5 Strengths You Bring to a Friendship, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Have you ever wondered what unique qualities you bring to your friendships? Your Myers-Briggs® personality type may give us some insights! Thanks to an enormous survey I conducted with over 85,000 individuals (and 5,002 respondents so far), we can gain some insights into this big question.

Let’s take a look!

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.

How the Survey Worked

In our survey, participants were asked to choose the top 2-3 things they believe they bring to a friendship. The options included:

• Loyalty
• Fun
• Humor
• Adventure
• Good listening skills
• Empathy
• Guidance and advice
• Insights
• Helpfulness
• Practical support
• Trustworthiness
• Honesty
• No judgment
• Respect
• Dependability
• Generosity
• Patience
• Boundaries
• Positivity
• Forgiveness

We identified some patterns between type-preference and common friendship strengths. Perceiving types often listed “Humor” among their top traits. Feeling types frequently chose “Empathy,” while Intuitive-Thinking types were more likely to pick “Insights.” Additionally, STJs often brought up “Practical support,” whereas Introverts typically mentioned “Trustworthiness.”

5 Things You Bring to a Friendship, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

INFJ – The Mystic

Most votes: Empathy 2nd: Good listening skills 3rd: Loyalty 4th: Insights 5th: Trustworthiness

INFJs bring a deep sense of empathy to their friendships. It’s natural for them to sense what people are feeling without even having to try. They are the ones who’ll sit with you in silence when words can’t capture the emotions swirling around, offering a comforting presence and a quiet gentleness. Their exceptional listening skills are also one of their strongest traits. They know how to tune out external noise and zone in on what you’re telling them. Loyalty came in third for INFJs. When they commit to a friendship, they’ll stick with you through life’s peaks and valleys, celebrating your victories and providing comfort during your struggles.

One of the biggest ways INFJs show they care is by providing intuitive insights. They have a knack for recognizing patterns and making connections that others might miss, and have earned a reputation as “old souls” for this perceptive nature. Trustworthiness is another strength of their character; your secrets are safe with them, and they’ll follow through on their commitments to you. All these strengths combine make INFJs friends that act as guides and confidantes during life’s ups and downs.

Find out more about INFJs: How INFJs Say “I Love You”

INTJ – The Strategist

Most votes: Loyalty 2nd: Trustworthiness 3rd: Honesty 4th: Good listening skills 5th: Insights

INTJs are serious about loyalty. Even if they don’t agree with everything you do, they believe in sticking by your side if you’ve earned their trust. Trustworthiness and honesty take second and third place, and it’s no surprise. INTJs don’t believe in sugar-coating things; to them, it’s an insult to your intelligence. Why play mind games when you can discuss things with frank honesty? They’re all about being direct and authentic because they feel that’s the best way to show respect to the friendship and be supportive.

INTJs are also exceptional listeners. They have a knack for zoning in on conversations, picking up on patterns and meanings that others might overlook. If they sense that their insights could benefit you, they’ll share them without hesitation. In their view, time is precious, so they aim to make every conversation meaningful.

Find out more about INTJs: The INTJ Cognitive Function Stack

ENFJ – The Mentor

Most votes: Empathy 2nd: Good listening skills 3rd: Positivity 4th: Loyalty 5th: Humor

ENFJs are known for their profound empathy and ability to perspective-shift and understand a wide range of emotions and worldviews. Some call themselves “emotional sponges,” taking on others’ feelings and burdens and helping through the ups and downs. Their keen listening skills make their empathy laser-specific, and their ability to support even stronger. ENFJs listen with their whole heart, tuning into both the spoken and unspoken, making their friends feel truly heard and valued.

Positivity is another strength that ENFJs bring to their friendships. Rather than fixating on what’s wrong, they work hard to bring people’s attention to the potential that could be. On top of that, loyalty is vital to them. They are willing to overlook differences of opinion, listen to friends who disagree with them, and stand by when their friends make mistakes. They don’t build their friendships on a foundation of “perfection;” they know people make mistakes. Instead, they believe that change and evolution is all part of the human story, and they’re there for the journey. Humor also got many votes, and many ENFJs use laughter as a way to comfort friends during hard times or re-frame their perspective in a more positive light.

Find out more about ENFJs: The Blessing and the Curse of Being an ENFJ Empath

ENTJ – The Director

Most votes: Insights 2nd: Good listening skills 3rd: Guidance & advice 4th: Honesty 5th: Dependability

ENTJs are the go-to friends when you need a well-thought-out plan or a brilliant insight to get you through a tough situation. They have a knack for cutting through the noise and zeroing in on what’s important, making their advice invaluable. Their analytical minds often mean that they see connections and patterns that others might overlook. When an ENTJ gives you their take on a situation, you can bet it’s steeped in intuition, logic, and honesty.

ENTJs also voted that they prioritize listening in a friendship. While they might not always know how to respond to big emotions and feelings, they do try to be present and mindful. This makes their guidance and advice even more precious – it’s not just a generic reply but a tailored solution that addresses your unique scenario. Their honesty ensures that you’ll get a no-nonsense perspective, free of sugar-coating. Dependability got the 5th most votes out of the 20 options. Being there for you, regardless of what happens, matters to the ENTJ.

Discover More About ENTJs: How ENTJs Say “I Love You”

INFP – The Dreamer

Most votes: Empathy 2nd: Good listening skills 3rd: Loyalty 4th: No judgment 5th: Humor

INFPs are the dreamers you want around when you need a safe space to unload your feelings. Their empathy knows no bounds; they’re like emotional barometers sensing every nuance of your mood and guiding you back to yourself. With their powerful listening skills, INFPs make you feel genuinely heard, listening quietly rather than retorting a bunch of half-formed opinions. Loyalty is in their DNA—they’ll stand by you, rain or shine, and have your back.

Another trait that sets INFPs apart is their non-judgmental nature. You can share your wildest dreams or deepest fears without fearing harsh critique. Unless you violate one of their deeply-held values they’ll hold space for you. They know that every person is a mixture of countless experiences and feelings. No one should be judged for a story that they themselves have never been through. They welcome you as you are, embracing your quirks and mistakes. And let’s not forget their humor—INFP’s creativity, imagination, and insight gives them an original and hilarious sense of humor that is unforgettable.

Discover more about INFPs: 10 Things You Crave Every Day as an INFP

INTP – The Prodigy

Most votes: Honesty 2nd: Humor 3rd: Good listening skills 4th: Trustworthiness 5th: Insights

INTPs are the cerebral wizards you want in your corner when you’re looking for raw, unfiltered honesty. They’re too busy navigating the complex worlds of their own minds to sugar-coat anything. But don’t mistake their directness for harshness; love is honesty to the INTP. And blended with the honesty is often humor. INTPs have an offbeat wit that surfaces in the most unexpected moments, surprising people who are so used to the quiet, reserved exterior.

Listening is another underrated skill in the INTP’s arsenal. They may seem lost in thought, but when you genuinely need to be heard, they’ll dial into the conversation with laser precision. And being trustworthy is also important to INTPs; they aren’t the type to spread rumors, share secrets, or say words they don’t mean. With minds that constantly connect dots in creative ways, they often provide perspectives that others might miss. They use their insights to help guide people towards possibilities and unconventional solutions.

Find out more about INTPs: 24 Signs That You’re an INTP, the Prodigy Personality Type

ENFP – The Visionary

Most votes: Loyalty 2nd: Humor 3rd: Empathy 4th: Positivity 5th: Fun

ENFPs are the Visionaries; the people who see possibilities you’ve never dreamed of and weave worlds of imagination for you to discover. More than any other characteristic, loyalty is what defines their friendships. They’ll fight for their friends, stand up for them, and be there when the going gets tough.

ENFP’s also bring humor to their relationships, and they have a knack for lifting the mood with a well-timed joke or a playful prank. But mean-spirited humor is avoided at all costs. Instead, empathy runs deep. ENFPs put themselves in their friend’s shoes, trying to understand exactly what they’re going through by mirroring it against their own experiences.

Positivity is another cornerstone of the ENFP personality. They focus on the silver linings and encourage you to look on the bright side, no matter the situation. They use their optimistic outlook to inspire people, motivate them, and help them see new possibilities. Lastly, ENFPs make life fun and exciting. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip or a cozy game night, they bring a sense of adventure and excitement to every gathering, making life with them a thrilling ride full of new possibilities.

Find out more about ENFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ENFP, the Visionary Personality Type

ENTP – The Trailblazer

An ENTP friend is like having your own personal think tank, always bubbling with ideas and never a dull moment in sight. Humor got the most votes as the defining characteristic they bring to a friendship. Next, their listening skills are another standout trait; they’re genuinely interested in your thoughts and, more often than not, will challenge you just to help refine your ideas. With an ENTP by your side, you’re in for a whirlwind of laughter, clever banter, and stimulating debates—all served with a heaping side of ingenuity.

But that’s not all—ENTPs value loyalty as well. While they may not always show up on time, they will show up. Adding to this package is their “no judgment” attitude, making them the friends you can share your wildest dreams and weirdest thoughts with. And finally, “Insights” got a lot of votes, coming in 5th. ENTPs are known for their ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas, recognize patterns, and sense possibilities that are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Discover more about ENTPs: 24 Signs That  You’re an ENTP, the Trailblazer Personality Type

ISFJ – The Protector

Most votes: Empathy 2nd: Loyalty 3rd: Good listening skills 4th: No judgment 5th: Trustworthiness

ISFJs are the gentle protectors you want by your side when life gets overwhelming. Their empathy enables them to deeply understand what you’re going through, almost as if they can absorb your emotions and feel the highs and lows alongside you. It’s this emotional attunement that makes their support feel incredibly genuine and comforting.

Loyalty is another defining trait of the ISFJ. They’ll stand by you through thick and thin, often going out of their way to ensure you’re okay. And when it comes to listening, ISFJs excel. They know how to quiet the world and be present with you, listening to every detail. Their natural attention to detail extends beyond conversations as well. They have an ability to recall meaningful moments and experiences from the past, preserving the stories and memories that shape your friendship.

“No Judgment” came in fourth place for ISFJs. They aim to provide a judgment-free zone where you can be your truest self without fear. And in 5th place: trustworthiness. ISFJs are dependable and responsible, making them the go-to person when you need someone reliable to lean on. With an ISFJ as your friend, you can count on their quiet strength and unwavering support through thick and thin.

Discover more about ISFJs: A Look at the ISFJ Leader

ISTJ – The Detective

Most votes: Loyalty 2nd: Dependability 3rd: Good Listening Skills 4th: Trustworthiness 5th: Practical Support

ISTJs bring loyalty and dependability to their friendships. Need someone to help you move at 6 a.m. on a Saturday? Count on your ISTJ friend to not only show up but also bring the coffee. With an ISTJ, you’ll also have a good listener at hand—someone who truly tunes into your concerns and offers practical, no-nonsense advice. Trustworthiness comes in handy here; you can share your deepest secrets, confident that they’re sealed tighter than a confidential file in a detective’s dossier. Top it all off with their knack for providing practical support, and you’ve got a friend who you can not only trust, but who can give you hands-on help when you’re in a bind.

Find out more about ISTJs: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ISTJ

ESFJ – The Defender

Most votes: Empathy 2nd: Loyalty 3rd: Humor 4th: Good Listening Skills 5th: Fun

An ESFJ friend will go the extra mile to understand how you feel, connect with you on an emotional level, and support you. They’re the ones who will remember important dates, your favorite foods, and the situations that make you feel comfortable. And while they are known for their empathy and supportiveness, they also love to make people laugh. They have a surprising quirky side that shows up in their humor, where they can point out the absurd in situations that you otherwise might have missed!

ESFJs are also excellent listeners because they actually care about the details of your story and want to hear about your experiences without rushing you. And let’s not forget the fun! Whether it’s planning a surprise party or suggesting a spontaneous beach trip, ESFJs bring an enthusiastic energy into every friendship, ensuring that life is always full of memorable moments.

Find out more about ESFJs: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ESFJ

ESTJ – The Captain

Having an ESTJ friend is like having a loyalty card for life; they’re there through thick and thin—just make sure you’re honest and stand for something. You can count on them for dependability; they’ll show up at 7 am on a Sunday with a moving truck and a plan.

Next, these organized, duty-bound types have a knack for humor, often served with a side of life advice. They also excel at practical support, showing up with a plan or some hands-on support when you’re overwhelmed.

Trustworthiness is a big deal to ESTJs. They’re a high-security vault when it comes to secrets and don’t respect those who do share such things. With an ESTJ, you’re guaranteed a trusty sidekick who’ll have your back and keep you entertained, all while making sure you stick to the plan (and the coasters).

Find out more about ESTJs: 24 Signs That You’re an ESTJ, the Captain Personality Type

ISFP – The Virtuoso

Most votes: Empathy 2nd: Good Listening Skills 3rd: Loyalty 4th: No Judgment 5th: Humor

ISFPs bring a profound sense of empathy to any relationship. They put themselves in other’s shoes easily, holding a judgment-free zone for people to be themselves and express their true feelings. ISFPs also prioritize listening. In fact, neuroscience expert Dario Nardi calls ISFPs (and INFPs) “the consummate listeners” in his book, Neuroscience of Personality.

Loyalty is also a cornerstone of the ISFP’s character. Out of 20 possible options, this one came in 3rd place for ISFPs. They create a judgment-free space where you can be your genuine self. Authenticity and openness is crucial for ISFPs, they hate anything that seems phony or contrived. Their playful, often quirky sense of humor may surprise you as well. I have never met an ISFP who wasn’t funny in their own way. They may not be the class clown, but they have a way of seeing the world that is both peculiar and entertaining.

Discover more about ISFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ISFP, the Virtuoso Personality Type

ISTP – The Vigilante

Honesty takes the top spot in the traits that ISTP’s bring to a friendship. This means you can always count on them to give it to you straight—no sugarcoating, no frills. They’re the ones who’ll tell you when there’s spinach in your teeth and offer to fix that leaky faucet without blinking an eye. Loyalty is another hallmark of ISTPs; once they’ve committed to you, they’re in it for the long haul. Just make sure to give them some space and respect their autonomy.

Humor got the 3rd most votes by ISTPs. Their wit is often dry but sharp, providing comic relief when you need it most. They’re excellent listeners, too—paying close attention and picking up on details most would miss. This makes them exceptional problem-solvers and confidants. Throw in their unshakeable trustworthiness, and you’ve got yourself a friend who will not only keep your secrets safe but will also offer practical, no-nonsense advice when asked.

Find out more about ISTPs: 12 Amazing Fictional ISTPs

ESFP – The Champion

Most votes: Humor 2nd: Trustworthiness 3rd: Fun 4th: Good Listening Skills 5th: Empathy

For the ESFP “Champions,” humor got the most votes as the #1 trait they bring to friendships. They can find the hilarious side of any situation. Once my van broke down eight hours away from home, with five people counting on me to get them home. One of my friends was there who is an ESFP. I was stressed, and didn’t know what to do or how to fix the problem. None of us did. But at least the ESFP got us all laughing in the midst of our dismay (and we did eventually make it home, in case you were wondering).

Trustworthiness is another strong quality that ESFPs bring to the table. They prize authenticity and are known for being an open book with their friends. One thing I’ve always appreciated about the ESFPs in my life is that I know they say what they mean and mean what they say. And fun is always going to be a priority for ESFPs, who try to maximize every moment and see the opportunities and adventures available in that moment.

Good listening skills and empathy also got a lot of votes for ESFPs. They pay close attention to what you say, and will draw from their own experiences in order to empathize and relate to you as personally as possible.

Discover more about ESFPs: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ESFP

ESTP – The Daredevil

An ESTP friend brings excitement wherever they go, infusing every moment with energy, laughter, and possibility. Loyalty got the most votes for their top friendship trait. While they may move from place to place and always be on the go, they will be there for you if you need them. They have an incredible knack for humor, using their quick wit and playful nature to lighten the mood and make even the most mundane situations enjoyable. Adventure and fun go hand-in-hand; with an ESTP, you’ll find yourself saying “yes” to spontaneous trips, daring escapades, and unforgettable experiences that push the boundaries of the ordinary.

Many ESTPs also voted for “Good listening skills” as one of their strongest friendship talents. They pay attention to details and stay present in the moment rather than drifting off into hypothetical scenarios or imagination. The survey highlighted that ESTPs, while adventurous and fun-loving, also have a loyal, caring side that can show up in many ways from helping out in a crisis to making you laugh during a tough day.

What Do You Think?

What contributions and strengths do you bring to a friendship? What do you crave in a good friend? Let us and other readers know in the comments!

Discover even more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!