others, and sincere demeanor. At the same time, ISFPs are drawn to the ESFJs’ vibrance, warmth, and social intelligence. Both of them are led by their Feeling function. But ESFJs are more attuned to social harmony because of their Extroverted Feeling, while ISFPs’ Introverted Feeling makes them more concerned with their personal authenticity. By respecting each other’s values and accepting that they sometimes operate differently, they can bring out the best in each other.
Friendship
ESFJs and ISFPs can find similar ground in their preference for facts and living in the now as well as their bias towards their emotions. In fact, they often make good friends. ESFJs are attentive, upbeat, and helpful as friends. ISFPs have difficulty making decisions sometimes, and ESFJs can put things into perspective for them with practical advice. ESFJs are prone to fast-paced lives and ISFPs can encourage them to slow down a little and try new things.
Work
ISFPs are known for having a strong aesthetic sense, which often shows up in their work. In addition, they prefer keeping a low profile and doing things in their own time, this is where ESFJs can step in. ESFJs feel much more at home in a work environment with definite tasks and deadlines, and don’t mind being in the spotlight. Delegation of tasks comes easily with these two personality types. One potential problem area is that ISFPs can be unpredictable and fickle, which ESFJs dislike. When stressed, ESFJs can also seem aggressive and controlling to freedom-loving ISFPs.
ESFJ and ENTJ
These two types fall in the “yellow zone” of the compatibility chart. They have some similarities in their characters, but problems may occur as they don’t balance each other out and may decide to ignore potential issues.
Relationship
ESFJs and ENTJs are both go-getters who take their commitments seriously and gain energy from being around people. They’re likely to have an active social life together, and they can motivate each other in pursuing their goals. However, they might encounter difficulties because of how they handle emotions. ESFJs tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves, unlike ENTJs who are averse to expressing their emotions. ESFJs want a lot of affection and affirmation in their relationships, and ENTJs might not recognize this unless ESFJs explicitly state the same. They have different communication styles too; ENTJs are interested in more abstract topics while ESFJs would rather talk about factual information.
Friendship
ESFJs can appreciate ENTJs’ creativity, drive, and willingness to be honest in a friendship. Because they think more objectively, ENTJs provide helpful insights for ESFJs who are caught in a dilemma. ENTJs are the kind of friends who will tell ESFJs the truth without sugarcoating it and will motivate them towards their goals. Likewise, ESFJs bring out the softer side of ENTJs through their compassionate nature. They can get ENTJs to relax more and concentrate on the present as well. The downside is that both of them can be strong-willed. If they disagree on an important issue, neither of them may be willing to back down.
Work
As a team, ESFJs and ENTJs can blaze through to-do lists quickly. These two personality types are decisive, action-oriented, and hard-working. But as much as they can bolster each other, they can also get competitive and have power struggles. Both of them are compelled to organize their environment and put people in their proper roles. ESFJs are likely to take what ENTJs say personally, especially since ENTJs are blunt and perfectionistic. If they set aside their differences, they can be a powerful force together, with ESFJs’ practicality grounding ENTJs’ penchant for innovation.
ESFJ and ENTP
These two personality types fall in the “red zone” of the compatibility chart. They don’t have much in common and their widely contrasting views on life can cause friction between them.
Relationship
ESFJs and ENTPs make for a complicated relationship. For one, ESFJs like making decisions and sticking with them. This is uncomfortable for ENTPs because they would rather keep their options open. Consistency, dependability, and commitment are also major priorities for ESFJs in their relationships. They can be confused by ENTPs’ need for independence and space. Their communication styles don’t match either; ENTPs enjoy debating and bringing up ideas out of the blue, while ESFJs would rather discuss realistic things. Still, ESFJs and ENTPs push each other to expand their worldviews, so it can be an intriguing connection.
Friendship
Even though ESFJs and ENTPs are both gregarious, expressive, and charming, they don’t often end up as friends. One crucial reason for this is that they bond with people differently. ESFJs get to know people on an emotional level, in contrast to ENTPs who connect primarily through exchanging ideas. Playful, curious, and blunt, ENTPs often engage in debate. It may rub ESFJs the wrong way when ENTPs can seem like they’re arguing with them or questioning their beliefs. Even then, if they’re willing to work through the adjustment period, ESFJs and ENTPs might find each other interesting and enriching.
Work
ESFJs and ENTPs can either have constant friction with the other’s working style or contribute their expertise to fill in each other’s gaps. ESFJs are naturally talented at handling relationships, whether in personal or professional settings. They’re also good at setting up routines and systems, which ENTPs can have a hard time with. On their part, ENTPs excel at brainstorming and thinking up unique ideas. ESFJs can provide them the structure to actualize these, and ENTPs can challenge ESFJs to be more open-minded and flexible with their expectations.
ESFJ and INTJ
These two personality types fall in the “red zone” of the compatibility chart. They don’t have much in common and their widely contrasting views on life can cause friction between them.
Relationship
A romantic relationship between these two personality types could be very rocky. INTJs think critically and objectively, and they are driven by logic. They would rather focus on their own projects than devote their time to social situations. This could be difficult to understand for ESFJs, who prioritize family and friends. They would want their partner to join them in at least some of their get-togethers. In addition, INTJs can be very blunt and direct, choosing to offer solutions rather than to comfort people emotionally. ESFJs are most compatible with expressive partners who can shower them with affection. However, these mismatched qualities can actually draw them to each other, and they can benefit from the other’s differing views of the world.
Friendship
ESFJs and INTJs have contrasting values when it comes to friendships too. ESFJs are caring, upbeat, and chatty. They feel connected to people through empathizing with them or opening up about personal topics. INTJs interact with their friends differently, they would rather connect on the level of ideas. They also like having plenty of space to themselves, while ESFJs like consistently interacting with their friends. Despite these differences, ESFJs and INTJs can grow on each other. INTJs can find the ESFJs’ bubbliness and warmth endearing, and ESFJs can broaden their worldview when INTJs relate their way of thinking.
Work
ESFJs and INTJs can both be self-assured in their own way. They both value competence, often thinking ahead and acting based on a plan. As colleagues, though, they might struggle with each other because their working styles don’t match. ESFJs will have to understand that INTJs are at their best when solving problems on their own. They must also try to be receptive to INTJs’ ideas, even if these can seem unrealistic or too theoretical at first. Likewise, INTJs can soften how they communicate so as not to sound overly critical to ESFJs. Once they learn to work together, they can be a well-rounded team that covers for each other’s shortcomings.
ESFJ and INTP
These two personality types fall in the “red zone” of the compatibility chart. They don’t have much in common and their widely contrasting views on life can cause friction between them.
Relationship
Considering that they don’t have any preferences in common, ESFJs and INTPs aren’t a common couple. Although they use the same cognitive functions, they don’t prioritize these in the same way. At the first meeting, they might be baffled by the other’s way of thinking. It will take effort to be understanding with each other. For one, social status and traditions are very important to ESFJs, whereas INTPs often choose to disregard these. Meanwhile, INTPs love big ideas and feel comfortable getting lost in thought, but ESFJs can perceive them as being out of touch with reality instead. Common ground can be difficult, but they might actually feel a magnetic pull towards each other because of their differences.
Friendship
ESFJs and INTPs make unlikely friends because they have few interests and values in common. The kind of conversation that one personality type enjoys can quickly become uninteresting to the other. They also fill their time with different activities. INTPs lean towards mentally oriented, solitary pursuits, and ESFJs are social butterflies who crave hands-on experiences rather than being constantly in their heads. If they manage to get over their initial judgment, they can bring balance to each other’s lives. ESFJs can help INTPs to be more socially connected, while INTPs can teach ESFJs to be more level-headed and objective.
Work
ESFJs and INTPs have very different mindsets at work. ESFJs prioritize security and tradition, choosing to follow systems that have already been proven to be effective. This clashes with INTPs’ craving for innovation and challenge. ESFJs can also be bothered by INTPs’ detached demeanor, wanting to see more emotion out of them. INTPs can get frustrated when ESFJs ask them to follow certain norms. If they can delegate tasks in such a way that INTPs deal with information analysis or logical thinking, and ESFJs handle practical details and interactions with people, then these two will make significant progress together.
ESFJ and ENFJ
These two types fall in the “green zone” of the compatibility chart. They have quite a lot of similarities between each other, but at the same time possess enough differences to be able to learn from one another.
Relationship
Both ESFJs and ENFJs are loyal, caring, and relationship-oriented. They often do their best to stay committed to their romantic partner even when things get tough. Out of all the Idealists or Intuitive-Feeling personality types, ENFJs are the most similar to ESFJs. This can be a very stable relationship because ESFJs and ENFJs intuitively understand what the other person needs. However, their Intuitive-Sensing differences can occasionally result in communication difficulties. ENFJs must understand that ESFJs see things in a more concrete or realistic way, and ESFJs must allow ENFJs to show their imaginative side.
Friendship
ESFJs and ENFJs can make fast friends. These two personality types are both adept at connecting with people, and they’ll be able to recognize similarities in each other. They may also have overlapping interests such as volunteering and organizing social events. Given they value harmony, they’ll usually try to take the other’s preferences and needs into account. However, when an emotional nerve gets hit, ESFJs and ENFJs can both become hypersensitive and struggle to maintain a detached perspective.
Work
ESFJs and ENFJs are organized, altruistic, and driven in work environments. They can make a very effective team, especially if they’re working together for a cause that they’re passionate about. Since both tend to stick to schedules and commit to plans, accomplishing tasks together generally runs smoothly. In addition, ENFJs’ long-term vision matches nicely with ESFJs’ attention to detail. ESFJs and ENFJs can be very passionate about their ideals, so as long as they don’t disagree strongly on these, they will generally enjoy working with each other.
ESFJ and ENFP
These two types fall in the “yellow zone” of the compatibility chart. They have some similarities in their characters, but problems may occur as they don’t balance each other out and may decide to ignore potential issues.
Relationship
ESFJs and ENFPs can seem like kindred spirits at first. Both of them care deeply for their loved ones, and they appreciate kindness and loyalty in their relationships. In fact, they may have similar activities and interests, giving them plenty of ways to bond together as a couple. For ENFPs, the selflessness and love of ESFJs can be very soothing, and ESFJs want to nurture ENFPs’ creativity and passionate nature. However, in the long run, their life goals can diverge unless they compromise. ENFPs tend to daydream and keep their options open, unlike ESFJs who tend to make more traditional choices.
Friendship
ESFJs and ENFPs often end up meeting through shared interests or mutual friends. They can hit it off quickly since both are talkative, curious, and in search of meaningful emotional connections. But as they get to know each other more, differences in values can emerge. ENFPs’ value system tends to be eclectic and individualistic, clashing with ESFJs’ more conservative mindset. ESFJs also like talking about facts, concrete events, or what’s going on around them, which ENFPs might not be as enthusiastic about.
Work
In the workplace, ESFJs and ENFPs can have creative synergy because they have enough contrasting personality traits without causing too much friction. They appreciate each other’s energy and excitement, and they can get projects off the ground quickly, especially if these involve helping people in some way. However, ESJFs will have to be mindful that ENFPs’ strength lies in ideation and adaptability rather than meticulous planning. ENFPs must also acknowledge how ESFJs strongly value follow-through and tangible results.
ESFJ and INFP
These two personality types fall in the “red zone” of the compatibility chart. They don’t have much in common and their widely contrasting views on life can cause friction between them.
Relationship
ESFJs and INFPs can work as a couple, but they’ll have to put in the effort to adapt to each other. Although they both have Feeling as their dominant function, this doesn’t manifest in the same way for them. ESFJs lead with Extroverted Feeling, which makes them concerned about others’ well-being and group harmony. On the other hand, INFPs are primarily focused on living in accordance with their inner values and being authentic regardless of tradition. If they become a couple, this could lead to misunderstandings in the long run. However, both of them are sensitive and empathetic, so this can help them cope with any difficulties.
Friendship
As friends, ESFJs and INFPs can get along because these two personality types have gentle hearts and high emotional intelligence. They can make each other laugh and support each other through both good and bad times. Still, their focus on emotion might turn into a double-edged sword, because their feelings are easily hurt. Arguments can escalate quickly if INFPs feel like ESFJs don’t want them to be themselves, or if ESFJs feel rejected or shut out by INFPs. Frustration can also arise in terms of how they communicate since ESFJs tend to be sensible and detail-oriented, while INFPs would rather delve into whims and possibilities.
Work
ESFJs and INFPs can make a well-rounded team once they appreciate each other’s distinct strengths. ESFJs are better suited to practical tasks that require following rules and systems. In comparison, INFPs are usually happier doing less structured creative work. When these personality types collaborate, ESFJs can struggle with the INFPs go-with-the-flow approach, especially since unpredictability is a stressor for ESFJs. In turn, INFPs can become sensitive if they feel like ESFJs are criticizing them or telling them what to do.
ESFJ and INFJ
These two types fall in the “yellow zone” of the compatibility chart. They have some similarities in their characters, but problems may occur as they don’t balance each other out and may decide to ignore potential issues.
Relationship
At their best, ESFJs and INFJs are known for being good-hearted, loyal, and considerate to their romantic partners. ESFJs would be very conscious of INFJs’ material and emotional needs, and INFJs are usually ready to listen with a sympathetic ear and share their insights about ESFJs’ life. However, they might find it difficult to connect fully sometimes because of their opposing Sensing and Intuition preferences. They can also find it hard to talk directly about issues in the relationship until it blows up. ESFJs can become critical and accusatory, or INFJs can become passive-aggressive or closed-off.
Friendship
The strong point of an ESFJ-INFJ friendship is the level of emotional support that both personality types provide each other. ESFJs can be among the most selfless, giving individuals out there, and INFJs are exceptionally good at detecting others’ emotions and feelings. However, INFJs are much more reserved. While they don’t mind socializing occasionally, they need plenty of space to recharge. ESFJs derive their energy from being around people, so it’s important for them to not take it personally when INFJs want alone time. INFJs must also respect that ESFJs prefer talking about practical topics and care deeply about their community and social status.
Work
ESFJs and INFJs can achieve so much together when they’re engaged in a humanitarian mission that resonates with their values. Both of them are deeply motivated by having a positive influence on people. They are also organized, dedicated, and encouraging towards colleagues. Incidentally, their strengths also complement the others’ weaknesses. INFJs often have brilliant, visionary ideas, but they’re not as sure about how to implement these. ESFJs can take charge here, bringing together people to get projects moving forward.