Improving Communication As with other IP types, it is important for INTPs to understand that relational harmony should not be equated with relational health. While external harmony is often part of a healthy relationship, it really has little to do with genuine intimacy or effective communication.

The problem is that INTPs are not nearly as nice as the nice guy persona suggests. Their extraverted side is more of a social façade than a true representation of their inner selves. It therefore seems appropriate that INTPs, as well as their partners, take an honest look at who the INTP really is (and is not). Generally speaking, INTPs are not soc

We’ve already seen how INTPs can gravitate to a rather simple or Bohemian lifestyle. Since they don't have Extraverted Sensing (Se) in their functional stack, they are less concerned with aesthetics or material comforts than other types might be. And while INTPs might like the idea of making a good income, money is less important to them than pursu

INTP Communication Issues We’ve already seen how INTPs may fail to express their thoughts or concerns out of fear of hurting their partner’s feelings. Considering their status as Thinking types, this seems a bit strange, which suggests there may be more going on here than meets the eye. In reality, INTPs may be less worried about their partner’s fe

When couples are working through these issues, moments of disharmony are all but inevitable. Since intimate relationships are built on openness and honesty, they would ideally implement the O & H policy from the outset, thereby eliminating the need for years of untangling relational knots in therapy.

In working to become more O & H, INTPs need to become more aware of when they are acting out of fear, which, as we’ve seen, typically involves their Fe sensitivities or insecurities. They must also recognize when they are failing to tell the whole truth. They can learn to catch themselves in situations where they might habitually avoid open and

INTPs are especially prone to doubt their relationships when their partners express criticism or negative emotions toward them. For instance, they may misinterpret their partner’s desire to discuss the relationship as a sign of personal failure or rejection. We might think of this in terms of Fe moping or insecurity.

As lone wolves, INTPs need and desire a great deal of freedom and control. This can be further enumerated as follows: INTPs want to be in full control of themselves. They don’t want to be responsible for controlling others. They don’t want others to control them. In light of INTPs’ need for freedom and control, their partners are left with some tou