Decoding Personality Chemistry: How MBTI Types React to Compliments

The image is titled "How the 16 personality types view praise". It features four personality type avatars below the title: ISFJ, INFJ, INTP, and ENFP.

When it comes to receiving compliments, different personality types can react in completely different ways.

Some love compliments, basking in the warmth and joy they bring; others may feel awkward and unsure how to respond. Some even question if the compliment is sincere and heartfelt.

So, what are the different attitudes towards compliments across the 16 MBTI personality types? Let's take a look at our personality chemistry.

Types Who "Most Enjoy Compliments"

According to a survey of 1,500 people by an American psychology website, the personality types most likely to agree with the statement, "I like compliments most of the time," are:

The image displays five stylized, geometric-shaped avatars representing different personality types. From left to right, they appear to be: an ESTJ holding a ruler and wearing glasses; an ENFP with a backpack and a wide smile; an ISFJ in a nurse's uniform; an ESFP playing maracas; and an ESFJ holding a birthday cake and an umbrella.
  • No. 1: 89.5% of ESTJ (The Executive)
  • No. 2: 70.2% of ENFP (The Campaigner)
  • No. 3: 69.1% of ISFJ (The Defender)
  • No. 4: 66.6% of ESFP (The Entertainer)
  • No. 5: 64.7% of ESFJ (The Consul)
  • No. 6: 61.9% of ENFJ (The Protagonist)
  • No. 7: 49.6% of ESTP (The Entrepreneur)

Types Who "Are Most Suspicious of Compliments"

On the other hand, the personality types most likely to choose the statement, "I'm generally suspicious of compliments," are:

  • No. 1: 32.9% of INTJ (The Architect)
  • No. 2: 24.5% of INFJ (The Advocate)
  • No. 3: 23.9% of INTP (The Logician)
  • No. 4: 21.4% of ISTP (The Virtuoso)
  • No. 5: 20.5% of ISTJ (The Logistician)
  • No. 6: 16.6% of ENTP (The Debater)

#The NT Group (The Purples) and Compliments

  • INTJ (The Architect): Compliments might make INTJs feel confused, as they dislike having feelings imposed upon them. For them, the sincerity of praise and compliments is crucial, and they can usually tell the difference. INTJs are highly turned off by flattery.

  • INTP (The Logician): INTPs will certainly be happy when people they care about give them sincere compliments. However, INTPs know that compliments can sometimes be superficial, given just to make someone feel good. This understanding can make them anxious and think others are trying to manipulate them.

 

  • ENTP (The Debater): ENTPs don't mind being the center of attention. In most cases, they happily accept compliments, but they can tell the difference between sincere praise and praise with ulterior motives. ENTPs aren't the kind of people who always seek praise and compliments, but they won't refuse them either.

 

  • ENTJ (The Commander): ENTJs do enjoy being praised, especially when their achievements are recognized. They enjoy receiving positive attention in this way. When a compliment aligns with their values and reflects their genuine accomplishments, ENTJs will accept and appreciate it.
A couple is decorating a dark grey Christmas tree with purple ornaments. The man is on the floor unpacking white garlands, while the woman is standing and hanging a purple bauble on the tree.

#The NF Group (The Greens) and Compliments

  • INFP (The Mediator): For INFPs, "words of affirmation" is their second most common love language. These dreamers can sometimes feel like they are working silently behind the scenes of people's lives, listening and supporting them. They rarely become the center of attention, but a sincere compliment can make them feel truly seen and acknowledged.

 

  • INFJ (The Advocate): INFJs are empathetic and insightful; they tend to be generous with compliments, but 24.5% of INFJs are generally suspicious of compliments. When they do receive a compliment, they quickly sense any insincerity. Formally, INFJs might prefer compliments expressed in writing or via text.

 

  • ENFJ (The Protagonist): ENFJs are very happy to accept compliments, as it makes them feel noticed and taken seriously. They are naturally empathetic and can sense the needs of others. It's easy for others to see them as mentors, guides, or even personal therapists—but this can sometimes lead to one-sided relationships.

 

  • ENFP (The Campaigner): Most ENFPs like compliments. Although most ENFPs enjoy a good compliment, 10.8% of them say they are generally suspicious of compliments. The key is to not overly compliment ENFPs when you want something in return. Any form of manipulation or insincerity will be a big disappointment for them.
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#SJ Group (The Blues) and Compliments

  • ISFJ (The Defender): Defenders might feel a little shy when they receive praise. They like knowing that their loved ones appreciate their efforts and their love for others. Many ISFJs have said in interviews that their hard work is often overshadowed by more outgoing and confident personality types, which might be why compliments are so important to them.

 

  • ISTJ (The Logistician): For ISTJs, compliments are a good way to measure if what they are doing is effective. A sincere compliment that acknowledges their dedication and achievements makes them feel valued. But be careful not to over-flatter them.

 

  • ESFJ (The Consul): Consuls often organize social events, coordinate everyone's schedules, and make sure everyone is happy. A sincere compliment lets ESFJs know that you see them, their efforts, and their genuine desire to help others.

 

  • ESTJ (The Executive): Ranking first, ESTJs are the personality type most likely to agree that they like compliments, but because of their efficient and straightforward nature, many people are reluctant to be overly expressive with them. ESTJs constantly push themselves to improve— they use praise and recognition to measure if their efforts are truly acknowledged.
Two people are high-fiving in an office. A man is holding papers and a woman is holding a laptop. They both look happy.

#The SP Group (The Yellows) and Compliments

  • ISFP (The Adventurer): 46.8% of ISFPs say they like compliments. They are often creative, artistic, and introverted, and can sometimes feel misunderstood or overlooked. However, ISFPs might also feel uneasy and shy if they receive too many compliments.

 

  • ESFP (The Entertainer): ESFPs not only give encouragement but also need encouragement and appreciation from their friends. 22.22% of ESFPs say it depends on the specific situation and the person giving the compliment.

 

  • ISTP (The Virtuoso): 21.4% of ISTPs are suspicious of compliments—they won't be swayed by empty flattery. 39.3% are unsure how they feel or say it depends on the situation. This personality type is independent and self-sufficient, relatively introverted, and dislikes too much attention, so excessive compliments or public praise can make them feel uncomfortable.

 

  • ESTP (Entrepreneur): ESTPs may appear to shrug off compliments, but deep down, they welcome and appreciate them. These adventurous individuals enjoy engaging with others, competing, and solving problems. If you want to compliment an ESTP, make sure it's specific, sincere, and not excessive.

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An avatar with white hair and a beard, representing the INFJ personality type.

Prudent Advocate: Wilfred (INFJ-T)

The best compliment is when someone laughs at my jokes and understands my humor. Another great compliment is when someone actively listens and accurately restates what I said... without misrepresentation, distortion, projection, or personalization... just genuinely listening to me... is the best compliment.

An avatar with blond hair and a green baseball cap, representing the INFP personality type

Prudent Mediator: snoo (INFP-T)

When faced with a compliment, I maintain a calm expression, thank them gracefully, without any emotion. Then, when hope ignites, I write it in a small notebook, collecting compliments, and think about it for the next three months.

An avatar with purple hair and glasses, representing the INTP personality type.

Prudent Logician: Cloey (INTP-T)

Whether it's for a group project or in the workplace, I've found that some people like to use compliments to get me to take on more work. So, I subconsciously analyze the intention behind the compliment, for example, using "your report is more convincing and detailed" to get me to take on more group tasks.

Tags: mbti compatibility chart, our personality chemistry, mbti compatibility

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