Sync or Sink? MBTI Friendships That Float (or Flop)

Written by: Goyal Naina (24-A2), Odelia Tan (24-A4), Tan Ting Xuan (24-E6), Lauren Tan (24-O1), Giselle Yap (25-E3), Isaiah Ng (25-I4), Victoria Lim (25-O1), Pradhan Urvii (25-O6), Gui Shao Kai (25-U3)

Designed by: Jessica Jolie (24-I3)

Extroverted… Introverted… Judgers… Perceivers… To read this article… To not read this article…

What does it all matter? Can it really help you find ‘the one’? Aunt Agatha is here to help! We’ll walk through the personality types outlined by the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator quiz, and how the different personality types interact.

Many of us have taken the test without knowing what the four letters stand for, and so was I before my research for the article. However, doing my due diligence to impart this knowledge to you readers, here is a quick summary to the four letters of the diagnosis and their significance:

The first letter (I/E) indicates where an individual draws their energy from. I, for introversion represents people who are energised by their inner worlds, while E for extroversion represents people who are energised by the outer world—whether by people or things that surround them. 

The second letter (S/N) indicates the method in which an individual learns. S for sensing represents people who learn through focusing on facts and using their observation via their five senses to process and follow a linear sequence of events to a conclusion; while N for intuition represents people who learn by viewing the big picture and seeing the interconnectedness between information. 

The third letter (T/F) indicates how an individual makes decisions. T for thinking represents people who consider logical consequences from an objective point of view, weighing the pros and cons of their decisions; while F for feeling represents people who make decisions based on how it would affect the other people involved.

The fourth and last letter (J/P) indicates how an individual organises their life. J for judging represents people who value structure. They enjoy planning and making to-do lists for their tasks and ensure that work is spread out with sufficient time. P for perceiving represents people who value flexibility. They are open to new opportunities and love making decisions on the fly, and are hence more prone to working on projects last minute.

But with 16 different combinations, how do we even begin to decode compatibility? Well, here’s a little MBTI hack: look at the middle 2 letters (the cognitive axis). That’s where the MBTI magic really happens! Specifically, types that share the same dominant cognitive function (the middle two letters), but differ in their energy orientation (I vs E) often make surprisingly compatible pairs. 

For instance, an ENTJ (Te-dominant) and ISTP (Ti-dominant) might seem like they are from different planets– one enjoys being around people and pays attention to the bigger picture; the other prefers to think and process information internally. Yet, both are thinkers at heart, with the proclivity to think through decisions logically– they just express it in dissimilar ways. Due to a shared cognitive letter, these pairings tend to complement each other, helping to streamline decision-making and minimise those “Why are you like this??” moments. 

So before you write someone off as “too aloof” or “too zealous”, it might just be a case of “same core, different packaging”. And that’s what makes interactions between seemingly polar types so fascinating– get to know them more and you never know, you might realise you’re more similar than you think!

Whether you’re stranded on an island somewhere, drowning in PW deadlines, or simply mugging during breaks together, understanding these dynamics can make a world of difference and help you better navigate your friendship dynamic. Let’s dive into some classic case studies to see how seemingly contrasting MBTI personalities can be compatible!

Ahh, introverts (I) and extroverts (E)… the Yin and Yang of the MBTI world. As with the Chinese philosophical concept, shy and outspoken people go hand in hand! They balance each other’s energy out, creating a perfect blend of deep introspection and thinking out loud. But take note: as with all human connections, mutual understanding of one another’s needs is required for successful relationships!

Do you like Disneyland? You can thank an intuitive + sensing (N+S) duo for it! Walt Disney (ENFP) was the visionary imagining new worlds, while Roy Disney (ISTJ) was the realist taking ideas from the drawing board and realising them. Intuitive (N) people are brainstorming clouds while sensing (S) individuals take action. Having teams that perceive and process information may lead to less conflicting directions, but it’s teams with a mix of both that truly bring out the best of both worlds.

Next, when faced with a difficult decision, are you more persuaded into action by your head or your heart? If you’re a Thinking (T) type, you may feel frustrated by how Feeling (F) types are swayed by emotions that tug them in different directions, while Feeling types could be put off by the former’s logical reasoning which may come across as cold and mechanical. Even though these two sides appear irreconcilable, they are precisely what make us human so it’s important to appreciate what both sides can bring to the table. In essence, Thinking and Feeling types can balance each other out by tackling problems in a systematic manner while still considering the varied perspectives of the stakeholders involved.

We’re sure you can agree that for every friend hangout, there’s someone in charge of making plans and ensuring that everyone’s schedules align, while there’s another who’s just there for a good time. It’s likely that the first friend is a Judging (J) type and the second is a Perceiving (P) type. In any case, these two types can work well together by keeping each other accountable without burning out.

Now, picture this - stranded on an island, four opposites collide. How would things unfold? The no-nonsense ESTJ might start barking orders, taking charge and assigning duties while the unpredictable ENTP comes up with wild suggestions and invents bizarre yet functional contraptions to make survival just that much easier. The quiet, practical ISTJ works quietly behind the scenes but is efficient and focused, making sturdy makeshift shelters. Meanwhile, INFP often seemed to be in a dreamlike daze but also watched, listened and noticed every little problem. 

At the end of the day, MBTI isn’t a crystal ball for your relationships—but it is a powerful tool for self-awareness and empathy. Whether you’re the quiet ISTJ building the foundation or the wild ENTP tossing ideas into the air like confetti, every personality type brings something invaluable to the table. It’s not about finding someone who’s your perfect mirror—it’s about finding someone who complements your unique self. 

So the next time you’re frustrated with your groupmate, friend, or even potential partner, take a step back and consider: maybe they’re not being difficult… maybe they’re just wired differently. And maybe, just maybe, that difference is what makes your dynamic so special.

Because when it comes down to it, MBTI is less about putting people into boxes and more about understanding what’s inside them.

Now, go forth—and whether you’re judging, perceiving, sensing, or intuiting your way through life—know that Aunt Agatha believes there’s a compatible type out there for everyone. Just be adaptable and confident!