ESFP Compatibility Analysis
There are 9 ESFP participants in total, which makes them the second-lowest population rate in my survey, tied with ESFJs. A notable pattern is that almost half of ESTPs tend to choose ESFPs as their ideal theoretical matches, but this is one-sided, as only a few ESFPs choose ESTPs as their best matches. Most ESFPs know an ISFJ, about half know an ISTJ, and only some know an INTJ. Many of these participants have at least one INFP and ENFJ companion.
ESFP's Thoughts on The Theory
Most of these ESFP participants rated the compatibility theory 1-3, which suggests that they don’t think the theory is accurate. One individual who rated the theory 4 out of 5, which means they found the theory to be somewhat accurate, stated that they feel unsure about the accuracy of the theory due to the fact that for friendships. They can be great friends with those who don't share 2 of the same MBTI letters as them, and they barely know any ISFJs nor ISTJs to prove if the theory is right or not. In addition, they express that in romantic relationships, it can be essential to share 2-3 letters of the same MBTI, and they find themselves getting along well with introverts in general. Those who rated the theory 3 out of 5 (neither accurate nor inaccurate) voice that there are more essential things that can make or break a relationship aside from personality, which may include values, appearances, political views, and attraction (in romantic relationships). One even expressed that there may be some relations for cognitive functions of MBTI getting along, but it may also depend on what experiences certain people have when bonding with each other.
One of the individuals who rated the theory a 2 out of 5 stated that they don’t know much about this theory at all, and looking at their close friends' MBTI types, they say that it isn’t very accurate since none of their close friends match the theory’s pairings. The other individual who rated it as somewhat inaccurate expresses that it could be a determining factor in growth and healthy relationships. This theory may not be true for everyone since it differs from person to person. There are healthy and unhealthy types of each MBTI; thus, this theory should not be applied to relationships, even if it may be true by accident in some cases. Finally, the participants who rated the theory as very inaccurate expressed that anyone can flourish and clash with others regardless of MBTI type. Another expressed that the theory is an overstretch that people use to justify a relationship, and MBTI is only about cognition and not exactly personality, as enneagram, socionics, tritype, etc, may be a factor too, even if you find someone that is “your golden pair”. Lastly, the 3rd individual who rated it as a 1 out of 5 voices that they have amazing synchronization and compatibility with their ENFJ girlfriend and amazing teamwork with their ISFP best friend, without even needing to directly speak to each other.
Who do the ESFPs think they are compatible with?
ESFPs' theoretical best match seems to be diverse, as there’s at least some choosing almost each MBTI type. The most popular types chosen are ENTJs, ENFJs, and ISTJs. One participant chose every MBTI type due to having the same reason as why they rated the theory accuracy, as is that people “get along and clash with people regardless of MBTI”. Another participant chose ENFJs, ISFPs, and INFJs because they experienced the longest-standing close friends/spouse relations with them. One individual picked ENTJs, INTJs, and ISTJs since TJs (especially a Ni user) complements their cognitive function stackings and has helped them grow; meanwhile, they have helped the TJs grow, too. Another individual chose ENTJ, ENFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ, ISTP, INTP, and ISTJ since they expressed that someone calmer would balance them well. An ESFP chose ENTPs, ENFPs, and ENTJs because they were all also extroverted, and they get along well with them. Another ESFP picked ESFJs, ISFJs, and ISTJs since they believe these types share some important perspectives, which makes communication easier, but are also different enough to complement them well. One person selected ENFJs and ISFPs since those types were their girlfriend and best friend, stating that they’re all emotionally intelligent and have similar traits, thus they don’t clash and have great communication. Another person settled on ENFPs and INTJs due to the fact that these types would give them many chances for growth. The last ESFP participant selected an ISFJ because it’s their unconscious type.
Who Picked You, ESFPs?
What do they think about Sensors vs. Intuitives?
Every ESFP that took my survey agreed that sensors and intuitives do get along. Their reasoning included that having oppositional ways of viewing the world would make great friendships. Other reasons include that there is enough common ground from experiences and concepts between the two that they can share, even if the ways they approach life are different. Some express that anyone can get along well as long as they are healthy and open-minded, and that just having different perspectives doesn’t mean that they can’t get along. One individual voiced that they can get along, but it can be a problem if one is too abstract and goes into depth on a topic while the other wants something concise. Another said that it isn’t about sensing and intuition being an issue, it’s people that are the issue, since if you've seen people on Reddit, PDB, or even Quora then you will see “the amount of literal bullshit written by people with no understanding of cognitive functions and trying to put anything into MBTI theory.” They even added that all sensors are intuitive and all intuitives are sensors too, as everyone has a sensor and intuitive stack in their cognitive functions; everyone uses all functions to some extent. They also spoke about there being intuitive bias where MBTI tests are poorly made and the stress that society puts on individuality which leads to “people believing they are so unique and no one understands their superior mind. Even if you are a rare type, remember there are 80 million [people] like you in the world” (that is the population that Germany has).