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Some people are just born to be friends.
By Emily Van Devender — Written on Mar 03, 2020
There are a total of 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, and each has its own common plethora of negative and positive traits.
Katharine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Myers published The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and its categorization method after studying and expanding upon psychologist Carl Jung’s theories of personality in 1943. Since then, professionals and curious students alike have been dumbfounded at the accuracy of their results.
If you’ve never taken the Myers-Briggs personality test, it’s a great way to understand your personality and ways of interacting with the world by reading up on your type.
Several Myers-Briggs types stick out as particularly strong candidates for being loyal, good friends.
Those in the other categories aren’t bad friends per se, but these types carry specific traits that are associated with strong and lasting friendships.
Often, people make an error in assuming that those with the "E" letter (Extraversion) rather than the "I" letter (Introversion) are invariably more sociable and friend-like. This is not the case, as several Introverted types are deeply loyal to the tight circle of people that surround them.
In fact, there are several types who make unexpectedly devoted friends. Since the types are incredibly diverse, any ranking of types regarding one trait, such as loyalty in friendship, would be faulty.
Therefore, it’s probably best to just list and describe each type in no particular order, knowing that the people that fall into these categories are likely to be uncannily loyal and true friends.
So, who are the Myers-Briggs groups who make the best friends?
1. ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
One of the most dependable personality types, ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging), also known as “nurturers,” constantly put others before themselves. They enjoy taking care of friends, family and strangers alike in any capacity and are highly sensitive to others’ feelings in order to do so.
Arguably the best trait that they bring to the friendship table is their ability to bring out the best in others. Spending time with an ISFJ friend, you’re likely to walk away feeling confident and inspired to be a better "you."
ISFJs also value security in all aspects of their lives, so loyalty comes easily to them. If you have an ISFJ in your life, be sure to thank them for their altruism and care; it’s their main strength.
2. INFJ (Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging)
Another introverted Myers-Briggs type with a knack for loyalty in friendship is INFJ (Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging), who are also known as “confidants.” This one is relatively surprising if you’ve only ever met an INFJ on the surface; they are some of the most reserved personalities on the board. However, they are also some of the best listeners and creative problem-solvers.
INFJs have a unique ability to look at a problem from different perspectives in order to find the best solution. Their skill in taking different perspectives comes especially handy in their friendships and relationships, allowing them to understand and feel the plight of others. They are extremely averse to hurting others’ feelings because of their deep care for others and their own sensitivity.
Although INFJs particularly dislike having their principles questioned, they are tolerant of diverse thinking and willing to engage in debate to preserve the friendship.
3. ENFJ (Extroverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging)
ENFJ (Extroverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging), also known as “givers,” stick out for their need for positivity in their own lives and others’. If this means that they have to be the source, then so be it, they’ll exude positivity and optimism. They are open-minded and kind, making room for a diverse and expansive group of friends.
It's no secret that their focus on the present and future makes them into ideal loyal friends who will stay by your side through thick and thin; they’re the first you should call when you need a pick-me-up.
4. ESFJ (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
Similar to ENFJ personalities are ESFJ (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging), or “providers.” You may remember the typical ESFJ as the fun-loving and popular athlete from high school; they are generally well-liked and outgoing.
Although they are extroverted and might enjoy talking over listening, they have an attention to detail and a memory that sticks, so they’ll listen well to remember the small things and use them later on. They are known to close off from others who differ from them in backgrounds and beliefs, but they are stable friends who deeply value their pack.
5. ESFP (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
ESFP, or “performers,” are another personality category known to be top-quality friends. Like ENFJ, they are generally outgoing and well-liked. They are fun-loving and enjoy basking in the attention of others (which is why you’ll find a lot of them in the entertainment field).
They take rejection to heart. Because of this, they place deep value on their relationships with friends and family who support them. While they crave change and adventure, their main source of stability is often these relationships. Due to their love of change, they might reassess these relationships regularly, but if you’re loyal to them, they’ll sure as hell be loyal back to you.
These five of the 16 types are known for generally having the qualities that work in a friendship, primarily loyalty. However, honest and loyal friends can undoubtedly be found across all Myers-Briggs personality types.
Each individual has their own qualities that set them apart from everyone else; these types are simply a framework of loose categories of how different people operate. It’s beneficial to branch out and form friendships with all types of people to find those who really click with you.
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Emily Van Devender is a freelance writer based in Colorado, USA. She writes about astrology, politics, feminism, and psychology.