– What they are and how they fit together
Every person is different. We have different preferences, strengths and weaknesses. These differences are also known as personality types. Each personality type describes how someone sees, thinks and acts in the world.
The four dimensions of personality
There are many theories about personality types, but one of the best known is the model of Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology. This model divides personality into four main dimensions:
1. extraversion (E) vs. introversion (I)
This describes whether someone gets their energy from the outside world (E) or from the inner world (I).
– Extraverts love to be with others and actively experience the world. They feel good when they are the center of attention and experience a lot together. They draw energy from contact with others.
– Introverts feel comfortable in quiet and solitude. They like to think and often need time for themselves to relax. They draw energy from withdrawing from others and therefore like to take time for themselves.
2. sensing (S) vs. intuition (N)
This dimension describes how someone absorbs information.
– Sensing types focus on facts and details. They pay attention to what they see or hear directly and like to find practical solutions. They like to plan, create lists and work through them systematically.
– Intuitive people tend to think abstractly and focus on the big picture. They look for patterns and new ideas. Planning is not their thing.
3. thinking (T) vs. feeling (F)
This describes how people make decisions .
– Thinkers (T) use logic and reason to make decisions. They try to be objective and fair.
– Feelers (F) focus more on their feelings and values. They attach great importance to harmony and ensuring that others are doing well.
4. judging (J) vs. perceiving (P)
This dimension shows how people organize their lives.
– Judging types like it when everything is planned and organized. They feel comfortable when they are in control and things are organized.
– Perceiving types are more spontaneous and flexible. They like to remain open to new possibilities and postpone decisions in order to have more freedom.
How personality types fit together
When two people meet in a relationship, two different personality types usually come together – not every personality type automatically harmonizes with every other. This can be a reason for ongoing conflicts.
Here are some possible combinations 🙂
– Extraverted and introverted: These opposites can attract each other, but tension can also arise. Extraverts often want to spend a lot of time with others, while introverts need peace and quiet. If both understand and respect this, they can get along well.
– Sensing and intuition: These types think differently, which can lead to misunderstandings. Sensing types want clear facts, while intuitives like to talk about possibilities and ideas. It helps if both learn to appreciate the other’s point of view.
– Thinkers and feelers: Thinkers tend to be factual and direct, while feelers pay attention to emotions and harmony. This combination can work well if both are prepared to respond to each other. Thinkers can learn to be more considerate, while Feelers learn to understand logical arguments better.
– Judging and Perceiving: Judging types like to make plans, while Perceiving types prefer to be spontaneous. It can be difficult to find a common rhythm here. It helps if Judging types learn to be more flexible and Perceiving types accept that some things need to be planned.
Conclusion: How personality types influence relationships
The different personality types bring color but also potential for conflict into our interpersonal relationships. Opposites can attract each other, but they can also be challenging. It is important that we understand what makes us and others tick. Communication and mutual understanding are the key to getting along well.
There are no “perfect” combinations. Every type can have a beautiful relationship with every other type if both are prepared to show consideration for each other and appreciate each other’s strengths. Differences are not an obstacle, but an opportunity to learn from each other and grow together
In the following exercise you can get clues about your personality types:
What personality type are you?
Answer the following questions honestly. At the end, you will get a tendency as to which personality type you tend to be. Remember that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers – it’s about getting to know yourself better.
1. where do you get your energy from?
a) I feel good when I am with lots of people and actively involved in life.
b) I need peace and quiet and time for myself to recharge my batteries.
2. how do you deal with information?
a) I pay attention to facts and details and prefer concrete information.
b) I like to think about ideas and possibilities and look beyond the obvious.
3. how do you make decisions?
a) I use logic and think about what makes the most sense.
b) I let my feelings and those of others flow into my decisions.
4 How do you organize your life?
a) I like to make plans and arrange things in advance.
b) I like to remain spontaneous and flexible in order to react to new opportunities.
Evaluation:
Mostly a)
You tend to have an extroverted (E), practical (S), thinking (T) and organized (J) personality. You actively approach other people, appreciate it when things are clear and logical, and like it when plans are made. In relationships, you value structure and clear communication. You can sometimes come across as very rational, which can lead to you overlooking your partner’s emotional needs. It can be helpful to leave room for spontaneity from time to time and to be more responsive to others’ feelings.
Mostly b)
You tend to have an introverted (I), intuitive (N), feeling (F) and spontaneous (P) personality. You like to think calmly, are open to new ideas and let your feelings guide you. In relationships, you are often empathetic and pay attention to harmony. However, it can be difficult for you to organize yourself or make decisions. Your partner may sometimes find it chaotic if you don’t pay as much attention to plans. Try to find a balance between spontaneity and structure.
Reference to relationships:
Depending on which personality type you are, this will influence how you interact with your partner or in friendships. People with a clear sense of organization, for example, can harmonize well with someone who is flexible – if both are willing to learn from each other. Those who are more emotional can help to create more depth and understanding in the relationship, while logical thinkers ensure clear communication.
In relationships, it is important to recognize and appreciate the differences between personality types. Opposites can complement each other well if both partners are open to accepting the other for who they are.
Would you also like to talk openly with your partner about your wishes and needs and work on your relationship together?
Then get the app now and start today!
All the best from your PaarGespräch team
