Learn to decode personality types so you can decide whether or not to swipe right

Seeing a bunch of 4-letter descriptions in Tinder bios, like INTJ and ESFP? We’re here to help you understand what each of these codes means and how they relate to relationships. Ready to take a deep dive into Myers-Briggs personality types within the lens of this popular dating app? Let's get started.

Section 1 of 3:

Why do people put their personality type on Tinder?

  1. Listing your personality type on Tinder provides insight into who you are. Your Tinder bio is probably full of information about you, from what kind of relationship you’re looking for to what your interests and hobbies are. Adding your personality type is another way to tell potential matches what you’re like. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) uses Carl Jung’s psychological theory to sort people into 16 personality types, based on 4 categories:[1]
    • Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), determined by where you focus your attention: on the outer world or your inner world
    • Intuition (N) or Sensing (S), based on how you take in information: using your physical senses or your instincts and impressions
    • Thinking (T) or Feeling (F), determined by the way you make decisions: solely using logic or by weighing how it will affect the people involved
    • Judging (J) or Perceiving (P), based on how you deal with the world around you: if you prefer routines and structure or are more flexible and spontaneous
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Section 2 of 3:

Myers-Briggs Personality Types on Tinder

  1. 1
    ISTJ: The Logistician An ISTJ personality is detail-oriented, organized, and serious.[2] They’re often described as detached, analytical, reserved, and traditional. In a relationship, an ISTJ tends to be loyal and committed.[3] Usually, an ISTJ is pretty particular about who they’d date and will make rules about who they'll swipe right on, so you must have checked most of their boxes if you matched on Tinder.
    • If you land a date with an ISTJ, make sure to show up on time. If you send a last-minute text to reschedule or rush in 20 minutes late looking a mess, they won't be impressed.
    • Best Matches: ESTJ, ISFJ, ESFJ[4]
  2. 2
    ISFJ: The Defender A person with an ISFJ personality has a strong sense of obligation, duty, and responsibility.[5] They’re understanding, patient, loyal, and helpful to others. As a partner, an ISFJ will be committed and a good caretaker.[6] An ISFJ is usually interested in long-term relationships but may be too shy to send the first message. If you match on Tinder and hit things off, an ISFJ will become smitten pretty quickly.
    • Don't be afraid to send the first message to an ISFJ who catches your eye. Give them a compliment and ask about their career or passion to start a conversation.
    • Best Matches: ISTJ, ESTJ, ESFJ[7]
  3. 3
    INFJ: The Advocate An INFJ personality tends to be compassionate, hardworking, and conscientious.[8] They’re idealistic, imaginative, sensitive, and empathetic. An INFJ is good at understanding human relationships and how their partner feels.[9] An INFJ is an equal-opportunity swiper on Tinder and wants to know everything about everyone they match with.
  4. 4
    INTJ: The Architect Those with an INTJ personality are analytical, independent, driven, and logical.[11] They enjoy an intellectual challenge and are achievement-oriented. An INTJ is reserved and private, and may have trouble engaging in social conversations, even on a dating app like Tinder. They’re also not one to praise their partner.[12]
    • To catch the attention of an INTJ on Tinder, spark an intellectual conversation. Ask about their thoughts on foreign policy or climate change, for instance.
    • Best Matches: ENFP, ENTP[13]
  5. 5
    ISTP: The Crafter Someone with an ISTP personality tends to be independent, adventure-seeking, and fearless.[14] They’re practical and also adaptable. An ISTP is usually reserved and quiet, so their relationship partners may find them hard to read—especially on a dating app like Tinder.[15]
    • If you match with an ISTP and are into them, suggest a spontaneous date so you can meet in person.
    • Best Matches: ESTJ, ESFJ[16]
  6. 6
    ISFP: The Artist An ISFP personality is usually friendly, sensitive, and quiet.[17] They cooperate well with other people and are caring. In a relationship, an ISFP will value their independence and space to do their own thing.[18]
    • It might take an ISFP some time to open up as they tend to be shy, so don’t be afraid to take to lead if you match with one on Tinder.
    • Best Matches: ENFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ[19]
  7. 7
    INFP: The Mediator Someone with an INFP personality type is loyal and idealistic, with strong morals and values.[20] An INFP is imaginative, insightful, and caring. As a partner, they may not share their feelings and values, which can make them hard to understand.[21] They’re likely to be looking for love on Tinder but might be too timid to reach out to you, first.
    • Send a thoughtful message that mentions something in an INFP's bio to show them that you're interested in them, specifically.
    • Best Matches: ENFJ, ENTJ[22]
  8. 8
    INTP: The Thinker An INTP is typically an analytical person who's a great problem-solver.[23] They’re independent, logical, and value their autonomy, even in a relationship.[24] An INTP probably won’t put a ton of effort into finding love on Tinder, but may open the app and swipe when they’re bored.
    • If you’re intrigued by an INTP, strike up a convo. Break the ice by asking for their opinion or advice.
    • Best Matches: ENTJ[25]
  9. 9
    ESTP: The Persuader Someone categorized as an ESTP tends to be sophisticated, pragmatic, and action-oriented.[26] They’re also outgoing and enthusiastic. They can be a bit impatient in relationships and like to take risks.[27] An ESTP might be looking for a fling rather than a serious relationship on Tinder.
    • Suggest a spontaneous meet-up rather than planning a traditional date to woo an ESTP.
    • Best Matches: ISTP, ESTP, ESTJ, ENTP[28]
  10. 10
    ESFP: The Entertainer One with an ESFP personality is friendly, impulsive, and outgoing.[29] They’re cooperative and tolerant. An ESFP makes a supportive partner who enjoys companionship.[30] They’re always up for meeting new people on Tinder, and are just as likely to make friends as they are to find a date.
    • Take an ESFP to a social event, like a gallery opening, where they can chat with other people and let their personality shine.
    • Best Matches: ISTJ, ISFJ[31]
  11. 11
    ENFP: The Champion An ENFP is likely to be enthusiastic, supportive, and energetic.[32] They’re friendly and outgoing. In a relationship, their partner may find them to be perceptive and also someone who feels a wide range of intense emotions.[33] An ENFP likes chatting and is just as likely to make friends on Tinder as a romantic connection.
    • To escape the friend zone, let an ENFP know right away that you're interested in them romantically and try a date that's sweet and intimate, like a picnic under the stars.
    • Best Matches: INFJ, INTJ[34]
  12. 12
    ENTP: The Debater A person with an ENTP personality tends to be outspoken, lively, innovative, and full of ideas.[35] They’re also enthusiastic and imaginative. As a romantic partner, they tend to be independent and appreciate intellectual debates.[36] An ENTP will be honest about what they’re looking for on Tinder and what their opinions are.
    • To catch the attention of an ENTP, send them a question posing a philosophical question, like "Is time travel ethical?"
    • Best Matches: INFJ, INTJ[37]
  13. 13
    ESTJ: The Director Someone with an ESTJ personality type is usually organized, practical, assertive, and responsible.[38] They’re competent, efficient, and decisive. An ESTJ makes a dependable partner who will take a relationship seriously.[39] If they like your Tinder bio, they won’t hesitate to reach out. If your first chat goes well, they’ll likely want to set up a date.
    • If you're comfortable with it, let the ESTJ take the lead when planning dates or trips so they can showcase their decision-making and organizational skills.
    • Best Matches: ISFP, ISTP[40]
  14. 14
    ESFJ: The Caregiver An ESFJ personality type is caring, helpful, and full of warmth.[41] They’re also outgoing, organized, and loyal. An ESFJ will be an empathetic partner who is attuned to the emotions of those around them.[42] If you have mutual friends on Tinder, they’re more likely to reach out to you.
    • An ESFJ is a fan of group hangouts, so don’t hesitate to suggest hitting up a house party or another social activity as a way to get to know each other.
    • Best Matches: ISFP, ISTP[43]
  15. 15
    ENFJ: The Protagonist As an ENFJ, they tend to be aware of other people’s emotions and are friendly and loyal.[44] They’re also enthusiastic and supportive. In a relationship, an ENFJ will support their partner and their emotional needs.[45] If you match with an ENFJ on Tinder, be prepared for them to ask a lot of personal questions—and even give you some advice.
    • Catch the attention of an ENFJ by opening up about your life and feelings. Don't worry—they'll be empathetic!
    • Best Matches: INFP, ISFP[46]
  16. 16
    ENTJ: The Commander A person with an ENTJ personality is a planner who appreciates structure and likes to be in charge.[47] They’re confident and direct. In a romantic relationship, they’ll be fair and decisive, and they enjoy stimulating conversations.[48] On Tinder, an ENTJ is probably looking for a long-term relationship. They’ll be direct and ask out someone they’re interested in.
    • Strike up a convo with an ENTJ by asking a thought-provoking question such as, "What does it mean to be successful?"
    • Best Matches: INFP, INTP[49]
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  2. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  3. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/intj
  4. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  5. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  6. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/istp
  7. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  8. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  9. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/isfp
  10. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  11. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  12. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/infp
  13. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  14. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  15. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/intp
  16. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  17. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  18. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/estp
  19. https://www.truity.com/personality-type/ESTP/relationships
  20. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  21. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/esfp
  22. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  23. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  24. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/enfp
  25. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  26. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  27. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/entp
  28. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  29. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  30. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/estj
  31. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  32. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  33. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/esfj
  34. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  35. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  36. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/enfj
  37. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility
  38. https://www.simplypsychology.org/the-myers-briggs-type-indicator.html
  39. https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/tools/mbti/mbti-personality-types/entj
  40. https://psychcentral.com/health/personality-type-compatibility

About This Article

Hardy Jean
Co-authored by:
Dating Coach
This article was co-authored by Hardy Jean and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Latorre. Hardy "Coach DT" Jean is a Dating Coach and the Head Coach & Co-Founder of Way Tooo Spicy LLP, a relationship and dating coaching service based in Boston, Massachusetts. Hardy's specialties include trauma healing, self-love practices, and modern dating tactics in an increasingly virtual world. He works with his clients to upgrade their dating experiences through healing trauma, implementing uniquely personalized dating gameplans, and empowering clients to attract partners that they deserve. He has a BA in Legal Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor at Northeastern School of Law.
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Co-authors: 2
Updated: March 21, 2023
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Categories: Online Dating
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