Is the Myers-Briggs personality test to be trusted? I can’t say. Licensed psychologists no longer use it, but the internet sure does. And that’s because it’s FUN, and weirdly enlightening, if only because it’s one more way to consider who you are—or who you want to be with. Since it’s officially summer and uncuffing season is behind us, we’re resharing this story, originally published this time last year, in case you’re keen to swipe with a more discerning eye.
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here’s a new trend on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble: People have started listing their Myers-Briggs types on their profiles, so prospective dates can get a tiny glimpse into a match’s personality before setting up an IRL meetup. As an MBTI nerd and a generally analytical person with an affinity for a couple types in particular (ENTPs are my weakness), I looooooove that this is happening.
While I would not recommend making dating decisions exclusively based on someone’s Myers-Briggs type, it’s definitely fun to get an early impression of the type of person who might show up for drinks. How we might vibe. What their interests could be. How we’ll banter. Sigh. Imagination: Carry me away. Genuinely.
With that in mind, I started thinking about what each personality type might write in their Tinder profile, should they choose to be totally upfront and unfiltered about themselves. Here are my interpretations. Would you swipe right?
Sarcastic. Imaginative. Calculated. Basically cotton candy locked inside a steel cage. I’ve got one flawless vision of the future with a carefully-plotted plan to get there and my perpetually neutral, borderline-chilly facial expression is entirely unintentional. Looking for an intellectually stimulating partner-in-crime. Don’t waste my time and I won’t waste yours.
Introverted extrovert and true enigma. Will likely eviscerate your best arguments, thrill you with banter and charm you to death. I have a billion ideas for date nights and business ventures. (I’ll brainstorm if you choose?) Never boring but always bored. Tell me when to show up and I’m there. Sapiosexual.
If you can pull me away from my philosophy books and scientific theories, I’m a pretty low-key date. I know exactly what I’m looking for; love isn’t that hard to figure out. It’s just a chemical reaction, commitment to grow the relationship, and desire to keep showing up for your partner.
Bossy, intense, electric. I don’t have an “off” switch. I’ll take charge of a situation without thinking twice, and I know how to put in the exact amount of work for desired results. I have minimal free time but I make the absolute most of it. I know what I want when I see it. Confidence is sexy, right?
Perfectionistic, quirky, and everybody’s friend. Extroverted introvert with a diverse range of interests. My book shelves are full of novels by women, history texts, science texts, and science fiction. I love analyzing the problems of others but I’m still trying to understand myself. I’m always attracted to the rebel but I’ll only commit to someone who “gets” me. Open to all applicants.
Let’s get a drink. Or go for a hike. Or go skydiving. Or all three?! I see possibilities everywhere, and will chase every last one of them. Easy-going on the surface with a deep, intense core of hidden emotions. Super-extroverted and super-sensitive. Be my biggest cheerleader and I’ll be yours. Challenge me and I’ll challenge you. Note: Cannot go out in my neighborhood if you want alone time.
Cuddly like a teddy bear. Warm like a ray of sunshine. Inspiring AF. Crazy confident and intense. I never think twice about looking uncool. If I’m not into you, I’ll be upfront and won’t waste your time but if I am into you, get ready: I’ll want to hang out 24/7, have picnic lunches, go to the Farmer’s market, and plan a million fun dates. Probably a touch of an overthinker so don’t leave me alone to wonder about your level of interest.
Appearance: Chillest person in the room who just loves to have a good time. Reality: Probably the most sensitive romantic you’ll ever meet. I’ll definitely take rejection personally. I have tons of interests; travel, poetry readings, indie bands you’ve never heard of, quaint dive bars in new cities, and meeting people with quirky humor and style. Dating is like an extreme sport for my emotions and I ultimately can’t wait to find The One (aka another weirdo who just gets me).
Responsible, stable, looking for a partner-in-crime. Home owner. Will show up exactly on time, all the time. Will plan an awesome, thoughtful date. Can’t be bothered to go out on a string of casual dates so will probably give up on the apps eventually. But I’m totally invested in relationships with substance and potential if you’re into that sort of thing.
The best mistake of your life or the best thing to ever happen to you? 😉 “Live for the moment” is my life motto. If I don’t reply, I’m living my life and have totally forgotten about this conversation (sry, not personal!!!). Message me again with IRL date plans, preferably an hour before they happen.
Rarely check this thing. Off rock climbing, hiking, biking, skiing, surfing, running or hanging with my friends. Hit me up if you want to hang.
Not sure if this is the best way to meet a compatible partner but it’s certainly the most efficient way to date in my limited free time! I’m a responsible manager at work, but I know how to let loose. Love travel, friends, craft beer, camping, cooking, and firing up audiobooks before bed. Life is all about balance, humility and turning your dreams into action. If we’ve matched, I definitely want to meet up; I don’t waste time.
Romantic, dreamer, big heart and lots of soul — or so I’m told. Traditionalist in nature, but looking for someone who will challenge me to step outside the box (and make me feel safer in the process). I love old movies, reading on rainy days and deep conversations. My friends convinced me to download this app and I’m not into hookups. Down for a date, but I appreciate when someone else takes the lead.
Life is one big, messy adventure better shared with an awesome partner at your side. Most people see me as a social butterfly and carefree partier but I’m looking for someone who sees that there’s more than meets the eye. Love my friends, dancing, laughing, and getting out there in the world. What’s the most exciting date you can possibly think of? Let’s do that.
Energetic, friendly, the first to show up and the last to leave. When I’m not filling my social calendar, I’m probably spearheading another decorating project, taking care of my nieces and nephews, organizing a work function or generally helping out somewhere. Who said trying hard is a bad thing? I really need a date who can deem to match my level of effort. (No shame.)
A mystery wrapped in enigma with an artist’s heart and a humanitarian spirit. The best listener on Earth, bar none. Flexible and down for pretty much anything; I’m interested in having the greatest night of my life and finding the greatest love of my life. Can be hard to pin down at times, but I’m working on it. I fall for personalities, not just looks. If you make me smile, sparks will be off the charts.
Collage by Madeline Montoya.
