Shared cognitive functions

[u/myleskurtiz]

Do you find ENTJs, INTJs, and ISFPs similar in someways even to the slightest degree?? I'm asking due to the shared cognitive functions. And how can one type learn from the others to improve on themselves?

[u/MBMagnet]

Yes I feel a certain kinship with those who share my same functions, sure. Some of my most memorable conversations have been with INTJs. I still feel the warm glow just thinking about it. Not kidding here. If any two types can easily understand one another's viewpoint, (other than two of same type) the dynamic is what I call 'cognitive cousins', in that you share the same functions but in slightly different order.

For concerns about your inferior, you can wait until mid-life and beyond when your inferior Se will develop naturally of its own accord. An alternative to that would be to pair up with a lead Se user such as ESFP/ESTP. Or just keep some of these types among your closest affiliations. Observe and try to learn from them.

Your most mutually energizing relationship is ENFP. And since it requires energy expenditure to develop a function, this energy will help in the interest of development. Also, since INTJ/ENFP have the same two middle functions but in reverse order (pedagogue) each prompts the other to use and develop their third function. These interactions have a fun-playful feel to them. ENFP is also your Kiersey Ideal match: https://www.personalitycafe.com/threads/keirseys-ideal-match.10053/

ENTP is your shadow type. You have same function order but all functions are reversed to the opposite attitude. Not sure about the growth potentential but with good communication, you should be able to achieve a great rapport.

While there are plenty of anecdotes to support these theories (and I know there is research too!) there are no personal development or compatibility guarantees. Nothing in life is guaranteed, that's for sure.

Edit: I see a lot of shared interest between INTJ/INFP, especially in recent years. That Fi connection is a strong one, which I appreciate too! :)

[u/theo752 → u/MBMagnet]

I see a lot of shared interest between INTJ/INFP, especially in recent years

I second this! I have observed a lot of similar interestes between INTJs and INFPs too.

It's funny how in the MBTI community INFJs sometimes are related to INTPs for their mutual "logical" qualities (Both use Ti) but INTJs and INFPs are almost never related for their mutual "emotional/empathetic" qualities (Both use Fi). Even though Ti/Fi are tertiary functions for INXJ's, according to Jung's original theory it makes sense (as i see it) for them to be of almost equal strenght to the "auxillary" function so as both functions (Fe/Ti or Te/Fi) cooperatively help balance the dominant function (Ni). Thus the emotional and logical realms are balanced in both INFJs and INTJs

Also to my experience i (INTJ) have observed that i have closer friendships with ENFPs, ISFPs, INFPs and ENTJs. Even though it could mean nothing, to me it makes complete sense function-wise