Ever surprise how affectionate your Myers-Briggs® persona sort is in comparison with others? Some sorts are more likely to put on their hearts on their sleeves, whereas others are likely to maintain their heat gestures beneath wraps. From the enthusiastic bear hugs of an ESFP to the reserved nods of an INTJ, we’ve ranked the Myers-Briggs® sorts from probably the most to least affectionate.
The rationale behind our rankings? Within the Winter of 2023/2024 I ran an enormous survey about how the 16 persona sorts give and obtain love. This survey was carried out in preparation for a chat I used to be presenting for the Affiliation for Psychological Sort Worldwide’s Winter Convention. Throughout that survey, I requested the kinds what their major love language was and whether or not or not they felt cherished via bodily affection. The solutions and feedback revealed numerous distinctive patterns about sort!
Primarily based on the info of over 1500 respondents, I ranked the kinds utilizing a mixture of information factors:– Whether or not or not they answered “Sure” to the query “Does bodily affection make you’re feeling cherished?”– What share of respondents answered “Not often” or “No” to the query “Does bodily affection make you’re feeling cherished?”– Whether or not “Bodily Contact” was their major love language
With that in thoughts, let’s dive into our information to see who’s the cuddliest of the persona sorts!
Disclaimer: Whereas this rating gives a playful and informative have a look at how completely different Myers-Briggs sorts would possibly typically specific affection, it’s essential to keep in mind that persona is deeply particular person and influenced by a large number of things past simply sort. Every individual is exclusive, and there may be important variation even inside the similar MBTI® sort. Our insights aren’t prescriptive and shouldn’t be taken as definitive judgments of character. Components akin to private experiences, cultural background, and particular person values play an important function in shaping how every individual expresses affection. We encourage readers to contemplate these nuances when relating the content material to themselves or others.
The Most to Least Affectionate Myers-Briggs® Character Varieties, Ranked
Estimated studying time: 18 minutes
#1 The ENTP “Trailblazer”
ENTPs have a status for being modern, logical, and argumentative. However they’re additionally surprisingly affectionate!
When requested if bodily affection makes them really feel cherished, 58.33% answered “Sure”, 41.67% answered “Typically”, and nobody responded with “No.” 25% of ENTPs additionally selected this as their major love language (the 4th highest share of all the 16 sorts).
In my survey, “Affection” was probably the most frequent reply ENTPs gave when requested how they most need to obtain love in a relationship. However take into account that affection isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. They might be cuddly and lovey-dovey with some folks, whereas extra reserved with others.
#2 The ENFJ “Mentor”
61.90% of ENFJs answered “Sure” to the query “Does bodily affection make you’re feeling cherished?” whereas 0% answered “No.” For ENFJs, a heat hug, a high-five, or perhaps a pat on the again make communication extra significant, intimate, and fascinating.
Does this imply that an ENFJ goes to bombard you with hugs the minute you say whats up?
Yikes! Probably not.
Mentors have a present for “studying folks” in order that they’re not going to get all touchy-feely in the event that they really feel like somebody wants extra private area or isn’t fairly positive of them but. Because of their Extraverted Feeling facet, they’ve a fast capability to know another person’s consolation stage, and so they’ll alter accordingly.
Discover out extra about ENFJs: The Blessing and the Curse of Being an ENFJ Empath
#3 The ESTP “Daredevil”
46% of ESTPs answered “Sure” to the query “Does bodily affection make you’re feeling cherished?” and 44.44% additionally checklist “Bodily Contact” as their #1 love language, the very best share of any persona sort!
ESTPs are bodily folks by nature. They’re in contact with the world round them and luxuriate in being interactive, hands-on, and related. In relationships, a cuddle, kiss, or a high-five assist to amp up the entire expertise and make it extra immersive. That is probably why they’d the very best variety of votes of any of the kinds for “Bodily Contact” as their major love language.
Does this imply that an ESTP shall be all cuddly and snuggly with anybody they meet?
Completely not!
ESTPs learn folks effectively, and so they additionally give their affection to folks in a really context-dependent manner. An ESTP just isn’t going to satisfy up with an acquaintance and snuggle. No. They may shake arms or give a excessive 5, however they’re conscious of the socially acceptable sort of affection for the precise relationship. In romantic relationships they’re more likely to go all out with a lot of cuddles and kisses and touches, however not a lot in day-to-day relationships.
Daredevils additionally know the best way to learn the room and sense different folks’s consolation ranges. They’re extremely observant and might simply inform when somebody wants more room or could be extra receptive to affection. Due to this, they’re going to regulate their presentation relying on who they’re with.
Uncover extra about ESTPs: The High 7 Reward Concepts for ESTPs
#4 The ESFP “Champion”
Motion-oriented and expressive, ESFPs talked about hugs and bodily affection greater than the rest after I requested them how they appreciated to present and obtain love. When it got here to the love languages themselves, 33.33% listed it as their major love language.
However this doesn’t imply bodily affection at all times makes ESFPs really feel cherished. 44.44% answered “Sure” when requested if bodily contact makes them really feel cherished, whereas 22.22% answered “Typically,” and 22.22% answered “Typically.”
One ESFP remarked, “I get a fast learn on somebody and might inform whether or not I need to hug or not. If I get a whiff of insincerity or creepiness, I positively DO NOT need a hug.” So strategy with warning if you happen to’re a stranger, particularly if you happen to’re a person approaching a feminine ESFP (this was talked about loads).
#5 The ESTJ “Captain”
Whereas ESTJs might sound all enterprise and no-nonsense to strangers, in terms of relationships they’re far more cuddly and affectionate.
52.63% of ESTJs stated that they really feel cherished through bodily affection, and 21.05% selected this as their major love language. When requested how they needed to present and obtain love, hugs and affection got here up time and again!
So if you happen to thought ESTJs had been all critical and indifferent, assume once more! Should you’re in a relationship with this sort, a heat hug moderately than a business-handshake might be the most effective strategy!
#6 The ESFJ “Defender”
52.94% of ESFJs responded “Sure” to the query “Does bodily affection make you’re feeling cherished?”, 35.29% answered “Typically,” and 11.76% answered “Typically.”
For Defenders, a sort hug, a reassuring pat on the shoulder, or an encouraging squeeze of the hand heighten connection and deepen relationships to a extra intimate stage.
But, whereas they love affection, solely 5.88% of ESFJs selected “Bodily Contact” as their major love language, versus 44.44% of ESTPs.
So whereas ESFJs take pleasure in bodily affection, it’s not the first manner they obtain love. Their high love language is high quality time adopted by acts of service. ESFJs have to really feel related one-on-one to really feel cherished, and so they need your actions to line up together with your stage of dedication.
#7 The ENFP “Visionary”
ENFPs are thought folks, however in addition they have a heat, affectionate bodily facet as effectively. 18.92% select “Bodily Contact” as their major love language, the sixth highest of all of the persona sorts. 43.24% answered that they do really feel cherished through bodily affection, with 35.14% answering with “Typically.” 10.81% of ENFPs stated they hardly ever really feel cherished through bodily affection.
The deciding level? Your intentions. ENFPs are extremely aware of the authenticity stage of others. They will rapidly learn whether or not somebody is being real or shifty. Should you don’t appear 100% genuine with them they’re not going to need to get shut.
One ENFP commented, “I don’t thoughts fast, informal hugs with strangers, however if you happen to appear phony or creepy, I’m positively staying away. One other ENFP said, “Bodily affection and contact is my high love language! It’s a wholesome, regular, and really actual want that I really feel we’re closely disadvantaged of it as a society.”
Discover out extra about ENFPs: How ENFPs Say “I Love You”
#8 The ISTP “Vigilante”
ISTPs had been an attention-grabbing group of respondents! This sort was the 2nd most probably sort to checklist “Bodily Contact” as their major love language (35.71% voted for this), however 10.71% stated they hardly ever really feel cherished through bodily affection.
The distinction? Context. ISTPs don’t need full strangers attempting to get bodily with them, and generally in household relationships affection can really feel extra like an obligation than a honest act of affection However in romantic relationships issues change. “I like to hug, therapeutic massage, kiss, maintain arms with my girlfriend. Do I need that with my co-workers? Heck, no” stated one ISTP respondent.
Total, 39.29% of ISTPs stated they really feel cherished when receiving bodily affection, however primarily in romantic or very shut household relationships. Intimacy and contact got here up repeatedly after we requested ISTPs how they like to point out and obtain love, however once more, this was primarily in romantic relationships.
Uncover extra about ISTPs: 10 Issues ISTPs Look For in a Relationship
#9 The ENTJ “Director”
ENTJs had been a extremely blended group of respondents! Whereas 32.30% stated bodily contact was their major love language, a startling 15.38% stated that they don’t really feel cherished through bodily affection (second solely to INTJs). That made it onerous for me to resolve the place to rank them. And the feedback had been various as effectively!
I like bodily intimacy in a relationship, however nowhere else,” one ENTJ admitted. One other chimed in with, “I hated being pressured to present relations hugs rising up. I’m by no means making my youngsters do that.” But fairly just a few stated that in romantic relationships it was a key a part of feeling validated, cared for, and supported. My recommendation? Strategy every ENTJ with respect for his or her private area till you recognize them and their preferences. And if you happen to’re in a relationship, ask them straight how they really feel about it moderately than making assumptions.
#10 The ISFJ “Protector”
ISFJs are usually a bit extra reserved and quiet, however this doesn’t imply they don’t love cuddle!
52.38% of ISFJs answered “Sure” when requested if bodily affection makes them really feel cherished, whereas 35.71% stated “Typically.” Within the feedback, fairly just a few stated it was context-dependent. With household and buddies, hugs, high-fives, cuddles, and cheek-kisses are a particular plus. With important others, much more so! However ISFJs don’t like bodily affection from strangers or folks they don’t know very effectively. That may make them uncomfortable actually quick.
“Bodily contact” is the first love language for 9.52% of ISFJs, with phrases of affirmation and high quality time taking first and second place, respectively. When requested how ISFJs like to point out love most, “Hugs” got here up time and again, together with providing emotional help, listening, and making ready meals! So whereas ISFJs could also be on the quiet facet, they positively have a heat, supportive, and affectionate nature for these closest to them.
Uncover extra about ISFJs: Your Information to ISFJs and Relationship
#11 The INFP “Dreamer”
44.86% of INFPs stated that they really feel cherished through bodily affection, with 10.28% selecting this as their major love language. One INFP commented, “I really like receiving bodily affection. And I take pleasure in giving it as effectively. However I do my greatest to verify the opposite individual is snug, too.”
Once I requested INFPs how they like to point out and obtain love, many talked about “mild touches.” However earlier than you get actually touchy-feely with this sort, it’s good to make certain they really feel they’ll belief you and have an actual reference to you. In courting or intimate relationships, Dreamers have to really feel like they’re actually recognized by their associate, seen for who they are surely. Their high love language, High quality Time, is vital. INFPs crave one-on-one time with their associate the place they’ll actually dive into their likes, dislikes, tastes, and private values. As soon as a stage of belief and connection is sparked, then the bodily affection will tackle a extra significant tone.
Discover out extra about INFPs: 10 Issues You Crave Each Day as an INFP Character Sort
#12 The INFJ “Mystic”
36.22% of INFJs stated that they really feel cherished through bodily affection, with 47.96% saying they generally do, and seven.65% admitting they hardly ever do. “Bodily contact” is the first love language for 12.24% of INFJs, after high quality time, phrases of affirmation, and acts of service.
There have been all kinds of feedback and responses from INFJs within the survey. Fairly just a few stated they adore bodily affection, however most stated it wasn’t the first solution to their hearts. For them, in-depth dialog, authenticity, and shared values had been far more essential. A form phrase, some quiet time spent collectively, or a selfless act made extra of an impression.
I’m a lot extra affectionate than my associate,” one INFJ commented. “I need to cuddle everybody I really like a lot greater than they need it. However I additionally know the best way to learn the cues sufficient to carry off as a result of lots of people aren’t ready for it.”
One other INFJ stated, “I really like affection from my associate, however solely them. And solely after I’m not attempting to get one thing else carried out.”
Total, this was a gaggle with very blended reactions. For probably the most half, the bulk appreciated bodily affection, however solely when a trusting relationship was already established.
Uncover extra about INFJs: How INFJs Say “I Love You”
#13 The ISTJ “Detective”
ISTJs had been somewhat extra reserved and skeptical about bodily affection. “Please don’t greet me with a giant hug until that’s a cultural factor for you or I’m courting you,” one remarked. Whereas 30.77% really feel cherished via contact, a notable 12.82% reply with “hardly ever,” with many clarifying that they solely appreciated it with shut buddies, household, or romantic companions.
Solely 12.82% of ISTJs claimed that bodily affection is their major love language, with High quality Time and Acts of Service taking 1st and 2nd place, respectively.
One ISTJ shared, “I respect a hug after a protracted day, but it surely’s the regular help and belief that make me really feel cherished.” One other stated, “It’s my high love language, however I ponder if that’s extra due to my childhood than my persona.
For this sort, bodily affection is greatest in established, secure relationships the place they really feel safe and understood. Round unfamiliar faces or in overly informal contexts, some ISTJs could not reply as warmly, choosing a extra reserved strategy till they really feel the second is correct.
#14 The INTP “Prodigy”
There was numerous range within the responses of INTPs! One INTP commented, “Bodily Contact is my high love language. I don’t get it a lot so I make do with the opposite ones. It’s probably the most “particular” of them although, most direct path to my emotions.” One other INTP stated, “I really like bodily affection, however I don’t at all times really feel snug initiating it and it’s not a surefire solution to make me really feel really cherished.”
Total, 32.61% of the INTPs I surveyed stated they really feel cherished through bodily affection, and 10.87% selected this as their major love language. However a startling 17.39% stated they hardly ever really feel cherished via bodily contact, with one commenting, “I don’t like intrusive contact. I really feel my vitality draining as a result of it feels prefer it’s for the opposite individual and never for me.”
So it actually all relies upon with INTPs, and I’d positively strategy this sort with none preconceptions however with curiosity, asking them what they like straight moderately than making assumptions!
Uncover extra about INTPs: How INTPs Say “I Love You”
#15 The ISFP “Virtuoso”
In most of my responses from ISFPs, there was a robust want for bodily affection in trusting, intimate relationships. Nevertheless it was unlikely for this to be a high love language. Solely 6.25% of ISFPs selected this as their major love language, with high quality time, phrases of affirmation, and acts of service getting extra votes.
I’m very bodily and sensitive so I would like that in a relationship,” one ISFP commented, “however more often than not I don’t like acquaintances touching me.
29.03% of ISFPs answered “Sure” to the query, “Does bodily affection make you’re feeling cherished?” with 48.39% answering “Typically,” and 9.68% answering “Not often.”
For many ISFPs, established belief and camaraderie are key to the touch being acquired with heat moderately than skepticism.
Discover out extra about ISFPs: How ISFPs Say “I Love You”
#16 The INTJ “Strategist”
Total, INTJs are extra skeptical of bodily affection and like to maintain issues hands-off with acquaintances and strangers. However there have been additionally fairly just a few who stated that they cherished snuggling up with their romantic companions or showering their youngsters with affection.
Solely 26.60% of INTJs stated that they really feel cherished through bodily affection, the bottom share of all the kinds. 7.45% selected this as their major love language, and 14.89% stated that they don’t really feel cherished through bodily affection, with 20.21% saying they hardly ever really feel cherished this fashion.
One INTJ commented, “I would like my private bubble. If I can inform that is pure for you, that it’s simply a part of who you’re to present a greeting hug, that’s okay. However with most individuals, I simply don’t need them in my area.” One other stated, “I might by no means give too many hugs to my youngsters or my partner, however everybody else can again off.”
INTJs typically hate being interrupted or overwhelmed by different folks. So in the event that they’re in the midst of a piece process, greatest to not interrupt them with a sudden, sudden show of affection. However if you happen to’re cuddling as much as watch a film and also you’re in a relationship? You’re in all probability good to go. As with all the kinds, strategy every particular person as simply that: a person. Keep in mind 7.45% of INTJs nonetheless do see this as their major mode of receiving love. With 345 respondents, that’s nonetheless 25 INTJs who actually need that affection!
Uncover extra about INTJs: 10 Issues Individuals Misunderstand About INTJs
What Do You Suppose?
How do you’re feeling about bodily affection? Do you adore it, hate it? Tell us your ideas and views within the feedback!
Discover out extra about your persona sort in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Energy of Character Sort, The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can even join with me through Fb, Instagram, or Twitter!
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