What MBTI Compatibility Looks Like for NF Types

What qualities do you value most in a friend? A survey of 5,000 people by a U.S. psychology website revealed the qualities different personalities most want their friends to have. So, what do the NF types of the 16 personalities value most in a friend? Let's look at the highest and lowest voted results.

1. INFP (Mediator)

Top 5 traits INFPs look for in a friend:

• First: Loyalty
• Second: No Judgment
• Third: Empathy
• Fourth: Trustworthiness
• Fifth: Respect

Least voted for: Insight, generosity, guidance and advice, boundaries.

The world can sometimes feel like a reality show you didn't sign up for. For INFPs, loyalty in a friendship can prevent things from going too far off track. It's the foundation upon which friendships can grow and flourish.

Second is no judgment. INFPs believe in listening to others' perspectives fully with an open mind and curiosity, rather than rushing to criticize or judge. For them, finding this same quality in a friend is crucial.

Next is empathy. Being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes and understand where they're coming from is key. When an INFP comes to a friend with a problem, they don't immediately want a bunch of "how-to's" and advice. They want to be seen, heard, and connected with.

Trustworthiness follows closely behind. If you can't keep a secret (just like an INFP), you might be waving goodbye to a budding friendship.

Rounding out the top five is respect—an unquestionable part of the friendship strategy with INFPs. This means listening to their ideas and dreams without dismissing them as "unrealistic" and seeing their sensitivity as a strength, not something to be overcome.

2. ENFP (Campaigner)

Top 5 traits ENFPs look for in a friend:

• First: Loyalty
• Second: Empathy
• Third: No Judgment
• Fourth: Humor
• Fifth: Positivity

Least voted for: Generosity, practical support, patience, guidance and advice.

For Campaigners, loyalty is paramount—it's the foundation upon which all other fun in a friendship can thrive. Without loyalty, all other talents, gifts, and opportunities are meaningless.

Next is empathy—the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes, to imagine their feelings, and to resonate with them. This is something ENFPs excel at and what they hope to get in a friendship.

The third item is no judgment. ENFPs are open-minded and curious, happy to get to know people from all walks of life, even if their views differ. They also hope their friends can be the same, allowing them to be genuine without being prejudged before they're understood.

In fourth place is humor. Many comedians and stand-up comics are considered to have ENFP traits, so it's no surprise that a sense of humor ranks so highly among ENFPs. If you don't know how to laugh at the absurdities of life and find humor in difficult situations, you might find yourself out of sync with an ENFP.

Finally, ENFPs chose positivity—they hope to find a glimmer of hope and see a window when everyone else is looking at a closed door.

3. INFJ (Advocate)

Top 5 traits INFJs look for in a friend:

• First: Trustworthiness
• Second: Loyalty
• Third: Empathy
• Fourth: Honesty
• Fifth: No Judgment

Least voted for: Adventurousness, helpfulness, guidance and advice, practical support.

For INFJs, trustworthiness is a golden ticket—say what you mean and do what you say. Even if it's sometimes awkward, the truth is always more acceptable to an INFJ than a pleasant lie. Next is loyalty. Advocates love friends who not only show up for the exciting moments but are willing to support them through turbulent times and low points. Empathy ranks third. Often called empaths, INFJs have a unique ability to absorb the emotions of others and tune in more deeply than most. They hope their friends can do the same. It's an added bonus if you can rephrase their feelings to ensure you understand them before offering advice.

Ranking fourth is honesty. INFJ personalities look for friends who will gently tell the truth; they won't pander, manipulate, or twist facts to get ahead. Finally, they need a safe space of no judgment: a place where they can share their insights and ideas without fear of being ignored or ridiculed. It's a place where Advocates can delve into deeper topics, admit mistakes or weaknesses, and not be dismissed or seen as too "out there."

4. ENFJ (Protagonist)

Top 5 qualities ENFJs crave in a friend:

• First: Empathy
• Second: Loyalty
• Third: Dependability
• Fourth: Good Listening Skills
• Fifth: Honesty

Least voted for: Generosity, adventurousness, practical support, guidance and advice.

Ranking first for ENFJs is empathy—Protagonists are great at picking up on feelings and connecting with others on a deep level. A friend who can do the same, one who tries to understand their perspective, is crucial. They want a friend who not only shares happy moments but can also delve into more serious things when life gets a bit heavy.

Loyalty is their second priority. If you've been adopted into an ENFJ's circle of friends, it's a long-term commitment. Don't be surprised if an ENFJ stands up for you in a crucial moment—they highly value loyalty.

Coming in third is dependability. ENFJs love their friends to be present, whether for spontaneous adventures or when they need a shoulder to lean on.

Don't forget good listening skills—they're not just here to talk to you! They want friends who can engage, reflect, and contribute to the heart-to-heart conversations they love so much.

Finally, honesty is their last item. They are always open to the truth, even if it's uncomfortable—not a "well-intentioned lie."

Confident Advocate: Wright (INFJ-A)

I have high expectations for friends. A great friendship isn't found by chance; it's forged like iron in a fire. You work through all the issues, and even if the relationship might show cracks, if it's strong enough, it won't break. Friendship is like a work of art, but most people can't see the final product because they don't stick around long enough.

Confident Campaigner: Nadine (ENFP-A)

There's a saying: "ENFPs treat strangers like friends, casual friends like best friends, best friends like lovers, and lovers like God!" Yes. Best friends are like lovers = regardless of whether the relationship is platonic or romantic, it's a life-or-death attitude. Of course, there are also the arguments that couples have.