INTP
the objective analyst
INTPs and relationships
At first, people with INTP preferences may seem hard to read or disinterested in friendship or romantic relationships. Because of their quiet, reflective nature, they tend to notice other people long before other people notice them.
INTPs often take note of the people they want to get to know—and they likely only get to know someone if they think they’ll have something in common.
INTPs and conflict
INTPs tend to avoid conflict as much as possible. They often think it’s more trouble than it’s worth to work out an issue with somebody else, so they may simply let it go and hope things work out on their own. While this easygoing attitude can sometimes work for smaller conflicts, it can also cause conflicts to build into larger issues.
When they do decide to work out an issue, INTPs tend to take an approach that is calm, measured, and logical.
If you have INTP preferences, you can minimize conflict in your relationships by:
- Talking things through with the other person right away. Although you might prefer to ignore issues and avoid conflict, it’s sometimes best to talk about things that are bothering you. This can help to prevent an ongoing issue or a larger conflict later.
- Taking care not to talk down to others. Instead of becoming overly logical, listen to the other person’s feelings and share your own. This may help to resolve the conflict.
- Staying engaged until the conflict is resolved. This can sometimes take time. Try to stay active in the discussion until you’re sure the conflict is resolved for everyone involved.
INTPs and love
People with INTP preferences often look for partners who can match them intellectually. They tend to take a measured and analytical approach to life, so they don’t appreciate people who bring drama or extreme emotions into the relationship. While they appreciate people with different interests, they likely won’t get on so well with people who have the opposite personality preferences.
In their relationships, INTPs look for people to debate with and laugh with. Although they may seem a bit detached at times, they are dedicated partners who value their close relationships.
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INTPs and parenting
The MBTI® framework can be very helpful when it comes to raising children. Knowledge of your own communication habits, stress triggers, and preferences often makes parenting easier. By integrating an awareness of differences into family life, the whole family can benefit from these insights.
Parents with INTP preferences like to solve problems for their children and teach them how to solve their own problems too. They tend to stay calm and measured. They are often known for teaching their children the importance of both education and curiosity.
As parents, INTPs are likely to feel stressed when their children behave illogically, throw tantrums, or otherwise cause extreme disturbances.
If you have INTP preferences and you think your child shares your Intuition and Thinking preferences, this can help you to understand how your child takes in information and makes decisions—both of which are important for how you communicate as a parent. If you think your child’s preferences are different than yours, self-awareness will help you to change your communication and parenting style to better suit those preferences.
INTPs and friendship
INTPs have few close friends and rarely feel the need to expand their social circle. They like to have intellectual debates with their friends, so they prefer to spend time with people who have differing opinions but won’t get upset or offended easily.
While they don’t typically share their feelings with others, INTPs are considerate and kind people who prefer to avoid conflicts with friends.